Reviewed by: Paul
Well worth the money since getting up to the site is nearly impossible logistically for a rental car. More importantly, our guide, Gage, was so exceptionally knowledgeable on everything from astronomy to Hawaii geography.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2022/11/15 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/11/13 |
Reviewed by: Rue
I was anxious about renting a car for the first time, but I arrived without getting lost. The weather was clear, and the view was fantastic. The staff were all cheerful and friendly. They took photos for each group, and the cows that were around made for great memories. I'm in my 60s, but it was totally fine.
初めてのレンタカーで不安でしたが、迷わず到着できました。
快晴で見晴らしも最高でした。スタッフさんたちは皆明るく親切です。
グループごとに写真を撮ってくださいます。ところどころにいる牛さんたちも写ったりしていい思い出になりました。60代ですが全然大丈夫です。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 1.5時間プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2022/11/15 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/10/17 |
Reviewed by: アカエ
Due to the decrease in Japanese tourists during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were only two of us Japanese among about 20 people on the same tour (most were from the mainland United States). The guide was Japanese, but the explanations during the transfer were in English. However, they provided us with individual guidance in Japanese, so we were able to enjoy the experience without any issues. When watching the sunset from Mauna Kea, it was colder than I had imagined. They do lend out down jackets, but depending on the season, I recommend dressing warmly in advance.
The stargazing was amazing. As soon as we got off the van, I was moved by the breathtaking starry sky that I had never seen before. We were able to see Saturn through a telescope, and there were opportunities for photography as well. I'm really glad I participated. If you want to see the stars beautifully, I recommend checking the lunar phase before joining.
コロナ禍で日本人観光客が減少した為、同じツアーの役20人中日本人は私たち2人でした(他はアメリカ本土の方が多かったです)。ガイドの方は日本人ですが、移動中の説明は英語でした。私たちには個別に日本語でガイドしてくださったので、何も問題なく過ごすことが出来ました。マウナケア山からサンセットを見る際は、想像以上に寒かったです。ダウンを貸して頂けますが、時期によっては事前に厚着していく事をおすすめします。
そして、星空観測は最高でした。バンを降りた途端に今まで見たこと無い満点の星空に感動しました。望遠鏡では土星も見せていただき、写真撮影もありで、本当に参加して良かったです。星を綺麗に見たい場合は月齢を確認しての参加をお勧めします。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 基本プラン ※2023年3月までのご参加 |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2022/11/12 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/10/18 |
Reviewed by: Kara
Stefan waited after others had left, and got us the most amazing photos and memories. Thank you to Stefan for caring for the guests.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Standard Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2022/11/10 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/10/31 |
Reviewed by: Laura Simmons
It was a fantastic tour! From the ease of meeting the guide at a local pick up point, the his knowledge of the islands, the geography, and of course the telescopes and sky, to the use of parkas, pants and gloves... it was a wonderful experience! We went on an almost full moon night so only the brightest of stars were visible, but we were still able to see Saturn and Jupiter through their telescopes. Dress warm... and have a great time!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Standard Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2022/11/08 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/11/06 |
Reviewed by: Jocelyn
Stefan was a great guide and we loved how he made a concerted effort to make sure that we got some amazing photos with the sunset and stars.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Standard Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2022/11/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/10/31 |
Reviewed by: ココママ
I was really anxious because I didn't understand the explanation before riding in English, but once I got on and started walking, everything worked out. Once I got used to it, I was able to spend the best time enjoying the wonderful scenery.
乗馬前の説明は英語で全くわからなく、不安でしたが、乗って歩きだしたらなんとかなりました
慣れてきたらすごい素敵な景色をみながら最高な時間を過ごすことができました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2.5時間プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2022/11/06 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/11/04 |
Reviewed by: YAKYUYASAN
First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Stefan Weich. I have participated in various tours in the past, but none have been as good as this one. I was impressed by the attentiveness and clear explanations. Above all, as a photographer, he took wonderful photos, which will be a great keepsake. Thank you very much.
先ずは、Mr.Stefan Weichに感謝しています、過去色々ツアーに参加しましたが、今回ほど良かったツアーは無かったです、気配り・明朗な説明等、感激しました、何よりも写真家でもあり、素晴らしい写真を撮って頂き、非常に記念に残ります、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: | 2022/11/05 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/11/01 |
Reviewed by: Hilohannah
Have done this tour 5 years ago with a different vendor. Was much better with other tour group but did not recall who it was when I booked this trip. Things I did not like about this tour:
1. Was not notified I could have been picked up in Kona. So we drove over an hour when we did not have to. Another couple drove all the way to the visitor center for the same reason 2. Dinner was marginal at best. 3. Star viewing from the visitor center parking lot?? Are you kidding me? Why? Light pollution, less clear skies..what a joke. I lay that blame on the tour guide, Maka. 4. Guide is not passionate about astronomy but he can be a good guide at times. Sadly, as the night wore on so did his personality. 5. Gloves were only proffered when a man complained. Hand them out with the coats.
Bottom line: do the tour but with a different group.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2022/11/03 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/11/01 |
Reviewed by: けんた
The original schedule had to be changed due to bad weather, and we had to turn back at the Onizuka Visitor Center, but I was very grateful for the option to reschedule to another day when there was availability. The sunset view from the summit was absolutely stunning and very impressive. Additionally, the stargazing tour at another location was not only beautiful because of the clear night sky, but the guide's explanations of the constellations were easy to understand and very helpful.
当初の日程は、悪天候のためにオニズカビジターセンターで引き返すことになりましたが、空きがあった別の日に振り替えてもらえた対応はとてもありがたかったです。
山頂から眺めるサンセットはとても素晴らしく、見ごたえがありました。また、別の場所に移動しての星空観測ツアーも、星空がきれいであることはもちろんですが、ガイドさんによる星座の説明がわかりやすくてよかったです。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 基本プラン ※2023年3月までのご参加 |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2022/10/31 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/09/28 |
Reviewed by: Mari
The tour was so much fun. OMG, we even learn during our tour because the guys stop and talk to us about their culture. Our kids enjoy the tour so much.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Four Riders Package (1 Driver + 3 Passengers) |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2022/10/26 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/10/13 |
Reviewed by: Sharon
Had a wonderful experience at the top of Mauna Kea watching the sunset, followed by star gazing at a private location.
Very accommodating, lots of pics taken for us and very informative about the dormant volcano as well as Hawaii and the observatories. Coats and mitts were available when the temp dropped with the sunset.
The choice was ours to make as to pics we wanted taken, where and when to have our dinner snack and what we wanted to see in the night sky.
A few improvements would be to have a more comfortable van. This van was not comfortable to ride in for the trip to the top and back. Additionally, the photography equipment and additional telescope equipment should be added and improved.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Standard Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2022/10/25 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/10/14 |
Reviewed by: Greg
This experience is beyond human words to describe. We had an absolutely perfect night with a crescent moon that set shortly after we got set up. The Milky Way was more spectacular than we could have imagined. James’ knowledge of what we were looking at was top notch. There were a couple of personal disappointments and cons but they do not diminish the rating of the experience.
I had expected some serious telescopes that would be used. James had a top end mount and camera with some powerful lenses but when it came to looking at Jupiter and Saturn, I get bigger and better images with my homemade 6” reflector. I was really wondering if he was using his equipment to show us Andromeda and what I think he said was the Dumbbell nebula or if he was showing us stock photos. He homed in on those two objects very quickly for a setup that was merely put down and “kinda” leveled.
The other comment is about the cost. James is an expert and one expects to pay for expertise. But for an adventure that does not include pickup except for about a mile from the destination and has no major equipment like a submarine that the Atlantis has to maintain, the price seems high. Especially since the included photos are about worthless, you are forced to purchase the full resolution package if you want to share your photos with anything other than your phone.
That being said, experiencing God’s creation like that was amazing!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Stargazing Tour - Starting times between 07:00 PM - 11:30 PM |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2022/10/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/09/28 |
Reviewed by: 西 脇
The weather was nice, and it was my first time horseback riding, but thanks to the smart horse, I was able to enjoy it safely and securely. The riding time was sufficient. The instructions were only in English!
お天気も良く
初めての乗馬でしたが
利口な馬のおかげで安心・安全に楽しめました
乗馬時間は充分でした
説明は英語のみ!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 1.5時間プラン |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2022/10/21 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/10/18 |
Reviewed by: Ana
Such a beautiful ranch and the guides were very knowledgeable!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2-Seater UTV Tandem Ride Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2022/10/19 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/10/17 |
Reviewed by: Janet A
The guides were incredibly informative and so down to earth! We felt so welcomed and ended up with a private tour!! The whole experience was amazing, but my absolute favorite part was going to the ocean!! The view is spectacular and we even saw a pod of dolphins swim by !! 10/10 and I highly recommend it!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2-Seater UTV Tandem Ride Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2022/10/17 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/10/13 |
Reviewed by: Garrett N
Really cool experience riding UTV’s around the Polulu Valley with some well trained and knowledgeable guides. Would highly recommend this tour for those interesting in getting a little dirty while also learning a lot about the history of the big island. My favorite part was riding up to the upper ridge of the valley to the waterfall where you get to have a few snacks and enjoy some stories from the guides. Very hill terrain, be prepared for a rugged but fun trail!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Two Riders Package (1 Driver + 1 Passenger) |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2022/10/13 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/10/11 |
Reviewed by: Alex
This Zip-line Tour was off the hook! David and Josh, along with the other staff, were awesome and very good at what they do! They’re safety instructions were very friendly and clear that made it a really simple and fast process. They’re funny humor kept my wife and I engaged and laughing the whole time which helped break the ice and had everyone conversing. The Zip-Lines are short at the beginning but that’s ok because it was our first time doing this type of activity and helped ease into the longer ones. The grand finale is awesome and are still super stoked about doing it! You won’t be disappointed. Oh! And you have to try the different types of bananas while tracking through the different Zip-Lines and don’t forget to enjoy the views! Once again, thank you Josh and David for a great time and all the info provided! Until next time!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Zipline Tour (7-Line Course) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2022/10/09 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/09/30 |
Reviewed by: Zip lining couple
We had not been zip lining before. They walked us through everything and we had a great time. They were very knowledgeable of the area and it’s history. They were hilarious and made the trip a blast! I would highly recommend them!!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Zipline Tour (7-Line Course) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2022/10/06 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/10/04 |
Reviewed by: Natalie Cruz
Our trip with Kohala ATV Tour was awesome! Beautiful scenic stops and one of the guides was a great photographer. We learned so much about the history of the big island and the valleys along this coast it was not only fun and scenic but also cool to learn about the history. Not only were the guides amazing and knowledgable on the history and plants but the driver that transported us from the parking lot to the UTV's, Jerry or Jerico, was so funny and outgoing. He definitely got us super excited and eager for this tour after driving an hour and a half from Kona to Kohala at 7AM. He explained a lot about the town of Kohala and all of the things we passed on our way to the trail base. The crew works great together and made sure my boyfriend and I had a great time. We got to swim under a waterfall that is only accessible with this tour and we tried so may of the fruits we passed in the wild throughout the entire tour. Will definitely rebook with this company and will recommend to all friends and family.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Two Riders Package (1 Driver + 1 Passenger) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2022/10/04 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/09/29 |
Reviewed by: Faye
The guide is friendly and informative. He can speak fluent English and Japanese. He provided the needed equipment for the trip and took nice photos for us. We’ve had unique and amazing lifetime experience by standing on the top of the world (count elevation from the seabed) and watching the stunning sunset and moonrise. Unfortunately, the full moon was so bright and we couldn’t clearly see the Milky Way. Overall a must have one and I will recommend do it with a guide as first time as some unexpected situations could happen if you are not fully prepared.
Warning: some people might feel faint and uncomfortable or fall asleep due to elevation
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Standard Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2022/10/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/09/09 |
Reviewed by: Saunders 2022
This tour was jammed packed with fantastic activities and good information. Todd was our guide, and he was filled with lots of good information on the area and language. He is definitely the one you want around for star gazing as he has a formal education in astronomy. One word of caution--bring warm clothes and jacket! You are going to a higher elevation with trade winds, and it gets cold!! (even on the van)
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Standard Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2022/09/30 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/09/28 |
Reviewed by: Peter
Great staff, gentle horses, and a fun adventure. We had our 9 year old granddaughter who had never ridden but they went out of their way to make sure she was comfortable and with a horse that she could ride safely.
I have lots of riding experience and was able to enjoy the ride as well; they shared much information about the plants and animals and Hawaiian history. Btw, the swim at the half way point was very refreshing.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 1:00 PM Afternoon Ride |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2022/09/28 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/09/26 |
Reviewed by: Ryota
●Tour Details: We were guided by a charming guide who spoke fluent Japanese. Along the way, we enjoyed stories about the history and specialties of Hawaii Island, making the approximately 2.5-hour journey to the summit of Mauna Kea feel effortless. At the summit, we watched the sunset over the vast sea of clouds, followed by a sky full of stars. It was truly the best view.
●Cautions: Most of the road is paved, so I don't think you'll get car sick, but there is about 25 minutes of bumpy road near the summit, so if you're prone to motion sickness, it's better to take some anti-nausea medication.
●Food: We had a hearty BLT sandwich. Since you'll be busy enjoying the scenery during the tour, I think it's a good idea to bring some light snacks.
Overall, it was a wonderful tour and one of the most impressive experiences in Hawaii. Thank you!
●ツアー内容:日本語ペラペラでおちゃめなガイドさんにご案内頂きました。道中もハワイ島の歴史や特産品などの話で楽しませて下さり、マウナケア山頂までの約2.5時間も飽きる事なく過ごせました。山頂では大雲海に沈む夕日を眺め、その後は満天の星空。ほんと最高の景色でした。
●注意点:大部分は舗装された道路なので車酔いしにいくと思いますが、山頂の近くで25分ほどガタガタ道を通るので、酔いやすい方は酔い止めを飲んどいた方が良いと思います。
●食事:ボリューム満点のBLTサンドを頂きました。ツアー中は景色を見るのに忙しいため、軽く軽食を持って行った方が良いと思います。
総じて素晴らしいツアーで、ハワイで最も印象的な経験になりました。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: | 2022/09/24 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/09/21 |
Reviewed by: ハワイ
Thank you for the guide. I was able to see some very beautiful scenery.
However, I was very concerned about the driver’s hands-free driving and using a smartphone while driving.
I understand that this is a road he has been driving on daily for years and that he is familiar with it. The speed was not excessively fast.
Since I also drive in Japan, I know that it is possible to drive with both hands off the wheel at a slow speed. Using a smartphone might be similar to looking at a navigation system.
That said, this is not a drive with family or friends; it is a tour that I paid to participate in. The lives of several people are at stake. It would be too late after an accident or injury.
In fact, we were able to return safely without any incidents. However, as a guide, I believe it is not acceptable to make participants feel uneasy.
Those participating in English may not mind. However, I felt anxious every time the driver looked at his smartphone, worrying about the distance to the car in front of us.
If he is so accustomed to this road that he cannot drive without using his smartphone, then I think the company should implement some measures.
Alternatively, if hands-free driving and smartphone use are allowed in Hawaii, then I apologize for my lack of knowledge. However, if that is the case, I believe it would be appropriate to inform us at the beginning, saying, "I will be using my smartphone while driving, but this is okay."
While entertaining as a guide is important, I think safety should come first.
I enjoyed everything else besides the driving. Thank you.
ガイドありがとうございました。とても素敵な風景を見ることが出来ました。
ただ、ドライバーの、両手放し運転とスマホいじり運転が非常に気になりました。
何年も毎日の様に通っている道で、運転し慣れていることは重々承知しています。スピードがすごく出ていた訳でもありません。
私も日本では運転しますので、遅いスピードでの両手放しが余裕であることはわかります。またスマホいじりも、カーナビを見るのと同じかもしれません。
とは言ってもこれは、家族や友人とのドライブではなく、お金を払って参加しているツアーです。数人分の命を預かっているわけです。事故や怪我をしてからでは遅いです。
実際、何もなく安全に帰ることは出来ました。しかしガイドとしては参加者に不安な気持ちを抱かせた時点でNGではないでしょうか。
英語で参加する方は気にしないのかもしれません。しかし私は、スマホを見ながら運転される度、前の車との車間距離が気になってしまったのが事実です。
あまりにも毎日慣れている道で、スマホをいじらずには運転してられない、というのであれば、会社として何か対策を打つべきだと思います。
もしくはハワイでは、両手放しもスマホいじりも許されているというのであれば、私の知識不足です。すみません。しかしそれなら、冒頭に「私はスマホをいじりながら運転するけどこれはokだからね」と伝えるのが正しい姿勢だと考えます。
ガイドで楽しませることも重要ですが、安全を第一にしていただいた方がよろしいのではないかと思います。
運転以外は楽しめました。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: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2022/09/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/09/22 |
Reviewed by: Dan Ohio
Awesome tour! Stephan was amazing. Very knowledgeable about the island, Mauna Kea and the stars. We would definitely recommend. Everything was as advertised and even more!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Standard Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2022/09/22 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/09/20 |
Reviewed by: Bebelady
On this trip, I wanted to challenge myself with proper horseback riding, so I signed up for this tour, and I was first surprised by the location! It was at an elevation of 2000 meters, as described, in the Kohala Coast. I took a taxi round trip, and I wondered if it would be okay in such thin air, but there was no need for concern. The friendly Hawaiian cowgirls provided kind explanations, and I easily got on the horse, proceeding in a line towards the highland sea. Unfortunately, the weather was not great, and we encountered rain several times during the two hours, but I was able to look down at the coastline of the Kona region and met many cows on the highland. It was an experience that will become a lifelong treasure.
今回の旅で、ちゃんとした乗馬に挑戦したくてこちらのツアーを申し込みましたが、まず場所にビックリ!
説明通りの2000m標高の場所コハラコースト。
タクシーで往復したのですが、こんなに空気の薄い場所で大丈夫かなと思いましたが、そんな心配はご無用。気さくなハワイカウガール達の親切な説明で難なく馬に乗せていただき、1列になって高原の海原へと進んで行きました。
生憎天候は不純で、2時間の間に何度か雨に合いましたが、眼下に広がるコナ地域の海岸線を見下ろしたり、高原には沢山の牛と出会いました。
一生の宝物になる体験ができました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2.5時間プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2022/09/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/09/13 |
Reviewed by: とらさん
I'm glad I went.
As expected, the weather was better at the summit, and once my eyes adjusted, I could see everything clearly.
Our guide, Stephan, was very polite and illuminated things with his light, providing information about the stars, even sharing knowledge I had no prior understanding of. Thank you for being such an interesting guide, Stephan.
I want to go again.
いってよかったです。
やっぱ、山頂のほうが天候もよく目がなれてくるとくっきりと見えてきました。
ガイドのステファンさんも英語でも日本語でも丁寧にライトで照らしなが
星に関してまったく知らない知識まで教えていただきました。それにおもしろいステファンさんありがとう。
また、いきたいです。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 基本プラン ※2023年3月までのご参加 |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2022/09/18 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/09/16 |
Reviewed by: Ashley
Absolutely amazing, a once in a lifetime experience made easy through this tour group. Easy to accommodate our special pickup needs, kind and knowledgeable guide. It was a guided tour, but plenty of time to wander and explore on our own. The stars and cocoa were amazing and the photos were first class that we received!! Highly recommend!!!! This was my sister's favorite activity during our week long Hawaii stay!!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Standard Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2022/08/31 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/08/26 |
Reviewed by: Marie P.
We did the 1 1/2 hr.& its a great view.The guides were fun. This is not ride in a line, you can spread out and go faster in a few areas. Wear jeans, hats and bring a jacket even if it's hot where you are! It's beautiful, lush and on grazing land for their cattle and sheep. Loved it, and would recommend! Thank you for a great memory!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 1.5 Hour Horse Riding Tour |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2022/08/28 |
| Activity Date: | 2022/08/26 |
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.