All Reviews for Mauna Kea Summit Adventures

Since deciding to travel to the Big Island, I had wanted to visit Mauna Kea, and I was considering going on my own as an option.

However, it was definitely the right choice to go with a tour.
There was a guide who was well-versed in photo spots and how to take pictures, and they taught us a lot about the mountains of the Big Island along the way.
The primary language was English, but they also spoke Japanese, which made it easy to understand.

The sunset and starry sky were breathtaking views that you can't experience in Japan.
I am truly grateful.

ハワイ島への旅行が決まってからマウナケアへは行きたいと思っていましたが、自力で行く方法も候補に入れていました。

ですが、ツアーにして正解でした。
写真スポットや写真の撮り方を熟知しているガイドさんがいて、道中でもたくさんハワイ島の山のことを教えてくれました。
基本は英語ですが日本語も話してくれるのでわかりやすかったです。

サンセットと星空は日本では体験できない絶景でした。
本当に感謝しています。

This was a tour I had wanted to join ever since my trip to the Big Island of Hawaii was decided. I was worried about the weather, but after arriving at the Onizuka Visitor Center, we were above the clouds and it turned into a beautiful day. Thanks to our guide's kind and attentive support, I was able to enjoy a wonderful time throughout the tour. The sunset from an altitude of 4,000 meters was breathtakingly beautiful, and I was deeply moved. The colors of the sky changed, creating a mystical atmosphere that left me in awe. Sho-taro, our guide, provided a very clear explanation of the stars, and I learned a lot about them. His personality was also wonderful, and I felt like I wanted to visit the Big Island again just to see him. I'm grateful for this amazing experience!

ハワイ島への旅が決まってから、ずっと参加したいと思っていたツアーです。
お天気が心配でしたが、オニヅカビジターセンターに到着してからは雲海の上てー、晴天となりました。
ガイドさんの優しくてきめ細やかなサポートのおかげで終始楽しい時間を過ごすことが出来ました。
標高4000メートルからの夕日は心が震えるほど美しく、感動しました。空の色が変わっていき、神秘的な様子に感動しました。
ガイドのしょうたろうさんによる星空の説明はとてもわかりやすくてたくさん星のことを学びました。しょうたろうさんのお人柄も素晴らしくて、また彼に会いにハワイ島を訪れたいと思いました。素晴らしい時間に感謝です♪

The starry sky of Mauna Kea, which I had always wanted to see ⭐︎ I had no guarantee that the weather would be good enough to see it… and the price was quite high 💦 I was really hesitant, but in the end, it was absolutely the right decision! To be able to witness such a divine sunset and starry sky in person was a wonderful experience. Our guide, James, was very considerate, and even though communication was a bit difficult, I felt warmth in our connection. During the stargazing, the guides from other groups also joined in to explain, making it a truly lovely time. I was able to see a breathtaking starry sky for the first time, leaving me speechless. The only downside was that the seats were fully booked and very cramped, making the journey to and from the summit quite tough as I was half hanging out of my seat…

いつか観てみたかったマウナケアの星空⭐︎
絶対観られるというお天気の保証も無いし…お値段もなかなかなもの💦かなり迷いましたが、結果大正解！こんなに神々しいサンセットと星空を直に観られるなんて、素晴らしい体験をさせていただきました。ガイドのジェームスさんは、とても気を遣ってくださり、言葉が通じにくくても、心は伝わるものだと温かい気持ちになりました。星の観測では、他のグループのガイドさんが一緒に説明してくださり、本当に素敵な時間となりました。感動のため息しか出ないような星空を、初めて観ることができました。ひとつだけ残念だったのは、座席が満席でとても狭く、半分はみ出た状態で山頂までの行き帰りはかなりしんどかった…ということです。

We had planned to rent a 4WD vehicle and drive to the summit ourselves, but feeling anxious about driving, we decided to join a tour instead. The road to the summit was quite steep, and it wasn't cheap, but I felt it was worth it. The sunset at the summit was very beautiful, and although we viewed the starry sky from the visitor center, we were able to see a truly stunning landscape. We enjoyed ourselves safely until the end. Thank you very much.

自分たちで四駆を借りて山頂まで行こうと計画していましたが、運転に不安を感じツアーで参加しました。
山頂までの道はなかなか険しく、決して安くはない金額ですがお願いして良かったと思いました。
山頂のサンセットはとても綺麗で、星空もビジターセンターからでしたがとても美しい景色を見ることができて本当によかったです。
最後まで安全に楽しませていただきました。ありがとうございました。

I was captivated by the mystical scenery of the sunset and was breathless at the sheer number of stars. Additionally, I was impressed by the deep knowledge and passionate explanations provided by our guide, Shoyo. It was also wonderful how they responded quickly and flexibly to unexpected situations.

夕日が沈む瞬間の神秘的な光景に心を奪われ、あまりの星の数に息をのみました。
さらに、ガイドをしてくださった、Shoyoさんの深い知識と情熱ある説明に感動しました。また突発的な事態にも迅速かつ柔軟に対応され素晴らしかったです。

I was anxious because my English isn't very good, but the guide spoke earnestly in broken Japanese, making the study of stars enjoyable.
Since we were on a mountain, it was extremely cold, but they lent us plenty of warm clothing, which was a great help.
The BLT sandwich for dinner was very delicious, and the cocoa served while we gazed at the stars was a thoughtful touch that warmed my heart.
We also took many photos with different poses and situations.
I'm glad I participated in a great tour and created wonderful memories.

英語があまり出来ないので不安でしたが、ガイドさんがカタコトの日本語で一生懸命話してくださり、星の勉強を楽しくすることができました。
山の上なので極寒ですが、防寒着をたくさん貸してくださり助かりました。
夕食のBLTサンドウィッチはとても美味しく、星を眺めながらココアが配られたのも心まであったまる気遣いでした。
写真もポーズやシチュエーションを変えてたくさん撮っていただきました。
良いツアーに参加できて良い思い出作りができました。

Viel Zeit auf dem Gipfrl vor Sonnenuntergang, um alles anzuschauen, toller Sternenhimmel mit Erklärungen, sehr gute Organisation , super Guide, James

The check-in at the meeting point near the hotel was smooth, and during the car ride, the guide explained various aspects of Hawaii's history and weather. The view from Mauna Kea was also very beautiful, making the drive enjoyable. The summit gets quite cold in the evening, but they provided warm down coats, and hot cocoa was offered during the night sky observation. The explanations while stargazing were very clear and enjoyable, creating wonderful memories of Hawaii.

ホテル近くの集合場所でのチェックインもスムーズで、行きの車の中でも、ガイドさんがハワイの歴史や天候など色々説明してくれました。
マウナケアの景色もとても美しく、車の移動中も楽しめました。
夕方の山頂はとても冷え込むのですが、暖かいダウンコートも貸してくれ、夜の天体観測の時も、温かいココアも提供してくれます。
星を見ながらの説明もとてもわかりやすく楽しく、素敵なハワイの思い出になりました。

Overall, it was really great!! I felt relieved that we had a Japanese guide, "Shoyo," who spoke Japanese. It was a bit disappointing that, out of 12 people, 10 were Japanese, yet the in-car guide was all in English, but he explained the important points clearly in Japanese. At the sunset point observatory, we enjoyed delicious sandwiches and borrowed warm clothing, and we were able to take many photos with a special camera against the backdrop of the sunset. After that, we moved to the stargazing point and observed an orange shining star through a telescope (I forgot the name, but it was the star in the middle of Scorpio). After receiving warm cocoa from "James," who speaks a bit of cute Japanese, he used a laser pointer to explain the night sky in Japanese. The explanations were very clear and detailed, and it was fun! We could see the Milky Way clearly, spotted an artificial satellite, and even saw shooting stars in the perfect starry sky—it was the best time!

総じてすごく良かったです！！
日本人の”しょうよう”さんの運転ガイドでまず日本語が通じる事に安心。12人中10人が日本人だったのに車内のガイドが全て英語だったのが残念でしたが注意点等はきちんと日本語で説明してくれました。サンセットポイントの天体観測所では美味しいサンドイッチ🥪をいただき防寒着も借りて夕陽をバックに専用カメラで何枚も写真を撮ってもらえました。その後星空観察ポイントに移動し望遠鏡🔭でオレンジに光る星を観測(名前忘れましたが蠍座の真ん中の星)。可愛らしい日本語を少し話す”ジェームス”さんから温かいココアをいただいた後レーザーポインターを使って日本語で星空の説明。すごくわかりやすく詳しい説明で楽しかったです！天の川もくっきりと見れて人工衛星🛰️も見て満点の星空の中に流れ星も見れて最高の時間でした！

The area near the summit of Mauna Kea looks like a scene from the moon or Mars. The sunset sinking into the sea of clouds. The night sky is filled with an unbelievable number of stars. Anyway, it’s stunning! The sandwich is probably the best in Hawaii. The photo service and cocoa were also a nice touch. It was amazing!

マウナケアの山頂近くは、月や火星いるような光景。雲海に沈む夕陽。星空は信じられないほどの星の数々。とにかく、映えます！サンドイッチは、多分ハワイNo1。写真サービスとココアも、嬉しかったっす。最高っす！

This was my first time participating in a tour. I was a bit worried because I can't speak English, but since the guide was Japanese, the tour was fulfilling and without any issues. The sunset from the summit was beautiful, but the starry sky afterward was truly amazing. The Milky Way was clearly visible.

今回初めてツアーに参加しました。
私は英語が話せないので少し心配していましたが、ガイドさんが日本人の方だったので何不自由なく充実したツアーになりました。
山頂から見る夕陽はもちろん綺麗でしたが、なんといってもその後の星空が素晴らしかったです。天の川がはっきりと見えました。

At an elevation of 4,205 meters, I was drawn to the starry sky closest to space and participated in the tour. The guide was fluent in Japanese, and we were able to enjoy the tour from start to finish. We were able to view both the sunset and the starry sky in the best conditions, and I felt grateful to have come to the Big Island. The tour offered a wonderful experience that I might never have again, such as being able to reach 4,205 meters by car and gaze at the starry sky closest to space. I highly recommend this plan to anyone considering a visit to the Big Island.

標高4205メートル、宇宙に一番近い星空に惹かれ、ツアーに参加させて頂きました。ガイドさんも日本語が堪能な方で、終始楽しくツアーを終えることもでき、夕日も星空もベストなコンディションで鑑賞することができ、ハワイ島へ来て良かったと思いました。また車で4205メートル地点に行けることや宇宙に一番近い星空を眺めることなど、人生で二度とできないかもしれない素晴らしい体験ができるツアーでしたので、ハワイ島観光を検討されている方に是非お勧めしたいプランです。

The tour on the 16th was guided by Mr. Sho Yo. This was my third time at Mauna Kea, but this was the best experience I've had so far. I think I've heard explanations many times before, but this time they were very easy to understand. The guide provided accurate information at great points. I listened in both English and Japanese, which was also good. I saw the most beautiful starry sky for the first time in my life, and I clearly recognized the Milky Way for the first time. The constellations and star names that I've heard many times finally sank into my head and heart!

16日のツアーです。ガイドさんは、翔洋さんでした。
マウナケア、3度目ですが、今回が、これまでで最高の体験でした。これまで何度も説明聞いていたとは思うのですが、説明がとてもわかりやすかった。またいいポイントで的確に教えてくれる。英語と日本語、両方で聞いたので、それも良かった。星は人生で初めて、あんな綺麗なほしぞらをみましたし、天の川を初めてハッキリと認識しました。星座、星の名前、何度も聞いているものが初めて頭、心に入りました！

It was the best experience, thanks to James, our guide, who was very attentive, and the favorable weather. The route from the Onizuka Center to the summit was quite off-road, so it was definitely the right decision to join the tour. The outerwear we were provided was very warm. The sandwiches and cocoa for dinner were also delicious.

ガイドのJamesさんのきめ細やかな心配りと、天候にも恵まれ、最高の体験でした。
オニヅカセンターから山頂はかなりオフロードなので、ツアーにして大正解でした。
貸し出していただいたアウターはとても暖かかったです。
夕食のサンドイッチと、ココアも美味しかったです。

The sunset and starry sky were amazing! Shoutaro's Japanese guide was also excellent! It was definitely cold at the summit, but they provided thick jackets and pants, so it wasn't a problem. The explanations about the stars were very easy to understand and enjoyable in Japanese! Thank you very much.

サンセットも星空も最高でした！
しょうたろうの日本語ガイドも最高〜！
頂上はさすがに寒かったです。でも分厚い上着もズボンも貸してくれるので問題なかったです。
星の説明も日本語でとても分かりやすく楽しかった〜！
ありがとうございました。

James's guide was very good, and he made an effort to use Japanese as well. I was very satisfied to see both the Milky Way and shooting stars.

ジェームスのガイドがとても良かったし、頑張って日本語も使ってくれていた。
天の川も流れ星も見れて大満足。

We participated as a family of four. On the day of the event, we were worried because the forecast predicted cloudy weather, but just as the guide explained, the clouds cleared, and we were able to see a magical sunset. The stargazing was breathtaking, and it was a good time of year, so we were able to see many shooting stars. The guide's explanations about the stars were also very good. They served us warm cocoa, which warmed us up and was delicious. I recommend that when you visit the Big Island, you take the time to see the starlit sky and the sunset.

家族4人で参加しました。
当日は曇りの予報で心配していましたが、ガイドさんの説明のとおり雲がはけ、幻想的なサンセットを見ることができました。星空観測は圧巻で、時期も良かったそうで流れ星も多数見ることができました。ガイドさんの星の説明もとても良かったです。温かいココアを出していただき身体も温まり、美味しかったです。
ハワイ島に行かれた際は星空とサンセットを見ていただくことをお勧めします。

I participated in the same tour 10 years ago, signing up without thinking, just wanting to see the starry sky. The weather was perfect, and I was able to take beautiful sunset photos. However, I realized for the first time how bright a full moon can be. It was so bright that it cast shadows. This time, I researched the moon phases and planned a comeback after 10 years. Miraculously, the clouds cleared, and I enjoyed a stunning night sky. I was able to see the Milky Way, shooting stars, and fully enjoy the starry sky. The BLT sandwich and cocoa provided by the tour were delicious, especially in the cold. Thank you, guide Shoyou.

10年前に同じツアーに参加しましたが、何も考えずに星空が見たいと申し込み、天気は最高でサンセットも綺麗な写真が撮れた。ところが、肝心の星空は、、、満月の月があんなに明るいなんて初めて知りました。月明かりで影ができるほど。今回は月の満ち欠けも調べて10年ぶりのリベンジ。奇跡的に雲もなくなり、満点の夜空を満喫。天の川に流れ星とフルコースで星空を楽しめました。ツアーで用意してくれたBLTサンドと寒い中でのココアは美味しかった。ガイドのショウヨウさん、ありがとうございました。

They guided us to several observatories, and the sunset viewed from the summit was very beautiful. We did some stargazing a little below the summit. Unfortunately, it was a full moon, but we were still able to see many stars. They explained the stars and showed us the moon through a small telescope, making it a very good experience.

いくつかの天文台を案内してくれて、また山頂から見たサンセットがとても綺麗でした。
山頂少し降りたところで天体観測をしました。
あいにくの満月でしたが、それでも沢山の星を観ることができました。
星の説明や小さい望遠鏡で月などを見せてくれてとても良い体験となりました。

The scenery is breathtaking, and you can easily reach mountains over 4,000 meters. They provide excellent cold weather gear. The guide's attention to detail was wonderful! Although the guide was foreign (English-speaking), it wasn't a problem as long as you could understand a little. Instructions were given in Japanese at key points.

Please experience the scenery and highlights for yourself. An impressive landscape and a grand panorama await you. It probably won't come across in photos...

It was almost a full moon, but if there's a next time, I'd like to aim for a new moon!

圧巻の風景で、気軽に4000m以上の山に到達できます。
寒さ対策もバッチリして貰えますし。ガイドさんの気配りが素晴らしかったです！
外国人ガイド(英語)でしたが、少しのヒアリングが出来れば問題無かったです。
要所では日本語で指示して貰えます。

風景や見どころは行ってみて体験してみてください。圧巻の風景と大パノラマが広がります。
写真ではきっと伝わらないでしょう。。。

ほぼ満月の時でしたが、次回あるなら、新月の時を狙いたいです！

There was a very rare trouble, so I couldn't see the sunset, but I was able to enjoy the beautiful scenery with a gradient from orange to blue after the sun had set. I was worried about the weather for stargazing, but we were blessed with clear skies during the viewing, and I was able to see a sky full of stars, including the Milky Way. The guide's explanations about the history, culture, and nature of the Big Island were very clear and made for a truly enjoyable time. Thank you very much. It was an experience I will remember for a lifetime.

大変レアなトラブルがあり、夕日が沈むところは見れませんでしたが、沈んだあとのオレンジから青のグラデーションかかかった美しい景色をみることができました。
星空も空模様が心配でしたが、観賞時には晴天に恵まれ、満天の星空をみることができ、天の川もみれました。
ガイドの方のお話も、ハワイ島の歴史や文化、自然についてわかりやすく説明いただき大変楽しい時間でした。ありがとうございました。
一生記憶に残る体験ができました。

Sunset and stargazing at the summit of Mauna Kea was amazing. The guide was very thorough in their explanations, and the tour exceeded my expectations. Thank you very much.

マウナケア山頂のサンセット&星空鑑賞
最高でした。ガイドの方も説明が丁寧で
ツアーも想像を超える内容でした。
本当にありがとうございました。

We participated with four adults, including my son and his wife. Since it was a full moon night, I was worried about whether we would be able to see the starry sky, but it turned out to be a great decision. When we were looking at the stars, the moon had not yet risen, and after taking photos of the starry sky, the moon appeared. The sight of the full moon rising above the clouds was magical and just as moving as the starry sky. Since it was an English guide, I couldn't understand everything, but I appreciated that our guide, James, made an effort to use some Japanese.

息子夫婦を含む大人4人で参加しました。
満月の日だったので星空が綺麗に見えるか心配しましたが結果的に大正解でした。星空を見てる時は月はまだ出ておらず、星空を見て写真を撮って頂いた後に月が出てきました。雲の上から満月が出てくる様は幻想的で星空と同じくらい感動しました。英語ガイドなので全て理解する事は出来ませんでしたが、ガイドのジェームズが使える日本語は使おうという努力をしてくれ感謝です。

The sunset at the summit was very moving! Unfortunately, there were many stars that we couldn't see because of the full moon, but I think it's a great memory to have seen such a beautiful full moon! The guide was also kind, and we had a wonderful time!

山頂でのサンセットはとても感動しました！
残念ながら満月で見えない星も多くありましたが、満月をあんなに綺麗に見ることもなかなかできないと思うと良い思い出です！
ガイドさんも優しくて素敵な時間を過ごせました！

I was very satisfied with the explanations of the towns during the round trip, as well as the follow-up for all participants at each photo spot. Thank you very much!

往復の車内での街々のご説明、写真スポット毎での参加者全員のフォロー、大変満足できました、有難うございました！

Tour guide was informative. Ride was comfortable. BLT bacon was really good. Veggie burger was more filling than the BLT. Stargazing was minimal due to full moon but fun. Best not to go during around full moon time. Download a star app like Night Sky to help enhance the experience. Dress for cold wind. You are going to want to take a lot of pictures so if if your hands get cold easily, bring mitts!

The guide was entirely in English, but since the guide was of Japanese descent, I was very grateful for the simple Japanese explanations provided. I was very satisfied to see the beautiful sunset and starry sky. I rated it one star less because I wouldn't be able to obtain the photos taken unless I posted this review (it seems that posting a review is mandatory when booking through Veltra).

すべて英語でのガイドでしたが、日系のガイドさんだったため簡単な日本語で案内していただき、大変ありがたかったです。
綺麗な夕陽と星空を見ることができ、大変満足でした。
星マイナス1としたのは、この口コミを投稿しなければ、撮影いただいた写真を入手できないためです（ベルトラでの申込の場合は口コミ投稿が必須のようです）。

No doubt of the beauty of Hawaii and God’s Creation. Tour Guide (Francis) was excellent…knowledgeable, fun and caring (we had one participant having trouble with altitude so had to return to welcome center taking about 1 hour of the group’s time to go back and travel back up, however, care extended by Francis is to be commended).
Disappointed in that part of the tour was to look through a telescope (explicitly listed as part of the tour) but that did not happen. Vans were “dated” but did the job. Overpriced in our opinion of what the experience provided.

We had a fantastic time on the nighttime stargazing and sunset tour with James! We learned so much and had a memorable night - the sandwiches, sunset and stars were top notch!

I was disappointed with this tour for lack of hospitality, communication and false advertising. The tour guide is not an astronomer or someone who writes articles for astronomy mazagines or even a local Hawaiian. They are very knowledgeable, patient and friendly guides but also lack communication with the tour company. For instance, we had 10 people in our tour and they were told only 6 so he wasn’t prepared with enough hot chocolate or parkas. It may also be the reason he didn’t offer snacks or water to anyone and tried to get more people to drink coffee at 9 pm! I was also disappointed that we didn’t go to the Kona coffee farm as advertised in the itinerary and confirmed when they called. You also have to select your meal prior to arrival or seeing the options which is undesirable. Finally, when they called to confirm they told me not to bring anything - no water, jacket, hiking boots etc since all would be provided and tennis shoes were enough. First off, I came prepared with everything in my luggage but since they said not to bring a big bag or too many items we were underprepared. My son was freezing because the parkas are huge and they were passed out but left for people to get when they were freezing. Our tennis were covered in dirt and sand because we stopped at a beach and walked the sand. I would have to be informed in advance that we’re going to a beach and not the coffee farm and to have proper attire. The stargazing was nice and we saw a lot of stars and constellations but it was not pleasant because of the lack of preparation. I do not recommend this tour. If you book, don’t listen to their advice and come prepared with attire, water and snacks on top of the exorbitant price you pay. Or you could ask to go with the tour that matches the advertisement but I tried that already. Heed the warning. I didn’t and while we don’t regret it we regret the company.