Our other sites
Get A Free World Heritage Guide »
SeatGuru
Family Vacation Critic
Cruise Critic
BookingBuddy
We recommend:
We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.

Waikoloa

Free Newsletter

Interested in Waikoloa?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Waikoloa each week.

  • Save Dolphin Quest
  • E-mail this page

Dolphin Quest


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #1 of 16 attractions in Waikoloa
Traveler Description:
Dolphin Quest Hawaii , located at the spectacular Hilton Waikoloa Village, brings people and dolphins closer than ever in fun, interactive dolphin...... more » Dolphin Quest Hawaii , located at the spectacular Hilton Waikoloa Village, brings people and dolphins closer than ever in fun, interactive dolphin encounter programs for all ages. This unique experience is on-of-a-kind on Hawaii's Big Island and is great for kids, adults or the entire family! Reservations can be made 2 months in advance. Dolphin Quest's Learning Center Lagoon, opened in 1988, was the first of its kind and inspired a new generation of large, natural habitats for marine mammals. A portion of the proceeds from your Dolphin Quest encounter program supports vital marine education, conservation and research. « less
Familiar with Dolphin Quest? Write your own description and share what you know with other travelers.
Attraction type: Nature center, Nature reserve
Activities: Swimming with dolphins
Address: 425 Waikoloa Beach Dr
at Hilton Waikoloa Village Waikoloa, Island of Hawaii, HI 96738
Tel: 808 886 1234

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
Save Review
5 of 5 stars
Shellfish20   21 contributions
Ohio
Nov 28, 2009

Our family of 4 (2 adults, a 15yr old and a 12 yr old) did the Encounter last month and couldn't have been happier with the experience. We were split into 3 groups of 4 and spent time with 5 of the 14 dolphins that they have. It's easy to see that the trainers truly love the dolphins and the... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
CamelotTraveler   1 contribution
Augusta, GA
Oct 24, 2009

I did the Encounter Deluxe program, which gives more time with the Dolphins rather than other activities, like snorkling. There were 8 participants; we were divided into 2 groups of 4, each with a dolphin trainer. We had lots of time touching and interacting with 4 dolphins out of the 14 that live there. We got to feed them and... more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
Indiegoddess   14 contributions
Los Angeles
Aug 29, 2009

Our initial experience was slightly problematic because of an ovulating dolphin (That is a bizarre start to a review). However, because of the problems, the manager dealt with the situation very professionally and let us do it again properly. Being in the deep water swim area with the dolphins was fantastic. Much of the time, they make sure you get... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
cadamsesq   24 contributions
San Francisco, California
Jun 29, 2009
1
person found this review helpful

This past week, I did the Encounter Deluxe at Dolphin Quest at the Hilton in Waikoloa, and could not be more happy with the experience of being in such close contact with these magnificent creatures. This in not a view of dolphins in cages, nor the dumb trick where you "ride" them like at SeaWorld. Nor is it the horribly... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
njvacationer51   14 contributions
New Jersey
Nov 4, 2008
3
people found this review helpful

What a great expierence while in Hawaii. We went with my wife and 3 kids. Though we were suppose to be in a larger group, the staff broke us up by family, so my family had thier own handler and our own dolphin. What a thrill ! We taught the dolphin a trick (or did he teach us?) and was... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
worldtraveldiva_2   2 contributions
San Jose, California
Sep 12, 2008
4
people found this review helpful

My husband and I really enjoyed the dolphin encounter at Dolphin Quest. The dolphins seem very healthy and happy. The trainers spend a lot of time with them and are very enthusiastic about giving them the best possible care and educating people about dolphins. I will enjoy the pictures and memories forever. One tip: we bought the pictures and DVD.... more

Save Review
3 of 5 stars
boulders   5 contributions
Minnesota
Jun 24, 2008
5
people found this review helpful

Last year my daughter did the Kidsquest at Dolphinquest at the Hilton. It is only available for children aged 5-9. She loved it. This seemed worth the money. When we returned this year, I booked myself, dd age 10 and ds age 12 for the SeaQuest. This activity cost $350 per person. Quite pricey. I had high hopes for the... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
DQH2008   1 contribution
New York
Apr 16, 2008
2
people found this review helpful

When we planned our vacation, my 26 year old handicapped daughter wanted to swim with the dolphins. It is best to book it in advance, so that you have more of a pick of times, we did prior to going. The staff was very accomodating in letting us help plan where to get the wheelchair in place to make it... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
DolphinArizona   1 contribution
arizona
Dec 18, 2007
6
people found this review helpful

Dolphin Quest was a most memorable experience! Makana (means "gift" in Hawaiian) was the name of the boy dolphin I got to spend time with. He is 4 years old. They are unbelievable animals, very friendly and always seem to have a smile on their face. Very knowledable trainers and great place to enjoy the experience. It's pricey, but worth... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
snapelover   1 contribution
California
Dec 9, 2007
2
people found this review helpful

This was the most amazing experience for myself and children. I would recommend it above and beyond anythin you could imagine. The staff is excellent and the dolphins are darling, gentle and beautiful. If you have the opportunity I would jump at the chance. more

Travelers Who Viewed This Attraction Also Viewed
No photo provided
Location: Waikoloa, Island of Hawaii
Price not available
No photo provided
Location: Waikoloa, Island of Hawaii
Price not available
Location: Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii
Price not available
Write Your Own Attraction Review

Been to Dolphin Quest? Share your experiences!

Write a Review
Add Photos
Add Videos

Dolphin Quest: Management Resources

TripAdvisor has free and easy resources to help you enhance your listing and promote your property.

  • Start Here - Visit Your Owners' Center
  • Add Photo
  • Add Video

Dolphin Quest Address

425 Waikoloa Beach Dr, at Hilton Waikoloa Village, Waikoloa, Island of Hawaii, HI 96738
Tel: 808 886 1234