Big Island
The sunset at the summit of Mauna Kea was also very wonderful, but it was a bit cold. During the stargazing, I saw the Milky Way for the first time in my life. The guide's explanations were easy to understand and entertaining. I was very satisfied to see various colored stars through the telescope, including Saturn's rings, Antares in Scorpius, and the stars of the Big Dipper, as well as the Andromeda Galaxy.
マウナケア山頂サンセットもとても素晴らしかったのですが少し寒かった
星空観測では、生まれて初めて天の川を見ました。ガイドさんの説明も分かりやすく,おもしろおかしく説明してくれました。
望遠鏡で土星の環やさそり座のアンタレス、北斗七星の連星など、いろいろな色の星、
アンドロメダ星雲も見ることができ大満足です。
It takes about an hour and a half by car from Kailua-Kona to the meeting point, and I arrived without getting lost thanks to the map. We took the shop's van down the steep slopes of Waipi'o Valley to reach the starting point for horseback riding. Along the course, we crossed rivers, saw several waterfalls, and observed wild plants and fruits growing along the side paths. The horses were calm, and I never felt in danger as we enjoyed a fun hour and a half. This is a highly recommended tour that takes you to places that are not easily accessible on foot.
カイルアコナから集合場所まで車で約1時間半、地図を頼りに迷うことなく到着。お店のバンでワイピオ渓谷の急坂を下り乗馬のスタート地点に到着。コースの途中では川を渡ったり、幾つかの滝を見たり、脇道に自生する植物や果物を見たりしながら進みます。馬も大人しく、危険を感じることもなくあっという間に楽しい1時間半ほどが過ぎてします。歩いては簡単に行けないところへ行けるお勧めのツアーです。
My entire family had a blast zip lining through the tree canopies! Chris and Cassie were our guides and they were hospitable, informative and patient. It was our first time zip lining in such an environment-hundreds of feet in the air and we felt completely comfortable and confident in their hands. They provided us with water and snacks midway and at the conclusion of our adventure, including freshly picked bananas! They shared knowledge about the vegetation and geographical landmarks, as well as, insight into local eateries! Not only did we enjoy the various zip lines, but there were also suspension bridges and a final rappel to the ground. You also get to ride in a really cool armory jeep of some sort as you travel to and from the excursion. It surpassed our expectations and we were so glad to have chosen that adventure during our travels on The Big Island.
The horses were really well trained, no skill was required to ride them. We had a couple of chances to canter, but due to the different skill levels of the riders, we only cantered for only a couple of minutes total. One lady lost her cellphone during the canter and we all had to stop while the guides looked for it in the tall grass. They weren't able to find it and we lost some time and further opportunities to canter. The views from our trail were amazing, and it was a great way to spend a morning. If we could've split up according to skill level so who wanted to go faster could, as there were 3 guides to about 6-8 riders, then I would've given it 5 stars.
The nature walk was just perfect. We were transported to the forest by a great big open truck with 6 wheels. It was to full capacity with 11 people on board plus our guide and driver, Noi. She was super experienced driving the truck (which didn't seem easy) and very knowledgeable about all that was around us in the forest. She went out of her way to make sure we all had captured the right pictures. The waterfall was super pretty and refreshing to swim in. The views were fantastic and the time went by super quickly.
I would definitely recommend this adventure to everyone who can easily walk for an hour or so straight.
This was one of the top highlights of our trip. The van ride into and out of the valley is an adventure all of it's own. The guides were just awesome. The family of one had lived in the valley for generations and he was very knowledgeable about the area. The other one was just a riot. The horses also had more spunk than your average trail horse, too. Some of them had been wild horses not too long ago. I don't know if these guys do a longer ride, but I would definitely sign up for it if they did.
I was impressed by our guide, Matsucchan, from the very first meeting. He always gave his all, and he was a wonderful person who enhanced the beauty of the sunset and starry sky on the Big Island. It had been a while since our last family trip, and the photos we took captured everyone with big smiles, creating lovely memories. I definitely want to participate again. Thank you!
ガイドの松っちゃんは、初対面時からその人柄に衝撃を受けましたが、常に全力で対応して下さり、ハワイ島の夕陽、星空をさらに引き立てる素晴らしい方でした。
久々の家族旅行でしたが、撮影した写真はみんな満面の笑みで素敵な思い出となりました。
是非また参加したいです。
ありがとうございました!
Compared to Waikiki, the weather was not very good, and I was a bit worried, but by the time we reached the summit, it was clear skies! We were able to see the shining sunset and the Venus Belt that appeared after sunset.
The stargazing afterward was also wonderful, as we enjoyed a sky full of stars, including the Milky Way, the Southern Cross, and planets. It was truly a fantastic experience, and my friend and I were both deeply moved.
It gets really cold at the summit, so having Heattech would be a good idea.
ワイキキと比べるとあまり天気が良くなくて少し心配していたのですが、山頂に到着する頃には快晴!光輝くサンセットと日没後現れるビーナスベルトも見ることが出来ました。
その後の星空観測も天の川や南十字星、惑星を含め満天の星空を楽しみました。
本当に素敵な体験で友達と二人感動しっぱなしでした。
山頂は本当に寒いのでヒートテックがあると良いです。
You can easily drive to the summit of Mauna Kea. You can acclimatize to the altitude while enjoying a bento, and they provide solid advice on breathing techniques. Watching the sunset sinking into the sea of clouds is truly moving! You might even forget to breathe... During the stargazing, you can see the Southern Cross and the Milky Way, and the explanations of the constellations were very easy to understand. They take great care in preparing warm clothing and drinks, allowing you to forget the cold and get lost in the starry sky! You can also capture such wonderful scenery in photos. If you have a DSLR but lack confidence, don't worry! They will carefully guide you on camera settings. Even if you can't take the photos yourself, a great photographer will capture the best shots for you. Thank you, Macchan, for taking care of us from the beginning to the end of the tour.
マウナケアの山頂まで楽々、車で登れます。高地順応もお弁当を食べながらでき、呼吸法のアドバイスもしっかりしてくれます。雲海に沈む夕陽を見ていると、本当に感動!息をするのも忘れてしまいそうになりますが・・・。星空観測では南十字星や天の川も見れて、星座の解説もすごくわかりやすかったです。防寒着から暖かい飲み物の準備など、気配りもばっちりで寒さも忘れて、星空に見惚れます!そんな素晴らしい景色を写真でも残せます。一眼レフを持っていても、いまいち自信のない方、大丈夫です!カメラの設定も丁寧に教えてくれます。自分で撮れなくても、名カメラマンがベストショットを撮ってくれます。
ツアーの最初から最後まで全力でケアしてくれたまっちゃん、ありがとうございました。
It truly felt like a breathtaking feature from a television program appeared right before us. The weather on the day we participated was fortunate, allowing us to enjoy the beautiful sunset from the mountaintop and a stunning starry sky. Our guide, Jin, was friendly and kind, and Yamachan's explanations about the stars were very easy to understand and witty, which made for a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Thank you for the wonderful time. Lastly, the miso soup served during dinner at the Onizuka Center was very delicious. If you're someone who gets cold easily, it might be a good idea to bring a neck warmer.
まさしくテレビ番組の絶景特集が目の前に現れた感じでした。私達が参加した日は天候にも恵まれたらしく、山頂でのサンセットも、星空も美しく最高の景色を拝むことができました。ガイドのじんさんも気さくで親切だったし、やまちゃんの星空の説明もとても分かり易くウイットにとんでいて、リラックスして楽しい気持ちですごすことができたのも良かったです♡素敵な時間をありがとうございました。最後になりましたが、オニヅカセンターでの夕食時に出していただいたお味噌汁、とっても美味しかったです。寒がりの方は、ネックウォーマーを持参されるとよいかもしれません。
This was my second time participating in the sunset and stargazing tour at the summit of Mauna Kea! The sea of clouds and the sunset were absolutely amazing, and it was so soothing. I was able to feel the clear air and enjoy a peaceful moment! The stargazing coincided with Tanabata, and I was able to see the Milky Way as well as my zodiac sign, Leo. No matter how many times I visit the Big Island, I always get to see it in different ways, which is so much fun and allows me to create many memories! The tour guides were all full of vitality, and having Japanese guides made me feel at ease. I look forward to more enjoyable tours in the future!
今回2回目のマウナケア山頂夕陽と星空観測参加!
やはり雲海、夕陽が最高で、、、癒されました。
空気が澄み渡り、静かな時間を感じる事が出来ました!星空観測も丁度七夕で天の川も観れ、私のしし座もしっかり見る事出来ました。
ハワイ島は何度訪れても様々な姿を見る事が出来楽しく、思い出をたくさん作る事が出来ました!
ツアーガイドさんたちも皆さんバイタリティに富みやはり日本人ガイドさんだと安心でした。
これからも楽しいツアーを期待しています
We thoroughly enjoyed our time, the horses, the views, the locals and the guides. Mahalo!
This was my first time participating in horseback riding at the Kohala Coast. Previously, I rode in Waipi'o Valley. Riding in Waipi'o was quite thrilling, as the horse would wade through the river, almost getting our feet wet, and it was a lot of fun. However, this year, due to concerns about Zika and dengue fever, I opted for horseback riding in the mountains.
All the staff were women, and they were all adorable cowgirls. They let us run the horses at times, which gave a very free impression. Helmets, boots, and jackets for riding can be rented on-site. You can hang a pocket on the horse's back to carry water bottles, valuables, and cameras.
At scenic spots, they took photos for us. I highly recommend horseback riding on the Big Island!
今回、コハラ・コーストでの乗馬ははじめての参加です。以前はワイピオ渓谷での乗馬でした。ワイピオも水に足が浸かりそうな程ジャブジャブと川の中を馬の背に揺られたりしてかなりスリリングな体験ができて楽しかったですが、今年はジカ熱やデング熱の心配があるからと、山の上での乗馬にしました。
スタッフは全員女性。かわいいカウガールばかりでした。途中で走らせてくれたり、かなり自由な印象です。乗馬用のヘルメットやブーツ、上着などはその場でレンタルできます。馬の背にポケットを下げて、ペットボルや貴重品、カメラなどを持つことができます。
景色の良いところでは、写真を撮っていただけました。
ハワイ島での乗馬はおススメです!!
The various responses were polite and kind. The bento was delicious. The explanation of the stars was very well done; it was a wonderful experience.
色々な対応とっても丁寧で親切でした。お弁当も美味しかったです。星の説明はとっても上手でした、素晴らしい体験でした。
For our 25th wedding anniversary, we visited the Big Island of Hawaii for the first time. We heard about a sunset and stargazing tour, and I felt we had to go, so we chose the highly-rated tour from "Masashi Nature School" among many options.
On the day of the tour, we were picked up from our hotel around 3:30 PM. We boarded the last two seats of the 13-person capacity van. There was a bit of tension about climbing to an altitude of 4200 meters, which is higher than Mount Fuji, but our guide, Jin, reassured us that we would be fine since we could drive to the summit and would properly acclimatize.
The shield volcano has a gentle slope, so it didn’t feel like we were climbing much, yet we quickly surpassed 2000 meters in elevation. Along the way, we took commemorative photos and arrived at the Onizuka Visitor Center (at 2800 meters). We had a dinner of bento and miso soup to help with acclimatization. The temperature had dropped, so the warm miso soup was very welcome.
Finally, we attacked the summit! Although we were just sitting in the car, it was quite easy. Upon reaching the summit, we saw the sunset over a sea of clouds. The colors of the sky changed moment by moment, and then came the sunset. It was breathtaking!
After other tours descended the mountain, we followed suit. Jin had options for stargazing spots based on the day's weather and conditions, and he chose the best location for us. Although the moon was somewhat bright at 10 days old, the sky was filled with stars. Jin provided explanations about the stars, and my childhood passion for astronomy was reignited. We were able to observe the craters on the moon and the rings of Saturn through a telescope. It was also great to see the Southern Cross clearly. We took commemorative photos in various poses against the starry backdrop.
Blessed with good weather, we thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful sunset and stargazing. Thanks to Jin's thoughtful care, we had a truly enjoyable time. Thank you!
結婚25周年の記念旅行で初めて訪れたハワイ島。
サンセットと星空観測ツアーがあると聞いて、是非行かねばと思い、数あるツアーの中から評判の良かった「マサシネイチャースクール」さんのツアーを選択。
当日のピックアップはホテルの場所柄15時半過ぎ。定員13人の最後の二席に乗り込む。
これから富士山より高い標高4200Mの山に登るという緊張感もあったが、山頂まで車で行けるし、高度順応のちゃんとやっていくので大丈夫というガイドの仁さんの説明で一安心。
盾状火山で道が緩やかなため、あまり登っている感覚はないが、あっと言う間に標高2000Mを超えていく。
途中、記念撮影などしてオニズカ・ビジターセンター(標高2800M)に到着。高度順応を兼ねたお弁当とお味噌汁の夕食。さすがに気温も下がってきたので、温かいお味噌汁がありがたい。
いよいよ山頂にアタック!とはいってもこっちは車に座っているだけなので楽チン楽チン。
山頂に着くと雲海の上に傾きかけた夕日。空の色が刻一刻と変化していく。そして、サンセット。感動!
他のツアーが山を下りた後、我々も続く。仁さんはその日の天候やコンディションに会わせた星空観測スポット候補を持っているそうで、今回もベストの場所をチョイス。
月齢10日の月がやや明るいものの、空には満天の星空が広がる。仁さんによる星空の説明。小さい頃からの天文ファンの血がたぎる。 望遠鏡で月面のクレーターや土星の輪も観測することが出来た。南十字星が大きくはっきり見えたのも良かった。星空をバックにして思い思いのポーズでの記念撮影も。
天候にも恵まれ、素晴らしいサンセットと星空を堪能。仁さんの細やかなお心遣いのおかげでとても楽しい時間を過ごすことが出来た。ありがとうございます!
I had a wonderful time on the Big Island of Hawaii, riding horses with my daughter and husband. It was the perfect way to relax. During our trip, we enjoyed scuba diving and golf, and when we were tired, we lounged by the hotel pool, sipping on some cold beer and soaking in the happiness. Interacting with the horses was also very soothing. I was moved by the beauty of the coastline.
娘と夫婦3人で行った、大人だけのハワイ島馬に揺られて最高の骨休めのひと時が味わえました。旅行中は、スキューバダイビングとゴルフ、疲れた時はホテルのプールサイドで寝そべり、
冷たいビールを少々飲む、幸せな気分をまんきつできました。馬とのふれあいも癒されます。海岸線の美しさにかんどうしました。
I decided to go to the Big Island because I wanted to participate in this. Even as a complete beginner, I was able to join in without any issues. There were guests at both the front and the back. Although they weren't part of our team, I saw another team that included children around elementary school age.
However, please note that no Japanese is spoken here. It was a wonderful experience to ride horses and enjoy a forest bath in such beautiful and majestic scenery.
By the way, I heard that clouds tend to gather more in the afternoon, so I participated in the morning session.
The day before, I stayed at Waipio Wayside B&B, which is about a 10-minute drive from the meeting point for this tour, and I highly recommend this B&B. I would love to stay there again.
これに参加したくてハワイ島行きを決めたくらいです。
まったく初心者の私でも十分に参加できました。
先頭と最後尾にゲストがついてくれます。
私たちのチームではないのですが、すれ違った別のチームには小学生くらいの子供もいました。
ただ、日本語は一切通じませんので、ご注意を。
とっても素敵・雄大な景色の中を馬に乗って散歩・森林浴するという素晴らしい体験となりました。
ちなみに本当かどうかわからないのですが、午後の方が雲が集まりやすいと聞いたので、
午前中の会参加しました。
前日は近く(このツアーの集合場所から車で10分ほど)のWaipio Wayside B&Bに宿泊しましたが、このB&Bは本当におすすめです。また宿泊したいです。
One of the purposes of my visit to the Big Island was this tour, which provided satisfaction as expected. We were blessed with good weather, and I was able to take photos of the sunset right above the Subaru Telescope at the Mauna Kea Observatories. During the stargazing, I even captured the red glow of the distant Kilauea Volcano in my photos. I also appreciate the humor and hospitality of our excellent guide, Mr. Matsuzaki from Masashi Nature School.
ハワイ島を訪れた目的のひとつであったこのツアーは、期待通りの満足を与えてくれました。天候にも恵まれ、国立天文台ハワイ観測所(すばる望遠鏡)の真上に沈む夕陽を写真に撮り、星空観測では、遠くキラウエア火山の赤い光も写真に捉えることが出来ました。
マサシネイチャースクールの名ガイド・Matsuzakiさんのユーモアとホスピタリティにも感謝です。
Horseback riding was a first experience for both of us as a couple. At first, we were surprised and nervous about the size and height of the horses, but it turned into a fun memory. We strolled leisurely through the great outdoors and felt very refreshed.
乗馬は夫婦共に初体験。初めは馬の大きさ、高さにビックリ、緊張しましたが、楽しい思い出となりました。のんびりと大自然の中を散策して、とてもリフレッシュ出来たと思います。
I had previously participated in horseback riding in Waipi'o Valley on the Big Island, but this time I joined a horseback riding tour for the first time at the vast "Kohala Coast," which is less than an hour from Waikoloa Beach Resort. The view from the high elevation overlooking the coastline leading to the ranch was spectacular, and I really enjoyed the drive with the rental car.
There were only four of us women on the tour, which made me a bit anxious, but the guide communicated in broken Japanese, and we managed to confirm the necessary precautions through gestures, allowing us to start safely. The explanations during the tour were in English, so I didn't understand much. However, all the horses were calm and well-trained, so I felt safe letting myself go. I enjoyed the fresh air in the vast grasslands while admiring the scenery from horseback, and I had a great time on the "one and a half hour course"!
今までハワイ島でワイピオ渓谷での乗馬に参加していましたが、今回ワイコロアビーチリゾートから1時間弱、大草原「コハラ・コースト」での乗馬に初めて参加しました。標高が高く牧場へ向かう海岸線を見下ろす眺望は素晴らしく、レンタカーでのドライブも結構楽しめました。
ツアー参加者は私達女性4人のみで多少不安でしたが、案内は片言の日本語で何とか身振り手振りで諸注意事項も確認し合い無事にスタートが切れました。途中での説明は「英語」なので、分からない。どの馬も大人しくて良く調教されているので安心して身を任せ、大草原の中美味しい空気を吸いながら馬上から見渡す景色にも感嘆しつつ「1時間半コース」を満喫!!できました。
Great tour, the guide was very knowlegable answering all questions put. The trip was worth every penny. The sunset seen from the summit was truly spiritual.
We participated as a couple at the end of May. It was the best starry sky and elevation experience of our lives. It's definitely worth taking the time to reach the summit of Mauna Kea (the transportation is by car, and the guide's stories during the drive are so interesting that it doesn't feel burdensome at all). The power of the Subaru Telescope we stopped by along the way is also impressive. If you want to fully enjoy the nature of the Big Island, this is a tour you must join.
5月末に夫婦で参加しました。今までの人生の中で一番の星空と標高を経験しました。時間をかけてマウナケア山頂まで行く価値は十分にあります(移動は車ですし,車中のガイドさんのお話が面白いので全く苦になりません)。途中に立ち寄ったすばる望遠鏡の迫力にも圧巻です。ハワイ島の自然を漫喫したければ,必ず参加すべきツアーです。
It was just my wife and me participating. The guides (Jin and Mac) were very fun, and it turned out to be a great tour. They were also considerate about altitude sickness, so we enjoyed it without any issues. This might be the most recommended tour on the Big Island!!
妻と2人での参加です。ガイドの方々(仁さん、まっちゃん)がとても楽しくていいツアーになりました。高山病にも気を使ってくださり何も問題なく楽しめました。ハワイ島ツアーで一番オススメかもです!!
A vast ranch where I went for my first horseback riding experience. I received guidance from two friendly and wonderful women, and then it was time to challenge myself. I was surprised that I had to ride the horse on my own right away, but the horses were quite accustomed to it. When we picked up the pace a bit, I got scared and asked to walk slowly instead. However, going up and down the mountain slopes and through the muddy areas kept my heart racing the whole time. My husband, who doesn't speak English, seemed to have a hard time expressing his thoughts, but aside from that, it was truly a refreshing and wonderful experience. We participated in the one-and-a-half-hour plan, and later I felt muscle soreness in my inner thighs, so I was glad we didn't choose the three-hour option. If I visit the Big Island again, I would love to participate once more.
初めての乗馬に訪れたとてつもなく広い牧場。フレンドリーで素敵な女性二人に指導を受け、さあ挑戦。いきなり自分で馬を駆りついて行かなくてはならないのにはビックリしたけど馬達は慣れたものでした。途中で少し速足になった時は恐くなり、ゆっくり歩くだけにしてもらいました。でも山の斜面を登ったり下ったり、ぬかるみの中に入っていったりでずっとドキドキ。英語の喋れない主人は思ったことを伝えられず大変だったようですがそれ以外は本当に爽快で素晴らしい体験になりました。私たちは1時間半のプランに参加したのですが、後で内股に筋肉痛があり3時間にしなくて良かったと思いました。次回ハワイ島に訪れることがあればまた参加したいと思います。
I have traveled to the Big Island several times, but this was my first time participating in a tour. I was a bit anxious about going to a mountain over 4,000 meters high, but I was glad to return safely. It drizzled along the way, and I thought we might not see the stars, but as we ascended, the weather improved, and thanks to the rain, we were able to take pictures with a rainbow in the background. The sunset and stargazing at the summit were truly beautiful. They provided a thorough explanation of the constellations, and I completely forgot my worries and enjoyed myself. I did feel a bit lightheaded near the summit, but I recovered quickly. I'm already thinking about which tour to choose for my next visit to the Big Island.
ハワイ島には数回旅行をしていますが、今回初めてツアーに参加しました。4,000メートル以上の山に行くのは不安もありましたが、無事に帰る事が出来て良かったです。途中霧雨が降り、星は無理かなとあきらめていましたが、上に行くにつれ、天気が回復し、しかも雨のおかげで虹をバックに写真を撮ることも出来ました。頂上でのサンセットと星空観測は本当にきれいでした。星座の説明もしっかりして頂き、不安があったことなどすっかり忘れて楽しみました。やはり頂上付近では、頭がふわっとしましたが、すぐに回復しました。次にハワイ島に行く時はどのツアーにしようか考えています。
Best experience ever. I was apprehensive once faced with the challenge, but the guides were awesome and very caring individual. Will definitely do it again.
Thank you Chris Guzman and Cassie
See you next time!
I was taken by car to near the summit, where I encountered a truly precious sunset and starry sky. They kindly took many photos at my various requests, creating wonderful memories. I was also worried about altitude sickness, but thanks to their guidance on breathing techniques and precautions, I was able to enjoy my time healthily. Thank you very much!
車にて山頂付近まで連れて行っていただき、大変貴重な夕陽と星空に出会えました。
いろんなリクエストの写真も快く撮ってくださり、大変良い思い出です。
心配していた高山病も、呼吸の仕方や注意点をレクチャーくださったことで、元気に過ごせました。
どうもありがとうございました!
The tour guides were very nice and skilled at their jobs: driving down the rocky, curvy road to the horse barn and then helping everyone enjoy their time on their horses. Although my horse was not the most obedient, the guides always tried to help me keep up with the group and have patience with me and the horse. I definitely enjoyed my first time horseback riding especially since the walk around the area was very beautiful. After this experience, I definitely learned how to ride a horse (lead it, understand its needs, etc) and also appreciate how beautiful Waipio valley is.
Its a must go, when visiting Big Island. Sunset view is breathtaking.
best experience of my holiday...... absolutely loved it!!!!!