All Reviews for Top Big Island Sights & Attractions

That was my first surfing lesson and I had a great time! The coaches were very nice, helpful and tried hard to choose the best waves for us to go on. We were registered to come in the early morning but they called and told us that there was no wind at the time and no good waves for surfing. Instead they suggested to come a bit later. We arrived later in the day when waves were pretty good. The place is really well suited for starters. I really enjoyed the experience and had a wonderful time surfing! I really recommend this surfing lesson because it was beyond my expectation.
My father asked for advanced board and they easily accommodated his request and helped him to advance to the level of driving such a board.

On November 22, 2014, I participated in a manta night snorkeling tour. I was able to see many mantas (probably around 10), and the sight of them swimming gracefully in the night sea was breathtaking and very moving. I have some diving experience, but I rarely get to see mantas, and when I do, it's usually just a glimpse from afar. Therefore, I think the combination of the ease of snorkeling and the impressive conditions here is quite rare.

However, there were about 13 participants in total, including the three of us and about 10 others, most of whom were beginners at snorkeling. Unfortunately, there was no explanation on how to prevent the mask from fogging up, nor was there time to apply anti-fog solution or instructions on how to keep hair out of the mask. Additionally, when it came to viewing the mantas, the guide told us to pose like "Superman," but I think more specific instructions, such as relaxing your entire body and keeping your fins at the surface of the water, were necessary. In fact, one person kept their legs bent the whole time, which meant that the mantas only circled around us about twice. Meanwhile, they were constantly circling near others...

There should have been enough time to provide those explanations before we reached the snorkeling point, but the guide's comments, like "I hope we see lots of mantas today!" felt more like something you would say to elementary school students. It would have been appreciated if the explanations were delivered in a more mature tone, considering everyone was an adult.

I also think the procedures for changing clothes and taking showers were poorly organized. They decided who would be positioned where on the light board, but we were not informed about our assigned spots, and in the end, we just entered the water and grabbed onto whatever was available.

I believe more time should be spent on preparation beforehand. Since this is a night activity, there is a possibility of accidents occurring. This is a wonderful tour, and I hope they can improve in these areas.

2014年11月22日にマンタ・ナイトシュノーケリングに参加しました。
マンタにはたくさん会えて（多分10匹くらい）夜の海にたくさんのマンタが翻って泳ぐ様は圧巻で、とても感動できました。ダイビングを何度か経験していますが、なかなかマンタには会えないか会えても遠くからちらっと見える程度だったので、シュノーケルという手軽さでここまでの迫力の条件は中々他ではないのではないかと思いました。
ただ、参加者は私達3人と他10名の計13名ぐらいでしたが、他の人は殆どシュノーケルに対して初心者であったにも関わらず、マスクの曇り止めの説明も曇り止めをする時間もなくマスクに髪が入らないようにという説明もありませんでした。また、マンタを見る時の説明としてガイドの人に「スーパーマンのような格好」と教えられましたが、もう少し具体的に全身の力を抜くとかフィンが海面に来るようにするなどの説明が必要ではなかったかと思いました。現に一人、足を曲げたままでずっといる人が居た為、私達のところでマンタは2回ぐらいしか回ってくれませんでした。隣ではずっと回っていたのに・・・。
そういった説明をする時間はポイントに着くまでに十分あったはずですが、ガイドの女性の「マンタちゃんに今日はい～っぱいいるといいね！」といった小学生に説明するような幼稚な話で終わってしまったことが残念です。全員大人なのでもう少しちゃんとした口調での説明をして頂けると有りがたいです。
また、着替えやシャワーの順番等の手順も悪かったと思いますし、光のボードのどの位置に誰が付くかを決めていましたが、私達はどの場所になるか決めてもらえませんでしたし、結局バラバラと海に入って適当なところにつかまっただけでした。
やはりもう少し事前の準備に時間をかけるべきだと思います。
シュノーケリングとはいえ、夜に行うのですし、事故が起こる可能性もあります。折角すばらしいツアーなので、そこのところを是非改善して頂きたいです。

This was my children's first introduction to surfing. I really liked how they could have a private instructor who rode the board with them. My son is 5 and my daughter is 7. She has high functioning autism and struggles with anxiety but she really wanted to give it a try. The instructors were really great with both of our kids. The waves were pretty minimal and we had the option to cancel, but the kids would have been so disappointed so we decided to go anyway. Both kids managed to stand up and my daughter did indeed ride a small wave. The pre-lesson on dry land in the office is really useful, especially since they use visuals which really meets my daughter's learning style. We would love to do this again, and next time mom and dad want to give it a try too.

My wife and I had ziplined once before on Kauai and found it to be an incredible way to see parts of the island you would never get to see otherwise and at a killer perspective. We thought it would be tough to beat our first experience but decided that ziplining over Kolekole waterfalls would be worth a shot; and boy was it! The tour starts with an informative 15 minute drive before embarking on the first zipline. They start you off easy so that you can get a feel for ziplining since it will be a first time experience for many participants. They lines get better and better each run and then the final two lines are nothing short of stunning and worth the price of admission by themselves. The staff and setting were both fantastic and this adventure became one of our most memorable experiences on Hawaii and our best ziplining yet! A must do!

My wife and I did a Zipline in Kauai last year and quickly fell in love with the activity. When we went to the Big Island this year we decided to give it another try and see if it was still as thrilling. You take a 15 minute ride through a farm area on your way to the first zipline and the staff gives you information on the plants in the area; both native and non-native to Hawaii. The opening ziplines they take you on are all about helping you feel comfortable for an activity that most participants haven't experienced before. While hanging from a cable may seem scary to some, we quickly felt safe and confident from the start given the equipment and staff's help. Each zipline is longer and better than the previous one and the last two ziplines are nothing short of sensational and worth the price of admission on their own. For a great experience and an opportunity to see a vantage point of Hawaii and its spectacular waterfalls rarely seen, this series of ziplines is a can't miss!

In November, I went to the Big Island with a female friend. Since it was a bit cheaper, I participated in a night snorkeling and manta ray tour for the first time in my life.

It was a meet-up plan, so I scouted the location the day before, but on the day itself, I almost ended up being very late due to a mistake. The meeting place might be a bit hard to find. I was supposed to turn right at the intersection of Honokohau Harbor, but I passed it. Be careful, as there are similar diving tours and delis in the area.

After gathering, we met with a Japanese female guide and a local male captain. I was nervous about my first night snorkeling, but both of them were kind, so I didn't have to worry. We borrowed wetsuits for free and got ready. There were six Japanese participants and three Americans.

Then we set off for the manta ray tour!

We boarded a large rubber boat and headed towards the manta point for about 20 minutes as the sun set. The sunset was beautiful, and it felt great to speed across the ocean, relieving stress! During the ride, we were hit by strong winds and splashes from the waves (especially from the person in front), and the boat rocked quite a bit, so be cautious.

I was anxious about whether we would really see manta rays and what night snorkeling would be like. However, when we arrived at the point, there were many other tour boats with their lights on. It seems that the lights attract plankton, which in turn attracts the manta rays. There were divers as well, but we wore snorkeling masks and fins, floated on a board with a light, and held onto the railing while looking around with our feet up. If you relax, it doesn't take much energy.

The water was a bit cold, but it felt warmer underwater than outside.

When I submerged my face, it was like entering another world! A paradise of fish! The light illuminated the schools of fish, making them sparkle! I was amazed by the number of fish, but more than that, it was the manta rays! I couldn't believe how many there were! The manta rays swam gracefully right next to us. Watching them feed with their mouths wide open was a sight to behold! I thought, "Wow, are we going to collide?" I was truly moved! It was so exciting!

We didn't have an underwater camera, but those moments should definitely be captured in photos! Seeing so many manta rays up close is something you can only experience in the Big Island. It's not something you see often! I really regret not buying an underwater camera to bring along. I wish I had manta ray photos! I highly recommend bringing one!

After about 30 to 40 minutes in the water, we returned to the boat. The movement of the boat and the waves while watching underwater can make you feel seasick. My friend said she felt a bit unwell. If you're prone to seasickness, it might be a good idea to take some medication beforehand.

On the way back, it gets really cold. Your body is wet, and with the wind, a thick bath towel is essential. It would also be good to have a jacket that can get wet. It’s really cold! But they serve warm cocoa and snacks, which helps warm us up a bit as we return to the port. It was pitch dark around us, but looking up at the sky revealed a stunning starry night! That was also moving! It was a tour that made me want to go again and see it again! Definitely worth seeing!

11月に女友達とハワイ島に行きました。少し安くなっていたので、人生で初めてナイトシュノーケル＆マンタツアーに参加しました。

現地集合プランだったので、前日に下見をしましたが当日結局間違えて危うく大遅刻するはめになりそうでした。
集合場所が少しわかりにくいかもしれません。ホノコハウハーバーの交差点を曲がり、一本目を右折するはずが通り過ぎてしまいました。そうすると、同じようなダイビングツアーやDeliがあるので気をつけてください。

さて、集合した後は女性の日本人ガイドさんと、現地の男性キャプテンと合流。初の夜シュノーケルでドキドキしていましたが、お二人とも優しいので心配することはありませんでした。ウエットスーツを無料で借りて装着。
参加者は日本人6名、アメリカ人3名でした。

いざマンタツアーへ出港！

大きなゴムボートに乗り、夕日が沈む中、マンタポイントまで20分くらい進みます。夕日が沈むのはとてもキレイで、大海原を風を切って走るので気持ち良く、ストレス発散！みたいな感じでした。移動中は、ガンガン風や、波しぶき(特に前の人)を浴びます。しかも波で結構揺れますのでご注意を。

本当にマンタに会えるのか、夜のシュノーケルはどんな感じか不安でした。しかし、ポイントに着くと他のツアー船もいっぱいいて、ライトをつけています。その灯りにプランクトンが集まり、餌を食べにマンタが集まるようになっているそうです。ダイビングの人もいましたが、私達はシュノーケルマスクとフィンを装着し、サーフボードにライトが付いたような板を浮かべ、その周囲の手すりにつかまり、みんなで足を浮かせながら眺めるというものでした。リラックスすれば体力もそんな使うことはありません。
水は少し冷たいですが、外より水の中の方が温かく感じるくらいでした。

ちょっと顔を沈めれば、そこは別世界‼︎魚の楽園です‼︎
魚の群れにライトが当たり、キラキラ光って見えます‼︎
こんなに魚が〜！って思いますが、それよりもやっぱりマンタです‼︎
まさかこんなにいるとは思えないくらいの数がいました‼︎
至近距離をマンタが悠遊と泳いでいます。大口を広げながら餌を食べる姿も必見です‼︎うわーっぶつかっちゃうんじゃないのーって思えるくらい！
本当に感動しました‼︎大興奮です‼︎

私達は水中カメラを持っていなかったのですが、あれは絶対写真におさめるべきです‼︎あんな数のマンタ、至近距離で見れるのは、ハワイ島くらいじゃないでしょうか。なかなか見れるものじゃないと思います!
本当に、何で水中カメラ買って持って行かなかったんだ〜と後悔しています。悔しい〜マンタの写真が欲しかった〜〜〜。
ぜひ、持っていくことをお勧めします！

30.40分くらい入ってみた後は船に戻ります。移動の船の揺れや、水中で波に揺られながらずっと見てるので酔いやすいです。友達も、少し気分が悪くなったと言っていました。酔いやすい方は、酔い止め薬を飲んでおいたほがいいかもしれません。

帰りは、めちゃくちゃ寒いです。身体は濡れてるし、風もあたって厚手のバスタオルは必需品です。濡れてもいい上着もあると、尚良いと思います。本当に寒いです！
でも温かいココアやスナック菓子を出してくれます。それで少し温まりながら港に戻ります。辺りは真っ暗ですが、空を見上げれば満天の星空が見えます‼︎あれにも感動しました‼︎
もう一度行きたい！見たい！と思えるツアーでした‼︎
絶対見る価値あり‼︎

Being in Waipi'o Valley itself was wonderfully refreshing. It would be tough to walk since you have to cross rivers and navigate bumpy paths, but I don't like cars, so it was a fun experience unique to horseback riding. However, since we were moving slowly and following the person in front of us, it was a bit boring that we couldn't go ahead or run.

ワイピオ渓谷にいること自体がすばらしく気持ちよかった。川を渡ったりでこぼこ道を行ったりするので歩くのは大変だろうけど、車は好きではないので乗馬ならではの楽しい経験でした。ただ、前の人にくっついてゆっくりなので、先に行ったり走ったりができないのでその点はちょっとつまらないです。

Since it was our first time in Hawaii with the whole family, we were looking for activities that we could enjoy all day long. My mother found this activity online and wanted us all (five people) to participate. What she liked about it was that the boat looked fun, we could go snorkeling, and we could see caves!

When we arrived on the day of the activity and went to the office to check in, I thought my mother, who doesn't speak English, would have trouble understanding since it was English only. However, there was a guide paper in Japanese, and they spoke slowly and clearly, which made me feel relieved.

Since we didn't wear swimsuits, we were told to change in the restroom as there were no changing rooms, so I recommend wearing your swimsuit from the hotel. There were only eight people in our group, so the boat felt spacious, and perhaps because of the private atmosphere, everyone felt like friends, taking pictures and looking for dolphins, which was a lot of fun.

For snorkeling, there were life jackets and some kind of floatation aids available, so even those who are not good swimmers could enjoy snorkeling safely, and the kids had a great time too.

One disappointing thing was the cave. I found myself wondering, "Is this it?" Since it was labeled as caving, I had high expectations. However, if you think of it as just a fun activity with dolphin watching and snorkeling, it was a worthwhile experience, and we had a meaningful time.

初めて家族全員でのハワイなので一日中遊べるアクティビティーを探していた所、母がこのアクティビティーを希望し全員(5人)で参加させていただきました。
　母がネットで見て気に入った所は、まずボートが楽しそうでシュノーケリングまで出来て洞窟も観られる！でした。

　当日現地に着いて受付を済ませるためオフィスに行くと英語オンリーでの対応だったので英語の話せない母には理解出来ないだろうなぁ～なんて思っていたら日本語のガイドペーパーがあり、ゆっくり分かりやすく話してくれたので安心しました。
　私達は水着を着ていかなかったので現地で着替える際、更衣室は無くトイレで着替えるよう言われたのでホテルから着込んで行く事をおすすめします。
　私達が参加した回は8人しかおらずボートが大きく感じプライベート感覚の為か船上ではみんな友達の様になって写真を撮り合ったりイルカを探したりしてとても楽しかったです。
　シュノーケリングではライフジャケットをはじめ浮き棒？みたいな補助具が積んであるので泳ぎが不得意な人も安心してシュノーケリングが出来て子供たちも一緒に楽しみました。
　一つ残念だった事は洞窟？これが？って思ってしまう所です。cavingと書いてあるから期待してるだけでボートに乗ってイルカ観てシュノーケリングだと思えば楽しいアクティビティーで、有意義な時間を過ごせました。

This was truly the highlight of the trip. Stunning snorkeling, incredible cliff jumps, awesome paddling and we even cruised along with a pod of dolphins for a little bit.

This was truly a unique experience that should be done once. It is kind of creepy being out in the open ocean at night, but that is the exciting part and of course the Manta Rays will not disappoint. After about 25 minutes in the water you've seen enough, but definitely a thrilling 25 minutes.

Seeing the sun set at the top of mauna kea was a once in a lifetime adventure. However dInner wasn't that great - was handed the food to eat at the visitor center -no where to sit and eat and had to balance dinner plate on my lap. This was not what I expected. As well, food was not very good. No drink included. Astronomy lesson after sunset was interesting. Although overall the trip was ok I did not think it was worth the money.

I participated because I wanted to ride in a wide open space, as the riding club was only within a circle. Since the riding styles were different, both the horses and I were a bit confused at first, but we quickly got used to it and started moving. The horses were calm and well-trained, knowing the route, so they responded well to just a little cue. The feeling of galloping across the vast grasslands was the best!

Before starting, regarding the rental coats, it was more of a "feel free to use them if you want" attitude. The weather was nice, and we were wearing jackets, plus the rental coats weren't very clean, so we intended not to borrow one. However, since many people (we were the only Japanese) were borrowing them, I asked, "Should I wear a coat?" and was told, "It's better to wear one because it's cold." Indeed, once we got out to the grasslands, the wind was very strong, and it was the right decision to borrow a coat.

In Japan, there would likely be polite advice given at the beginning... They were very nice people, but I definitely felt the culture of personal responsibility in America.

乗馬クラブではサークルの中だけなので、広いところで乗馬がしたくて参加しました。
乗馬スタイルが違うので、最初は人間も馬も少し戸惑いましたが、すぐに慣れて動きました。
馬は性格もおとなしくよく馴れていて路も知っているので、少しの合図でよく言うことを聞いてくれます。
大草原を駈ける気分は最高でした！
スタート前に貸出のコートについて「使うんだったらどうぞ」という感じでした。
天気も良く私達は上着を着ていたし、貸出コートもあまりきれいではなく、借りないつもりでしたが多くの人が(日本人は私達だけ)借りていたので「コートは着たほうがいい？」と聞くと「寒いから着たほうがいい」との事でした。確かに草原に出るととても風が強く、コートを借りて正解でした。
日本だったら最初に丁寧なアドバイスがあるだろうに・・・
とても感じの良い人たちでしたが、さすがにアメリカ自己責任の文化を実感しました。

The view of Hawaii Island from the helicopter was amazing. I was very satisfied to see the lava as well. I got so close to the lava that I could even feel the smell and temperature, which was really exciting. I wasn't expecting much, but Waipi'o Valley and the neighboring valley were wonderful, with breathtaking scenery. The waterfalls were also incredibly beautiful. The helicopter pilot got really close to the lava and waterfalls, allowing us to see many sights I had never seen before. I highly recommend it. I want to experience it again.

ヘリコプターからみるハワイ島は最高でした。溶岩も見れて大満足です。
溶岩近くでは臭いや温度まで感じるくらい近づいてくれてとてもワクワクしました。
そんなに期待してなかった、ワイピオ渓谷やその隣の渓谷がすばらしくて、圧巻の景色でした。
滝もすごく奇麗でした。ヘリのパイロットがすごく溶岩や滝の近くまで接近してくれて、いままで
見た事もない景色が沢山みれました。本当におすすめです。また体験したいです。

Saw lots of beautiful fish! Great crew! Not quite as much fun as scuba, but SOOO much easier than getting wet! Everyone should see the underwater part of Hawaii!

We participated as a group of four! It was seriously the best! The guide was really fun and super kind♪ It became the best memory＾＾

There's no doubt this will be the best memory in Hawaii!

4人で参加しました！
マジで最高でした！ガイドさんもとても楽しくて凄く親切♪
最高の思い出になりました＾＾

ハワイのなかで一番の思い出になる事間違いないですよ～

Watching the sunset and stargazing at the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island is something I want to experience at least once in my lifetime, so I made the trip from my usual base in Oahu. Since I was the first to be picked up for the tour, I ended up sitting next to Masakazu Matsuzaki, known as "Macchan." His consistent dedication to service was genuine. I could hear him saying, "Oh, this is fun, fun," as if he was reminding himself, almost like a mantra. I felt it was wonderful how he responded to guests' requests and guided us naturally, with his way of life and work in harmony.

When you have a good guide, not only can you enjoy the night sky, star clusters, and shooting stars with their extensive astronomical knowledge, but the entire group can also share a pleasant time together. During our stop at Onizuka Point for lunch, we joined the Yamachan group, and the banter between Macchan and Yamachan was a highlight. Thanks to them, we also got to see the rare silver sword plant! As we approached the summit, the sea of clouds and the scattered observation telescopes from various countries created a mysterious and almost sci-fi movie-like atmosphere. When the orange sunset sank into the clouds, the show of countless stars began. That emotion is something you have to experience at least once... While personal cameras have limitations in skill and performance, the photos taken by the guides can be downloaded after returning home, and their quality and shot composition brought a second wave of excitement. I truly made wonderful memories. Thank you very much. Next year, I will challenge myself with the "sunrise." Macchan, please keep guiding until then...!

　ハワイ島マウナケア山頂でのサンセット＆星空観測、なんて、一生に一度は見たいもの、といつものオアフ島から足をのばしました。　ツアーのピックアップが最初だったから、松崎正君（ただし君とは読まない）、通称”まっちゃん”の横に座ることに．．．、彼の終始一貫した、サービス精神は本物でした。聞いてましたよ、「ああ楽しい、楽しい」とあれは自分に言い聞かせながらだったのか、呪文のように唱えてましたね。　客の要望に応えたり、又は誘導したり、出すぎることなく、自然体で、生き方と仕事が一致してるのって、いいなあ、と感じました。
良いガイドにあたると、豊富な天文の知識で星空、星団や流れ星を楽しめるだけでなく、ツアー全員も和やかに一つの時間を共有できるのです。　途中の鬼塚ポイントでのお弁当、やまちゃんグループと合流、まっちゃん＆やまちゃんのかけ合い漫才も目玉ですよ。　珍しい銀剣草もお蔭で見れました！　頂上が近づくにつれ、雲海や点在する各国の展望鏡など、まるで宇宙ＳＦ映画のような不思議な、それでいて神秘的な気分になっていきます。オレンジ色の夕陽が雲海に落ちていくと、満天の星のショーの始まりです。あの感動は一度は味わわないと．．．個人のカメラでは腕と性能に限りがありますが、ガイドの彼らが撮って下さった写真が帰国後、ダウンロードでき、その出来映えとショットセンスに二度目の感動です。ほんとにいい思い出ができました。ありがとうございました。来年は、”サンライズ”に挑戦します。まっちゃん、それまでやめないでガイド続けててね．．．！

I participated on November 6th. The summit at 4200m was very cold, but the sunset with the sea of clouds was wonderful and very moving. I didn't suffer from altitude sickness, and I was lent proper cold-weather gear. They also provided warm drinks along the way, showing great attention to detail, which allowed me to fully enjoy the stunning scenery. One disappointment was that there were too many clouds to observe the starry sky. Still, I was able to take many photos with the full moon in the background and had a great time. I saw people around 60 years old participating energetically, so I think anyone can enjoy this experience.

11/6に参加しました。4200mの山頂はとても寒かったですが、サンセットは雲海がすばらしくとても感動しました。高山病にもならず、しっかりとした防寒具も貸してもらえ、途中暖かい飲料も頂いたりと細やかに気配り頂いたので、とても素晴らしい景色を堪能することができました。ひとつ残念だったのは、雲が多くて星空観測がほとんどできなかった事です。それでもたくさんフルムーンを背景にたくさん写真を撮ったりして楽しめました。60歳前後の方も元気に参加されていたので、どなたでも楽しめると思いました。

We were blessed with great weather and were moved by the wonderful sunset and starry sky at Mauna Kea. Although we participated as an older group, it seemed that everyone experienced a perspective that made them feel as if their lifespan had been extended. Many had wanted to climb it at least once, and we were impressed by the greatness of the mountain, which didn't feel like 4,200 meters, as well as the guide's storytelling and photographs.

天気にも恵まれマウナケアの素晴らしい夕日と星空に感動でした。
年齢の高いグループで参加しましたがそれぞれが寿命が延びたような世界観を味わえたようです。一度は登ってみたいと思っていた人も多く、４２００Ｍを感じさせない山の偉大さと案内のガイドさんの話術と写真に感動しました。

The weather at the summit on the day was not great (blizzard), which was a bit disappointing, but... we were able to see the starry sky a little lower down. It wasn't quite a full sky, but it was moving. Masashi's tour was enjoyable and very accommodating, and I was very satisfied. However... it was unfortunate that there weren't enough rental outfits for everyone, and my partner ended up without one and looked cold.

当日の山頂の天候がイマイチ（吹雪）でちょっと残念でしたが･･･少し下ったところで星空見れました。満天･･･までとはいかなかったと思うけど感動しました。マサシさんのツアーは楽しくいたれりつくせりで大満足でした。ただ･･･貸し出ししてくれるはずのウェアが人数分なくて足りなくなってしまい、相方があぶれてしまい寒そうだったのは残念だったところ･･･。

Excellent tour. We'll worth the money. More educational than expected. We would have liked to have more time to ask questions but the two guides did a fantastic job trying to see everyone was comfortable and amazed. We would book it again just because it was one of the highlights of our vacation. A job well done.

I participated with a friend. The cold weather gear was sufficient as the reviews said, but my fingertips and toes still got cold.

At the summit, the air was thin, and I was feeling quite high-spirited, but I noticed that the guide was taking the time to remind everyone to be careful. Thanks to that, I didn’t get altitude sickness, which was a relief.

I was looking forward to the starry sky, so I was wondering how the sunset would be. It was probably my first time quietly watching it, and it left a deep impression on me.

There was a man (probably from America) who asked me to take a photo, and he said he had walked for five hours to get there. I felt that this tour is truly appreciated by ordinary people who don’t have such stamina (laughs).

By the time the stars were visible, I felt an indescribable sense of happiness. The wind was cold, but it was a great spot to see the stars, so I managed to endure it. Actually, I had stopped by a restaurant with a planetarium at Haneda Airport, so I was already prepared for the autumn starry sky! When I heard about the first magnitude star of Ursa Minor, I thought, "Oh, that one!" So, I recommend this to those heading from Haneda.

Although my night vision isn’t great, I feel like I saw about five shooting stars. They were visible to the naked eye, which was moving.

For those with a DSLR, it seemed the guide was giving detailed tips on how to take photos, so I’d definitely want to bring one along. As for me, I didn’t have one, so I left it to the guide. In any case, it’s best to leave it to a reliable professional. (Please refer to other people's photos for the starry sky.)

The guides were efficient, and I was satisfied with the photos, food, and conversation. Thank you very much, Macchan and Stefan. It was a wonderful experience that makes me want to go again.

友人と2人で参加しました。
防寒具は口コミ通り十分でしたが、やはり指先と足先は冷えますね。

山頂は空気が薄く、私の場合はテンションがハイになっていましたが、
ガイドさんは合間を見て気を付けることをみなさんに伝えているなと思いました。
おかげで高山病になりませんでした。助かりました。

星空に期待していたので、日の入りはどうかなと思っていましたが、
静かに眺める機会がおそらく初めてだったこともあり、印象深かったです。

写真をお願いと頼んできた男性（おそらくアメリカの）がいたのですが、
5時間かけて歩いて登ってきたのだとか。
そんな体力のない一般の人には、本当にありがたいツアーだなと感じました(笑)

星空が見えるころには何とも言えない幸せな気分でした。
風は冷たかったですが、星がきれいに見えるいい場所なので我慢です。
実は羽田空港で、プラネタリウム付きレストランに立ち寄っていて、
秋の星空の予習済みでした！
こぐま座の１等星と言われて「あれね！」となったので、
羽田から向かう方にはこちらもおすすめです。
夜の目がきかない方ですが、流れ星を５つぐらいは見た気がします。
肉眼で見えるんですね、感動しました。

一眼レフがある方はガイドさんが細かく撮り方のコツを教えていたようですので、
ぜひ持って参加したいですね。
そういう私は持っていませんからガイドさんまかせでしたが。
何にしても信頼できるプロに任せるのが一番ですよね。
（星空の写真は他の方を参考にしてください。）

手際のよいガイドさんたちで、写真もご飯もトークも満足です。
まっちゃんさん、ステファンさん、どうもありがとうございました。
次も行きたいと思える素敵な体験のアシストでした。

Climbing a mountain over 4,000 meters like Mount Fuji might seem daunting. However, you can actually drive to the summit of Mauna Kea. It may sound easy to just rent a car, but beyond the Onizuka Center, the road is unpaved and driving becomes quite difficult. Additionally, the oxygen levels decrease, making it dangerous to drive unless you have considerable climbing experience.

This tour reveals a world you've never seen before. While Japanese people refer to it as "goraikou" (the first sunrise), the gradually darkening sunset is exceptional.

After that, stargazing... A clear world unfolds that you can't see in the city.

富士山を超える４０００ｍ級の登山というと大変そうだと思われるともいます。
なんとマウナケアは山頂まで車で行けるんです。
じゃレンタカーでと簡単に思ってしまいますが、途中の鬼塚センターから先は舗装されておらず、運転がかなり難しい。且つ酸素が薄くなりますから、よほど登山経験でもないと運転は危険です。
このツアーで見たことのない世界が目の前に広がります。
日本人はご来光といいますが、徐々に暗くなるサンセットは格別です。

またその後の星空観察。。都会では見えないクリアーな世界が広がります。

I took a taxi to the Careho Shopping Center, borrowed a sweat suit at the office, and put it on over the swimsuit I was wearing. Then, I got back into the waiting taxi and headed to Careho Bay, where the boat was docked. There were only my partner and me, the only Japanese people there. I felt anxious, but looking at the people around me, I realized it would be fine.

Once we got out to sea, we all took the noodles, which are floating devices, and gradually lowered them from under our arms down to our ankles while putting on our snorkels, waiting for the manta rays to come close to the lights. It felt like being a diver inside an aquarium. The manta rays came so close to my face and body; it was incredibly impressive. That sensation was moving and thrilling, and it's definitely worth experiencing at least once!

　ケアホウショッピングセンターへタクシーで乗り付け、スエットスーツを事務所で借り、着ていった水着の上に着込み、待ってもらってたタクシーで船が停泊しているケアホウ湾へ。
日本人は私とカップルだけ。　不安だったけど、周りの人達を見ていると、どうにかなるもの。船で沖出て、海面に浮かべた梯子状になったロープにみんなでヌードルと呼ぶ浮きを、脇の下から、徐々に足首までおろしシュノーケルをつけ、ライトに寄ってくるマンタを待ちます。まるで、水族館の水槽な中のダイバーになった気分でした。顔や体すれすれに近寄ってくるマンタ、迫力満点です。あの感覚は感動的、スリリング、ぜひ一度は経験する価値は十分あります！

My partner and I love stargazing, and we had high hopes of seeing the stars at the world-renowned Mauna Kea! However, since November is the rainy season, we unfortunately encountered completely cloudy skies and were unable to see almost any stars. Since this was the main highlight of our trip to Hawaii, it turned into a disappointing experience afterward. The guide was very nice and seemed well-studied, which left a good impression. Given that we are dealing with nature, it's understandable, but since the participation fee is not cheap, those planning to join during the rainy season from November should be aware that there may be days when you can't see any stars at all.

夫婦で星空が好きで、世界的に名高いマウナケアで星空が見れる!と大きな期待をしていましたが、11月は雨季ということで運悪く完全に曇ってしまい、殆ど星を見ることができませんでした。今回のハワイ旅行のメインだっただけに、その後残念な旅となってしまいました。ガイドの方はとても良い方で、よく勉強されているように見受けられて好印象でした。自然が相手だけに仕方ありませんが、参加費も安くないので、11月からの雨季に参加される方は全く星が見えない日もあることは承知しておいた方がいいですよ。

In October 2014, as usual, the Japanese tour was fully booked, so I joined this one. The guide's English explanations were at native speed, making it hard to understand, but he answered our questions slowly during meals and bathroom breaks.

While the Japanese tour seems to have meals at the Onizuka Visitor Center at an altitude of 2,800 meters to help acclimatize, this tour had meals at a "certain place" at the foot of the mountain. After a brief rest at a scenic spot, we climbed straight to the summit, so those worried about altitude sickness need to stay hydrated. Each person was given a bottle of water during the meal for this purpose.

The views of the various observatories from around the world, the sunset sinking into the sea of clouds, and the subsequent twilight were absolutely stunning. As the sun set, the cold increased, and the warm clothing provided was appreciated. After it got a bit darker, we moved near the Onizuka Visitor Center for stargazing after a bathroom break. Unlike other tours that observed within the center's grounds, we had our stargazing in a less illuminated area by the roadside.

I can't forget the beauty of the starry sky I saw at a ski resort late at night, and this sky, along with the Milky Way, was equally enjoyable. There was also stargazing with a telescope, and although the moonlight can be a nuisance for stargazing, the crescent moon this time allowed for good observation of craters through the telescope, which was actually a plus.

In this tour, out of 16 participants on one bus, only my spouse and I were Japanese. Another bus (which had the same meal location) had only one couple of newlyweds as Japanese participants. I think the Japanese tour is recommended, but this one is also a good tour overall. However, the "certain place" where we had our meal had a simple toilet, so those who are extremely particular about cleanliness should be prepared for that.

２０１４年１０月、例によって日本語ツアーが満杯でこちらに参加。ガイドさんの英語説明はネイティブスピードでほとんどわからないが、食事やトイレ時のこちらからの質問等にはゆっくり答えてくれた。
また日本語のツアーは標高２８００メートルのオニズカ・ビジターセンターで食事をしながら標高に体をならしていくようだが、こちらのツアーは麓の「とある場所」で食事をし、その後は見晴しの良いところで少し休憩はあるものの、一気に山頂まで登るため、高山病が心配な人には水分を多く取るような注意が必要だ。そのための水は食事の時に１人１ボトル配布された。
山頂での各国の天文台、雲海に沈む夕日、その後の夕焼けは文句なくすばらしかった。
日が沈むと寒さが増し、貸してくれた防寒具がありがたい。さらにすこし暗くなるとトイレの後、星空観測のためオニズカ・ビジターセンター付近に移動。こちらも他のツアーがセンター敷地内での観測になるのに対し、周りの光がより少ない道路脇の空き地での観測だった。
昔、夜中にスキー場で見た星空の素晴らしさが忘れられないが、それに匹敵する星空と天の川が堪能できた。天体望遠鏡での観測もあったが、星空観測には天敵の月の光も今回の三日月程度なら天体望遠鏡でクレーターがよく観察でき、逆によかった。
今回のツアーはバス１台に１６人の参加者中、日本人は我々夫婦２人だけでした。もう１台別のバス（食事だけ同じ場所で）も日本人参加者は１組の新婚さんのご夫婦だけでした。
日本語のツアーの方がおすすめとは思いますが、こちらも総合的に良いツアーです。
ただし、食事をいただいた上記「とある場所」は簡易トイレなので、極端に清潔好きな人はほんの少々ですが覚悟しておいた方がよいでしょう。

It was great to have a relaxing morning since the activities were in the afternoon. The tour was excellent, with a knowledgeable guide and good service. The weather changed from rain the day before to clear skies, allowing us to enjoy the stunning sunset at the summit of Mauna Kea with plenty of time to spare, which was very satisfying. The stargazing after sunset was like a planetarium, with a sky full of stars. The warm beverage service was also a nice touch.

午後からのアクティビティなので、午前中ゆっくり出来て良かった。
ツアーはガイドさんの話や対応も良く天気も前日の雨から晴天になり、最高の夕日をマウナケア山頂でゆっくり時間もあり大満足でした。
日没後の
星空観測もプラネタリウムかと思うぐらい満点の星空でした。温かい飲み物サービスもあり良かったです。

This was wonderful! Would definitely recommend to all visiting the Big Island, best way to see the whole island.

My first time in Hawaii, only speaking Japanese, and it was my first time snorkeling in over 20 years. I was quite anxious participating alone, but thanks to Daisuke's wonderful Japanese guidance, I was able to see many spinner dolphins and, lucky me, I also encountered a banded sea snake and a manta ray! (^o^)

Next time I have the opportunity to participate, I definitely want to bring an underwater video camera. (^^)

初めてのハワイ、言葉は日本語のみ、フィンも初めて、海で泳ぐのは２０年ぶり以上のおっさんが、ひとりで不安だらけでの参加でしたが、ダイスケさんのすばらしい日本語ガイドと誘導で、多くのハシナガイルカと、ラッキーにもバンドーさん、マンタ君にも会えました～。(^o^)

次回、参加できる機会がありましたら、ぜひ海中ビデオを持って行きたいです。(^^)

Last time it started to rain halfway through, but this time the weather was nice, and we were able to enjoy horseback riding at a leisurely pace. Everyone who went with me was satisfied.

前回は途中で雨が降ってきたんですが、今回は天気も良く、のんびりと乗馬を楽しむことができました。　一緒に行ったみんなも満足してました。

I previously participated in the morning cruise twice, but due to scheduling conflicts, I joined the afternoon cruise this time. Our group was the only one with Japanese participants. The waves were calmer than expected, and the snorkeling time was just right.

以前は午前のクルージングに２回参加しましたが、日程の都合で今回は午後のクルージングに参加しました。　日本人の参加者は我々のグループだけでした。　予想以上に波も穏やかで、シュノーケリング時間もちょうどいい位でした。