All Reviews for Outdoor Adventures

We participated in a 1.5-hour course with a group of five, including two of us and three American family members. We leisurely progressed in a single line through a very spacious and pleasant ranch. Perhaps because there were children, we mostly walked at a slow pace. They also gave us time to stop and take photos along the way. The riding time was exactly one and a half hours. It was fun, but I thought that a 2.5-hour ride might get boring.

私達2名、アメリカ人の親子グループ3名の計5名で、1.5時間コースに参加しました。とても広々として気持ちの良い牧場を、概ね1列になってのんびり進みます。お子さんもいたからかほとんど並足でした。途中立ち止まって写真を撮る時間も取ってくれます。乗っている時間はちょうど1時間半でした。楽しいですが、2.5時間だと飽きるかもしれないと思いました。

Jason & Ezra were excellent guides!! My Husband and I had a Great time!! My Favorite excursion of our visit!! Crazy Fun Zipping through the trees!!!!!!!

This was my first time participating. I thought that because a front was coming in, there would be clouds both above and below, so while the sunset would be nice, I didn't expect much from the stars. However, I was quite surprised to see them clearly. Mauna Kea really does have great weather. Conversely, in Japan (I live in Osaka), the air might be so polluted that it's always cloudy.

Our guide, Matsuzaki, mentioned he was in his third year, but I was impressed by how much he had studied. He continuously provided various explanations during the drive and even lay down on the ground to take photos, showing his dedication.

【A few notes】
- You can borrow a set of thermal clothing, including a jacket. I brought a thick thermal outfit, so I ended up feeling quite bulky. Thin, warm items like Heattech underwear are preferable.
- The women's restroom at the Onizuka Center gets crowded due to bookings with other tours. You can get your bento and miso soup here, so it's best to change as early as possible.
- Since we had an early dinner, I was a bit hungry as a big eater and bought a late-night snack at a shop we stopped by on the way back. My companions are also big eaters, but perhaps due to a bit of oxygen shortage, they didn't seem to want to eat much.
- Dinner consisted of a simple bento and miso soup. Other tours had Hawaiian sushi and lasagna, as shown in the photos for reference.
- The way they took commemorative photos was quite creative, as expected. My photo lacked a bit of flash power but had a nice silhouette. It's great that we can also download the guide's photos.

I've experienced sunsets from the summits of various mountains in Japan many times, but in Hawaii, the air clarity is unmatched. Additionally, the thrill of driving up to such an elevation all at once is unique to the Big Island. You reach the top so quickly that you don't really feel the height, but it's a height that would have been a life-threatening challenge in the past. One should truly appreciate this altitude. (What was I doing back then, climbing with heavy loads in the mountain club?)

I believe the tour is worth the price alone. You can't reach the summit by rental car, and the knowledge you gain is on a different level of impact. I highly recommend a Japanese guide for those who are not confident in their English.

はじめての参加。前線が来ていたため、上空にも下層にも雲があって、夕陽にはいいが星には期待できないだろうと思っていたのに、けっこう見えて驚きました。マウナケアって、ホント天気がいい所なんですね。逆にいうと、日本（私は大阪在住）はいつでも雲の中というくらい空気が汚いのかもしれません。ガイドの松崎さんは３年目との事でしたが、色々勉強されていて感心しました。車中でも途切れずいろんな説明をされたり、地面にねころんで写真をとって下さったりして、一生懸命なのが伝わってきました。

【ちょっと一言】
・つなぎと上着セットの防寒着を貸してもらえます。
　　私は分厚い防寒着を持参したので、モコモコになっちゃいました。
　　ヒートテックの下着など、薄くて暖かいものがいいです。
・オニヅカセンターの女性用トイレは、他ツアーとブッキングするので、
　　行列になります。ここでお弁当と味噌汁をもらうのですが、
　　できるだけ早い目に着替えたほうがいいです。
・早い夕食で、大食いの私はちょっとおなかがすいて、
　　帰りに立ち寄ったお店で夜食を買いました。
　　同行者も大食いですが、ちょい酸素不足になったためか、
　　すかなかったようです。
・夕食は簡単幕の内と味噌汁。他ツアーはハワイ寿司やラザニアなどでした。
　　写真、ご参考に。
・記念写真の撮り方は、色々工夫されていて、さすがでした。
　　私の写真はフラッシュの力がちょっと不足でしたが、いいシルエット。
　　ガイドさんさんの写真もダウンロードできるので、ありがたいです。

日本の山は色々登って山頂からのサンセットは何度も体験しましたが、ハワイは空気のぼやけがない。また、これだけの海抜を車で一気に登る豪快さはハワイ島ならではです。あっというまに頂上に行ってしまうので、高さの実感がわかないのですが、昔なら命がけで挑戦した高さ。心してこの高度を味わうべきです。（山岳部で重い荷物を背負ってヒーヒー言いながら登っていたのは何だったんだ・・）

ツアーは料金だけの値打ちはあると思います。レンタカーで行っても頂上まではのぼれないし、いろんな知識を与えてもらえるので、感動のボリウムが違います。英語に自信のない方はぜひ日本語ガイドを、とオススメします。

Since all the Japanese tours were fully booked, I was unsure of what to do, but since it was the purpose of my trip, I thought I would manage even though I didn't understand English, and I decided to participate alone. It's necessary to do some research in advance since you have to take a taxi to the meeting point. When I arrived, there were mostly Western couples of various ages. There were a few Japanese people as well, which made me feel a bit more at ease. We traveled by bus to the summit of Mauna Kea, but it gets quite cold along the way, so it's best to dress warmly. We had lunch at a spot where we set up a tent. After that, we continued on a bumpy road, and I was worried about not being able to see the stars due to the fog, but when we reached the top, it cleared up, and we could see the sunset. It was a sensation unlike anything I had experienced before. The oxygen was thin, so it would have been good to bring some candy. After the sun went down, we went to see the stars. The stars were huge and incredibly beautiful. Since it was an English tour, I couldn't understand the explanations at all, but please enjoy the scenery. It was too cold, so I returned to the bus (laughs). I was happy that the driver, Maka, was very kind and attentive. We returned around 11 PM, and it was helpful that they dropped me off at my hotel. It was a valuable experience, and I really enjoyed it.

日本語ツアーがどれも満員だった為、どうしようと思いましたが、今回の旅の目的だったので英語がわからなったかですが、何とかなるかなと1人でしたが思いきって参加しました。集合場所までタクシーでいかないといけないのであらかじめ下調べは必要です。着いてからは殆ど欧米のカップル（年齢はバラバラ）でした。日本人も何組かいたので少し安心しました。全てバスでマウナケアの山頂までいくのですが、途中かなり寒くなるので防寒対策は上下しっかりしていった方がいいです。途中テントを張ったとこでゴハンを食べます。その後は、ガタガタした道を進んでいくのですが霧で前が見えなく、星が見えるのか心配してましたが、頂上にいくと一気に晴れ夕焼けが見えます。今までに見た事のない感覚でした。酸素も薄くなるので飴など持っていった方がよかったです。日が沈んでから星を見に行きます。星が大きくすごくきれいでした。英語ツアーなので説明は全くわからなかったですが景色を堪能して下さい。寒すぎてバスに戻りましたが（笑）ドライバーのmakaさんがとても優しく気にかけてくれたので嬉しかったです。帰りは23時くらいですがホテルまてま送ってくれたので助かりました。貴重な体験ができすごくよかったです。

The guide was very kind. It was really cold, and this tour company provides warm clothing for both the upper and lower body, so I think we were able to observe much warmer than those who participated in other tours (only the upper body). However, my toes were quite cold, so I think having thick socks would be good. On the day I participated, the sunset was wonderfully beautiful, but the moon was too bright, and I couldn't see the stars well. That was disappointing, so I give it a ☆-1. Other than that, I was very satisfied!!

ガイドの方はとても親切でした。
本当に寒くて、こちらのツアー会社は防寒着を上下貸してくれるので他社のツアーに参加されていた方々よりは(上着のみ)遥かに温かく観測できたと思います。
ただ、足先もかなり冷えてるので厚手の靴下があるといいと思います。
参加した日は、夕焼けは素晴らしく美しかったけど月が明る過ぎて星はよく見えませんでした。それが残念だったので☆-1で。あとは大満足!!

My first time on the Big Island of Hawaii, and I participated alone. At first, I was anxious about being alone, but as I ran through the vast Big Island, surrounded by lava on both sides, all my worries disappeared. To acclimatize to the altitude, I took breaks about three times along the way. I encountered wild goats, donkeys, and turkeys. The lunch at the Onizuka Visitor Center, which included miso soup with green onions, was delicious. Here, I put on warm clothing and aimed for an even higher point. I took breaks a couple of times during this part, so I was fine regarding altitude sickness, which I had worried about. At the summit, a magnificent sunset awaited me above the sea of clouds. Perhaps because I was so captivated by the view, I didn't feel the cold. After that, we enjoyed stargazing. I could see the Milky Way, artificial satellites, the red crater of Halemaʻumaʻu, and the lights of Hilo. The photo taken with the Milky Way and the starry sky is a treasure for life. The guide also explained a lot about the charms of the Big Island, the stars, and constellations. The other participants in the tour were friendly, and I was able to have various conversations, making for a fun time. I was completely enchanted by the allure of the Big Island. Thank you for the wonderful memories!

初めてのハワイ島、一人での参加でした。
一人参加なので、最初は不安でしたが、右も左も溶岩だらけの、広いハワイ島を走っていると、そんな不安も一気に吹き飛びました。
高度に慣らすため、途中で３回程休憩しました。
野生のヤギ、ロバ、七面鳥に会えました。
オニヅカビジターセンターでのお弁当に、ネギのお味噌汁、おいしかったです。
ここで防寒着を着て、更に上を目指します。この途中でも２回程休憩を取ったので、心配していた高山病は大丈夫でした。
山頂では雲海を下に、素晴らしいサンセットが待っていました。その光景に夢中になっていたからか、寒さは感じませんでした。
その後は星空鑑賞。天の川に人工衛星、ハレマウマウの赤い火口、ヒロの街明かりまで見えました。
天の川と満天の星空と一緒に撮っていただいた写真は、一生の宝物です。
ガイドさんもハワイ島や星の魅力、星座をたくさん説明してくれました。
ご一緒したツアーの方も気さくな方で、色々お話ができて、楽しい時間を過ごすことができました。
ハワイ島の魅力に、一気に取り憑かれました。
最高の思い出を、ありがとうございました！

This time, I went to Hawaii for the first time. When you think of Hawaii, you think of Oahu, but my goal was to see the starry sky, so I stayed on the Big Island for five days. I planned my trip over two months in advance, choosing a new moon day, and signed up for the "Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour <Reflecting Telescope> by Masashi Nature School."

To prevent participants from getting altitude sickness, we took several breaks while driving up Mauna Kea and enjoyed a lunch box made by an American, complete with miso soup, at the Onizuka Center.

Once we exceeded 3000 meters, we were warned that sleeping was prohibited, and off we went to the summit!

At the summit, we were lent warm clothing, resulting in a strange orange army look. It seems that other tours also offer warm clothing rentals, but this tour is the only one that provides both top and bottom! Fortunately, the day I participated wasn't extremely cold, so I found the temperature quite comfortable, but my wife, who is sensitive to the cold, was fully equipped with Heattech, patches, and disposable hand warmers in front and back. Warm clothing is essential in extreme cold.

At the summit, we watched the sunset above the clouds, and it was incredibly beautiful and moving! However, at over 4000 meters, the air is thin, and I felt dizzy; just moving a little made me out of breath! After that, we did stargazing! The moment we got out of the car, I was amazed by the starry sky. I'm so glad I participated on a new moon!

The constellation lecture by guides Mr. Yamamoto and Mr. Matsuzaki, along with their explanations using a powerful laser pointer, was very interesting, and I was thrilled to take commemorative photos with the constellations in the background!

Additionally, they carefully taught us how to photograph constellations with a DSLR camera, including shutter speed and aperture, allowing us to take many memorable photos of the constellations. Thank you! (A tripod is essential for constellation photography!)

Moreover, those photos can be downloaded from the Nature School's blog, making for great keepsakes.

I would like to recommend this tour to acquaintances who are going to the Big Island.

今回、初めてハワイに行きました。ハワイと言えばオアフ島ですが私の目的は満天の星空を見てみたいでしたのでハワイ島のみ５日間滞在しました。２ヶ月以上前から新月の日を選び旅行計画を立てオプショナルツアーを「マウナケア山頂 サンセット＆星空観測ツアー＜反射望遠鏡＞ by マサシネイチャースクール 」に申し込みました。

参加者が高山病にならないように車でマウナケアに登る途中数度休憩をしてオニズカセンターでアメリカ人の作ったお弁当・みそ汁付をいただきました。

3000mを超したら居眠り禁止ですと注意事項を受けいざ山頂へ！

山頂で防寒着か貸し出して頂き変なオレンジ軍団の出来上がりでした。このツアー以外も防寒具の貸し出しがあるみたいですが、上下を貸し出して頂けるのはこのツアーだけみたい！
偶然参加した日は極寒ではなかったので私はちょうど快適な気温でしたが、寒さに弱い妻は、ヒートテック・パッチ・前後に使い捨てカイロで完全防備でした。
極寒の時は防寒具上下必需品ですね。

山頂でサンセットを雲上から見て、とても綺麗で感動的！
でも、やはり4000m越では空気が薄く頭がクラクラして少し動くだけでゼイゼイしますよ！
その後、天体観測！車降りた瞬間満天の星ビックリしました。新月に参加して良かったな～！
ガイドの山本さんと松崎さんの星座講座、強力レーザーポインターでの星座の説明はとても面白く同時に星座をバックに記念写真まで撮っていただき感激！

合わせて、一眼レフカメラの星座の撮影の仕方およびシャッタースピードや絞りまで丁寧に教えて頂き記念になる星座の写真を何枚も撮影することができました。ありがとうございます。（星座撮影には、三脚は必需品ですよ！）

また、その写真は、ネイチャースクールのブログ内よりダウンロードでき記念写真を何枚のダウンロードでき記念になりますよ。

知り合いがハワイ島に行く時には、このツアーを薦めたいと思います。

I went on September 9th. Thanks to our guide Yamamoto's engaging talk, the car ride was enjoyable! While other tour participants looked cold at the summit, we were perfectly warm in our ski suits! We were able to fully enjoy the sunset and starry sky! Thank you for kindly answering our questions about recommended souvenirs as well. I would love to participate again in a different season.

9/9に行ってきました。ガイドの山本さんの飽きさせないトークで楽しい車中♪他のツアーの方が山頂で寒さそうにしているのに、私達は上下スキースーツで防寒もばっちり！夕陽と星空を堪能できました！お勧めのお土産など質問にも丁寧にお答えいただきありがとうございました(^-^)v
また違う季節にもう一度参加したいです。

I enjoyed horseback riding at a ranch that is almost the same size as Nerima Ward while taking in the wonderful scenery. I signed up for a 2.5-hour course, but it ended up being about 2 hours, which was disappointing. Since the tour specifies the riding time, I hoped they would make better use of the time.

素晴らしい景色を見ながら、練馬区とほぼ同じ広さの牧場で乗馬を楽しみました。
2.5時間のコースを申し込みましたが、2時間程度で終わってしまい、残念でした。乗馬の時間も明記してあるツアーなので、シッカリと時間を使って欲しいと思いました。

This is a horseback riding experience in a very spacious pasture that spreads across the mountainside at an elevation of about 1,000 meters along the Kohala Mountain Road. I aimed for the meeting point by rental car, but there were hardly any houses along the mountain road, which made me feel a bit uneasy as I ventured deeper into the area. However, I was able to easily find the entrance shortly after passing the milestone as directed. There is a reception area a little further up the slope. Since there was already a customer's car parked there, I had no trouble finding it. This reception area is also at a high elevation and offers a great view, but the tour begins after you go further up and around the gentle mountainside. The reception building has a cabin-like style, but it is by no means dirty, and there are Japanese signs, so filling out the paperwork was not particularly difficult. The instructor, a Caucasian woman, can speak a little broken Japanese, but all other instructions are given in English. After borrowing a helmet and listening to the explanation on how to ride the horse, we immediately started riding. The horse was very easy to ride, and there was nothing dangerous about it. Along the way, we could take photos while moving and enjoy at our own pace. Gradually, we ascended, and the view from the horse was very good, allowing us to see the coastline towards Waikoloa in the distance. It would not be an exaggeration to call it a horseback riding and sightseeing tour rather than just a simple horseback riding tour. The weather was clear and comfortable, but the wind was quite strong, making a long-sleeved jacket essential. In my case, I wore a windbreaker, but it made a rustling sound in the wind, which seemed to make the horse nervous, so I was asked if I had a sweater before we set off. Since I had no other clothes, I borrowed a sweater from the locker room before departing. I realized that attention to clothing is necessary.

海抜約１０００メートル地点を行くコハラマウンテンロード沿いから、さらに上の山腹に広がる、大変広々とした牧草地での乗馬です。レンタカーで集合場所を目指しましたが、途中のマウンテンロード沿いには人家はほとんどなく、どんどん奥地へ進んで行く気がして、少し不安になりますが、案内どおりに目標のマイルポストを過ぎてしばらくした地点に、簡単に入口を見つけることができました。そこからさらに少し斜面を上がったところに、受付があります。先客の乗用車が既に駐車していたので迷うことはありませんでした。この受付場所付近でも、標高が高く、とても眺めの良い場所なのですが、ここからさらに、上の方へなだらかな山腹を回るとツアーになります。受付の建物は山小屋風ですが、決して汚くはなく、日本語の表示もあり、書類の記入も特に困ることはありませんでした。インストラクターの白人女性は、片言の日本語を少し並べることはできますが、それ以外の案内はすべて英語で行われます。ヘルメットを借り、馬の乗り方の説明を聞いたら、すぐに乗馬開始です。とても乗りやすい馬で、危ない思いをするようなことはありません。途中、移動しながら写真を撮ったり、自分たちのペースで楽しませてくれます。しだいに高度を上げていき、馬上から見る眺めが大変見晴らしが良く、遠くワイコロア方面の海岸線も見渡せます。単純な乗馬ツアーというよりも、乗馬＆見晴らしツアーと言っても過言ではないくらいです。ずっと晴天で快適ではありましたが、風はかなり強く、長そでの上着は必須アイテムです。私の場合、ウインドブレーカーを着て行ったのですが、風に吹かれるとウィンドブレーカーがカシャカシャと音を立て、馬が神経質になるらしく、出発前にセーターはないのかと言われました。他に服はなかったので、ロッカールームでセーターを借りて、出発することになりました。服装には注意が必要だと思いました。

It's been four years since my last trip to Hawaii, and this was my first time on the Big Island! I only knew about "Kilauea," so I spent months reading guidebooks and websites to plan my trip. My style is to create the best original plan and explore efficiently and freely by rental car. However, I was worried about the unpaved roads to "Mauna Kea," so I looked for a tour.

I found the "Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour <Reflecting Telescope> by Masashi Nature School." I was attracted by the very reasonable pricing, the Japanese-speaking tour, and the high ratings in reviews.

Our guide, Mr. Yamamoto, was kind and fun. He had a wealth of knowledge, and I found the stories about constellations, which I usually don't pay much attention to, very interesting. The interactions with my junior, Mr. Konno, were also entertaining. It's no surprise that there were several repeat customers.

The "Japanese bento made by Americans" we had at the Onizuka Center (as mentioned by Yamamoto) was also very delicious! I was happy that the "miso soup" made by other tour participants was homemade instead of instant.

The big jump over a 4,000-meter mountain felt like I accomplished something truly amazing, and it became a memorable experience.

Speaking of memories, I have a special one! The day before, I went to Kilauea by rental car and enjoyed the night view of the crater from the Jaggar Museum overlook. While I was there, an unfamiliar foreigner approached me and handed me an iPhone. They were confused about what to do with a found iPhone that was made in Japan. When I called the top contact, it turned out to be "Masashi Nature School Office"! Huh? I've heard that name before…!!! It's the tour I was scheduled to join the next day! What a coincidence! The following day, I was able to return it safely in exchange for a lovely souvenir.

Next time, I want to go with my family. Thank you again!

　４年ぶりのハワイ。初めてのハワイ島！　「キラウエア」くらいしか知らなかったので、何か月も前から、ガイドブックとWebサイトを熟読？してプランを練りました。オリジナルのベストプランを作り、レンタカーで効率よく＆気ままに回るのが私流でした。でも、「マウナケア」は途中の道路が整備されていないことが心配だったので、ツアーを探しました。
　そして見つけたのが、「マウナケア山頂 サンセット＆星空観測ツアー＜反射望遠鏡＞ by マサシネイチャースクール」です。とてもリーズナブルな料金設定と日本語ツアー、口コミ情報の評価の高さに惹かれました。
　ガイドの山本さんは、親切で楽しい方。いろいろな知識も豊富で、普段あまり関心の持てない星座のお話もとても興味深く聞くことができました。 後輩の紺野さんとのやり取りも面白かったです。リピーターも何組かいらっしゃったのもうなずけます。
　オニヅカセンターでいただいた「アメリカ人が作ったジャパニーズ弁当」（山本：話）もとてもおいしかった！　ほかのツアーの方たちがインスタントで作っている「お味噌汁」が手作りだったのも嬉しかったです。
　４０００メートル級の山を飛び越える大ジャンプ！も、なんだか本当にすごいことをやってのけた感じがして、思い出になりました。
　思い出といえば、私には特別な思い出も！　前日、レンタカーでキラウエアに行き、ジャガー博物館展望台で火口の夜景を楽しんでいたところ…。見知らぬ外国人に声をかけられ、iphoneを渡されました。拾ったiphoneが日本製でどうしたらよいか、困っているとのこと。連絡先の一番上にかけてみると、そこは「マサシのネイチャースクール　事務所」！　ん？　聞いたことがあるぞ…？　！！！明日参加予定のツアーだ！　なんという偶然！　翌日、素敵なお土産と引き換えに？無事お返しすることができました。
　今度は家族で行きたいと思っています。またよろしくお願いいたします。

　
　

The weather on the day of the tour was really nice, and the starry sky was perfectly visible! The explanations of the constellations were very easy to understand, and the guide was lively and fun. The silhouette photos of the sunset were also very beautiful. It was impressive to see the red glow of Kilauea Volcano during the stargazing, and being able to download the photos taken later was one of the reasons for my great satisfaction. Thank you very much!!

ツアーの日は天気がとてもよくて星空がばっちりみえました！星座の説明もとても分かりやすかったし、ガイドさんのノリがよくて楽しかったです。サンセットのシルエット写真もとてもすてきでした。星空観測の時にキラウエア火山の赤い光が見えたのも印象的でしたし、あとで撮っていただいた写真をダウンロードできるのも大満足の理由の１つです。ありがとうございました！！

Couldn't get all 10 spots so my wife and I stayed back for R&R, but those who went had a great time...loved it. Easy hiking, but not flip-floppable. Would do again.

Stunning beauty and fascinating cultural legacy! We had been before with another company. Both were equally as great, but we didn't book ahead this time. Online-no luck...but when I called the 800 number, Reid Oshiro w Veltra helped with concierge service. Booked my party of 10, emailed and phoned me to confirm, etc. Reid, you were our hero of our week on Hawaii! Before or after your HB trip have lunch at the local pizza place in Waipio and shop the couple of nick-nack shops. Ten mins from trails. Really great food! Nice day!

I really wanted my whole family to participate, but due to the age restrictions for children, I went as a representative (laughs). The sunset and the gradient of the sky were amazing, resembling a scene from the moon. Additionally, the starry sky, where even satellites were clearly visible, was unique to Mauna Kea. The guide's talk was also brilliant. Personally, I was surprised that I could capture such a beautiful starry sky with my mirrorless camera. I even learned how to use the camera from the guide, and it was a very satisfying tour. I want to go again!

本当は家族全員で参加したかったのですが、子ども年齢制限もあり、私が代表して（笑）参加しました。
まるで月面のような光景に沈む夕日と空のグラデーションが素晴らしかった。また、人工衛星までくっきりと見える星空はマウナケアならではでした。ガイドのトークも冴えわたっていました。個人的には手持ちのミラーレス一眼であんなにきれいな星空を撮影できるなんてびっくりしました。ガイドさんにカメラの使い方まで教わり、大変満足のいくツアーでした。また行きたいです！

This was my third horseback riding experience in Hawaii. The afternoon reservations were fully booked, so I joined the morning tour. It took exactly two hours to get there from South Kona. I think it would take about an hour from the Waikoloa resort area as well.

We took a van from the meeting point down to the stables. I happened to sit near the sliding door, and since it was open while we were driving, I was able to see the beautiful coastline and waterfalls.

The horse I rode kept stopping multiple times, which made me a bit anxious at the back, but I think even beginners would have no problem riding. I didn't experience any pain in my backside, but towards the end, my knees started to hurt a little, which was tough.

We were able to take photos with the valley in the background. It was my first time entering the river, and I was excited. Perhaps because the water level was high that day, my shoes and even the cuffs of my pants got wet.

They provided a bag to hook onto the saddle for small items like water bottles. I brought my camera and valuables hanging around my neck. I couldn't catch most of the English explanations, so if I had studied the history beforehand, it might have made the experience more profound as a sacred place.

ハワイで3回目の乗馬です。午後の予約はいっぱいで午前のツアーに参加しました。
サウスコナから行ったのできっちり2時間かかりました。ワイコロアのリゾートエリアからでも1時間はかかるかと思います。
集合場所から馬舎まではバンで下っていきます。たまたまスライドドアの近くに座ったら、オープン状態で走行したので海岸や滝がきれいに見れました。
私が乗った馬は何度も立ち止まってしまい後ろの方でやきもきしましたが、初めてのかたでも問題なく乗れると思います。おしりが痛くなることはなかったのですが、最後のほうは膝が痛くなってしまい少しつらかったです。
途中で渓谷をバックに写真を撮ってもらえます。川の中に入るのは初めての体験だったのでワクワクしました。この日は水量が多かったのか、靴はもちろんズボンの裾まで濡れました。
ペットボトルなどの小物は鞍にひっかけるバッグを貸してもらえます。私はカメラと貴重品を首から下げて行きました。
英語の説明はほとんど聞き取れなかったので、前もって歴史を勉強して行くと神聖な場所としてもっと感慨深いものになったかもしれません。

I had never been on a guided horseback ride at a ranch before, so I was a bit worried, but I was completely satisfied. My husband and I participated together, along with five other foreign guests. There were explanations provided in Japanese. I was surprised by the sudden horseback riding, but just as others had shared in their experiences, the horses were well-trained and made for a pleasant ride. Two and a half hours flew by in no time. The vast ranch, the shining sea seen from the mountains—truly, we had a wonderful time. Other ranches might not offer such an experience. The weather changed rapidly, with clouds, sunshine, light rain, and fog, but it felt like we were one with nature, which made it enjoyable. I would love to ride again.

牧場での観光引き馬にした乗ったことがなかったので心配でしたが、もう大満足。夫と二人で参加しました。他には５人の外国人の方。説明は、日本語で書かれたものが用意されていました。いきなりの乗馬。驚きましたが、他の方の体験談を読んだ通りで、馬はよく調教されており、気持ちよく乗せてくれました。２時間半なんてあっという間。広大な牧場、山からみた輝く海、本当にすばらしい時間を過ごすことができました。ほかの牧場ではこんなふうにはいかないかもしれません。曇ったり照ったり小雨が降ったり霧が出たりとめまぐるしく変わる天候も、自然と一体化したようで楽しめました。また乗せてもらいたいと思います。

I was satisfied with everything, including the guide's explanations, photo opportunities, lunch, cocoa with cookies, and their thoughtfulness. They prepare everything for cold weather, including upper and lower clothing, hats, and gloves, so if you prepare warm clothing in advance, you can truly enjoy the experience. However, be careful not to get too excited and make noise at the summit, as it can lead to oxygen deprivation and faintness. But the views are so stunning that you might find yourself wanting to celebrate! I highly recommend it!

ガイドさんの説明、写真撮影、お弁当、ココアにクッキー、
気遣いなどその全てに満足です。
寒さ対策で上下、帽子に手袋とすべて用意してくれるので
ある程度暖かい格好を事前に準備しておけば、心から楽しめます。
ただ、興奮し過ぎて山頂で騒ぐと酸欠で意識が薄れていくので
そこだけは注意してください。でも、思わずはしゃいでしまいそうな
くらいの景色を楽しめます。本当にオススメです！

I made a reservation for a course on July 20, 2013, at 8:30 AM. I participated with my husband, my daughter who is in high school, and my son who is in elementary school. I was quite anxious! Although I had been on a horse before, it was at a ranch in Japan where the ranch staff held the reins and we just rode around a designated area, so I was worried if we could ride here too.

The horse was quite tall, easily exceeding my height of 154 cm, and seemed to be about 175 cm. Once I finally got on, the view was different. At first, I was scared, but as I rode, I became completely okay with it. The horse was very calm and listened to us well. I was taught how to guide the horse with commands like stop, go, right, and left. Two young ladies accompanied us, one at the front and one at the back, with our family in the middle. They spoke English, but I was able to understand everything, so please don't worry.

The ranch on the Big Island of Hawaii is not flat like in Japan, so it was interesting with hills and valleys. It's better to speak to the horse in English for better understanding! For example, "thank you" translates to "THANK YOU," and "good" can be used for phrases like "it's okay" or "good job."

2013/07/20（土）の8：30～にコースで予約いたしました。
私、主人、高1の娘、小6の息子で参加しました。結構不安でした！馬になったことはあってもそれは日本の牧場で馬の手綱を牧場の人が持って私たちは乗ってるだけで、一定の場所を1周するという感じだったので、こんな私たちでも乗れるのか不安だったのです。
馬の背は高く私の身長（154cm)を優に超えて175cmあったようでした。そこにやっと乗ると景色が違いました。最初は怖かったですが、乗っているうちに全然Ｏｋになりました。馬も全然おとなしくてゆうことをきいてくれていました。止まれ！進め！右！左！の馬の誘導の仕方は教えていただけました。2人のお姉さんが先頭と最後尾についてくれて私たち家族を真ん中にして進みました。お姉さんたちは英語でしたが、全然理解ができましたので、ご安心ください。
ハワイ島の牧場は日本のように平ではないので山あり谷ありで面白かったですよ。
馬に対しては英語で話しかけた方が理解してくれますよ！ありがとう→THANK YOU,いいよとかよしよしとか→GOODという感じです。
,

I was worried about altitude sickness, but as long as I followed the precautions, I was fine. The sunset was truly beautiful and refreshing for the soul. I was moved to see the starry sky for the first time after it got dark. I'm really glad I chose the tour with Nature School. I was also able to download the photos. Thank you very much.

心配していた高山病も、注意どおりにしていれば問題なく大丈夫でした。
夕日が沈む様子は本当に美しく、心が洗われるようでした。
暗くなってから満天の星空を初めて見て、感動しました。
ネイチャースクールさんのツアーにしてとても良かったです。
写真もダウンロードできました。有り難うございました。

Mount Fuji has been registered as a World Heritage Site, but I don't think there's another mountain where you can drive up to such a high elevation.

The road conditions can be quite poor, so those who are prone to motion sickness should be cautious. (However, since it can be troublesome to feel sleepy at high altitudes, it's worth considering medication...)

The view is absolutely breathtaking; looking down at the clouds, the sunset, and fortunately, it was close to a new moon, so I was moved to see how many stars are actually visible. If I ever come back to Big Island or if someone I know is going, I would definitely recommend this tour. I think going on your own would be very difficult, so I recommend participating in a tour.

As for keeping warm, it can be quite cold even near the Onizuka Visitor Center. It's a good idea to bring long pants and an additional layer like a sweatshirt or hoodie. Wearing the provided cold-weather gear will also keep you warm enough.

富士山が世界遺産に登録されましたが、それより高い山頂付近まで車で登れる山
ココ以外にないのではないでしょうか？？

道路事情は非常に悪い道も通りますので、酔いやすい方はご注意ください。
（ただ高地で眠くなると困るので、薬の服用は要検討で・・・）

非常に絶景で、雲を眼下に眺める景色、サンセット、幸いに新月に近い日だったこともあり
こんなに多くの星空が本当は見えるんだな、と感動しました。
またビックアイラインドに来ることがある、もしくは知り合いが行くことがあれば
絶対にオススメしたいツアーです。
なお個人で行くのは非常に困難だと思いますので、ツアーで参加をオススメします。

また防寒ですが本当にオニヅカビジターセンター付近でも十分に寒いです。
長ズボン＋１枚羽織れるトレーナやパーカー等の持参がよいです。あとは貸し出しの防寒具を
身に着ければ十分大丈夫ですよ。

We participated as a family. We took a taxi to the ranch. It took about an hour by car from the Hilton where we were staying (it might take longer if you're not familiar with the roads), costing around $100. Our family of three joined a group of four young foreigners, and we had two female guides. Excluding the safety instructions and equipment explanations, we had a full two hours of riding time. The guides spoke broken Japanese, but there were no issues. The horses were very gentle and seemed to remember the path on their own, so they moved forward just by riding them (though some cues were needed when they were slow). Those who wanted could canter, and my companion, despite being a beginner, managed to canter. It was said that there are some cold spots on the ranch, and the guides provided windbreakers for us. The guides, although speaking broken Japanese, were attentive to us, making for an enjoyable two hours. I booked the activity for the first time through Alan, and the process was smooth with no particular issues.

家族で参加しました。牧場まではタクシーを使いました。泊まっているヒルトンから車で飛ばして１時間（道に精通していなければ多分もっとかかります）、100ドルほどです。われわれ家族３人と外国人の若者グループ４人が参加して、ガイドの女性が２人つきました。注意事項や装備の説明を除いて乗っている時間はたっぷり２時間はありました。ガイドは片言の日本語ですが、問題はなかったです。馬は大変大人しく、自分で道を覚えており、乗っているだけで進んで行ってくれます〈遅い時は、多少の合図は必要です〉。希望者はキャンター（駆足）も可能で、連れは初心者にも関わらずキャンターをしてました。牧場内では寒くなる場所もあるそうで、ガイドがウインドブレーカーも用意してくれました。ガイドは日本語を片言ですが、われわれにも気を配ってくれて楽しい２時間でした。アランさんを通じて初めてアクティビティを予約しましたが、手続きはスムーズで特に問題はありませんでした。

Next time I visit the Big Island, I decided to participate in the "Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour." It was cloudy and rainy in the morning, and I was worried about whether I would be able to see the stars, but at the summit of Mauna Kea, we were above the clouds and were able to see a beautiful sunset and many constellations. The guide's explanations of the constellations were enjoyable and easy to understand, and thanks to that, I had a wonderful time.

As a bonus, I saw Hawaiian geese on Saddle Road, and I was also able to see the Southern Cross in the Northern Hemisphere.

次回ハワイ島を訪れるときは「マウナケア山頂 サンセット＆星空観測ツアー)に参加しようと決めていました。朝から曇り空＆雨が降り、星が見られるか心配でしたが、マウナケア山頂は雲の上、綺麗な夕日と沢山の星座を見ることが出来ました。ガイドの星座の説明が楽しく、解りやすく、おかげですばらしい時間を過ごしました。
おまけはサドルロードでハワイアングースを見られたこと。さらに北半球で南十字星が見られたこと。

They lend you winter clothing (jackets, pants, gloves, hats), but it was good that I also prepared for the cold to some extent. Although the weather was nice and it was said not to be too cold, it was quite chilly compared to the ground temperature. I was torn between sunrise and sunset, but since it was a day when the moon was just starting to wane from full, it seems that sunset was the right choice. If I had chosen sunrise, it seems the moon wouldn't have set for a while, making it difficult to see the stars. Mauna Loa was beautifully visible, along with the sea of clouds, the shadow of Mauna Kea, the sunset, and the starry sky—it was perfect. The guide, Mr. Konno, explained the stars very clearly. It was a great memory to be able to climb a mountain higher than Mount Fuji. Thank you.

防寒着（上着、ズボン、手袋、帽子）を貸してくれるのですが、自分でもある程度防寒していってよかったです。お天気がよかったのでそれほど寒くないという話でしたが、地上温度と比べるとかなり寒かったです。サンライズかサンセットで悩んだのですが、日程的に満月から少しかけはじめた日だったのでサンセットで正解だったようです。サンライズにしていたら、月がなかなか沈まないので星が見えにくかったらしいです。マウナロアもきれいに見え、雲海、マウナケアの影、夕日、星空パーフェクトでした。ガイドの今野さんの星の説明はとてもわかりやすかったです。富士山よりも高い山に登ることができてよい思い出になりました。ありがとうございます。

We were blessed with good weather, and at the Mauna Kea summit sunset, we were able to enjoy a beautiful sunset. I was truly moved by the grandeur of nature. This was my second time stargazing, and I was satisfied to see the Southern Cross, satellites, the Milky Way, and shooting stars. It was also great to have photos taken as a keepsake.

お天気に恵まれ、マウナケア山頂サンセットではきれいな夕日を堪能できました。自然の雄大さには、本当に感動しました。星空観測は２度目でしたが、南十字星や人工衛星、天の川や流星も見れて満足です。また写真撮影をしていただいたのも記念になって良かったです。

In the pitch-black night, the beautiful stars and the faintly glowing Kilauea volcano in the distance were breathtaking. It was a moment where even blinking felt like a waste, as we could see shooting stars.

The explanations from our guide, Mr. Yamamoto, were very clear and enjoyable! With the sunset and starry sky as a backdrop, we were able to take beautiful photos, allowing me to remember that scenery anytime, even while in Japan. He pointed out the stars with a laser, making it easy to understand which stars belonged to which constellations. We also had fun conversations during the car ride to and from the site.

Next time, I want to bring my parents along, and I would love to request Mr. Yamamoto as our guide again at Masashi Nature School!

真っ暗な夜の闇に、きれいな星と、遠くにぼんやりと赤く見えるキラウエア火山。
流れ星を見ることもでき、まばたきをするのがもったいない時間でした。

ガイドの山本さんの説明がとてもわかりやすく、楽しかったです！
夕日や星空をバックに、きれいに写真を撮っていただいたので、日本にいても、いつでもあの景色を思い出すことができます。
レーザー？で星を指し示してくれるので、どの星がどの星座のことなのかがはっきりとわかりました。
また、行きと帰りの車内でも楽しくお話をさせていただきました。
次回は両親を連れて行きたいのですが、次回もマサシネイチャースクールで、山本さんのガイドでお願いしたいです！！

This was the last activity we did after spending 8 days in Hawaii. By far my favorite! Our guides were knowledgeable, fun, and entertaining. This was my first time riding horseback, and I felt comfortable the whole time. I would recommend for anybody - families, couples, individuals. Had a great time!!

The moment I looked up at the night sky, the words that came out of my mouth were, "I can't believe I can see a sky full of stars in real life, something I've only ever seen in a planetarium." Everyone in the tour group was expressing the same sentiment all around. We had a casual stargazing study session, and when I showed my friends the commemorative photos with the starry background, they asked, "Isn't that a composite image?" It became a wonderful memory along with the sunset at the Subaru Telescope.

夜空を見上げた瞬間に口からでた言葉です。今までプラネタリウムの世界でしか見たことのなかった満天の星をリアルに本当に夜空で見れるなんて。ツアー同伴者の皆さんも同じ言葉をアッチコッチで発していました。にわかの星座勉強会、あとで友人に見せたら「合成でしょ？」と言われた星空バックの記念写真など。スバル天文台の夕日とともに素晴らしい思い出作りとなりました。

From start to finish, everything was taken into consideration, so I was able to enjoy the experience with peace of mind. The sunset over the sea of clouds was simply magnificent. This view was so far removed from everyday life that it felt almost like being in heaven, truly surreal. The starry sky was filled with so many stars that I couldn't even recognize the constellations, and I forgot the cold, overwhelmed by awe.

I didn't bring my camera, but the guide took high-quality photos, allowing me to take home wonderful memories. It's great that they are available for free download. They even showed us Saturn through a telescope. It was interesting how they explained the climate and geography of the Big Island while we were in the car, showcasing the changing scenery.

It was very cold at the summit, so the warm clothing was truly appreciated. This is a must-have. Even those who are sensitive to the cold can enjoy themselves comfortably if they have warm shoes. The lunch came with miso soup, and the cookies at the summit were a nice touch. I felt very lucky to have come to Mauna Kea and to have participated in this tour. Thank you very much.

最初から最後まで全部配慮されていたので、私は安心して感動役ができました。なんといっても雲海の夕日がすばらしかったです。この景色は日常から遠く離れすぎていて、まるで天国にいるかのように幻想的でした。星空は星座が分からない程びっしり星が散らばっていて、寒さも忘れて感嘆の声を上げてしましました。

カメラを持っていかなかったのですが、ガイドの方が高品質のカメラで撮影してくださったので、楽しみを持ち帰ることができました。無料でダウンロードできるのがまた素敵です。望遠鏡で土星も見せてくれました。車の中でもハワイ島の気候や地理を、変わっていく景色を見せながら説明してくださるのがおもしろかったです。

山頂はとっても寒かったので、防寒着は本当にありがたかったです 。これは必須ですね。冷え性の人も、靴の防寒さえしてくれば、快適に過ごせるでしょう。お弁当もお味噌汁つきでしたし、山頂のクッキーもうれしかったです。
マウナケアにこられて、このツアーに参加できて、とてもラッキーでした。ありがとうございました。

It was a once in a lifetime experience. It's very cold up at the summit, but the sunset and stargazing were worth it. The only complaint I had was that the dinner (vegetable lasagna) was terrible.