Reviewed by: Eric
Amazing guide! Super knowledgable and passionate! He knew places to go to have absolute privacy. It was a bit cloudy when I went so he offered for me to come again for free, and both times were stunning. I learned a lot and the pics are unlike anything else you'll ever get in your life.
We rented a car so it was great to have a tour where you just show up for the stargazing time, instead of spending hours driving around picking up other tourists.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Stargazing Tour - Starting times between 07:00 PM - 11:30 PM |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2023/04/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/03/12 |
Reviewed by: Hiro
I was able to learn a lot about lava from the very detailed explanation. Although we couldn't see the starry sky, we can't go against nature.
非常に丁寧な説明で、溶岩について、多くを学ぶことができました。
星空が見えなかったですが、自然には逆らえないですね。
| Rating: | |
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/03/27 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/03/23 |
Reviewed by: From Long Island NY
James was awesome! Our family had a summit tour booked with another company that canceled stated that road was closed, not sure that was true, as I’m scrambling to find an alternative other company said they were still going. Anyway, God‘s got a plan and I came upon epic tours. Even though this wasn’t a “summit” tour my son has a AAS in astronomy and was focused on star gazing and James delivered! James provided chairs to jackets if needed. And gave us a tour of the night sky! And we have a great picture to remember it!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Stargazing Tour - Starting times between 07:00 PM - 11:30 PM |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/03/26 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/03/24 |
Reviewed by: Frances Morgan
Awesome day on the Big Island. A full day with a coffee farm, tour of the Volcanoes National Park, then stargazing on a clear night. Our Tour guide Aaron was the best. His knowledge of Hawaiian culture, the volcano, and then the night sky was awesome. He was so helpful and kind. This was a once in a lifetime experience. The volcano stopped erupting a few days after our tour. So, we felt so lucky to get to see an active volcano. Be sure to take a sweatshirt or jacket. It got cold in the evening. It is a full day, but so worth it.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Standard Tour |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/03/25 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/02/28 |
Reviewed by: Julie
We really enjoyed our experience on this tour. Our tour guide, Aaron was very informative! I mean who better to have for a tour guide than a history teacher!! The only part that could use some improvement are the meals. We expected a meal with more substance.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Standard Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/03/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/03/14 |
Reviewed by: Leesa
Overall great experience. There was construction traveling to the location and they waited for the people that were stuck in traffic. The staff was very friendly and answered and questions we had. They helped take pictures at the end by the waterfall for everyone. I felt very comfortable with the safety equipment. Especially going over the waterfall and the other really far drop. I would definitely recommend this company.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Zipline Tour (7-Line Course) |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/03/22 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/03/15 |
Reviewed by: Coartney
Amazing views! Great staff! So nice and helpful. Loved the waterfall spot!! Very refreshing!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | 9:00 AM Morning Ride |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/03/21 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/03/14 |
Reviewed by: Coartney
Amazing views! Well organized! All the tour guides were so nice and we loved that they gave history about island!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Four Riders Package (1 Driver + 3 Passengers) |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/03/21 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/03/17 |
Reviewed by: SUZU
Our guide, Stephan, was wonderful. Out of the 10 tour participants, 8 were Americans, but he provided a lot of explanations and support in Japanese. Stephan is also a photographer, and he took beautiful photos that looked like wedding pictures under a perfect starry sky! Thank you very much!
ガイドのステファンさんが素晴らしかったです。ツアー客10人中、8人はアメリカ人の方でしたが、日本語でたくさん説明&フォローしていただけました。ステファンさんは、さらに写真家で、
満点の星空のもとウェディングフォトのような素敵な写真を撮っていただきました!
ありがとうございました!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 基本プラン ※2023年3月までのご参加 |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/03/21 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/03/17 |
Reviewed by: Lindsay B
The guys were amazing, informative of land, history and stories. Made it a blast for all ages. Small business with biggest personality employees that made it easy, fun and exciting.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Four Riders Package (1 Driver + 3 Passengers) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/03/21 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/03/13 |
Reviewed by: Max family
This was one the best experiences ever! The guide was fantastic! (Gauge/Gage? My apologies if misspelling your name - he was super knowledgeable about the island and easy to talk to, he was also well organized and thought of everything. The entire journey was super easy to follow and we all got to see some amazing things. Hot chocolate and biscotti? Snow? Wild turkeys and sheep? Binary star system anyone? Gage will make it happen. We also had a great GREAT experience just chatting with you about the Big Island. Thank you Thank you!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/03/13 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/02/22 |
Reviewed by: DebSF
Everything felt very safe, the instruction on safety and vehicle operation was effective and efficient, and we had a blast. The guides were wonderful, too.There are opportunities to switch drivers a few different spots, so we both had a turn at the wheel. Some gorgeous photo opportunities. Lots of kids were along, and they seemed to have a great time as well. We scared a bunch of feral pigs and chased some cows off the trail - who didn't seem to mind at all. One of the high points of our Hawaii trip.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Two Riders Package (1 Driver + 1 Passenger) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/03/12 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/03/10 |
Reviewed by: MGates
This was probably hands-down the most fun we've had on a trip. We had excellent guides- Henry and Jerry. Everyone from our driver to the riders made the trip super enjoyable. We saw amazing waterfalls along the northern side of the island cliffs. We worked with the wildlife as they allowed us into their grazing areas. This is a must do. Yes you will get dirty and you will enjoy it!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Two Riders Package (1 Driver + 1 Passenger) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/03/10 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/03/02 |
Reviewed by: あきら
The van that arrived at the meeting place was labeled Hawaiian Eyes Tour, with no mention of the operating company, Masashi Nature School, which was confusing. There was no such information provided by VELTRA, but upon checking the Masashi Nature School's website, it clearly stated that the operating company is Hawaiian Eyes Tour. (I wish this had been communicated through VELTRA as well.)
On the day of the tour, there were ten guests, six of whom were Japanese. According to the guide, the number of Japanese customers has decreased due to the pandemic, so there are no longer Japanese language tours. The guide could speak some Japanese, but not enough to provide a full tour in that language, so the entire ride was in English.
That said, the sunset from the mountain top and stargazing were great experiences, and the guide made an effort to explain things in Japanese, which I personally appreciated. Additionally, I was grateful to receive the photos the guide took via AirDrop.
We were staying at a hotel in Waikoloa, so it was helpful that we were dropped off there on the way back. However, there were two Japanese guests from a hotel outside the Kona area who mistakenly thought they would be dropped off at their hotel and ended up getting off at the pickup location, Queens Marketplace. Considering that it's difficult to catch a taxi in that area and the return time was before 10 PM, I think it would be beneficial to offer a paid option for hotel drop-off.
集合場所に来たバンが、催行社のマサシネイチャースクールとはどこにも書いてなくHawaiian Eyes Tourとなっていて戸惑った。
VELTRAではそのような案内は全くなかったが、マサシネイチャースクールのHPを確認すると、しっかり催行会社がHawaiian Eyes Tourであると記載されていた。(VELTA経由でもしっかりそこは案内して欲しかった。)
当日は、10人の客で、うち日本人は6人いたが、ガイドさんによると、コロナ禍で日本人客が減ったから日本語ツアーは無くなったとのこと。
ガイドさんも日本語はできるが案内するほどの語学力がない、ということで、行き帰りの車中はずっと英語だった。
とはいえ、山頂の夕陽や星空観測等、ガイドさんが、日本語でも頑張って案内してくれて、個人的には非常に良かった。
また、ガイドさんが撮ってくれた写真もAirDropでもらえたのもありがたかった。
私たちは、ワイコロアのホテルに泊まっていたので帰りはホテルまで送ってもらって助かった。
ただ、コナ地区外のホテルから参加していた日本人の親子2人組が、帰りホテルまで送ってもらえると勘違いしていて、結局ピックアップ場所のクイーンズマーケットプレイスで降りることになった。
タクシーもなかなか捕まらない土地柄で、帰着時間が22時前になるということを考えると、有償でのホテルまでの送ってくれるオプションがあると良いのではないかと思った。
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | 基本プラン ※2023年3月までのご参加 |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/02/27 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/02/25 |
Reviewed by: Tom
The guide was very friendly and shared many interesting stories! Everyone participating was American, and we all had a great time together. We were able to see a starry sky that you can't experience in Japan. The guide also explained about the stars, which was very enjoyable.
ガイドさんが非常に気さくな方で色々な面白い話をしてくれました!参加していたのはアメリカ人だけでしたがみんなでワイワイしてました。日本ではみるようなことができない満点の星空を見ることができました。ガイドさんが星の解説もしてくださり非常に楽しかったです
| Rating: | |
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2023/02/24 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/02/21 |
Reviewed by: Jill and Joyce
The adventure was awesome! We had a blast even in the rain! Our kids were amazing and made it so fun!! I think you should add a lunch experience at the picnic tables. Our ride was at 12:30 and it was 2.5 hours and we hadn’t had lunch so that addition would be great!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Two Riders Package (1 Driver + 1 Passenger) |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/02/11 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/02/09 |
Reviewed by: Analiese Kennedy
I know, I know, everyone likes to use the words “best” “amazing” “trip of a lifetime” THIS excursion IS absolutely THE best trip you will book! It may seem a little pricey, but the time, care, and knowledge that our tour guide Travis invested in our group was top of the line!
First of all, do not underestimate the “cold” warnings. It was frigid, cold to the bone so, dress appropriately! If you have a beanie, bring it for this trip.
Secondly, be prepared for the potential that the actual road up to the summit may be closed. Our group (along with 15 others) was told the road was closed and we would not be able to drive to the summit. Travis was able to talk with another tour operator (friends are good) and together they got the rangers to open the road for us last minute!! Yay!
Okay, so let’s talk dinner for a second. They served a vegetarian lasagna that was to die for most of my family are hard core meat eaters, so i was surprised at how quickly they snarfed it all down and EVERYONE commented on how “great” it was Make sure to bring your own water bottle (there is fresh water at the first stop) or whatever you want to drink.
Once we hit the road to climb the summit, the road was definitely an “off road” experience. Lots of major bumps but totally fun . The drive up was spectacular, so have your camera ready. The view from the top will blow your mind. Take a lot of pics and enjoy!
Then on to stargazing. Totally over the top and way exceeded my expectations! Travis had his own telescope that was a high end piece of equipment to say the least! He has so much knowledge that he was eager to share. We even got to see the once in a lifetime “green” comet he spent at least an extra hour with us up there when all the other tour operators were leaving. It was truly the most memorable experiences of my life! Mahalo to the entire team that i know has to work hard behind the scenes for this…my entire family is so grateful for the experience
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/02/09 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/02/07 |
Reviewed by: Kate
It's not every day you can say you saw new earth being formed in front of your eyes. We loved seeing the glow of lava at night. Not many places you can do this in the world.
Mahalo, Kate!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Private Tour (up to 12 passengers) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/02/04 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/03/22 |
Reviewed by: Jim
We really enjoyed our full day tour filled with waterfalls, visiting volcanoes national park and capping it off with a stargazing tour at the end. Our guide was good but would have liked him to relate more of his stories to our grandaughter. When we did the stargazing, he was great. You could tell this was his passion.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | North Route: Akaka Falls, Volcano National Park, Lava Glow Watching & Stargazing |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/02/03 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/07/22 |
Reviewed by: のりたま
It was the best experience of my life.
The stunning sunset and the starry sky!
There was only one other group of Japanese participants with us, but they followed up in Japanese, which made me so happy I could cry.
I also got to take a lot of wonderful photos.
If I have the chance again, I would definitely like to participate.
Thank you very much.
人生で最高の体験でした。
圧巻のサンセットと満点の天空!
日本人参加者は私たちともう一組だけでしたが、キチンと日本語でフォローしてくれて涙が出るほど嬉しかったです。
また素敵な写真を沢山撮ってもらいました。
また機会があったら是非参加したいです。
本当にありがとうございました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 基本プラン ※2023年3月までのご参加 |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/02/03 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/01/16 |
Reviewed by: Jason
My family included two children and two seniors; thus reserved this trip as it was less strenuous (lower altitude, shorter time). Thought we'd see some stars and hear some stories, and was worried whether my family members would find it interesting.
Actual experience threw my expectations out the window. We usually see stars in pictures, in a way that makes them feel abstract and unreal. The way James showed us the stars made them feel so real and close. And it was totally awesome not just for me, but for everyone! We did quite a few activities on the island, and this was easily the most memorable.
One piece of advice; it is very very cold up there. I wore my pajamas under my pants and the thick down jacket James gave me, but was still shivering after about an hour. Dress very warmly, cuz this is worth it!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Stargazing Tour - Starting times between 07:00 PM - 11:30 PM |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/01/25 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/01/15 |
Reviewed by: tomo
There were about 20 participants on the day of the tour, but we were the only two Japanese people. Naturally, the guide spoke in English, but the guide, Syoyo, took the time to explain various things to us in Japanese, allowing us to have a very enjoyable time. We were also told about a popular hamburger place, and we went there right away to try it. It was as delicious as they said! Thank you so much for a wonderful time.
ツアー当日の参加者は20名ほどでしたが、日本人は私たち2人だけでした。
当然ガイドは英語になるのですが、それでもガイドのsyoyoさんは私たちだけに日本語で個別に色々説明してくれて、とても楽しい時間を過ごす事が出来ました。
評判のハンバーガー屋さんも教えてもらい、早速行って食べてみました。
評判通り、とても美味しかった!
素敵な時間を本当にありがとうございました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 基本プラン ※2023年3月までのご参加 |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/01/21 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/01/15 |
Reviewed by: ロブちゃん
This time, there were no other customers, so it was just my wife and me for a private horseback riding experience. The instructor was Maika, my horse was Key-kun, and my wife's was Okore-chan.
In Japan, after a thorough explanation and practice, we usually set off, but here, there was just a brief explanation of the basic movements like how to go forward, turn, and stop, along with what not to do for the horses, and we set off right when we were wondering if we were going.
I actually wanted to go to Waipio Valley, but I was told it’s not accessible right now, so we rode in the mountains. Maika explained various things to us.
Enjoying the beautiful scenery and fresh air, we spent about two hours, with breaks in between, swaying on Key-kun and Okore-chan. It was incredibly moving to experience a faster pace and even a little running, which is something that would be unthinkable in Japan. I really understood why jockeys adopt that position due to the pain in my thighs, haha.
It was a valuable experience that I definitely want to try again!
今回、他のお客様がいなかったので家内と2人だけのプライベートでの乗馬体験となりました。
インストラクターはMaikaさん、私のはキー君、家内のがオコレちゃん。
日本の乗馬では懇切丁寧な説明の後、練習した後出発しますが、こちらでは進み方、曲がり方、止まり方の基本動作の説明、お馬さんの為にやっちゃいけない事の説明があるだけ、もう行くの?って言うタイミングで出発。
本当はWaipio渓谷に行きたかったのですが、今は入れないとの事でお山⛰での乗馬。
Maikaさんが色々説明してくれます。
綺麗な景色を見ながら、綺麗な空気を満喫して、キーくん、オコレちゃんに揺られる事休憩を挟んで約2時間弱堪能しました。
日本ではあり得なかった、早足や少し走ってもらい超感動 余りの股の痛さに競馬の騎手があの姿勢になるのが良く分かりました笑笑
是非またトライしたい貴重な体験でした!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 午前プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/01/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/01/11 |
Reviewed by: Anita & Wilf
Madi is the perfect tour guide! She has great knowledge of the volcanos, loves answering everyone’s questions, and has a bubbly personality that makes it impossible to not have fun!! It was a long day, but everything is worth seeing. Walking through a lava tube is an amazing experience and my personal favourite. My hubby enjoyed the whole volcano park experience. To top it off they feed you all day, so it’s impossible to go hungry. Thank you so much and we’ll recommend this tour to everyone we know! Well worth the money!
Mahalo for the kind words about Madi and your experience! We strive for all of our guests to have this enjoyment with us!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Twilight Standard Package with Night Lava Viewing [Temporarily Not Available] |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/01/13 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/01/10 |
Reviewed by: Katherine Y.
This trip was such a convenient way to see Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. I think it can be a bit daunting when planning trips to the different islands for the first time especially considering location of places, terrain, the type of vehicle you may need, parking, and the length of the trip. So I would say this is a great way to get a taste for a bunch of different activities to do on the big island.
It will take about 13 hours to complete the whole trip and the temp will be warm during the day and cold at night so be prepared. Luckily the company does provide windbreakers and fleece jackets for the cooler temperatures. Our tour guide Aaron was great! He was very friendly and helpful. He is very knowledgeable about the history, environment, landscape, and so much more! Thanks so much for touring us around, Aaron. We appreciate it so much.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Standard Tour |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/01/12 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/01/10 |
Reviewed by: Boo
We were blessed with wonderful sunsets and starry skies thanks to the weather and moon phase. The tour was primarily in English, but our guide Shoyo kindly explained everything in Japanese as well. Taking commemorative photos under the starry sky can be challenging for amateurs, but the guide took amazing pictures with his mirrorless camera. The sandwiches and warm drinks provided along the way were also very delicious.
We received information about nighttime Kilauea sightseeing, and we were able to enjoy the tour without any issues. We made the best memories on the Big Island of Hawaii. Thank you very much!
天候と月齢に恵まれて素晴らしいサンセットと星空を見ることができました。ツアーは英語主体でしたが、ガイドのShoyoさんが日本語でも丁寧に説明してくださいました。星空での記念撮影は素人には難しいですが、ガイドさんご自身のミラーレス一眼で素晴らしい写真を撮っていただきました。途中に提供していただける軽食のサンドイッチや温かい飲み物もとてもおいしかったです。
夜のキラウエア観光の情報も教えていただき、無事に観光することができました。ハワイ島で最高の思い出ができました。本当にありがとうございました。
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | 基本プラン ※2023年3月までのご参加 |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/01/12 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/01/10 |
Reviewed by: Gitika
Todd was great, he went out of his way to make it a great experience for us. He set up his own telescope for the group to get a good look at the stars and moon. He was very knowledgeable and extremely patient. We were also lucky enough to catch the eruption making the trip really great
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Standard Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/01/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/01/06 |
Reviewed by: Gitika
Byron and Monique were awesome, they put at ease with their humourous banter. Great views of the 250ft waterfall, would highly recommend
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Zipline Tour (7-Line Course) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/01/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/01/05 |
Reviewed by: Jason
Bundle up and enjoy one of the most unique experiences in Hawaii. The tour ran in a very timely fashion starting with the pickup time and getting to all the sites on site. Our guide was very informative but didn't overwhelm us with information either. The view of the sunset and stargazing just speak for themselves. Nothing short of spectacular and definitely a worthwhile experience.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Standard Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/01/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/01/04 |
Reviewed by: こ〜ちゃん
Stefan was very kind and guided us thoroughly, taking many photos as well. I will definitely repeat this next time I come to the Big Island.
丁寧にステファンさんがガイドして頂き、写真も沢山撮影して頂きました。
次回ハワイ島へ来たらリピートします。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 基本プラン ※2023年3月までのご参加 |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/01/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/12/30 |
Tips and suggestions
Reply from activity provider
An unexpected error has occurred. Please go back to the previous page and try again, or wait a few minutes and try once again.
Thank you for your use of our services.
We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour.
We sincerely apologize for any anxiety caused regarding the shuttle service. Upon reviewing your feedback, we realized that although we had received confirmation from the local operator that the tour was conducted by Hawaiian Eyes Tours, we neglected to reflect this on the tour page.
To prevent similar inconveniences in the future, we will update the tour page to indicate that the shuttle service will be provided by Hawaiian Eyes Tours.
Thank you for your valuable feedback.
Best regards,
VELTRA
ご利用ありがとうございます。
ツアーをお楽しみいただけたようで嬉しく思います。
送迎車につきましては、不安なお気持ちにさせてしまいましたこと心よりお詫び申し上げます。
ご指摘いただきあらためて確認しましたところ、現地催行会社よりHawaiian Eyes Toursにて催行されているとの共有があったにも関わらず、ツアーページへの反映を失念しておりました。
今後同様のご迷惑をおかけしないためにも、ツアーページにHawaiian Eyes Toursと記載された送迎車がお迎えにあがる旨、追記させていただきます。
貴重なご意見ありがとうございます。
何卒よろしくお願いします。
VELTRA