All Reviews for Top Big Island Sights & Attractions

The boat was incredibly fast, bouncing around fiercely, and it was a lot of fun! The kids were scared at first, but it seems they gradually started to enjoy it. Thank you!

ボートはすごいスピードで、バウンドも、激しく、楽しかったです！
子供たちも最初は怖かってましたが、だんだん楽しくなってきたみたいです。
ありがとうございます。

I rode a horse for an hour and a half in the great outdoors of Waipi'o Valley. I truly enjoyed it. However, I believe that a certain level of intermediate English proficiency is absolutely necessary for this tour, as you need to understand natural-speed English and be able to express yourself clearly in English.

I arrived at the meeting place 30 minutes early and wasn't sure where the check-in area was, so I asked in English if check-in was necessary, but the answer was NO. Just before the time, I asked another Japanese tour participant, who told me that the check-in was done at the back, so I hurried to complete the process. Then, I was scolded for being too slow in English.

Up until a certain point after the tour started, everything was going well and I was having fun, but my wife's horse got startled and began to act up after bumping into the horse behind it, causing a rodeo-like situation, and my wife was almost in tears. Even then, she was reprimanded for her riding style.

I think it's a tour that potential participants should consider the risk that even an amateur riding normally could lead to a horse acting up. While I was very satisfied with the content of the tour, my wife felt very scared and uncomfortable. I wish she could have expressed in English that it wasn't her fault when the horse started acting up...

If nothing happens, you can enjoy it by following along, but I want everyone to be aware of the risks mentioned. The only time we received a smile was when they were accepting tips...

ワイピオ渓谷の大自然の中を馬に乗って、１時間半。本当に堪能させてもらいました。
が、このツアーはナチュラルスピードの英語が聞き取れ、しっかりと英語で意思表示できるくらいの中級英語力は絶対必要なツアーだと思いました。
30分前に集合場所に到着し、受付場所がよくわからないのでチェックインは必要なのか？頑張って英語で聞いたところ、NO。時間ギリギリで別の日本人ツアー参加者に聞いたところ、奥で手続しましたと言われ慌てて手続き。すると、英語であまりにも遅いとケンカ腰でまくしたてられました。
ツアーが始まってから途中までは何事もなく、楽しく過ごしていたのですが、妻の馬が後ろの馬にぶつかられて驚き暴れだしてロデオ状態になり、妻は半泣き状態になりましたが、ここでも妻の乗り方が悪いと叱責する始末。
素人が普通に乗って馬が暴れるようなリスクが一定の可能性であることも、頭に入れて申込みを検討された方がいいと思うツアーです。
ツアーの内容自体は大満足でしたが、妻はとても怖く、不快な思いをしました。せめて馬が暴れだしたのは自分のせいじゃないとしっかり英語で話せたらとも…
何もなければ、見よう見まねで楽しめますが、記載したリスクがあることは皆さんにお伝えしたいと思います。チップを受け取るときだけでしたよ、我々に笑顔だったのは…

It was the most wonderful sunset and starry sky I have ever seen. I was very moved. It became the best memory of this trip.

今までにみたことながないくらい素晴らしいサンセット＆星空でした。とても感動しました。今回の旅行の一番の思い出になりました。

I participated in the Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Reflecting Telescope by Masashi Nature School. The tour had only Japanese participants, totaling nine people, and we traveled in a box car. Our tour guide was a Japanese man named Jin, who graduated from the University of Hawaii and conducted research on volcanoes locally. He shared interesting stories about Hawaii's volcanoes, flora and fauna, and daily life during the drive, so we were never bored in the car.

First, we stopped at a spot with a 360-degree view of the lava landscape for a commemorative photo. The guide actively took pictures for everyone with their cameras, which was very helpful. Next, we had a bento lunch at a relay point at the observatory. I had imagined it would be something simpler, but it was a substantial bento that even included miso soup. After eating, we were provided with warm clothing (thick coveralls, gloves, and knit hats) and headed to the summit. I hadn’t brought much warm clothing to hot Hawaii, but honestly, the provided gear was sufficient, and I was fine with just long-sleeved underwear. I was also concerned about altitude sickness, but thanks to the guide's advice on breathing techniques and care, I had no issues. The sunset and stargazing afterward were incredibly beautiful, and the guide's explanations were easy to understand. I’m really glad I participated, so I highly recommend it!

マウナケア山頂 サンセット＆星空観測ツアー＜反射望遠鏡＞ by マサシネイチャースクールに参加しました。ツアー参加者は日本人ばかりで全員で9名の参加で、１BOXカーで移動しました。ツアーガイドはハワイ大学を出られて現地で火山の研究をされていたJINさんという日本人の方で移動中もハワイの火山の話から動植物の話、日常のお話など面白おかしく話していただいて移動中の車の中でも全く退屈することはありませんでした。初めに360度溶岩の風景の箇所に下りて記念撮影。ガイドさんが積極的に皆のカメラで写真と取っていただいたのも助かりました。続いて、天体観測所の中継地点にてお弁当で腹ごしらえ。もっと簡素なものかと想像していましたがしっかりとしたお弁当で、お味噌汁もついていました。食後は防寒着（厚手のつなぎ、手袋、ニット帽）を貸していただきいざ山頂へ。暑いハワイであまり防寒着を持ってきていなかったですが、正直用意されているものだけで、後は長袖の下着のみでOKですので、長ズボン、ジャケットなどはなくても私は大丈夫でした。高山病の心配もしていましたがガイドさんからの呼吸法などのアドバイスや気遣いもあり問題ありませんでした。その後の日没、星空もとてもきれいでまたガイドさんの説明もわかりやすくて参加して本当に良かったですので、是非おススメです！！

The guides were lovely and we saw dolphins! It could not have been more fun. We went as a family with my 60-year old parents and my 7-year old son. All had fun. There was snorkeling in a lovely cove, along with cliff diving and fresh pineapple. The only thing I wished I'd known was that we don't actually take the boats on shore for picnic time. My mom wasn't wanting to swim so ended up hanging out in the kayak. She still had fun watching the dolphins and cliff diving, though. I highly recommend the experience.

Relaxing, simple but enough to know about the island and the driver was very courteous, informative.

My family visits the Hawaiian islands every summer and we've been on many tours. This particular event was very personalized and was one of the best we've been on over the years. The guide was very personable, he took us off track when dolphins showed up so we could snorkel near them. It was clear the guide was thoroughly enjoying himself, which made the trip enjoyable for all who were there. The guide even gave up his own shoes to a person who didn't bring a pair. Highly recommend this trip!

I signed up for the helicopter tour because I wanted to take in the expansive views of the Big Island and see the flowing lava.

During my visit, the lava was at a lower flow rate, so I couldn't see much of it flowing, but I was able to witness the red masses burning through the trees.

Additionally, I could view areas that are difficult to reach by car, such as Hilo and the northern mountainous regions and waterfalls, from the air.

Although it is expensive, it was a satisfying sightseeing flight.

ハワイ島は広いので、空からぐるっと眺めたいのと、流れている溶岩が見たくて申し込みました。

溶岩は丁度少な目の時期でしたので、そこまで流れている感じは見ることができませんでしたが
赤い塊が木々を燃やしている様子は見ることができました。

また、ヒロ方面や北部の山岳地帯・滝など
車では行きにくい方も空から眺めることができました。

高額ではありますが、満足できる遊覧飛行でした。

I had a wonderful horseback riding experience with a refreshing view overlooking the coastline of Kohala Coast. I'm not very good at English, but the explanations were slow and clear, so I understood well.

コハラコーストの海岸線まで見渡せる爽快な景色の中で楽しい乗馬体験記満喫出来ました。私はそれ程英語は得意でないですが、ゆっくり丁寧に説明して頂けるので良く分かりました。

I participated in a tour on the day of the new moon! After reading reviews of various tour companies, I chose this highly-rated tour. It lived up to the expectations set by the reviews, and I am very satisfied.

Since it was a new moon, the Milky Way was clearly visible without any moonlight, and I was able to see shooting stars, which was a very precious experience. My friends, who only speak English, were well taken care of, and I felt the kindness and hospitality of the guides.

The free photo download service was also a wonderful perk! Thank you to our guides, JIN and Macchan!

新月の日にツアーに参加しました！色々なツアー会社さんのレビューを読み、一番評価の高かった当ツアーを利用させていただきました。レビュー通りの期待を裏切らないツアーで、とても満足です。
新月という事で、月の光が全くない中天の川もはっきり、流れ星も見る事が出来、とても貴重な体験を出来ました。一緒に行った友人がみんな英語しか話せない人たちという事で、友人に気配りもしてくださり、とても親切でホスピタリティ精神に溢れているなぁと思いました。
写真の無料ダウンロードサービスもとっても嬉しい特典です！
ガイドのJINさん、まっちゃん、ありがとうございました！

Kevin and Noni at King Kayak did a fabulous job of getting us out on the water. We had a group of four, ranging from 10 to 80 years old, and they kept the trip interesting, and low-impact. We got to see some spinner dolpins, enter a sea cave, snorkel in a pristine location, and jump off of cliffs into the crystal-blue waters of the bay. They took photos of us free of charge. It was a great adventure for all!

It seems I misunderstood the content when I made the reservation. I thought I would have a longer time with the dolphins, but that wasn't the case. First, we went snorkeling in the lagoon at the hotel, and then we did the Dolphin Quest. Given the price, I kind of regret not just opting for the Dolphin Quest. The snorkeling itself wasn't boring, but the price is definitely an issue. My child didn't understand English, so they had trouble following the guide's instructions. The guide also didn't seem very cheerful, so it might be a matter of luck with the staff.

ちょっと内容を勘違いして申し込んでいたようです。いるかと一緒にいられる時間が長いのかと思っていましたがそうではなく、まずホテル内のラグーンでシュノーケリングをして、その後がドルフィンクエストでした。この値段ならドルフィンクエストだけのものにすればよかったかなとちょっと後悔。シュノーケリング自体はつまらないわけではありませんでしたが、やっぱりお値段が問題ですね。こどもは英語がわからないのでガイドさんの指示がわからず困っていました。ガイドさんもあまり楽しい感じの人ではなかったので、当たり外れの問題もあるのかもしれません。

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.

It was an incredibly exciting tour. It was my first time riding in a helicopter, and without a door, no less! The entire tour was in English, but I made sure not to miss the important security information, and with my heart racing, I got to sit right next to the pilot. Everything was perfectly necessary, and I was able to see the flowing lava, the rushing underground streams, and even enjoy a view of a rainbow from above after the rain. It was the best flight ever. I would love to ride again if I have the chance.

とにかくエキサイティングなツアーでした。
ヘリに乗ったのも初めて。しかも扉無しなんて(^^) 全て英語のツアーでしたが、大切なセキュリティのところだけは聞き逃さずに、ドキドキしながらもパイロットのすぐ隣に乗せてもらいました。
全てが必要必然ベストで、溶岩が流れる様も、また地中を勢いよく流れていく様も、また雨上がりに虹を上から眺めることもでき、最高のフライトでした。
また機会があれば乗りたいです。

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！

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。

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。

It takes about an hour and a half by car from Kailua-Kona to the meeting point, and I arrived without getting lost thanks to the map. We took the shop's van down the steep slopes of Waipi'o Valley to reach the starting point for horseback riding. Along the course, we crossed rivers, saw several waterfalls, and observed wild plants and fruits growing along the side paths. The horses were calm, and I never felt in danger as we enjoyed a fun hour and a half. This is a highly recommended tour that takes you to places that are not easily accessible on foot.

カイルアコナから集合場所まで車で約1時間半、地図を頼りに迷うことなく到着。お店のバンでワイピオ渓谷の急坂を下り乗馬のスタート地点に到着。コースの途中では川を渡ったり、幾つかの滝を見たり、脇道に自生する植物や果物を見たりしながら進みます。馬も大人しく、危険を感じることもなくあっという間に楽しい1時間半ほどが過ぎてします。歩いては簡単に行けないところへ行けるお勧めのツアーです。

My entire family had a blast zip lining through the tree canopies! Chris and Cassie were our guides and they were hospitable, informative and patient. It was our first time zip lining in such an environment-hundreds of feet in the air and we felt completely comfortable and confident in their hands. They provided us with water and snacks midway and at the conclusion of our adventure, including freshly picked bananas! They shared knowledge about the vegetation and geographical landmarks, as well as, insight into local eateries! Not only did we enjoy the various zip lines, but there were also suspension bridges and a final rappel to the ground. You also get to ride in a really cool armory jeep of some sort as you travel to and from the excursion. It surpassed our expectations and we were so glad to have chosen that adventure during our travels on The Big Island.

Talented and great looking actors, musicians and hostess. The food was high quality. The only thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars is the Mai Tais. They were mainly juice, super sweet and head-ache inducing. The bar closed much earlier than dinner ended, so I couldn't take advantage of the open bar. Another thing that didn't seem fair is that teenagers paid the same as adults. And of course they weren't drinking...

The horses were really well trained, no skill was required to ride them. We had a couple of chances to canter, but due to the different skill levels of the riders, we only cantered for only a couple of minutes total. One lady lost her cellphone during the canter and we all had to stop while the guides looked for it in the tall grass. They weren't able to find it and we lost some time and further opportunities to canter. The views from our trail were amazing, and it was a great way to spend a morning. If we could've split up according to skill level so who wanted to go faster could, as there were 3 guides to about 6-8 riders, then I would've given it 5 stars.

The nature walk was just perfect. We were transported to the forest by a great big open truck with 6 wheels. It was to full capacity with 11 people on board plus our guide and driver, Noi. She was super experienced driving the truck (which didn't seem easy) and very knowledgeable about all that was around us in the forest. She went out of her way to make sure we all had captured the right pictures. The waterfall was super pretty and refreshing to swim in. The views were fantastic and the time went by super quickly.
I would definitely recommend this adventure to everyone who can easily walk for an hour or so straight.

This was one of the top highlights of our trip. The van ride into and out of the valley is an adventure all of it's own. The guides were just awesome. The family of one had lived in the valley for generations and he was very knowledgeable about the area. The other one was just a riot. The horses also had more spunk than your average trail horse, too. Some of them had been wild horses not too long ago. I don't know if these guys do a longer ride, but I would definitely sign up for it if they did.

We thoroughly enjoyed the show. Even a little rain just added to the entertainment. Good buffet with plenty to choose from with foods both familiar and local. Nice atmosphere on the lawn by the ocean. Fire dancer was pretty awesome. Great view of the sunset. We would do this again.

It was a great tour with a great guide. He loves his job, he know a lot of things on Hawaiian culture. It's a deluxe tour with a lot of attention! We will never forget that tour!

This is my fourth time on board. At some point, it has become a promise between my husband and me that "when we come to the Big Island, we will participate in the Fair Wind activities." As always, I'm excited to visit the beautiful bay and scenery. Actually, I tend to get seasick, so I usually struggle with boats. However, the Fair Wind catamaran has minimal rocking, which allows someone like me to feel safe while on board. I've been on it four times and have enjoyed myself without getting seasick even once. Watching the fish is fun, but sliding down the slide attached to the boat while shouting "Yay!" and "Wow!" truly brings me back to my childhood and is the best time ever. It's also nice that lunch is prepared at just the right time. The crew members are all friendly and amazing. I definitely want to go again next time.

４回目の乗船。いつの頃からか「ハワイ島に来たら、フェアウィンド号のアクティビティーに参加する。」というのは、私達夫婦の御約束事みたいになってしまいました。風景と美しい湾に行くのは、いつもの事ながらわくわくします。実は、私は船酔いするため船は、苦手中の苦手なのです。しかし、双胴船のフェアウィンドは揺れが少ないことから、こんな私でも安心して乗船できます。４回乗船しましたが、１度も船酔いすることなく楽しむことができました。お魚を見るのも楽しいですが、船についている滑り台を「きゃー」とか「わー」とか叫びながら滑り落ちるのは、まさに童心に戻って最高の時間です。調度よい時間に昼食が準備されるのも良いですよね。
クルーのスタッフは、みんなフレンドリーで最高です。また次回も是非行きたいと思っています。

A fantastic adventure! We rowed down the coast--explored and rolled into a couple of caves. Snorkeling and cliff jumping into clear waters--everything we could ask for. Our guide-(Kayla)-sorry--I know that's wrong---was great. Good instructions on kayaking basics---knowledgable about the area---she knew her stuff. My wife and I--both 50-ish--were blown away. We would highly recommend this trip and this company. Thanks for a great day!

Great comfortable boat. Friendly service. Fantastic food.Highly recommend this dinner cruise

Due to traffic (not indicated by Google Maps) we were running late. I called the boat office and they would not hold the boat for me for 7 minutes, as that is all we needed after the traffic picked up to get to the pier. Extremely disappointed! It was our last night in Hawaii so we couldn't make it up. $450 in the air. Hopefully Veltra will understand and issue a refund.

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！