All Reviews for Top Big Island Sights & Attractions

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 able to see a lot of fish, and it was a wonderful experience. My son really remembers how delicious the chips we had on the boat were, to the point that he wanted seconds.

Just as we were returning to the port, there was a tsunami due to an earthquake in the Kamchatka Peninsula, which made us a bit anxious, but they safely returned us without any issues. I feel like I want to participate again.

魚もたくさん見られて、とても良い体験をせて頂きました。
息子は、船上で頂いたチップスが美味しくてお代わりしてしまうほどだったことがすごく記憶に残っているようです。

丁度港に帰る頃にカムチャッカ半島の地震の影響で津波が来たタイミングで、多少慌てましたが、問題なく送り返して頂きました。
また参加したいと感じています。

The horses were beautiful and cute, and the female guide was very friendly, speaking slowly and kindly, which made it a lot of fun. I participated again this year, just like last year. It was truly enjoyable, just like before. There were also flush toilets, and they had a good selection of rental items like windbreakers, which was helpful. Additionally, the pet dogs and cats were unbelievably friendly, and they brought me a lot of comfort.

馬も綺麗で可愛くガイドの女性も非常にフレンドリーでゆっくり丁寧に話してくれて、とても楽しかったので、昨年に続き参加しました。前回同様本当に楽しかったです。水洗トイレもあり、ウインドブレーカーなど貸し出し用グッツもそろっていて助かりました。またペットの犬猫達も信じられない位人懐っこい性格で、彼らにも癒されました。

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.

The air at 4,207 meters was very clear and delicious, and I was able to see a beautiful sunset! A little lower down, I was able to observe the starry sky, and I saw shooting stars and satellites. The cocoa provided was also very tasty, and this was an activity that is hard to experience in Japan, including the environment! The guide was a local person who explained things in both Japanese and English, so I was able to enjoy the tour without any difficulties.

4,207メートルの空気はとても澄んでいておいしく、綺麗な夕日を見ることができました！少し降りたところで星空も観測でき、流れ星や人工衛星を見ることができました。支給されたココアも非常においしく環境も含めてなかなか日本では体験できないアクティビティでした！ガイドさんも現地の方でしたが日本語も交えて説明してくださり何不自由なくツアーを過ごせました。

The summit was very clear, and both the sunset and the starry sky were beautiful, which made me very satisfied. Since it was a crescent moon, it was 70% visible, so I could see it well, but with a full moon, the moonlight makes it harder to see the stars, so it might be good to check the moon's condition. There were eight Japanese participants, so we had a guide who spoke Japanese, which made it stress-free and very enjoyable.

山頂はとても澄んでいてサンセットも星空もとてもきれいで、とても満足しました。三日月だったので70%の見え方だったのでよく見られましたが、満月だと月の光で星はみえにくくなるので、月の状態を確認するのもいいのかも。日本人が8人参加したので、日本語ができるガイドさんで、ストレスがなくとてもよかったです。

Such an amazing experience! Pictures don’t do justice of being up so high above the clouds. The sunset was gorgeous, the sandwich was good, the stars were incredible!

Shoyo was very kind and took great pictures!

I was moved to discover such a beautiful place on Earth. I'm glad I decided to participate.

I had always wanted to climb Mauna Kea, but since it's a difficult place to reach on my own, I joined a tour.

The breathtaking views at Mauna Kea are beyond words, enveloped in a quiet atmosphere that made time feel like it was stretching on, creating a sense of immersion.

The transformation from the blue sky in the afternoon to the sunset and then to the starry sky was magical, and it was so beautiful that it took my breath away.

The tour was conducted in English, but our tour guide, Shoyou, also provided explanations in Japanese, which made it easy to understand.

The light snack sandwiches were served near the summit rather than at the visitor center, and it was delicious to eat while watching the sunset!

The most enjoyable part was the stargazing. With the telescope provided, I was able to see the beautiful moon and stars, and the guide carefully explained how to identify the constellations and their origins, making for a very meaningful and fun experience.

I truly recommend this to anyone who is considering participating! Thank you very much.

地球上にこんな美しい場所があるのかと感動しました。思い切って参加して良かったです。

もともとマウナケアに登ってみたいと思っていましたが、自力で行くのは難しい場所のためツアーに参加しました。

マウナケアは言葉で表現できないくらい美しい絶景を見ることができ、静かな空気に包まれていて時が経つのが長く感じられ、没入感がありました。

午後の青空からサンセット、そして星空へと表情を変えていく様子は幻想的で、ため息が出るほど美しかったです。

ツアーは英語での催行ですが、ツアーガイドのしょうようさんが別途日本語でもご案内をしてくださったので、分かりやすかったです。

あと軽食のサンドイッチは、ビジターセンターではなく山頂付近で提供いただきましたが、夕陽を見ながら食べられて美味しかったです！

特に楽しかったのは天体観測です。ご用意頂いていた望遠鏡で、美しい月や星を見ることができたり、満点の星空に浮かぶ星座の見方や由来を丁寧に説明してくれたりと、とても有意義で楽しい体験ができました。

参加を迷われている方にも本当におすすめします！
ありがとうございました。

Great experience! Like snorkeling without getting wet. They took us over beautiful reefs with lots of fish. It was fun! The guides were great!

We participated as a family of four. The other three members were beginners at horseback riding, but the staff was very attentive, and above all, the horses are smart, which made us feel at ease. The trail for the outdoor ride offers beautiful scenery with views of the sea, forests, hills, and rivers. They also take photos at a stunning viewpoint with the sea in the background, so even if you don't have the time to take pictures yourself, you can relax. During the ride, they provide explanations about the plants and animals. Although it's not a Japanese tour, if you can manage everyday conversation in English, you'll be able to enjoy the conversation fully.

家族4人で参加しました。私以外の3人は乗馬初心者でしたが、スタッフが気配りしてくれるのと、何よりお馬さんが利口なので安心です。外乗するコースは海、林、丘、川辺と景色が豊かで楽しめます。海をバックにした絶景ポイントで写真も撮ってくれるので、自分では写真を撮れる余裕のない方でも安心してください。外乗中は植物や動物についても解説してくれます。日本語ツアーではありませんが、日常会話程度の英語ができる方ならば十分に会話も楽しめます。

A few years ago, I participated and had such a great time that this time I joined with my son and his girlfriend, making it a family of four. Last time it was in April, so the sea was cold and I felt chilly, but this time we were well-prepared for the cold (in July). Once again, many manta rays turned right in front of us, and I almost shouted with excitement. We’re not supposed to touch them, but the other three were so close that they ended up being touched by the manta rays. You can even see inside the manta's mouth. There’s also an explanation about manta ray ecology, which makes you feel like you understand the manta rays in front of you even better. Time really flew by, and it was a tour where I didn’t want to get out of the water. This is definitely something you should participate in.

数年前に参加して、とても楽しかったので、今度は初めて訪れる息子と彼女を伴って家族4人で参加しました。前回は4月だったため海が冷たく体が冷えたのですが、今回は防寒対策もバッチリした上で参加（7月）。今回もたくさんのマンタが目の前でターンしてくれて、声をあげそうになりました。タッチしてはいけないのですが、あまりに近すぎて、私以外の三人はマンタに触られたそうです。マンタの口の中まで見えます。マンタの生態についても説明があるので、目の前のマンタをより理解した気分になります。本当にあっという間に時間がたってしまい、海から上がりたくないと思うツアーです。これは、絶対に参加した方がいいです。

Participating as a family of four was truly a courageous choice, especially considering the impact of the exchange rate, but I'm so glad we decided to go for it! It was my first time on a helicopter, and thanks to the thoughtful care of the staff and pilot, I was able to enjoy it without any worries. I wanted to see the Kilauea volcano erupting magma, and I was able to capture that on video to show my elderly mother who was waiting back in Japan. Additionally, we chose a tour that included a stop at a waterfall, and that turned out to be a fantastic decision! It allowed us to truly experience the lush nature of the Big Island. The view of the mountains and valleys from the sea, the green landscape, the blue coral reef waters, and the brown-black of the volcano and lava were all so vibrant and unforgettable. Plus, we were greeted by a cute dog! I wholeheartedly recommend this tour.

為替レートの影響もあり、家族4人で参加するのは本当に勇気がいる選択でしたが、思い切って参加してよかったです！人生初のヘリコプターも、スタッフとパイロットの細やかな心遣いで心配せず、心から楽しむことができました。キラウェア火山がマグマを噴き上げている様子を見たくて参加したのですが、その動画も撮って、日本で待っていた年老いた母にも見せることができました。また、せっかくならば･･･と滝に寄るツアーにしたのですが、これが大正解！自然豊かなハワイ島を感じる内容となりました。海から見る山や谷の緑とサンゴ礁の海の青、火山や溶岩の茶黒。カラフルで自然の姿をしっかりと目に焼き付けることができました。そして、アイドル犬が出迎えてくれます。とってもキュートですよ。心からお薦めのツアーです。

Some comments mentioned that the food was not great, but all four of us were very satisfied. It's a buffet style where you can pick what you like, and since we had premium seats, we were able to get our food early while it was still available. The staff at our table frequently came to take drink orders. The show was enjoyable from start to finish. There were luaus, hula performances, and Hawaiian songs, allowing us to fully experience Hawaii. Although the exchange rate is poor right now, making it feel expensive, it was still a great way to create family memories.

食事が今一つというコメントもありましたが、我々4人は全員大満足してました。ブッフェスタイルで好きなものを取りにいきますが、プレミアムシートだったので、早めに空いている中で取りにいけました。飲み物はテーブル担当スタッフがこまめにオーダーを取りにきてくれます。ショーは、初めから最後まで楽しむことができます。ルアウもあればフラやハワイアンソングもあり、ハワイをたっぷり感じることができます。今は為替レートが悪いので高額に思いましたが、それでも、家族旅行の思い出作りにはよかったです。

30 years ago i swam with the dolphins and remember it well. our morning at dolphin quest was just as delightful! the staff was amazing and our three girl dolphins were an absolute delight. learning about these magnificent creatures and then actually interacting with them made this a five star experience.

It's worth a visit.
They provided warm clothing, light snacks, and cocoa, and the guide actively encouraged us to take photos.
Additionally, the guide had extensive knowledge about the observatory and the night sky, and the explanations were very thorough, deepening our understanding.

行ってみる価値があります。
防寒着、軽食、ココア、も付いており、ガイドの方も積極的に写真撮影の声掛けをしてくださいました。
また、天文台と星空の知識が豊富でとても丁寧な説明で知識が深まりました。

I was moved!
The guide was bright, knowledgeable, and reliable, the scenery was wonderful, and the night sky was covered with unbelievable stars.
The sandwich at the summit and the cocoa under the starry sky were all so enjoyable.

感動した！
明るくて物知りで頼りになるガイドさん、素晴らしい景色、信じられないくらいの星に覆われた夜空。
山頂のサンドイッチも、星空の下のココアも、なにもかもが楽しかった。

It's a tour without a Japanese guide, but you can enjoy it without any problems.

First, there is a lecture about horseback riding. Then, each child gets to ride a horse, and they are very gentle, so my son had no issues riding.

We lined up and went through the grasslands, moving into the woods. Along the way, there were horses grazing, which was very cute.

After passing through the woods, we took a break at the waterfall basin. You can wear your swimsuit in advance and swim in the river or ride a paddle boat. We had about 30 minutes, so we were able to enjoy it at a leisurely pace.

After the break, we returned the way we came, and the tour ended. The entire experience was in English, and I didn't understand most of the explanations along the way, but the experience itself was very good!

日本語ガイドが居ないツアーですが、問題無く楽しめます。

最初に乗馬についてのレクチャーがあります。続いて子供も1人一頭馬に乗りますが、とても大人しいので息子も問題無く乗っていました。

一列に並んで草原を抜け、林へと進みます。途中草を喰む馬も居てとても可愛かったです。

林を抜けて滝つぼの所で休憩。予め水着を着ておいて川で泳いだりパドルボートに乗ることが出来ます。30分ほど時間があるのでゆっくり楽しめました。

休憩後、来た道を戻ってツアーは終了です。
全編英語で途中の解説はほぼ分かりませんでしたが、体験自体がとても良かったです！

I participated with my spouse and our 10-year-old son. The staff were cheerful and kind, and the Japanese staff member, Tamae, provided thorough explanations in advance. The descriptions from Trevor, Diego, and Scott on the way to the point were enjoyable, and we arrived at the point in no time.

Once we reached the point and entered the water, we immediately encountered manta rays. In fact, we saw three large manta rays! Watching the manta rays gracefully swim through the darkness was mystical and incredibly moving.

Although we are not allowed to touch them (as the bacteria from humans can cause illness in manta rays), they came so close that we could almost touch them. Being able to see manta rays up close was truly a rare experience.

After getting back on the boat and during our return to the port, we enjoyed hot cocoa and snacks, and the cocoa was delicious and warmed up our chilled bodies.

As we were leaving, a Japanese staff member gave me a sticker, saying, "I had fun today too." I also had a great time, and I really appreciated how much they cared about my wife, who got seasick. It became a wonderful memory. I heard that there's a 20% discount for the next visit, so I definitely want to come back!

夫婦と10歳の息子と参加しました。スタッフの方は明るく親切で、日本人スタッフのタマエさんも事前に丁寧に説明してくれます。
ポイントに着くまでのTrevor,Diego,Scottさん達の説明も楽しく、あっという間にポイントに到着しました。
ポイントに着いて海に入ったらすぐにマンタに会えました。しかも大きなマンタが3枚も！
暗闇の中を優雅に泳ぐマンタは神秘的でとても感動しました。
マンタには触ってはいけないのですが(人間の持っているバクテリアがマンタの体に付くと病気になってしまう可能性があるため)、触れそうなくらい近くまで来てくれて、こんなに近くでマンタを見れたのは本当に貴重な経験でした。
ボートに上がってから港に帰るまでの間にホットココアとスナックをいただき、ココアは冷えた体を温めてくれてとても美味しかったです。
帰り際に、日本人スタッフの方から「私も今日は楽しかったから」とステッカーを頂きました。こちらこそとても楽しかったですし、船酔いした妻のこともとても気にかけていただいたので、本当によい思い出になりました。次は20%オフとのことなので、ぜひまた来たいです。

Forest was a superb guide to this stunningly beautiful and magical valley -he was fun and so knowledgeable. The whole family loved the experience, with our girls wanting to return again the next day. We highly recommend!

Mantas came close to me multiple times, and I was extremely excited. They swam so close that it was almost surprising we didn't bump into each other.

マンタが何度も何枚も近づいてきてくれて大興奮でした。
ぶつからないのが不思議なくらいの距離まで何度も泳いでくれます。

The staff were welcoming, informative and helpful. The boat ride was enjoyable. The location where we snorkeled was underwhelming. We did see tiny, colorful fish, and some corals, but nothing else of note.

Forrest was an excellent guide, full of personal insight into the region as well as its history. He shared with us his experience in the valley, told us about the things and places we were viewing, and explained the challenges the region has and still does face. We loved the views, the animals, and the friendly greetings from the locals.

Thanks to the knowledge of professional photographers regarding great shooting spots and techniques to prevent altitude sickness, I had a wonderful experience. The Japanese conversations in the car were entertaining, making the travel time fly by!

プロだからこそわかる撮影スポットや高山病を防ぐテクニックのおかげで素敵な体験ができました👐
車内の日本語トークが面白く、移動中もあっという間に過ぎてしまいました笑

We had a great morning kayak trip and Olivia was wonderful!! We loved her stories about the history of the area and learning more about Hawaii in general. Thanks especially for your breakfast tip on the Coffee Shack, what an awesome spot! It all made for a perfect morning, thank you Olivia!!

The tour included a visit to the Onizuka Visitor Center, sunset viewing at the summit, a tour of various observatories from around the world, stargazing at the best spots, and sandwiches. At the summit, a sea of clouds spread out, and the sunset behind the observatory painted the clouds in shades of crimson, which was incredibly beautiful. The countless stars filling the sky were a sight that could only be seen by coming this far, and it was truly moving. Additionally, our guide, Mr. Shoyou, was Japanese, so his explanations about the night sky were easy to understand, and he was supportive in every aspect. The rental of warm clothing was also very helpful.

オニヅカビジターセンターの見学、頂上でのサンセット鑑賞、各国の天文台の見学、ベストスポットでの星空観察とサンドイッチ付きと全て揃ったツアーでした。
頂上は雲海が広がり、天文台をバッグに沈む夕陽は雲を茜色に染まりとても美しかったです。今にも降り注いでくるかと思うほど空一面に広がった星の数々はここまで来ないと見られない光景で感動しました。また、ガイドのショウヨウさんは、日本人の方なので、星空の説明も分かりやすく、全ての面において心強かったです。防寒着のレンタルも助かりました。

We’ve been with family. Children 12 and 10 years old. All of us were so excited and totally happy with this experience!

We had an amazing time on the water kayaking, exploring caves, and snorkeling! Our guide Ryan was super helpful, patient, and very knowledgeable.

This cruise was outstanding! The crew was polite and attentive. The dinner was excellent! There was live music as well as someone giving us a little history of the island in between songs. I would definitely recommend this to anyone. We also were lucky enough to see the spinner dolphins put on a little chauffeur for us. We saw flying fish. Overall, it was an excellent experience!

This was by far the most memorable thing our family did on the Big Island, it’s got to be one of the most amazing things we’ve ever done together. Stop reading this review and go book your trip now. You won’t regret it.

Unfortunately, due to the weather, I couldn't see the sunset from the mountaintop, but I was able to see it a little lower down. The starry sky, of course, has a number of stars that can't be compared to those in Japan, but it wasn't different from the night sky visible from the hotel where I stayed. However, thanks to our guide, Shoyou, who diligently searched for spots to view the sunset and stars and provided detailed explanations, I was able to participate enjoyably.

あいにくのお天気で、夕陽は山頂から見れず、少し下ったところで見ることができました。
星空も、もちろん日本とは比にならない星の数ですが、宿泊先のホテルから見える夜空と変わりませんでした。
でも夕陽や星空の見えるところを一生懸命探して、詳しい説明もしてくださるガイドのショウヨウさんのおかげで、楽しく参加させていただけました。