All Reviews for Top Big Island Sights & Attractions

Our tour guide was personable, knowledgeable and had incredible talent as a photographer. He has a great eye for nature’s beauty and is without a doubt a perfectionist. The tour covered a lot of ground in a relatively short amount of time without feeling rushed and I was happy to be taken to spots I wouldn’t have ever found on my own.

I was pleasantly surprised by the delicious bento, and I was happy to have miso soup included! It was the perfect time as I was craving Japanese food!

The sunset was just beautiful! The tour guide, Ishikawa, captured both the sunset and the starry sky perfectly in photos, which made me really happy.

Ishikawa was kind enough to teach us, as we had just bought a camera and were inexperienced. He was so gentle, and I really relied on him!

Since it was close to a full moon, I was worried we wouldn't be able to see the stars, but we were able to see them perfectly. Masa's explanations about the stars were detailed, making it a really enjoyable tour! Thank you! :)

期待してなかったお弁当が美味しくて、お味噌汁まで付いてて嬉しくなりました
日本食が恋しいタイミングだったので！

夕日はとにかく綺麗でした！
夕日も星空もツアーガイドの石川さんがバッチリ写真に収めてくれて、本当に嬉しかったです

カメラを買ったばかりで不慣れな私たちに、親切に教えてくれた石川さん
優しくて、かなり頼ってしまいました！

ちょうど満月に近いタイミングだったので、星空見れないかな、と不安でしたが、バッチリ見ることもできて、マサさんの星の説明も詳しく、かなり楽しいツアーになりました！
ありがとうございました:)

This is not a Japanese tour, so the guide spoke entirely in English. The staff were friendly, and we had a lot of fun. There seemed to be an explanation about Captain Cook, but we couldn't understand it due to our zero English skills. (laughs) However, I recommend this tour for those who want to see beautiful seas and fish while snorkeling! The sailing was quite slow, allowing us to feel the great outdoors. I wouldn't recommend it for those who are prone to seasickness.

日本語ツアーではないので、ガイドは全て英語。
スタッフさんは気さくな方で、とても楽しかったです。
キャプテンクックについて説明があったようですが、英語力ゼロの私たちには理解できず。笑
でも、シュノーケルで綺麗な海と魚が見たい方にはオススメです！
セーリングもかなりゆっくりで大自然を感じながらのツアーでした^ ^
酔いやすい方はあまりオススメしません。

The weather was great, and I was able to see a beautiful sunset! When I mentioned it was my first time snorkeling, they kindly taught me how to do it. Whether you can see manta rays depends on the timing and conditions of the day, but when I went, I had the best experience of encountering eight manta rays that came close to the surface to feed on plankton. It was so close that I was amazed! After snorkeling, it started to rain and got cold, so if you're going, it might be a good idea to bring a larger towel or something to wear in case it rains; it could help with the cold.

天気にも恵まれキレイなサンセットが見れました！
シュノーケリングが初めてと伝えると丁寧に教えていただけました。
マンタは良く見れるかはその日のタイミングやコンディションによるかと思いますが、私が行ったときはベストで8マイのマンタに出会え、プランクトンを食べに海面近くまで来てくれました。
ぶつかるんじゃないかと思うくらい近かったので感動しました！
シュノーケリング後は雨が降ってきて寒かったので行かれる方は大きめのタオルや羽織れるものなどあるともし雨が降っても寒さはマシかもです。

Excellent organised tour.From time of pick up until drop off. The driver/guide was very informative . Enough time for all activities. Highly recommended.

On May 20th, the weather was clear, and I thoroughly enjoyed the sunset. It seems that the tours fill up quickly, so it's best to make a reservation early. Also, due to the construction of a new observatory nearby, tours to the summit may be suspended for a while, so if you're planning to go, do it soon.

5月20日は晴天でサンセットを十分満喫しました。
すぐに満員になるツアーらしいので予約は早めに。
あと、新しい天文台の建設が近いので当分山頂へのツアーが休止になるかもしれないので行くなら早めに。

We did not have the best experience, but I think it's based more on our skill level than the tour itself. If you're not in good shape (physically fit) it can be difficult. Make sure you use sunscreen ahead of time. The instructions when we signed up said that you would be provided reef safe sunscreen, however, that was not offered. The rocks are difficult to climb up on and if you don't have proper foot wear you can be easily injured. I think the tour is probably great for more "fit" people... We don't know because we left halfway through. I would stress that there is risk involved in this activity and life jackets are provided but not mandatory (in my opinion should be mandatory).

Guide was informative and friendly. On time performance and tour went well beyond what I thought was included in the days activities. Great to look at the stars through the telescope and have explanation of the skies (for a novice like me). Ride up and back to the summit of Mauna Kea was bumpy at times and a little daunting but not nearly as difficult as some made it out to be. Elevation did not bother me.

It was quite an emotional time.
Among the participants, there was an elderly couple among the younger attendees.
First of all, I didn't have high expectations for the bento, but it was surprisingly delicious (laughs).
The staff's thoughtful advice for altitude sickness prevention was evident.
The carefully planned photo opportunities were great.
The sunset was so beautiful! The full moon... the stars...
Words cannot express it.
Next time, I will bring my grandchild, who loves astronomy, to join.
I'm sure that no matter how many times I participate, I will be captivated by the beauty of nature and experience new emotions. I'm really glad I participated.

なかなか感動の時間でした。
参加者が皆さん若い方の中に年寄り夫婦の参加でした。
まず　お弁当には期待していませんでしたが、なんと美味い（笑）
スタッフさんの心遣いが現れる高山病対策のアドバイス。
思考を凝らした写真撮影。
夕陽の落ちるのがこんなにも美しいものか！満月が・・・星が・・・
言葉では言い表せないです。
次回、天体大好きな孫も連れて参加いたします。
きっと何回参加しても自然の美しさに魅せられて、新たな感動だ出来ると確信します。参加して本当によかった。

It was incredibly wonderful, so I’ll write a review right away. The Mauna Kea mountain was, of course, amazing, but what made it special were the guides, Masaru and another person. (I was guided by Masaru.) The travel time was long, but they always kept the conversation going, which was enjoyable. I would like to come back at a different time to see the stars with Masashi Nature School. I’m going home tomorrow, but I’m glad to end with such lovely memories. Thank you very much.

凄く素晴らしかったので早速レビュー書きます。マウナケアの山はもちろん素晴らしかったのですが、それを素敵なものにしてくれたのは案内人のマサルさんとあと一人の方でした。(私はマサルさんに案内して頂きました。)移動中の時間が長いのですが、常にお話をして下さり楽しかったです。また時期をずらしてマサシネイチャースクールさんで星を見に来たいです。明日帰りますが、素敵な思い出で締めれて良かったです。ありがとうございました。

Had a great time both the guides were wonderful. The only issues I had were that you don’t really get close to the waterfalls they are way off in the distance and while the guides were very knowledgeable about the area you couldn’t really hear what they were saying unless you were in the front or back of the line. Other then that we enjoyed everything else

The main purpose of my stay on the Big Island was to participate in this tour, and I was 120% satisfied thanks to the wonderful weather. I thought the early pickup time would make for a long journey, but with BIG JIN's bright personality, his wealth of experience and knowledge, and his thoughtful attention, the time flew by and it was a truly enjoyable experience.

At the summit of Mauna Kea, I was able to take many photos with a DSLR, and the pictures I downloaded after returning home are truly amazing. The photo of me flying through the sky on MASA's personal broom is a treasure.

Experiencing the sunset and the starry sky of the new moon allowed me to feel the connection between Earth and the universe, instilling a deep respect for nature—an unparalleled experience. When I visit the Big Island again, I would love to rely on this tour company once more and meet JIN and MASA again.

ハワイ島滞在の一番の目的は、このツアーに参加する事でしたが、
お天気にも恵まれ、満足度120％でした。
ピックアップの時間が早かったので、道中が長いと思っていたのですが、
BIG JINさんの明るいお人柄と、豊富な経験と知識に基づくお話、またきめ細やかな気配りで、あっという間の楽しい時間でした。
マウナケアの山頂では、一眼レフで沢山の写真を撮って頂き、帰国後ダウンロードした写真は本当に素晴らしいものばかり。
MASAさん私物のほうきにまたがって空を飛んだ写真は宝物です。
サンセットも新月の星空も、地球と宇宙を肌で感じ、大自然への畏敬の念を抱く、唯一無二の経験でした。
またハワイ島を訪れる際には、またこちらのツアー会社にお世話になり、
JINさん、MASAさんに会いたいです。

　

I was a bit nervous on my first helicopter ride, but with the guidance of the Japanese pilot, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey through the skies. The time spent flying from the ocean to Waipi'o Valley felt like a transition from reality to a divine world, and I found myself in tears from the beauty of nature. Landing at the base of the waterfall, I was overwhelmed with emotion once again, feeling a deep gratitude for being alive. I have become an even bigger fan of the Big Island of Hawaii. I want to tell my friends that they should experience this at least once in their lifetime! Of course, my children and grandchildren will join me next time.

初ヘリコプター搭乗でいくらか緊張していましたが、日本語のパイロットの方のガイドでとてもリラックスして空の旅をたのしめました。
海上からワイピオ渓谷へ進んでいく時間は現実から神の世界への移動、自然に涙が出てきました。
興奮のまま滝壺に着陸、またまた涙があふれてきて大袈裟ですが生きてる！事への感謝の気持ちで一杯になりました。
ますますハワイ島のファンになりました。
友人にも生きている間に一度はこの経験を味って！と伝えたいとおもっています。
勿論子供孫は次回同行します。

The ride was awesome, the guides were energetic and super friendly, I felt so incredibly welcome, like family The scenery was GORGEOUS and the horses we're amazing!! I'd spend the money again in a heartbeat They matched all of us to horses according to our skill level, so that even I didn't feel like I was just on a pony ride (I've been on horseback many many times) We even got to see the resident heard of wild horses! Best afternoon spent in a LONG time

The weather was great, and we were able to see the best sunset! My heart was cleansed by its beauty. The guide was also very kind and interesting.

天気も良く最高のサンセットを見ることができました！美しさに心が洗われました。
ガイドの方もとても親切で面白い方でした。

A bright and entertaining guide came to greet us and explained various things about Hawaii in a fun way, keeping us engaged from start to finish! The guide's storytelling was just hilarious. We enjoyed the magnificent views of the Big Island of Hawaii from the summit. We were lucky enough to see the best sunset. This was the week after Golden Week. During this time, both Oahu and the Big Island had great weather, with hardly any rain. However, for stargazing, it was a full moon, so we couldn't see many stars; I recommend going during a new moon instead. Also, the mountain path to the summit is steep, so it's best to bring motion sickness medication.

In the evening, the guide played some lovely music, making for a romantic day. It was truly wonderful. If you're visiting Oahu, I highly recommend staying on the Big Island for at least a day and participating in this tour. We had a honeymoon that became a lifelong memory.

明るく面白いガイドさんがお迎えに来てくれ、楽しくハワイの様々なことを説明してくれ、最初から最後まで飽きなかった！
とにかくガイドさんの喋りが面白い。笑
頂上まで雄大なハワイ島の景色を堪能できます。
私達は運良く最高のサンセットを見れました。GW明けの次の週です。この時期はオアフ島もハワイ島も天気が良く、雨がほぼ降らなかったです。ただ、星空観測は満月だったため、星がそこまで見れなかったので、新月の時に行くのがおすすめです。あと、山頂までは山道が険しいの
で、酔い止めは持っていった方が良いでしょう。

夜はガイドさんが素敵な曲をかけてくれ、ロマンチックな1日になりました。凄いよかったです。是非オアフ島行かれる方は1日でも良いのでハワイ島に宿泊し、ツアーに参加してみてください。私達は一生の思い出になるハネムーンを過ごせました。

The marine activity introduced in the program "Ariyoshi's Summer Vacation" was truly enjoyable. The handsome guide who appeared on the show supported us during the experience.

On the day I participated, there were two groups, making a total of five people: a nice guy as the guide, two Japanese men, and two foreign women. We gathered at the meeting point at 9 AM. The office isn't located on the beach at Keauhou Bay; instead, they transport the kayaks using a pickup truck and trailer. We headed towards a general location, and if we were unsure, there were offices of other activity tour companies nearby where we could show our voucher and kindly ask for directions.

In the program, it seemed that the waves were too high to enter the caves, but on the day I participated, we were able to experience everything without any issues. We even got to dive from a considerable height of cliffs, which made the activity feel incredibly fulfilling.

After the tour, I was invited to lunch, but I had other plans for the afternoon, so I declined. However, I think I would have enjoyed it if I had gone.

When getting out of the water during snorkeling, there were times when the waves pulled us back, causing some scrapes and cuts on the lava rocks. One of my companions actually got a small cut on their finger and foot. I recommend bringing not only marine shoes but also marine gloves.

有吉の夏休み、という番組でも紹介されたマリンアクティビティ。まさに、その時番組に出てた男前ガイドさんがサポートしてくれました。
私が参加した日は2組の参加、ナイスガイのガイドさん、日本人男性2名、外国人女性2名の合計5名のツアーでした。
午前9時に現地集合。ケアウホウ湾のビーチにオフィスがあるわけではなく、ピックアップトラックとトレーラーにカヤックを載せて運んでくるスタイル。だいたいの場所を目指して行き、わからなければ他のアクティビティツアー会社の事務所があるので、バウチャーを見せて聞けば親切に案内していただけました。
番組では、波が高く洞窟には入れなかったようですが、私の参加した日は問題なくすべて体験できました。相当な高さのクリフからもダイブすることが出来、アクティビティのやった感は半端ないです。
ツアー終了後にランチに誘われましたが、午後からの予定を別に組んでいたためお断りしましたが、行っても楽しめただろうな～。
シュノーケリングから岩場に上がる際、波の引き戻しで溶岩の岩場で擦り傷切り傷を負うことがあり、実際に同行者が指と足を少しだけ切りました。マリンシューズだけでなくマリングローブの持参がお勧めです。

Staff was great took extra time to make it great learning!

I was a bit anxious about getting to the meeting place by rental car, but with Google Maps, it was fine. Some people arrived a little late, but we waited cheerfully while chatting with the guide and everyone else. Before the tour started, we enjoyed eating naturally grown bananas and macadamia nuts while chatting. I don't speak English particularly well, but the horses are smart, so I had no worries. The guide was also a bright and fun person, making it the best memory of my trip.

レンタカーで集合場所まで行くので少し不安でしたが、グーグルナビがあれば大丈夫。
少し遅れて来た方もいらっしゃいましたが、ガイドさんやみんなで和やかにお喋りしながら待ちました。
ツアー開始まで、自然になっているバナナやマカデミアナッツを食べて談笑。
私は英語は特別には出来ませんが、馬がお利口なので、心配無し。
ガイドさんも、明るく楽しい方で、旅行中一番の思い出になりました。

Would highly recommend!! The tour guides and horses were fantastic and you get to see all the landscape and beautiful views. Waterfall tours are great but this is a completely different scenery and we loved it!

When visiting the Big Island of Hawaii, you'll want to join a horseback riding tour. This time, my sister and her husband were visiting the Big Island for the first time, so I had them experience this tour that I repeat every time. (I couldn't participate due to a neck injury...) My sister and her husband were very satisfied and returned with excitement. They mentioned they would definitely do it again next time.

ハワイ島を訪れると参加したくなる乗馬のツアー。
今回は、妹夫婦が初ハワイ島でしたので、毎回リピートしているこちらのツアーを体験してもらいました。（私は首を痛めていたため不参加で…）
妹夫婦も大満足。興奮した様子で戻ってきました。
また次回はリピするとのことです。

The day I participated, the weather was bad with rain and wind, and I was worried that I wouldn't be able to see the sunset or the starry sky. However, when we reached the summit, the rain stopped, the clouds cleared, and I was able to enjoy the sunset. The starry sky was beautiful, and it was a fun tour!

参加した日は雨風で天候が悪く、サンセットも星空も見えないのでは・・・と不安の中ツアーが進みましたが、山頂につくと雨がやみ、雲も流れていきサンセットを楽しめました。星空もきれいで楽しいツアーでした！

The staff is excellent!!! Horses are beautiful!!! The excursion in and out of the valley by van was just as much a part of the adventure!! The horseback ride was beautiful!!! Would definitely do it again if I ever get back!!!
Thank you all!!! Meeting up with other riders from around the world was even an adventure!!

Before climbing to the summit, we took a break at the Onizuka Visitor Center. They served a dinner bento, and the miso soup was truly delicious! I regret asking for only half a serving because I have a small appetite.
The path to the summit was bumpy. First, we waited for the sunset. The guide took many fun photos using the setting sun (like the Kamehameha wave and the classic pose of holding the sun with our hands). After the sun went down, we eagerly awaited the starry sky. Using a laser pointer, the guide provided detailed information about the stars. We also got to take group photos with the stars in the background.
If I come back to the Big Island, I definitely want to join this tour again.

山頂に登る前にオニヅカビジターセンターで休憩します。そこで夕食のお弁当が出るのですが、お味噌汁が本当においしい！小食なので、みそ汁半分にして下さいと言ってしまったのが悔やまれます。
山頂まではガタガタ道。まずは夕日を待ちます。ここでは沈みゆく太陽を使った面白い写真（カメハメ波や、お決まりの手に太陽を乗せている風のポーズ）をガイドさんがたくさん撮って下さいました。夕日が沈んでからはお待ちかねの星空。レーザーポイントを使いながら星について詳しく教えてくれます。星をバックにグループごとに写真も撮ってもらえました。
またハワイ島に来たら絶対にこのツアーに参加しようと思います。

A 9-year-old child participated.
At first, they received lectures about sea turtles in a space next to the lagoon. After that, they had a lecture to interact with dolphins, followed by a hands-on experience in the lagoon.
So, while the time is stated as 20 minutes, that is the time spent interacting with the dolphins; in reality, I think we spent about an hour and a half to two hours in total.
The experience activity is quite pricey, but in return, you receive thorough lectures, and the satisfaction level is high. Since the age range for Kids Quest is 5 to 9 years, I felt it was the last chance for my child at this age, and I'm glad we participated.

All lectures and instructions are in English, but they explain things clearly with gestures, so even children can understand well.

9歳の子どもが参加しました。
はじめはラグーン横のスペースでウミガメなどの講義を受けます。その後イルカとふれあうためのレクチャーを受け、ラグーンでふれあい体験となります。
ですので、時間は20分とありますが、それはイルカとふれあっている時間で、実際には1時間半から2時間程度時間を費やしていたと思います。
体験アクティビティとしてはなかなかのお値段ですが、その分しっかりとレクチャーを受けられ、満足度は高いものです。キッズクエストの対象年齢が5～9歳なので年齢的に最後のチャンスだと思い、参加させて良かったです。

なお、講義やレクチャー等全て英語ですが、ジェスチャーを交えてわかりやすく説明してくれるので、子どもでも十分理解していました。

Last year, I participated in the sunrise, so this time I joined the sunset. The time spent at the summit was longer than during the sunrise, and I preferred the sunset. Most participants were couples or groups, but I enjoyed it even as a solo traveler.

昨年は日の出に参加したので、今回はサンセットに参加しました。
頂上の滞在時間が日の出より長く、サンセットがよかったです。
カップルや複数人での参加がほとんどでしたが、一人でも楽しめました。

The sensation of my body floating in the sea and the manta ray coming from the ocean floor provided an unprecedented thrill. The cocoa after getting back on the boat warmed my chilled body. Additionally, the cruising from the harbor to the point during sunset is absolutely stunning.

海に浮かぶ自分の体と、海底からやって来るマンタの一体感は、今までにない感動を与えてくれました。船に上がった後のココアは、冷えた体を温めてくれます。又ハーバーからポイント地点までのクルージングも夕日が最高です

This was my first time horseback riding. We drove down to the Waipi'o Valley from the meeting point in a car driven by our guide, received a horseback riding lecture, and the guide selected horses that suited each of us. From there, we rode on our own.

At first, I was anxious, but the horses are well-trained, so while there were a few minor scuffles between them, they didn't act out in any significant way. This activity allows you to enjoy the scenery and horseback riding at a walking pace, so if you're looking to gallop, you might find it lacking.

The guide uses Japanese for words like "danger" and "single file," but explanations about the scenery and plants are in English, so if you prefer those explanations in Japanese, I recommend looking for another company.

I was able to see some precious landscapes, so I would love to participate in this activity again the next time I visit the Big Island.

乗馬はほぼ初めてでした。
ワイピオ渓谷の下までは集合場所からガイドさん運転の車で下り、乗馬のレクチャーを受け、ガイドさんがそれぞれに合った馬を選んでくれます。そこからは１人で乗馬です。
最初は不安でしたが、馬はよく訓練されているので、馬同士のちょっとした小競り合いはあるものの、特段暴れたりすることもありません。
歩く速度で景色と乗馬を楽しむアクティビティなので、馬を走らせたい方には物足りないと思います。
ガイドさんは「あぶない」「一列」などの単語は日本語で言ってくれますが、景色や植物の説明などは英語なので、そういった説明を日本語で受けたい方は別の会社を探した方がいいと思います。
貴重な風景が見られたので、次にハワイ島へ行く時もまた参加したいアクティビティです。

I felt the guides' love for the dolphins. We were blessed with good weather and encountered many dolphins. Daisuke and Rei were amazing.

ガイドの方たちのイルカへの愛を感じました。お天気にも恵まれて、たくさんのイルカに出会えました。ダイスケさん、レイさん、最高です。

On a clear day, we traveled to a place in Waipi'o Valley that was inaccessible by rental car using a 4WD vehicle. There, we switched to horseback riding and, after a brief lecture, set off on our riding tour. It was a dreamlike experience to explore areas that are unreachable by car or on foot, and it became the highlight of my trip to the Big Island of Hawaii.

快晴の中、ワイピオ渓谷のレンタカーではとても入って行けないような場所に4WDの車で移動しました。そこで、馬に乗り換え、簡単なレクチャーの後乗馬ツアーに出発しました。車や徒歩ではとても入って行けないような場所を乗馬で巡る夢のような体験ができ、今回のハワイ島で一番の思い出になりました。