“I am very blessed to have been born and raised in the Islands with the Big Island being my playground since I was 5. I am very honored and fortunate to have been given the nickname ULUA MATT by the local fishermen of the Island. The Ulua (Giant Trevally) is one of the most majestic and powerful fish on the reef, often referred to as the “King of the Reef” by the Hawaiian people. Having to live up to the name, I love to refer to the Ocean, and the reef as my playground. I truly hope that I have the privilege of sharing my passion and love of the ocean with you, where every adventure is a learning experience!” ~ Matthew Ferino
Your Local Guide to Hawaiʻi’s Best
Ulua Matt was born and raised in Hawaiʻi, beginning life on the North Shore of Oʻahu before moving to Volcano on the Big Island at a young age. Growing up surrounded by ocean and rainforest, he spent his early years diving, fishing, and exploring the island in a way only a local kid can—learning the land through experience, not guidebooks. Those years shaped a deep, intimate knowledge of Hawaiʻi’s landscapes, history, and culture, along with the stories and legends tied to each place. What truly sets Matt apart is not just what he knows, but who he knows—lifelong friendships across the island that he’s proud to share, turning every tour into a personal journey through Hawaiʻi as seen by someone who has lived it.
A tour with Ulua Matt is different because it feels less like a guided excursion and more like riding around the island with a friendly local who knows everyone. As you cruise from place to place, he naturally introduces you to people along the way—friends, locals, and characters who give each stop its own personality. Those connections open the door to unique spots, spontaneous moments, and authentic experiences most tours never touch. Instead of scripted commentary, you get real conversations, real places, and a genuine sense of what it’s like to be part of the island community.
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