Reviewed by: Andrew
Gordon, our Driver / Guide was very knowledgable of the Island and was a great guide of the cosmos. I will definitely be returning and have already shared some of the pictures i took, and people still dont believe how great the stars you can see with the naked eye. I couldn't believe how great it looked almost fake it was that Great of an experience. Thanks for the Dinner and Hot Drink selection at the end of our star gazing tour.
#Returning2017
Andrew.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2016/08/06 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/08/03 |
Reviewed by: ACCO
The tour conductor was Matt, and he was very funny and kind! It was a really enjoyable tour filled with laughter thanks to Matt's lively talk. The food was delicious, and they also lent us warm clothing, which was wonderful. Above all, Matt's spirit of service and his extensive knowledge about the land and stars were truly amazing and impressive. Thanks to him, I made unforgettable memories. Thank you!
ツアーコンダクターはまっちゃんで、とっても面白くて親切な方でした!!
まっちゃんの軽快なトークに笑いながらとっても楽しいツアーでした。
ご飯もおいしかったし、防寒具も貸して頂き、素晴らしかったです。
何よりもまっちゃんのサービス精神と土地や星など色々な知識が本当に本当に素晴らしくて、感動しました。
おかげで忘れられない思い出ができました。ありがとうございました!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/07/30 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/07/21 |
Reviewed by: masaki murase
The beautiful sunset and the starry sky were wonderful. I also appreciated the service that allowed us to take photos and download them for free.
とれもきれいな夕陽とたくさんの星空がとてもよかったです。写真も撮影してくれた上、無料でダウンロードできるサービスが良かったです。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/07/29 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/07/05 |
Reviewed by: nori
The sunset at the summit of Mauna Kea was also very wonderful, but it was a bit cold. During the stargazing, I saw the Milky Way for the first time in my life. The guide's explanations were easy to understand and entertaining. I was very satisfied to see various colored stars through the telescope, including Saturn's rings, Antares in Scorpius, and the stars of the Big Dipper, as well as the Andromeda Galaxy.
マウナケア山頂サンセットもとても素晴らしかったのですが少し寒かった
星空観測では、生まれて初めて天の川を見ました。ガイドさんの説明も分かりやすく,おもしろおかしく説明してくれました。
望遠鏡で土星の環やさそり座のアンタレス、北斗七星の連星など、いろいろな色の星、
アンドロメダ星雲も見ることができ大満足です。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/07/29 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/07/14 |
Reviewed by: ちひろ
I was impressed by our guide, Matsucchan, from the very first meeting. He always gave his all, and he was a wonderful person who enhanced the beauty of the sunset and starry sky on the Big Island. It had been a while since our last family trip, and the photos we took captured everyone with big smiles, creating lovely memories. I definitely want to participate again. Thank you!
ガイドの松っちゃんは、初対面時からその人柄に衝撃を受けましたが、常に全力で対応して下さり、ハワイ島の夕陽、星空をさらに引き立てる素晴らしい方でした。
久々の家族旅行でしたが、撮影した写真はみんな満面の笑みで素敵な思い出となりました。
是非また参加したいです。
ありがとうございました!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2016/07/19 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/07/12 |
Reviewed by: mia
Compared to Waikiki, the weather was not very good, and I was a bit worried, but by the time we reached the summit, it was clear skies! We were able to see the shining sunset and the Venus Belt that appeared after sunset.
The stargazing afterward was also wonderful, as we enjoyed a sky full of stars, including the Milky Way, the Southern Cross, and planets. It was truly a fantastic experience, and my friend and I were both deeply moved.
It gets really cold at the summit, so having Heattech would be a good idea.
ワイキキと比べるとあまり天気が良くなくて少し心配していたのですが、山頂に到着する頃には快晴!光輝くサンセットと日没後現れるビーナスベルトも見ることが出来ました。
その後の星空観測も天の川や南十字星、惑星を含め満天の星空を楽しみました。
本当に素敵な体験で友達と二人感動しっぱなしでした。
山頂は本当に寒いのでヒートテックがあると良いです。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2016/07/15 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/07/13 |
Reviewed by: moririn
You can easily drive to the summit of Mauna Kea. You can acclimatize to the altitude while enjoying a bento, and they provide solid advice on breathing techniques. Watching the sunset sinking into the sea of clouds is truly moving! You might even forget to breathe... During the stargazing, you can see the Southern Cross and the Milky Way, and the explanations of the constellations were very easy to understand. They take great care in preparing warm clothing and drinks, allowing you to forget the cold and get lost in the starry sky! You can also capture such wonderful scenery in photos. If you have a DSLR but lack confidence, don't worry! They will carefully guide you on camera settings. Even if you can't take the photos yourself, a great photographer will capture the best shots for you. Thank you, Macchan, for taking care of us from the beginning to the end of the tour.
マウナケアの山頂まで楽々、車で登れます。高地順応もお弁当を食べながらでき、呼吸法のアドバイスもしっかりしてくれます。雲海に沈む夕陽を見ていると、本当に感動!息をするのも忘れてしまいそうになりますが・・・。星空観測では南十字星や天の川も見れて、星座の解説もすごくわかりやすかったです。防寒着から暖かい飲み物の準備など、気配りもばっちりで寒さも忘れて、星空に見惚れます!そんな素晴らしい景色を写真でも残せます。一眼レフを持っていても、いまいち自信のない方、大丈夫です!カメラの設定も丁寧に教えてくれます。自分で撮れなくても、名カメラマンがベストショットを撮ってくれます。
ツアーの最初から最後まで全力でケアしてくれたまっちゃん、ありがとうございました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2016/07/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/07/07 |
Reviewed by: tsun
It truly felt like a breathtaking feature from a television program appeared right before us. The weather on the day we participated was fortunate, allowing us to enjoy the beautiful sunset from the mountaintop and a stunning starry sky. Our guide, Jin, was friendly and kind, and Yamachan's explanations about the stars were very easy to understand and witty, which made for a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Thank you for the wonderful time. Lastly, the miso soup served during dinner at the Onizuka Center was very delicious. If you're someone who gets cold easily, it might be a good idea to bring a neck warmer.
まさしくテレビ番組の絶景特集が目の前に現れた感じでした。私達が参加した日は天候にも恵まれたらしく、山頂でのサンセットも、星空も美しく最高の景色を拝むことができました。ガイドのじんさんも気さくで親切だったし、やまちゃんの星空の説明もとても分かり易くウイットにとんでいて、リラックスして楽しい気持ちですごすことができたのも良かったです♡素敵な時間をありがとうございました。最後になりましたが、オニヅカセンターでの夕食時に出していただいたお味噌汁、とっても美味しかったです。寒がりの方は、ネックウォーマーを持参されるとよいかもしれません。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/07/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/07/08 |
Reviewed by: uichan
This was my second time participating in the sunset and stargazing tour at the summit of Mauna Kea! The sea of clouds and the sunset were absolutely amazing, and it was so soothing. I was able to feel the clear air and enjoy a peaceful moment! The stargazing coincided with Tanabata, and I was able to see the Milky Way as well as my zodiac sign, Leo. No matter how many times I visit the Big Island, I always get to see it in different ways, which is so much fun and allows me to create many memories! The tour guides were all full of vitality, and having Japanese guides made me feel at ease. I look forward to more enjoyable tours in the future!
今回2回目のマウナケア山頂夕陽と星空観測参加!
やはり雲海、夕陽が最高で、、、癒されました。
空気が澄み渡り、静かな時間を感じる事が出来ました!星空観測も丁度七夕で天の川も観れ、私のしし座もしっかり見る事出来ました。
ハワイ島は何度訪れても様々な姿を見る事が出来楽しく、思い出をたくさん作る事が出来ました!
ツアーガイドさんたちも皆さんバイタリティに富みやはり日本人ガイドさんだと安心でした。
これからも楽しいツアーを期待しています
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2016/07/11 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/07/07 |
Reviewed by: リリー
The various responses were polite and kind. The bento was delicious. The explanation of the stars was very well done; it was a wonderful experience.
色々な対応とっても丁寧で親切でした。お弁当も美味しかったです。星の説明はとっても上手でした、素晴らしい体験でした。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2016/07/06 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/06/30 |
Reviewed by: コーハイ先輩
For our 25th wedding anniversary, we visited the Big Island of Hawaii for the first time. We heard about a sunset and stargazing tour, and I felt we had to go, so we chose the highly-rated tour from "Masashi Nature School" among many options.
On the day of the tour, we were picked up from our hotel around 3:30 PM. We boarded the last two seats of the 13-person capacity van. There was a bit of tension about climbing to an altitude of 4200 meters, which is higher than Mount Fuji, but our guide, Jin, reassured us that we would be fine since we could drive to the summit and would properly acclimatize.
The shield volcano has a gentle slope, so it didn’t feel like we were climbing much, yet we quickly surpassed 2000 meters in elevation. Along the way, we took commemorative photos and arrived at the Onizuka Visitor Center (at 2800 meters). We had a dinner of bento and miso soup to help with acclimatization. The temperature had dropped, so the warm miso soup was very welcome.
Finally, we attacked the summit! Although we were just sitting in the car, it was quite easy. Upon reaching the summit, we saw the sunset over a sea of clouds. The colors of the sky changed moment by moment, and then came the sunset. It was breathtaking!
After other tours descended the mountain, we followed suit. Jin had options for stargazing spots based on the day's weather and conditions, and he chose the best location for us. Although the moon was somewhat bright at 10 days old, the sky was filled with stars. Jin provided explanations about the stars, and my childhood passion for astronomy was reignited. We were able to observe the craters on the moon and the rings of Saturn through a telescope. It was also great to see the Southern Cross clearly. We took commemorative photos in various poses against the starry backdrop.
Blessed with good weather, we thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful sunset and stargazing. Thanks to Jin's thoughtful care, we had a truly enjoyable time. Thank you!
結婚25周年の記念旅行で初めて訪れたハワイ島。
サンセットと星空観測ツアーがあると聞いて、是非行かねばと思い、数あるツアーの中から評判の良かった「マサシネイチャースクール」さんのツアーを選択。
当日のピックアップはホテルの場所柄15時半過ぎ。定員13人の最後の二席に乗り込む。
これから富士山より高い標高4200Mの山に登るという緊張感もあったが、山頂まで車で行けるし、高度順応のちゃんとやっていくので大丈夫というガイドの仁さんの説明で一安心。
盾状火山で道が緩やかなため、あまり登っている感覚はないが、あっと言う間に標高2000Mを超えていく。
途中、記念撮影などしてオニズカ・ビジターセンター(標高2800M)に到着。高度順応を兼ねたお弁当とお味噌汁の夕食。さすがに気温も下がってきたので、温かいお味噌汁がありがたい。
いよいよ山頂にアタック!とはいってもこっちは車に座っているだけなので楽チン楽チン。
山頂に着くと雲海の上に傾きかけた夕日。空の色が刻一刻と変化していく。そして、サンセット。感動!
他のツアーが山を下りた後、我々も続く。仁さんはその日の天候やコンディションに会わせた星空観測スポット候補を持っているそうで、今回もベストの場所をチョイス。
月齢10日の月がやや明るいものの、空には満天の星空が広がる。仁さんによる星空の説明。小さい頃からの天文ファンの血がたぎる。 望遠鏡で月面のクレーターや土星の輪も観測することが出来た。南十字星が大きくはっきり見えたのも良かった。星空をバックにして思い思いのポーズでの記念撮影も。
天候にも恵まれ、素晴らしいサンセットと星空を堪能。仁さんの細やかなお心遣いのおかげでとても楽しい時間を過ごすことが出来た。ありがとうございます!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/07/04 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/06/15 |
Reviewed by: ユーカリおじさん
One of the purposes of my visit to the Big Island was this tour, which provided satisfaction as expected. We were blessed with good weather, and I was able to take photos of the sunset right above the Subaru Telescope at the Mauna Kea Observatories. During the stargazing, I even captured the red glow of the distant Kilauea Volcano in my photos. I also appreciate the humor and hospitality of our excellent guide, Mr. Matsuzaki from Masashi Nature School.
ハワイ島を訪れた目的のひとつであったこのツアーは、期待通りの満足を与えてくれました。天候にも恵まれ、国立天文台ハワイ観測所(すばる望遠鏡)の真上に沈む夕陽を写真に撮り、星空観測では、遠くキラウエア火山の赤い光も写真に捉えることが出来ました。
マサシネイチャースクールの名ガイド・Matsuzakiさんのユーモアとホスピタリティにも感謝です。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/06/26 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/06/09 |
Reviewed by: Del & Ro
Very very good private tour, beautiful spot to see sunset and telescopes. We have had the possibility to do some observations through telescopes handles by University.
Thank you very much Sian for the tour, your kindness and your patience :) !
We highly recommended this tour!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Standard Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/06/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/06/20 |
Reviewed by: CGTUR
Great tour, the guide was very knowlegable answering all questions put. The trip was worth every penny. The sunset seen from the summit was truly spiritual.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2016/06/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/06/17 |
Reviewed by: 匿名希望
We participated as a couple at the end of May. It was the best starry sky and elevation experience of our lives. It's definitely worth taking the time to reach the summit of Mauna Kea (the transportation is by car, and the guide's stories during the drive are so interesting that it doesn't feel burdensome at all). The power of the Subaru Telescope we stopped by along the way is also impressive. If you want to fully enjoy the nature of the Big Island, this is a tour you must join.
5月末に夫婦で参加しました。今までの人生の中で一番の星空と標高を経験しました。時間をかけてマウナケア山頂まで行く価値は十分にあります(移動は車ですし,車中のガイドさんのお話が面白いので全く苦になりません)。途中に立ち寄ったすばる望遠鏡の迫力にも圧巻です。ハワイ島の自然を漫喫したければ,必ず参加すべきツアーです。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/06/15 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/05/28 |
Reviewed by: ruru
It was just my wife and me participating. The guides (Jin and Mac) were very fun, and it turned out to be a great tour. They were also considerate about altitude sickness, so we enjoyed it without any issues. This might be the most recommended tour on the Big Island!!
妻と2人での参加です。ガイドの方々(仁さん、まっちゃん)がとても楽しくていいツアーになりました。高山病にも気を使ってくださり何も問題なく楽しめました。ハワイ島ツアーで一番オススメかもです!!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/06/13 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/06/09 |
Reviewed by: みっち
I have traveled to the Big Island several times, but this was my first time participating in a tour. I was a bit anxious about going to a mountain over 4,000 meters high, but I was glad to return safely. It drizzled along the way, and I thought we might not see the stars, but as we ascended, the weather improved, and thanks to the rain, we were able to take pictures with a rainbow in the background. The sunset and stargazing at the summit were truly beautiful. They provided a thorough explanation of the constellations, and I completely forgot my worries and enjoyed myself. I did feel a bit lightheaded near the summit, but I recovered quickly. I'm already thinking about which tour to choose for my next visit to the Big Island.
ハワイ島には数回旅行をしていますが、今回初めてツアーに参加しました。4,000メートル以上の山に行くのは不安もありましたが、無事に帰る事が出来て良かったです。途中霧雨が降り、星は無理かなとあきらめていましたが、上に行くにつれ、天気が回復し、しかも雨のおかげで虹をバックに写真を撮ることも出来ました。頂上でのサンセットと星空観測は本当にきれいでした。星座の説明もしっかりして頂き、不安があったことなどすっかり忘れて楽しみました。やはり頂上付近では、頭がふわっとしましたが、すぐに回復しました。次にハワイ島に行く時はどのツアーにしようか考えています。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/06/08 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/06/01 |
Reviewed by: まるこ
I was taken by car to near the summit, where I encountered a truly precious sunset and starry sky. They kindly took many photos at my various requests, creating wonderful memories. I was also worried about altitude sickness, but thanks to their guidance on breathing techniques and precautions, I was able to enjoy my time healthily. Thank you very much!
車にて山頂付近まで連れて行っていただき、大変貴重な夕陽と星空に出会えました。
いろんなリクエストの写真も快く撮ってくださり、大変良い思い出です。
心配していた高山病も、呼吸の仕方や注意点をレクチャーくださったことで、元気に過ごせました。
どうもありがとうございました!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/06/05 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/05/31 |
Reviewed by: ris
Its a must go, when visiting Big Island. Sunset view is breathtaking.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/06/02 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/05/28 |
Reviewed by: Tomoko.Y
When we left the hotel, I was a bit worried about the clouds covering Mauna Kea, but the tour guide reassured us, saying, "Given the look of these clouds, as the temperature drops, the clouds will likely lower as well, so I believe the view above the clouds will be good." I felt relieved.
While we were in the car, I enjoyed the comfortable scenery while listening to the guide's gentle explanations about the Big Island.
Upon reaching the summit, we were greeted with a sunset that was even more magnificent than I had imagined. I felt incredibly happy to receive such energy and to be able to appreciate it. It was truly moving, and I realized that it undoubtedly gave me vitality for my future life.
As the sun set and the brightness of the moon filled the sky, the stargazing experience was also wonderful. I completely understand why this is the number one tour.
ホテル出発時は、マウナケア上空は雲におおわれて大丈夫かな?と感じたのですが
案内していただいたツアーガイドさんが「この雲の感じですと気温が下がってくると同時に雲が下がってきてたぶん雲の上は見晴らしが良いと思われます。」と説明してくださって、
ひと安心いたしました。
車に乗っているときもガイドさんの優しい語り口でハワイ島の説明など聞きながら心地よく景色をみながら登山していきました。
山頂部に着き、思っていた以上の素晴らしいサンセット。パワーを頂き拝むことができて
最高に幸せでした。大感激。今後の人生に間違いなく活力を頂いたと実感いたしました。
太陽が沈み月の明るさで宇宙を感じ満天の星空観測も、とても素敵でした。
人気ナンバーワンのツアー納得です。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2016/05/29 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/05/22 |
Reviewed by: cfu15270
The sunset from the summit of Mauna Kea was very satisfying, so I participated again on my third trip to the Big Island. I chose to join Masashi Nature School this time because they offered stargazing at a higher elevation, rather than at the Onizuka Visitor Center.
The photos taken near the Subaru Telescope and during the sunset were varied and well done, and I appreciated being able to download the tour camera photos. I was also happy to have photos taken with the starry sky as a backdrop, and the red clouds from the Kilauea crater were captured as well.
While other companies only provided down jackets, this time the down overalls were warm too. Konno's stargazing explanations were wonderful, and I enjoyed the tour without getting bored. Thank you, Konno! I had a great time and downloaded the photos.
Participating in Masashi's tour this time was extremely satisfying compared to my previous two experiences with other companies.
マウナケア山頂からのサンセットは他の2社のツアーに参加し、大変満足できるものだったので、ハワイ島3回目の今回も参加をしました。
今回参加のマサシネイチャースクールを選んだのは、Onizukaビジターセンター近くでの星空観賞ではなく、もっと標高の高いところでの星空観賞をうたっていたからでした。
スバル天文台近くでの写真、サンセットの時も色々なバージョンでの撮影をしていただき、さらにツアーカメラでの写真をダウンロードできるのも良い点です。
他社と比べての高高度での星空観賞に加え、星空を背景の写真を撮っていただいてダウンロードできたのも嬉しかったです。キラウエアの火口の赤い雲も写ってました。
他社はダウンジャケットだけでしたが、今回はダウンのサロペットも温かかったです。
Konnoさんの星空解説も素晴らしく、ツアー途中も退屈することなく楽しみました。Konnoさん、ありがとうございました。大変楽しみましたよ!写真もダウンロードしましたよ。
今回マサシさんのツアーに参加して、過去の他社2回に比べても、大大満足ができるものでした。
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/05/16 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/04/29 |
Reviewed by: 菊池明子
I was a bit anxious since it was my first time participating, but after getting acclimated at the visitor center, I headed to the summit and was able to enjoy a wonderful sunset without feeling too breathless. During the stargazing, I was very impressed to see the Southern Cross beautifully.
初めての参加で不安もあったのですが、途中ビジターセンターで体を慣らしてから山頂へ向かったのですがさほど息苦しさもなく素晴らしい夕陽を見ることができました。
また星空観測では南十字星がきれいに見えて大変感激いたしました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/05/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/05/11 |
Reviewed by: たかちゃん
The tour was fully booked, but I was really satisfied with the attention to detail. We had several opportunities to get off the vehicle for photo stops (everywhere was a stunning view), and it was fun to hear various anecdotes about the Big Island. Above all, the sunset from the summit of Mauna Kea and the starry sky without a single cloud were breathtaking!! Although my own camera didn't capture it well, I was pleased to receive beautiful photos taken with a great camera through the download service! I had always been curious about the observatory with the Subaru Telescope after seeing it on TV, so I was happy to get some photos even though we couldn't go inside. It was a truly well-organized tour, and I was very satisfied. I highly recommend it to anyone who is considering joining!
ツアーは満員でしたが、細かいところまで気配りいただいてすごく満足です。
ところどころで車をおりての写真撮影の時間をとってくださり(どこも絶景です)、ハワイ島についてのいろんな小話を聞けたり楽しかったです。
何よりマウナケア山頂からの夕陽と、雲ひとつない星空は絶景でした!!
写真も自分のカメラでは全然でしたが、とっても良いカメラで撮影したのをDLサービスがあったのできれいな写真がいただけて満足です!
すばる望遠鏡のある天文台をテレビでみてずっと気になっていたので(中には入れませんが)写真がとれて嬉しかったです。
至れり尽くせりのツアーで本当に満足でした。迷っている方には是非とも参加をお勧めします!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2016/05/11 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/04/30 |
Reviewed by: dama
In April, we participated in a honeymoon trip. While searching for tours online, I stumbled upon the "Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour." It seemed to have good reviews, so I signed up for it to create some memorable experiences. We usually don't have the opportunity to gaze at the night sky and don't have much knowledge about astronomy, but as the tour date approached, our excitement grew about what kind of scenery we would see at one of the world's top stargazing spots.
When we arrived at the hotel lobby at the designated time, we were greeted by an incredibly high-energy guide! At first, we were a bit taken aback by his enthusiasm, but as we listened to the non-stop chatter from our tour guide, Macchan, on the bus, we gradually got swept up in his pace.
Mauna Kea is over 4,000 meters high, but we learned that we could take a bus all the way to the summit. At the Onizuka Center, where we stopped for a break, there were many other groups visiting for the sunset tour as well. While resting at the Onizuka Center, we enjoyed a delicious bento box and warm miso soup, and after a quick break, we were lent some warm clothing and set off again towards the summit.
Much of the road along the way was unpaved, making it a bit daunting for individuals to come on their own, but thanks to our experienced tour guide, we reached the summit without feeling anxious.
When we arrived at the summit, the sun was just beginning to set, and we spent some time taking photos with the sunset sinking into the sea of clouds as our backdrop. After taking a few commemorative pictures, we descended to the stargazing spot.
As we watched the night sky gradually darken, an unprecedented number of stars began to appear, creating a truly natural planetarium! We looked at Jupiter and its four moons through a telescope, and as we admired the vividly visible constellations in all directions, time flew by. Our tour guide, Macchan, pointed out the stars with a laser pointer and explained the origins of the constellations in a clear and engaging manner.
After stargazing, we took a restroom break at the Onizuka Center and listened to songs related to stars chosen by Macchan as we descended. It became a wonderful memory of our honeymoon. This is a tour I would definitely want to participate in again if I visit the Big Island!
4月に新婚旅行で参加しました。ネットでツアーを検索している時になんとなく見つけた゛マウナケア山頂 サンセット&星空観測ツアー”。評判がよさそうだったとで、旅の思い出作りにとなんとなく申し込みました。普段は夜空をじっくりみる機会もなく、天体の知識もない私たちですが、ツアーの日が近づくにつれ、世界有数の天体観測スポットでどんな景色がみられるのかと期待に胸が膨らんでいきました。
宿泊していたホテルのロビーに指定された時間に行くと、最初から超ハイテンションのガイドさんが!最初はそのハイテンションさに引き気味であった私たちも、バスの中で途切れることのないツアーガイドのまっちゃんのトークを聴いているうちに、徐々にまっちゃんのペースに巻き込まれていきました。
4000mを超えるマウナケアですが、なんとバスで山頂まで行けるとのこと。途中で休憩のために立ち寄ったオニヅカセンターでは、他にもたくさんのグループがサンセットツアーに訪れていました。オニヅカセンターで休憩中においしいお弁当と温かいお味噌汁をいただき、一服した後に防寒具を貸してもらって、再び山頂に向けて出発しました。
途中の路は舗装されていないところも多く、個人で来るには躊躇されるような道でしたが、経験豊富なツアーガイドの方のおかげで、不安な気持ちになることもなくあっという間に山頂につきました。
山頂に到着したときは丁度日が沈みかけており、雲海に沈んでいく夕日をバックに写真を撮って時間をすごしました。ひととおり記念写真を撮った後に、下山し星空観測スポットまで下山しました。
徐々に暗くなっていく夜空を眺めていると、いままで見たことがない数の星が次々と現れてきて、まさに天然のプラネタリウム!でした。天体望遠鏡で木星と4つの衛星をみたり、鮮やかに360°全方向にみられる星座達を眺めているうちにあっという間に時間は過ぎていきました。ツアーガイドのまっちゃんは星空をレーザーポインターで指し示しながら、丁寧にわかりやすく星座の由来などについて説明してくれました。
星空観測の後はオニヅカセンターでのトイレ休憩を挟みながら、まっちゃんチョイスの星に関わる歌謡曲を聴きながら下山しました。新婚旅行の良い思い出になりました。ハワイ島にきたら是非また参加したいツアーです。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | <4月限定>☆会員限定モニターツアー☆/おすすめプラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/05/10 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/04/27 |
Reviewed by: まりりん
The tour was incredibly fun and I had a wonderful experience, so I am very satisfied.
Good points...
- The tour guide quickly went to get and show us rare plants. I was happy because I wouldn't have noticed them myself.
- They constantly checked if we were okay.
- The bento, tea, miso soup, and snacks were all delicious.
- The cold weather gear was sufficient.
- They took photos and offered free downloads. The camera was high-quality and captured the starry sky beautifully, so I thought it was a great service to keep as a memento.
Not-so-good points...
- I think this is unavoidable due to the timing (because it's during Golden Week), but it was a bit tough to ride in a fully packed van. The tour I participated in the day before had a larger and taller van, where a person who is 183 cm could stand comfortably, and it wasn't full, so I was surprised by the crampedness of this one. Since we spent a long time in the car, being fully booked was a bit much... I thought they should add another van.
ツアーはとっても楽しくて素晴らしい経験ができたので大満足です。
良かったこと・・・
・ツアー担当者が、珍しい植物をささっと取りに行って見せてくれたりした。自分ではなかなか気づかないのでうれしい。
・大丈夫ですかー?と常に気遣ってくれる
・お弁当、お茶、お味噌汁、お菓子どれもおいしかった。
・防寒具も十分だった。
・写真を撮ってくれて無料ダウンロードできる。カメラが高機能で星空もきれいに写してくれていたので記念にとっておけてとてもいいサービスだと思った。
良くなかったこと・・・
・これは時期的に仕方ないのだと思うけれど、(ゴールデンウィーク中のため)バンに満員で乗るのはちょっとキツイ。前日に参加したツアーは、ここのバンより大きくて背丈も高く、183cmの人が立てるくらいで人数も満員でなく快適だったのでこの窮屈さに驚きました。
車に乗っている時間も長いので満席はちょっと・・・。もう一台バンを増やしたらいいのに、と思いました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/05/09 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/05/04 |
Reviewed by: Cooper
I'm going out to observe the stars at Mauna Kea. Actually, I had already done some stargazing along Saddle Road with another tour two days ago, but I also wanted to see the telescopes at Mauna Kea and booked this tour as a backup in case the weather was bad.
When I arrived at the meeting point 10 minutes before the pickup time, the car just pulled up. Today's guide is nicknamed "Macchan." He was very energetic from the start, which was a bit overwhelming, but I gradually got caught up in his pace.
The car took Saddle Road and made a restroom stop near a military training area. After that, we entered the Mauna Kea Access Road and headed to the Onizuka Center.
First, we had an early dinner at the Onizuka Center. There are several tours for stargazing at Mauna Kea, but I chose Masashi Nature School because their bento looked the best. It actually looked better than the bento from other tours. The warm miso soup was also delicious.
After eating the bento, we took a break to acclimatize. During that time, we observed the silversword plants. We were able to see them just before blooming, while they were blooming, and after they had bloomed.
After the break, we climbed the mountain road. From here, it was a joint tour with two cars. The road ahead was rough and required a 4WD, but as we got closer to the summit, it became paved again and we could see the telescopes.
When we reached the summit, the sun gradually set, and we enjoyed the sunset sinking into the sea of clouds. While we were busy taking photos and having our pictures taken, it got completely dark, and we began our descent.
We stopped the car just past where the paved road ended, and the stargazing began. The moment we got out of the car, a sky full of stars spread out before us. There was still a bit of brightness left, but the number of stars was incredible.
Right in front of us was Orion, and we could clearly see the Milky Way and the Southern Cross. We could also faintly see the red glow from the Kilauea crater. First, we looked at Jupiter through the telescope. The stripes on Jupiter and the Galilean moons were clearly visible. I could also tell that the alignment of the moons had changed since I saw them two days ago. Next, we used a laser pointer to explain the constellations. It was truly like a natural planetarium! After that, we took commemorative photos with long exposure to capture the stars and people together. My camera is a mirrorless one, and I quickly changed the settings to take photos. The red glow of Kilauea in the lower left corner is something unique to this location.
I felt like I could watch the stars forever, but it was time to descend.
On the way back, we had a restroom break at the Onizuka Center, and I felt that the constellations were easier to find there. Near the summit, it was so dark that you could see even the faintest stars, making it difficult to locate constellations because there were so many stars. However, even with that haziness, the quantity of visible stars was greater near the summit, which I found appealing. Additionally, during the stargazing along Saddle Road, we were often disturbed by car lights, but on this tour, there was hardly any traffic, and it remained dark the whole time, which I thought was great.
I heard that the photos from this day can be viewed later by requesting them via email, so I'm looking forward to that as well.
Lastly, thank you, Macchan, for being such a high-energy guide throughout the tour!
マウナケアでの星の観測に出かけます。
実は2日前にも別のツアーでサドルロード脇で星の観測は行っていたのですが、マウナケアの望遠鏡を見たいのと、天候が悪かった場合の保険の意味でこちらのツアーも予約していました。
ピックアップ時間の10分前に集合場所へ行くとちょうど車が到着。
今日のガイドは通称「マッチャン」。最初からテンションが高く、ちょっと引き気味でしたが、次第にこのペースに引きずりこまれていきます。
車はサドルロードを通り、軍隊の練習場の近くでトイレ休憩。その後、マウナケアアクセスロードへ入り、オニヅカセンターへ向かいます。
まずは、オニヅカセンターで早めの夕食です。
マウナケアで星を見るツアーはいくつかありますが、マサシネイチャースクールに決めたのは弁当が一番良さそういうのがありました。
実際に見ても他のツアーの弁当より良く見えました。暖かいみそ汁もおいしかったです。
弁当を食べた後は、しばらく休憩を兼ねた体慣らしです。
その間に、銀剣草を見学します。ちょうど花が咲く前、咲いているところ、咲いた後を見ることができました。
休憩後、山道を登ります。ここからは車2台での合同ツアーです。
ここから先は道が悪く4WDが必要ですが、頂上に近づくと再び舗装路になり望遠鏡が見えてきます。
頂上に着くと、徐々に日も暗くなり雲海に沈む夕日を堪能します。
写真を撮ったり、撮ってもらったりで忙しくしているうちにすっかり暗くなり、下山開始です。
舗装道が切れた先で車を止めいよいよ星空観察開始です。
車から降りた瞬間、満点の星が広がります。まだ少し明るさが残っていますが、星の数がすごいです。
目の前にはオリオン座、天の川や南十字もはっきりと見えます。うっすらと赤くキラウエアの火口の明かりも見えます。
まずは、望遠鏡で木星を見ます。木星の縞模様とガリレオ衛星がはっきりと見えます。2日前に見た時と衛星の並びが変わっているのもわかりました。
次はレーザーポインタで星座の説明。まさに、天然のプラネタリウム!?
その後は、記念撮影ということで長時間露光で星と人物を移し込みます。
私のカメラはミラーレス一眼ですが、設定を素早く変更して写真を撮っていただきました。
左下に赤くキラウエアの赤が見えるのは、この場所ならではと思います。
いつまでもずっと見ていたい気分でしたが、時間が来たので下山です。
途中、オニヅカセンターでトイレ休憩だったので、ここでも星空を見ましたがこちらのほうが星座は探し易いと感じました。
山頂近くは本当に暗い星まで見えるので、星が多すぎて星座を探しにくいようにも感じます。
ただ、そのもやっとした部分も含めて星の見える量では山頂に近い方が多いし、そちらに魅力を感じます。
また、サドルロード脇での星空観察では車のライトで邪魔されることも多かったですが、このツアーでは車の通行がほとんど無く、ずっと暗いままなのが良いと思います。
この日の写真は後でメールで申請すれば見られるそうなので、そちらも楽しみにしています。
最後に、マッチャンさん。終始ハイテンションでのガイド、ありがとうございました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/05/09 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/05/02 |
Reviewed by: はたぼー
I participated in this tour for my honeymoon. Since I don't usually do stargazing, I wasn't very interested while looking at the travel guide, but after hearing the travel agent passionately say, "Mauna Kea is a special place where observatories from various countries are located, and you can see an incredible night sky," I decided to go.
On the day of the tour, they picked us up by van at our hotel. We stopped at about three hotels to pick up other guests before heading out. During the ride, I met a couple from the same prefecture, and we had a great time chatting, so I was never bored. The guide's commentary was not the usual scripted bus guide style; it was friendly and enjoyable, making the trip comfortable. Along the way, we learned about a plant called the silver sword, which only exists in two or three places in the world. It’s an endangered species, and true to its name, it was silver and rare, so I was glad to see it.
To prevent altitude sickness, we took a break for about an hour at the Onizuka Business Center on the mountainside. We also learned some breathing techniques to avoid altitude sickness. Although we were still a bit away from the summit, it was already cold. It was hard to believe this was Hawaii. I was glad to see a different side of Hawaii.
We had a makunouchi bento, warm miso soup, and hot coffee. Everything was delicious, but given the cold, the miso soup was the best. They lent us quite warm windbreakers, hats, and gloves, and we could also get hand warmers, but since there’s a limited number, I think it’s better to bring your own. The summit is quite cold, so it’s advisable to prepare thermal wear like Heattech. We also brought some based on other people's reviews.
At the top, we watched the sunset. There were many observatories from various countries at the summit, including a large one from Japan. Although there were a few clouds that day, they cleared up just in time for the sunset, which was magical, as it felt like we were looking at the boundary between the universe and Earth from a place higher than Mount Fuji. We took a lot of photos ourselves, but I recommend having the guide take some as well. The guide knows the best angles and ideas (like jumping or holding the sun in your hands). Looking back, we got some great shots, making for wonderful memories. When we were taking photos on our own, the guide kindly offered to help, which was a nice touch.
Stargazing was done a little below the summit. After sunset, the observatories take priority at the top, so it seems there’s a rule to observe from a bit lower down. Even from this spot, we could see an incredible number of stars that I had never seen before. It was breathtakingly beautiful. The guide’s explanations using a laser pointer were very clear and enjoyable, with a light and engaging style that made it fun. We could also take photos here. They used special equipment to capture both the starry sky and people at the same time. I got to take a commemorative photo with the Southern Cross, which is something you rarely see in Japan.
On the way back, we enjoyed relaxing music related to the night sky as we were driven back to the hotel. I couldn’t help but laugh when a song by Kenichi Mikawa played along the way. The ride was bumpy on unpaved roads, with the vehicle shaking quite a bit. The road was rough, with rocks and sand affecting the tires, but the guide's driving felt safe. For someone inexperienced, it would be the kind of off-road that might make you want to give up and go home. I think it’s a good idea to take motion sickness medicine just in case.
It was a long review, but it was a thoroughly satisfying tour! Next time, I want to join the sunrise tour!
新婚旅行でこのツアーに参加しました。
普段天体観測をする事もないので、旅行ガイドを見ている段階ではあまり興味はありませんでしたが旅行代理店の方が「マウナケアは各国の天文台が設置してあるくらい特別な星空が見える場所ですよ」と熱く語っているのを聞いて行く事にしました。
当日は、宿泊するホテルまでバンで迎えに来て頂きました。
他のお客さんを乗せるために3件ほどホテルを経由してから出発します。
車中では同県に住んでいるご夫婦ともお会いでき、楽しく話をしながらでしたのでまったく退屈しなかったです。
そして、ガイドの方の案内はバスガイドのように決まりきった事を話している訳ではなく、フレンドリーな感じで楽しく快適でした。
途中で銀剣草という世界でも2~3箇所にしか生息していない植物を教えてもらいました。
絶滅危惧種との事で、名前の通り銀色で珍しく、見れて良かったです。
高山病予防の為に、山腹にあるオニヅカビジネスセンターで1時間ほど休憩します。
あと高山病にならないための、呼吸法など教わりました。
ここは山頂まではもう少しありますが既に寒いです。ここがハワイとは思えません。
ハワイの別の顔を見れて良かったです。
幕の内弁当と暖かいお味噌汁とホットコーヒーを頂きました。
どれも美味しかったですが寒い中なのもあり、お味噌汁が一番美味しかったです。
かなり暖かい繋ぎのウインドブレーカーと帽子手袋を貸して頂きました、
カイロをもらうこともできましたが、個数に限りがあるので持参するほうが良いと思います。
山頂はかなり寒いので、インナーはヒートテックなど防寒着を別に準備していくほうが良いです。私たちも他の方のクチコミを見て、用意していきました。
頂上で日の入りを見ます。頂上には各国の天体観測所が沢山ありました。
日本の大きな天体観測所もありました。
当日は少し雲がある状態でしたが、日の入りの時間は雲がなくなっていて、日の入りが見れました。
富士山より高い場所での日の入りは宇宙と地球の境目を見ているようで幻想的でした。
自分たちで写真もたくさん撮りましたが、ガイドさんに撮っていただくのがオススメです。
ガイドさんはベストアングルやアイデア(ジャンプしているところや、太陽を手に持っている所)を知っていますので。
後から見ても良いショットが撮れていたので、良い記念になりました。
自分たちだけで、撮っていたときにガイドさんのほうから声を掛けてくれました。
心遣いがうれしかったです。
星空観測は、頂上から少し下ったところで行いました。日が沈んだ後は頂上は各国の天体観測が優先される為に、頂上から少し下ったところで観測する決まりがあるようです。
この場所からの星空でも、見た事がない程の多くの星が見えます。息を呑む美しさでした。
ガイドの方のレーザーポインタを使った説明がとても分かりやすくて良かったです。小難しい事無く喋りが軽快な感じで楽しかったです。
ここでも写真撮影をしてもらえます。星空と人物を同時に撮影する特殊な機材で撮影してもらえました。日本ではなかなか見ることが出来ない南十字星と一緒に撮影してもらい、記念になりました。
帰りの車内は、星空に関連した音楽が流れてのんびり帰る感じで、ホテルまで送って頂きました。途中、美川憲一の曲が流れたときは笑ってしまいました。
未舗装道路を通ります際に車内は揺れます。かなり荒れた道で岩や砂にタイヤが取られていましたが、ガイドさんの運転は安心できる感じでした。
慣れていない素人なら、諦めて帰るぐらいのオフロードです。念のため酔い止めの薬は飲んでおいた方が良いかと思います。
長くなりましたが、大満足のツアーでした!次回はサンライズツアーに参加したいです!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | <4月限定>☆会員限定モニターツアー☆/おすすめプラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/05/08 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/04/17 |
Reviewed by: こううん
The sunset observation point is at an altitude of 4,200 meters, where the oxygen concentration is only about 60% of that at ground level. To acclimate, we took a break at around 2,000 meters to move our bodies and had dinner at the Onizuka Visitor Center (2,800 meters) before taking a walk to see the silversword plant. After that, we climbed for a while on a bumpy off-road path. We then returned to a paved road and took a break near the Subaru Telescope (4,139 meters). The shadows of people were impressively long. Finally, we climbed up to 4,200 meters to witness the setting sun. Not only the sunset, but also the shadow of Mauna Kea and the Earth's shadow after sunset were beautiful. There is a rule that you must descend from the summit within 30 minutes after sunset, so we did stargazing at a point a bit lower down. The starry sky was magnificent, and our guide made it very easy to understand by pointing out constellations with a green laser.
During the tour, the guide took many photos for us, which we could later download from the web. There were many good photos, but since the logo of Masashi Nature School is in the bottom right corner, I think it would be a good idea for those who are concerned to bring their own good camera. Also, the fee does not include a tip, so it can be a bit of a hassle to think about how much to give.
夕日の観測点は4200mの高さ。酸素濃度も地上の60%しかないそうです。体を慣らすため、2000mくらいのところで休憩して体を動かしたり、オニズカ・ビジターセンター(2800m)で夕食弁当をいただいてギンケンソウを見に散歩したりする時間を作ってくれました。そこからしばらくオフロードのガタガタ道を登ります。その後舗装された道に戻り、すばる望遠鏡(4139m)付近で休憩。人影がものすごく長いのが印象的でした。そしていよいよ4200mまで登り、沈む夕日を拝みます。夕日だけでなく、マウナケア山の影や、日没後の地球の影もきれいでした。日没後30分以内に山頂を降りないという規則があるそうで、星空観測はまたしばらく下ったポイントでします。満天の星空が広がりすごいですが、さらにガイドさんが緑色のレーザーで指し示しながら説明をしてくれたのでとてもわかりやすかったです。
ツアー中はガイドさんにたくさん写真を撮ってもらえ、あとでWebからダウンロードできました。よい写真が多かったですが、右下にマサシネイチャースクールのロゴが入っているので、気になる人は自分でもよいカメラを持っていって撮るとよいと思います。あと料金にチップが含まれていないので、お渡し額を考えるのが少し面倒です。
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/05/04 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/04/27 |
Reviewed by: くわっぱ
It was amazing. Absolutely wonderful!!!
I plan to apply again this year!!
I want to participate every year!!!!
最高でした。素晴らしすぎる!!!
また今年も申し込もうと思います!!
毎年参加したいです!!!!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/05/02 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/10/30 |
Reviewed by: もりやん
The sunset and starry sky were beautiful and moving! The photo download service, warm clothing, and bento boxes were all excellent and made for a great experience!
サンセットも星空も綺麗で感動でした!
写真のダウンロードサービスや、防寒具、お弁当などサービスが充実していてとってもよかったです!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/05/02 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/04/07 |
Tips and suggestions
Reply from activity provider
An unexpected error has occurred. Please go back to the previous page and try again, or wait a few minutes and try once again.
Thank you very much for participating in the tour. We are also pleased to hear that you were satisfied with the tour services.
Regarding the transportation you mentioned, we hope you understand that the number of vehicles allowed to ascend to the summit of Mauna Kea is limited. Even during the golden period, it involves long-distance travel and full occupancy, and we can imagine that you may not have been able to relax in the vehicle.
We sincerely appreciate your feedback and will strive to further improve our services in the future.
Thank you for your valuable feedback despite your busy schedule.
VELTRA Customer Support Team
この度はツアーにご参加いただき誠にありがとうございます。
また、ツアーのサービスにご満足いただけたようで嬉しく思います。
ご指摘いただいております配車につきましては、マウナケア山頂に上がれる車の台数が制限されておりますことご理解いただけましたら幸いです。
ゴールデン期間中とはいえ、長距離移動かつ満席での移動となり、車内ではおくつろぎいただけなかったかと察します。
お客様からのお言葉を真摯に受け止め、今後さらなるサービス向上に努めてまいります。
お忙しい中、貴重なご投稿を賜りまして、誠にありがとうございました。
VELTRAカスタマーサポートチーム