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Big Island
It was a wonderful moment.
The path to the summit was cloudy, but near the top, the weather was clear.
The sunset viewed from the summit of Mauna Kea was beautiful, and I was able to take many commemorative photos.
The BLT we had was also delicious.
For stargazing, there was only about an hour from sunset to moonrise, and I was worried about whether we would be able to see the stars, but they were visible without any issues. During the observation, we received explanations about the constellations and were able to take more photos.
There is a gift shop at the visitor center on the way to the summit.
とても素敵なひと時でした。
山頂までの道中は曇ってましたが、山頂近くは晴天が広がっていました。
マウナケア山頂から見た夕日は綺麗で、記念撮影を何枚も撮ってもらえました。
いただいたBLTも美味しかったです。
星空観測は、サンセットから月の出まで1時間ほどしか無く星が見えるか不安でしたが、それでも問題無く見えて、観測中は星座の解説と、再び写真撮影をしてもらえました。
山頂に行く途中のビジターセンターには、ギフトショップがあります。
Translated by OpenAI
We really enjoyed this tour. Our guide Marc Hughes was really a great guide. He explained so much history of the Hawaiian people and ancestors. Marc is an avid diver and knows the marine life around Hawaii. He can explain a lot about the marine life. He knows the Hawaiian words for so many things. Marc knows a tremendous amount of history. We enjoyed trying great Kona coffee, Volcano national park, black sand beach where Turtles come up, the valley of the kings and so many other sights.
If you can get Mac the Fish (Marc Hughes) as your guide you will get a really interesting tour.
It was written at the time of booking that there would be no Japanese guide, but the very kind Matsuo (Chris) guided us in Japanese and took us along. The fog was so thick that we couldn't reach the summit for a while and had to wait at the Onizuka Visitor Center. However, once we got the go-ahead to head to the top, we faced incredible wind and cold ❄️. I borrowed a jacket, ski pants, and gloves 🧤, and somehow managed to enjoy the beautiful sunset! I was also happy that they took many photos for us❣️ After descending to 3,700 meters, we started stargazing 🔭. On that day, the moon was shining so brightly that there were fewer stars to see 💦, but we were able to spot shooting stars and satellites, and enjoyed delicious sweet cocoa, which made me very satisfied. It was truly fun to come with my husband's parents and my mother, a total of five of us 😌.
日本語ガイドさんは居ないと予約時点で書いてあったのですが、とっても優しい松尾さん(クリスさん)がしっかり日本語でガイドして連れて行って下さいました。霧がすごくて、なかなか頂上に上がれずオニヅカビジターセンターで待機。だけどGOが出て頂上まで上がると、とんでもない風と寒さ❄️ジャケットとスキーパンツと手袋も借りて🧤なんとか綺麗なサンセットを堪能できました！たくさん写真も撮って下さり嬉しかったです❣️3700メートルに降りて星空観測🔭スタート。この日は月が大きく輝きすぎて星は少なめ💦だけど流れ星も人口衛星も見れて美味しい甘いココアも頂いて大満足でした。主人の両親と私の母と5人で来れて本当に楽しかったです😌
Translated by OpenAI
Waiting for the sunset was a sacred moment. It was a shame that stargazing wasn't great since it was close to a full moon. I want to try again. The cocoa after seeing the moon was delicious!
サンセットを待つひと時は神聖な瞬間でした。
満月に近かったので星空観測が今ひとつだったのが残念。
又リベンジしたいです。
月を見た後のココア美味しかった！
There are borrowed cold-weather jackets available, but it’s reassuring to prepare your own warm clothing since the summit can be quite cold.
借用の防寒ジャケットはありますが、山頂はかなり寒いので自身でも暖かウエアを準備すると安心です。
Translated by OpenAI
Had an absolutely wonderful time was a little apprehensive about whether or not to do this tour. It is a long tour all day however I wouldn’t change a thing. It absolutely was awesome didn’t even feel like it was 13 hours and it was learned more about the island and the history of the big island that I could possibly have learned anywhere else in a day.
Our driver, Felix was extremely informed patient and of course, a very good driver. To be honest, the driver makes the trip extremely value added. Our driver, Felix takes personal pride and knowing an enormous amount of history and details to be able to not only deliver a good tour guide informational delivery while you’re driving, but is able to answer most questions and yes, even when some of the other clients did some fact checking Felix was spot on on everything that he told us.
This tour is long, but I don’t know of another way that you can actually see so much and learn so much. We went to a coffee farm pastry shop several waterfalls Lookout point a black sand beach so sea turtles saw multiple other wildlife goats, hogs, chickens, ferrets, and the recommendations on things to do places to eat trails to hike. We very much so appreciated.
I would highly recommend this to her to anyone the greatest part about it if you’re writing and not driving, you actually get to see all the beauty that you’re passing up as you drive when you drive you missing an awful lot so let Felix do the driving
umbrella or rain coat. Bring a phone charger or cable to charge phone it won't stay charged
Entertaining & educational emcee.
Wonderful food.
Very good dancers.
Meixai was very fun & knowledgeable.
Bummed we missed the eruption by just over a day, but that's nature.
Saw many craters & went in a Lava tube.
Again nature thwarted us for the stargazing as the moon was too bright.
Wear good walking shoes.
It was an unexpected private event, and the weather was perfect, making it absolutely amazing! The starry sky was stunning, and I was so moved like never before! I would love to participate again if I have the chance! Big Mahalo~ 🤘🤟
まさかの貸切で天候にも恵まれ文句なしで最高でした！
星空も満点でこんなに感動したのは初めてでした！
また機会があれば参加したいです！
ビッグマハロ〜🤘🤟
You should participate even if the weather is iffy!
天候が微妙でも参加するべきです！
Translated by OpenAI
After researching several options, we chose the Ultimate Hawaii Circle Island Sightseeing tour from Veltra for our mid-April 2026 trip, and it did not disappoint. Our guide, Marcus, was total pro, wWith 15 years of experience, his knowledge and storytelling made the 10-hour journey fly by.
The Highlights:
1) Coffee Farm: Stunning views and a great tasting session in the gift shop.
2) Punaluu Black Sand Beach: We were lucky enough to see sea turtles basking on the sand!
3) Volcanoes National Park: Seeing the steam vents and the scale of the active volcano was easily the highlight of the day.
4) Rainbow Falls: The best panoramic view is actually from the side of the park; the hike to the top isn't strictly necessary for the best photos.
5) Waipio Valley Lookout: Absolutely breathtaking photo opportunities.
The logistics were seamless with a prompt pickup at 7:20 am from the Fairmont Orchid. While it is a long day covering 2/3 of the island, Marcus kept us entertained throughout. Lunch, dinner, snacks, and water were all provided, making for a stress-free experience. Highly recommended!
• Wear runners for hikes & lots of walking
• No need to bring water as the tour provides plenty.
I was taken care of by the guide, Shoutarou. He explained everything alternately in English and Japanese, which made it very easy to understand and I felt安心して参加できました😊. The reservation date was canceled due to bad weather, but when I contacted them, they were able to change it to the next day. I wanted to go to Mauna Kea, so I was very grateful for their対応!!
ガイドのショウタロウさんにお世話になりました。
英語と日本語で交互に説明をしていただき、とてもわかりやすく安心して参加できました😊
予約日は天候不良で中止になってしまったのですが、連絡をしたら次の日に変更していただけました。
マウナケアに行きたくてハワイ島へ行ったので、とてもありがたい対応でした！！
The summit was windier and colder than I expected. They do provide cold weather gear, but you'll need to prepare your own inner layers as well! Having a hot pack would have been helpful too. 😁
思っている以上に山頂は風も強く寒かったです。
防寒具は貸していただけますが、インナーなどの準備も必要です！
ホッカイロもあると助かりました😁
Translated by OpenAI
Although I was able to reach the summit of Mauna Kea, unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate, and I was unable to see the sunset or the starry sky. I appreciated that they offered a partial refund when both were not visible.
Even though I couldn't see either, the guide was supposed to explain in English but provided explanations in Japanese instead, and the guidance at the summit was consistently polite and enjoyable. During the restroom break on the way back, they mentioned that we might see some stars, and I was delighted to catch a glimpse of a few through the clouds.
It was such a good tour that I would like to choose a day with better weather and participate in the tour again next time.
マウナケア山頂には行けたものの、残念ながら天候に恵まれずサンセット、星空観測ともに見れませんでした。
両方とも見れない場合は一部料金の払い戻しをしていただけるのはありがたかったです。
両方ともは見えませんでしたが、ガイドの方は英語での説明予定だったのに日本語で説明してくれましたし、山頂での説明や案内も終始丁寧で楽しめました。
帰路のトイレ休憩の際に星が見えるかもと教えてくれて雲間から少し星が見えたりしてフォローが嬉しかったです。
次回は天気がいい日を選んで再度ツアーを参加したいと思えるぐらいいいツアーでした。
I was really moved to be able to reach the summit of Mauna Kea, but I felt even more disappointed that I couldn't experience the sunset and stargazing. If possible, I think it's best to make a reserva
マウナケア山頂まで行けたのはすごく感動したのですが、その分サンセットと星空観測が出来なかったのが余計残念に思いました。
出来るなら限りなく天気のいい日に予約するのがいいと思います。
Translated by OpenAI
This trip was very enjoyable, we got to learn about all the volcanoes and various other attractions. And see some amazing sights, including telescopes and sunsets!
Although it was an English tour, the guide spoke Japanese and provided explanations in both English and Japanese, which made it easy to understand and was great. They also took many beautiful photos for us.
英語ツアーと言う事でしたが、日本語を話せるガイドさんで、英語と日本語で説明して下さり、わかりやすくて良かったです。綺麗な写真も沢山撮って頂きました。
Translated by OpenAI
The view of the sea of clouds and sunset from the summit of Mauna Kea was breathtaking. On the way there, I was caught in the rain and felt a bit anxious, but once I broke through the clouds, a clear sky opened up, and I was moved by the beautiful mountains and sky! Not only at the summit, but we also stopped by the observatory to take photos, allowing us to capture many great shots. As we got closer to the top, the air became thinner, but I felt reassured as they always checked on my condition! Along the way, they also shared many recommended spots on the Big Island! I definitely want to recommend this experience!
マウナケア山の頂上から見る雲海とサンセットは、息を呑む大絶景でした。
向かっている途中は雨に降られ、少し不安な気持ちになりましたが、雲を抜けると澄み切った空が広がっていて、美しい山と空に感動しました！
山頂だけでなく、天文台のそばで車を停めて写真タイムをとってくださり、たくさんの写真を撮れました◎
頂上に近づくにつれて空気が薄くなりますが、常に体調を気にかけていただき心強かったです！
道中ではハワイ島のおすすめスポットもたくさん教えていただきました！！
ぜひおすすめしたいです◎
Translated by OpenAI
I was with James as a tour guide on our tour he was very friendly and responsive.
There was another group with the same company and Their guide was Wes. Both guys made everything easy, enjoyable and pleasant all through the tour. The hot coco we had while stargazing was sooo appreciated and nice touch.
Thanks to all.
If there would be Hand warmers it would be useful
Very professional and entertaining guide.
Interesting commentary on the way to the top.
Don’t miss it.
The forecast was cloudy, but I was very satisfied to see both the sunset and a sky full of stars! The starry sky was especially beautiful, and I could even see the Pleiades! They lent us warm clothing, so we were able to enjoy it while staying warm!
曇りの予報でしたが、日の入りも満天の星も見られて大満足でした！星空が特に綺麗ですばるまで目視できました！
防寒着を貸してくれるので寒さも凌ぎながら楽しめました！
People who are sensitive to the cold must have winter clothing!
寒がりの人は防寒着必須！
Translated by OpenAI
Terrific experience! Derek was a wonderful guide! Knowledgeable, friendly, and professional! Gave a preview of events, a timeline, and kept to the schedule.
The tour took us to places we probably wouldn't have gone to on our own. We saw turtles on the beautiful black sand beach, enjoyed a walk around the coffee farm with delicious samples. Spent time at Rainbow Falls. Enjoyed cookies at a local bakery. Plenty of opportunities along the way to pickup meaningful, local souvenirs.
But my favorite stops were in Volcano National Park. The caldera was amazing. No spouting lava but lots of smoking vents. The steam vents were amazing as well. Lunch at the cafe was well organized and tasty. The view from the restaurant was great. Beautiful vistas along the route. What more could you ask for???
Good for everyone, including kids. Plenty of stops along the way. Great overview of many sites.
The local tour guide was American and provided a thorough explanation. It was very cold at the summit, but I was able to endure the cold thanks to the warm clothing and gloves they lent me. The scene of the sunset, the starry sky, and the moment the moon appeared were truly moving.
現地ツアーガイドさんはアメリカ人でしたが丁寧に説明していただきました、山頂は非常に寒いですが上下の防寒着、手袋を貸していただいたので何とか寒さをしのぐことができました。
日が沈むシーン、星空、月が出る瞬間は感動です。
Since the altitude is 4,000 meters, be careful of altitude sickness. Let's make sure to take care of our health.
標高４０００ｍなので高山病には注意です、体調を整えておきましょう。
Translated by OpenAI
I was really worried whether the bus would actually come since I applied from Japan, but it arrived on time, and the explanation in Japanese was very clear, which was great. I was concerned about being on the bus for a long time, but it didn't shake much, and I had a lot of fun. The sunset was also wonderful, and I was moved by the many stars I saw for the first time. Thank you very much.
日本から申し込んだので本当にバスが来てくれるのか不安でしたが、
時間通りに来てくださり、日本語でわかりやすく説明してくださったので良かったです。
長い時間バスに乗るので心配でしたが、さほど揺れることなくとても楽しかったです。
夕日も素晴らしいかったし、
初めてみるたくさんの星に感動しました。
ありがとうございました。
It would be nice to have adhesive heat packs since my feet were cold.
足が寒かったので貼るカイロがあると良いです。
Translated by OpenAI
I felt that the crisp air and the grandeur of nature, like the mountains and the sky, are experiences that can't be found in Japan! Thank you!
カラッとした空気感と山や空といった自然の壮大さは、日本では体験できないと思いました！
ありがとうございました！
Translated by OpenAI
My first trip abroad to Mauna Kea was wonderful with beautiful scenery. It was a tour that made me want to go again. It was very cold, so next time I want to prepare for the cold.
初の海外でマウナケア山とても景色が良くてよかったです。また行きたいと思えるツアーでした。とても寒かったので次回は寒さ対策して行きたいとおもいます。
I think a neck warmer is very good for cold weather protection.
寒さ対策はネックウォーマーあればとてもいいと思います。
Translated by OpenAI
It was a little confusing to use at first. If we missed the information on a stop we made and then tried to play Shaka as we were driving away, it would not play the location information. That was disappointing.
Aloha Patti,
Thanks for sharing that. What you ran into can happen depending on how far past the stop you are. The tour triggers stories based on GPS location, so once you’ve moved beyond that spot, the audio won’t automatically replay when you drive away.
A lot of folks will tap the Audio Points or Tour Stops on the tour map if they want to replay something they missed. That lets you listen to it anytime without needing to be at that exact location.
I’m glad you gave it a try, and feedback like this helps us keep improving how the tours work in real-world driving situations.
Mahalo!
Shaka Guide
The guided tour was enjoyable and fulfilling! During sunset, the guide took a lot of photos, and when I looked at those pictures later, it reminded me of the fun we had at that time. Thank you! 😊
ガイドツアーの方も楽しく、満喫できました！！サンセットの時にガイドの方がたくさん写真を撮ってくださり、後でその写真を見た時にあの時の楽しさを思い出しました。ありがとうございます😊
It's really cold, so I should be careful about my shoes too.
めっちゃ寒いので靴も気をつけた方がいいかな
Translated by OpenAI
It is a really wonderful trip. Very good tour guide. Execllent photos took by professional photographer.
The tour was kind and there were no issues at all! I recommend it because you can enjoy the scenery without getting bored from the meeting point to the destination!
ツアーは親切で困ることはなかったです！集合場所から目的地までも退屈することなく景色楽しめるのでおすすめです！
Translated by OpenAI
I was worried about whether we could go to the summit because of the rain forecast, but it wasn't raining near the top, and we were able to see a beautiful sunset. I also enjoyed taking many photos and learning about various places. The guide was very, very kind, which was great. There were too many clouds to see the stars, so I want to try again in the future. The sandwiches for dinner were also very delicious.
雨予報だったため山頂に行けるか不安でしたが、山頂付近は雨が降っておらず夕陽が見れてとても綺麗でした。また各所の説明と写真をたくさん撮っていただけて楽しめました。ガイドの方がとてもとても親切でよかったです。雲が多く星は見えなかったため、今後リベンジしたいです。夕ご飯のサンドイッチもとても美味しかったです。
The summit had thin oxygen, which made it quite tough. I recommend spending some time at the visitor center to acclimate to the altitude. Also, the path to the summit is quite bumpy, so I think it's e
山頂は酸素が薄くかなり辛かったです。ビジターセンターでゆっくり過ごして高地に慣れることをおすすめします。また山頂までの道はかなり揺れるため、酔いやすい方は酔い止め必須だと思いました。
Translated by OpenAI
I had always wanted to join a stargazing tour on the Big Island of Hawaii, and this was my first time participating. The guide spoke Japanese, which made me feel very comfortable joining the tour.
On the day of the tour, it was quite cloudy at sea level, and I was worried about whether we would be able to see the sunset and the stars. However, since Mauna Kea is higher than the clouds, we were able to see the sunset above the sea of clouds, which was very magical and wonderful.
We could see the stars, but unfortunately, the moonlight was too bright, and we couldn't see the Milky Way. 💦 It was an opportunity to experience how precious moonlight is in complete darkness. I definitely want to participate again when I visit the Big Island!
ハワイ島の星空ツアーは以前から行ってみたいと思っており、今回初参加しました。
ガイドの方は日本語も話してくださるのでとても安心して参加することができました。
当日は平地でかなり曇っていて、夕日、星空共に見られるか不安でしたが、マウナケアが雲より高い位置にあるため、雲海の中で夕陽を見ることができとても幻想的で素晴らしかったです。
星空もみられましたが、まさかの月明かりが明るすぎて天の川は見られず💦
真っ暗闇で月明かりがいかに貴重なのかを体験する機会になりました。
またハワイ島に訪れた際には是非参加したいです！
It was quite cold, but it wasn't a problem since they lent us winter gear!
かなり寒かったですが、防寒具を貸していただけるので問題なかったです！
Translated by OpenAI
The instructor spoke Japanese and explained everything politely. Because the moon was bright, the stars weren't as impressive. Please be careful as it gets quite cold at the summit.
日本語を話せるインストラクターで丁寧に説明してくれました。月が明るかったため、星は感動するほどではなかったです。山頂は兎に角寒いので気をつけてください。
Translated by OpenAI
The wind was stronger than I imagined, but I was kindly lent a down jacket, which made it possible to enjoy the sunset at the summit despite the cold.
Unfortunately, the moonlight was too bright, making it difficult to see the stars, but the view of the stars from Mauna Kea under the clear sky was breathtaking. I want to participate again to see the starry sky!! Mahalo!!
P.S. The BLT sandwich you provided was very delicious. It was the best flavor of this trip.
想像より風が強かったですが、親切にダウンジャケットを貸していただき寒い中でも山頂でのSunset感動しました。
星空はあいにく月の明かりが強く、星光が見えにくかったですが、澄んだ空のもとマウナケアから見える星は圧巻でした。
星空を観るためにまた参加したいと思っています！！ Mahalo！！
P.S.提供いただいたBLTサンドイッチはとても美味しかったです。この旅で1番の味でした。
Translated by OpenAI
