Hawaii Kealakekua Bay 1/22/12 Thank you John for a great day !

by Krista Harvell
(Fair Oaks, CA)

I went on a 6 hour guided kayak tour to the Kealakekua
Cook Monument 1/22/12. I am an experienced kayaker and I lead multi-day trips for friends in California. I choose to take the tour so I could learn historical-cultural information and have access to the park via foot. We had a bird eye's view during lunch of Humpback whales from the Northern lava cliff that provides a commanding view of the coastline. This is only accessable by foot and boat. It is the perk of paying for a guide and having the parkland access. I highly reccommend paying the extra money for this privledge!
It was worth every penny spent. It was an exceptional experience (guide was John) that I will NOT soon forget.. John is mature beyond his years with a kind and gentle soul. He is a competent paddler, well mannered, considerate and a protective steward of this beautiful jewel of the Big Island that is his beloved home since birth.
John has an exceptional ear and eye for the bird and marine life so abundant in this bay. He notices every splash in the water and he can name every fish & animal common and obscure along with being a cracker jack self taught naturalist & historian. He knows every rock and branch & potential hazard to the causal guest on this lovely peninsula. He makes sure you don't slip on the slick lava entering the water to snorkle or unexpectantly disturb a wasp nest hiding in a long palm frawn while treking along a lava strewn "ankle breaking" path to see an ancient Queen's bath.
He offers historical information of the unique sacred area with passion and respect of this rich cultural heritage area.
The Aloha Company packs you a generous deli lunch, snacks, fresh pineapple and cold waters & a safety first aide kit if needed.
Again, a knowledgeable, friendly, class act. I felt good that my hard earned vacation bucks went into the pocket of a reputable company with a deep passion to honor and preserve this sacred site for generations to come.
It was a privledge to spend the day with John. Young men like John give me such hope for the future of our planet. He surely will be a good father to his future children & a loving husband. I have no doubt that he will thoughtfully make the world a better place by being a part of whatever endeavors he persues on Hawaii, on or off the water. His Aloha spirit is a bright light.
I'm sure Mr. Kalua. owner of the Aloha Kayak Company, is proud of the quality of guides that he must have mentored and trained.
When I return next year, I am hoping to rent a kayak for a week or two so I can explore more of this beautiful coastline. Hopefully, Mr. Kalua can help me make that happen with a kayak and his expert local knowledge!

I wrote reviews for both Yelp and Tripadvisor and I rarely do so. Thank you Aloha Kayak Company. Keep up the good work and your wonderful Aloha spirit!

Krista Harvell
Fair Oaks, CA