Big Island
The sunset was beautiful, and the stars were lovely. Since it was a half moon, the sky was bright, and while the Milky Way wasn't very clear, it was visible. It was a precious experience, and the guide was great too.
夕日も素敵、星もきれい。半月だったので、空が明るく、天の川ははっきりとはしませんでしたが、見えました。貴重な体験でしたガイドさんも良かったです。
We had a wonderful time at the luau, met nice people at our table as well. Was a little disappointed with the food as I was expecting a more traditionally cooked food. The entertainment was first class.
Overall we had a wonderful time and would do it again.
The sunset above the sea of clouds was amazing!
The starry sky was also wonderful.
They lend you jackets and other items, so it wasn't as cold as I expected.
雲海の上からの夕陽最高でした!
満天の星も素晴らしかったです。
ジャケットなど貸してくれるので思ったほど寒くはありませんでした。
It was truly amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed it until the sunset, and afterwards, I also enjoyed stargazing. I could clearly see Saturn through the scope, and our guide, Sho, was entertaining. I had a great day. I want to participate again when I come back to the Big Island!
ホント最高でした。夕陽が沈むまでたっぷり堪能させてくれ、その後星空観察も堪能させて頂きました。スコープで土星もしっかりと見え、ガイドのショウちゃんも面白く、1日楽しませて頂きました。またハワイ島に来た時は参加したい!
The sunset disappearing into the sea of clouds was amazing. They had warm clothing available, and the hot cocoa was a nice touch. They also explained the constellations, and we enjoyed stargazing. It's rare to have the opportunity to drive to a place above the sea of clouds like this. I had seen the sea of clouds and sunrise from the summit of Mount Fuji, but my wife has some mobility issues, so I couldn't show her that view. Here, we could drive to the summit, so I was glad I could show her a similar view. However, we were lucky that the weather was good the whole time; I wonder what would have happened if it hadn't been. That's just a matter of luck.
雲海に消えていく夕陽は最高。防寒具も揃っているし、あったかいココアもついていてとても良かった。星座の説明もしてくれてスターゲージングも楽しめた。 雲海の上に車で行ける機会はここを逃すとなかなか無いのではないかな。 自分は富士山の山頂から雲海と日の出を見た事あったけど、妻は足が少し不自由でその景色を見せてあげる事が出来なかった。ここは山頂まで車でいけるから似たような景色を見せてあげることができて良かった。 ただ、運良く天気がずっと良かったけどそうでなかったらどうなっていたか。 こればかりは運次第。
The weather forecast for November 5th predicted continuous rain, and it seems that Mauna Kea, at an elevation of 4,200 meters, was experiencing snowfall. Later, I learned from the guide that there was a possibility of being closed until 3 PM that day, and the tour itself could have been canceled. The summit had a snowy landscape, making for a wonderful sunset and starry sky tour that was quite different from my previous experience.
11月5日天気予報は連日の雨、ましてや標高4,200Mのマウナケアは降雪続きだったそうで、後からガイドさんに伺ったら当日15時までクローズドの可能性があって、ツアーそのものがキャンセルになるところだったそうです。山頂は雪景色で前回とはかなり趣の違う素晴らしいサンセット&星空ツアーでした。
Due to the snow and rain the day before, the summit was closed until 12 PM on the day of departure. It opened just after 12:30 PM, and when I arrived at the meeting point, I met only the guide, George (English), along with 9 other participants, including 2 young women from English-speaking countries. However, the language barrier was manageable; gestures worked well, and we could use translation apps on our phones.
On the way to the sunset, it was raining until we reached the Onizuka Visitor Center, but as we ascended towards the summit, the clouds cleared, and we were able to enjoy the sunset after the snowfall. However, due to the thin air, I felt a bit lightheaded and could only walk slowly. Nevertheless, guide George made sure to engage everyone, taking photos and even building a three-tiered snowman. During the stargazing, he was busy taking pictures and packing up the telescope and tripod in the cold, dark environment, which was impressive. He also prioritized safety while driving.
Thank you for the amazing sunset and stargazing experience. Great job, George!
前日までの雪雨で出発当日お昼PM12時までは山頂まではクローズPM12時30分過ぎにオープンになり待ち合わせ場所に行くとガイドのジョージさん(英語)のみと合流、参加メンバーは9名内2名が英語圏?の若い女性2名 しかし言葉の壁はどうにかなるもの、身振り手振りでOKだし、携帯の翻訳でなんとかなります。
サンセットの方は、オニヅカビジターセンターまでは雨が降ってましたが、山頂までの道を上がって行くに従い、雲が晴れ雪が降った後のサンセットを楽しむ事が出来ました。しかし空気が薄いせいか、頭がボーっとしてゆっくりしか歩く事が出来ませんでした。しかし、ガイドのジョージさんは全員に声かけをして写真をパチリ、パチリ、3段の雪だるまも作ってくれました。星空観察でも、パチリ、パチリと寒くて、なかなか動けない真っ暗の中天体望遠鏡を片付けたり、写真の三脚を片付けたり、良く、動いていて、感心しました。車の運転も安全第一で任務を遂行していました。
最高のサンセットと星空観測 ありがとうございました。ジョージ、good jobでした。
The sunset sinking into the sea of clouds was mystical, and I felt my heart healed as I watched it for a long time. The mountaintop is cold, so it's better to dress warmly. During the star tour, I was thrilled to have a detailed explanation of the constellations and to also see the Milky Way.
雲海に沈むサンセットは、神秘的でした、ずっと見ていて心が癒されました。山頂は寒いので暖かくした方が良いですね。星ツアーでは、星座を詳しく説明いただき、またどせいも見る事が出来感激しました。
During the reservation, I heard that the Japanese guidance was difficult, but Shoutarou was the driver and guide.
He was interesting, hardworking, kind, and fluent in Japanese.
The best!
Thank you very much.
予約時、日本語案内が難しいと聞きましたが、ショウタロウさんがドライバー&ガイドでした。
面白いし、一生懸命で優しく日本語も堪能でした。
最高〜
ありがとうございました。
At the summit of Mauna Kea, I felt a bit unwell due to the thin air, but the sunset was wonderful and I really enjoyed it. The driver's broken Japanese explanations were also nice. I was able to take a lot of photos, and it became a fun memory.
マウナケア山頂では、空気が薄いせいか少し体調不良を感じましたが、サンセットは素晴らしくエンジョイできました。ドライバーの片言の日本語説明もあり、よかったです。写真もたくさん撮影でき、楽しい思い出となりました。
I wanted to visit Mauna Kea, so I chose the Big Island as my first destination in Hawaii.
Regarding the starry sky, it was a bit disappointing that the moon was close to full, making it hard to see, but the view of the sunset and the array of telescopes was spectacular and wonderful.
Additionally, the tour description mentioned only an English guide, but our guide, Shota, was able to speak Japanese as well, which was very helpful as he provided guidance in both English and Japanese.
He also took some lovely photos, creating great memories.
Next time, I plan to check the lunar cycle carefully before visiting again! Thank you very much!
マウナケア山に訪れてみたく、今回初のハワイの行き先としてハワイ島を選びました。
星空については月が満月に近く、月明かりにて見えずらい点が残念ではありましたがサンセットと研究用の望遠鏡が並んでいる景色が壮観で素晴らしかったです。
また、ツアー説明には英語ガイドのみで記載がありましたが、ガイドのショウタさんが日本語もお話しできるとのことで英語と日本語両方でガイドをいただき大変助かりました。
素敵な写真も撮影いただき、とても良い思い出です。
次回は月の周期もしっかり確認した上で、再訪したいと思います!
またよろしくお願いいたします。
Words cannot describe how amazing this crew is on their ship! They are very knowledgeable. Loved the experience and would 100% go on another trip with them in the future. You will not be disappointed!!!
This hike adventure was awesome! The views at different stops along the way were just amazing. Our Guide Jon was great! He was a knowledgeable about so many things such as the local birds, plants and history of the area. Entering a lava tube that was hundreds of years old was interesting, and fun. Jon made sure our group remained safe and also had fun along the way. One has to experience this activity to really appreciate it! I would definitely recommend this activity.
Aloha Kathleen, Mahalo for your glowing review. Jon is an accomplished Naturalist and we are so happy you enjoyed your adventure with him! We hope your return soon to experience another great adventure!
I have visited the Big Island multiple times and had seen the starry sky from the slopes of Mauna Kea, so I thought there might not be anything particularly new. However, I was very moved by the sea of clouds and the sunset from the summit! I had no issues with altitude sickness, and even though I was lightly dressed in September, the warm clothing provided was more than enough. The warm cocoa was appreciated, and the sandwiches were very delicious as well. I was able to take many photos of the sunset and the starry sky, creating precious memories. The attached photo was taken with a compact digital camera that has a starry sky shooting mode that I brought along. I hope to participate in other tours again someday.
ハワイ島には複数回訪れたことがあり、マウナケア中腹からの星空を観たこともあったため、そんなに目新しいいことはないかもしれないと思いつつ参加しましたが、山頂からの雲海、夕陽にとても感動しました!高山病は全く問題なく、9月で薄着でしたが貸していただける防寒着だけで充分でした。暖かいココアもありがたかったですが、サンドイッチもとても美味しかったです。夕陽、星空とたくさん写真を撮ってもらえて、貴重な思い出になりました。添付の写真は持参した星空撮影モードがあるコンパクトデジカメで撮影したものです。またいつか他のツアーにも参加させていただきたいと思います。
Came over from Oahu, and loved every ounce of what we saw. Def coming to BI next!
Kona water is so clear we had wonderful views during this trip.
There were 13 participants, including 10 travelers from the mainland United States and us, but the guide made an effort to speak Japanese when talking to us, which showed consideration and allowed us to enjoy the tour.
アメリカ本土からの旅行者10人と私たちとで13人の参加でしたが案内のドライバーが私たちと話す時には極力日本語を使ってくれ、気遣いが感じられ、楽しくツアーをすることが出来ました。
We had a great time on the Dinner Cruise. We were especially impressed when we received a call from Medina from the Body Glove office. She noticed that we stated we both had limited mobility when we registered, so she called to tell us we could park at the pier right across from the boat and arranged to have their crew unlock the gate for us when we arrived. This made it very easy to board. The crewmembers assisted my wife, who uses a walker, during boarding and when getting off the boat. Everyone on the crew was very warm and friendly. Service was excellent. Food was good. Entertainment was a lot of fun. I highly recommend this cruise and thank the folks at Body Glove for their kind assistance to both of us.
Aloha Phil!
Thanks a million for your kind words!
We hope you're able to join us again someday soon!
Food was not good. Meat was too tough and dry. Chairs were uncomfortable and too close together. I could not see the show at all!
Es una inolvidable experiencia para disfrutar de hermosas vistas,buenos relatos de lugares históricos,pero sobre todo de una maravillosa apreciación del atardecer sobre las olas del océano,con un servicio excelente y una cena deliciosa en un ambiente muy agradable
Thank you for joining us! We are thrilled you had a great time!
The sunset from the summit of Mauna Kea was very mystical and moving. The tour itself, with the guide's wealth of knowledge and high level of hospitality, is highly recommended! I heard that the summer constellations and winter mountains offer different views, so I would like to visit again in another season!
Thank you!
マウナケアの山頂からの夕日は、とても神秘的で、感動しました。ツアーの内容もガイドの方の知識の豊富さ、そしてホスピタリティの高さどれをとってもおすすめのツアーです!
夏の星座や冬の山はまた違う景色が楽しめるとのことでしたので別の季節にも再度訪れたいです!
ありがとうございました!
The Grand Circle Island tour is a great way to have a compact adventure all in one day. It was full of beautiful scenic views of cliffsides, beaches, cooled lava formations, waterfalls, volanic crater, and so much more. You experience a hike through a rainforest with some inclines at times, volcanic steam vents that feel like you're in a sauna, turtle viewing at Black Sand beach, cliffsides overlooking crashing waves, a coffee harvesting & processing walkthrough, a lava tube cave, and much more. Some hikes can be a bit challenging if you have mobility problems but our tour guide Brent is so accommodating and on the HNP Kilauea hike, you can ride along with him to the top of the viewing area if you're not able to do the short walk. Additionally, Brent is not just a tour guide, he will transport you to another time. He wove an amazing storytelling of Native Hawaiin history into the scenic mountains, beaches, historical battleground sites, trees, buildings, fantastical stories, and rich cultural backdrop. I walked away with a deep appreciation for how the Hawaiian island and culture came to be. This was an amazing way to experience the island!
I was worried about altitude sickness and car sickness, but I was able to climb safely. I also got to see the astronomical observation facility up close. The sunset was beautiful beyond words, and the starry sky was breathtaking. I was moved. Thanks to KOKI's easy-to-understand explanations, I'm thinking of studying a bit about constellations. The sandwiches and cocoa were delicious too.
高山病と車酔いが心配でしたが無事に登ることができました 天体観測施設も間近で見られました 言葉で表す事が出来ない美しさのサンセット 満天の星 感動しました KOKIさんの分かり易い説明に少し星座の勉強をしてみようかと思います
サンドイッチもココアも美味しかったです
First Experience at 4000m
I was worried about altitude sickness and anemia, but taking breaks to acclimatize and gradually increasing the altitude, along with having warm clothing and enjoying sandwiches and cocoa, made it a good experience. I was able to participate without straining my body.
The scenery was truly something you can't see in Japan; it felt like I was experiencing both space and Earth, something only this tour offers. Priceless!
It was a view that made me want to participate again.
I joined in September, and as mentioned in the pre-tour briefing, it's essential to be well-prepared for the cold. I only wore the extreme warmth Heattech, but I think if I had a knit hat, gloves, and warm bottoms, I could have enjoyed stargazing outside even more (it was so cold that my hands went numb, so I spent the latter part warming up in the car).
初めての4000m級体験
高山病や貧血も心配でしたが、途中で体を慣れさせるために休憩したり徐々に高度を上げていったり、防寒具があったり、サンドイッチやココアなどいただけたのも良かったのかな。体に無理なく参加できました。
景色はほんと日本では観られない、このツアーでしか観られない宇宙も地球も感じる景色。プライスレス!
また参加したいと思える景色でした。
9月に参加しましたが、事前の説明にある通り、防寒対策はバッチリするに限ります。
私はヒートテックの極暖を着込んだだけでしたが、ニット帽・手袋・あったかいボトムスもあれば、星空観察ももっと外で楽しめたかなと思いました(寒くて手も痺れてたので、後半は車の中で暖をとりました)
My elderly parents, who were just within the participation requirements, also joined and had a great time without any worries! Perhaps because there were many Japanese participants, we felt reassured and enjoyed the tour with a Japanese guide. The guide not only took us to the locations but also provided detailed explanations about telescopes and stars, which were all fascinating and exciting. It was really great to have a tour to a place we couldn't visit on our own.
For sharing DSLR photos, iPhone users can use AirDrop, while others can share via Google Drive. All photos are shared with everyone who participated, so those who are concerned should take note. The photos we received were all beautiful, and I’m satisfied to have memories of the starry sky that wouldn’t show up on a smartphone!
Regarding the disbanding time, we stayed at Kingsland and arrived at the supermarket in time for the last shuttle bus, so I think those without rental cars can feel at ease. Thank you very much!
参加条件ぎりぎりの高齢の両親も行きましたが、何の不安もなく楽しめました!
日本人の参加が多かったからか日本語ガイドで安心して楽しめました。ガイドさんはただ連れて行ってくれるだけではなくて、望遠鏡や星についての説明も詳しくてどれも興味深くてわくわくしました。個人では行けない先ですので、ツアーがあって本当に良かったです。
一眼レフの写真はiPhoneユーザーはAirDrop、それ以外の人にはGoogleドライブを使って共有してくれます。同時に参加した全員に全部の写真を共有する形なので、気になる方は注意が必要です。
いただいた写真はどれもきれいで、スマホには写らない星空も思い出に残せて満足です!
解散時間について、私達はキングスランド宿泊でしたがシャトルの最終バスに間に合うようにスーパーに到着したのでレンタカーがない方も安心かと思います。
ありがとうございました!
A little while ago, I experienced altitude sickness during the sunset tour, so I was a bit worried about the sunrise tour, but I was able to clear it up beautifully and enjoyed the sunrise energetically!
On September 20 (Friday) in Hawaii, my husband and I participated in a sunrise tour at the summit of Mauna Kea, a long-time dream of ours. We were really looking forward to this day as the highlight of our trip to the Big Island.
Although I had some anxiety about the harsh environment at an altitude of about 4,200 meters, the moment I witnessed its beauty, all my worries disappeared.
The tour started in the middle of the night, and as we made our way to the summit in the darkness, the wonderful narration by our tour guide, Aoki, welcomed us with a starry sky. The stars shone as if we could reach out and touch them, leaving us speechless in the face of their beauty. It felt as if we were being drawn into the universe.
We were thoroughly satisfied as we looked through the telescope at the moonbow, Saturn, Jupiter, Canopus, Sirius, and Betelgeuse, guided by Aoki.
Upon reaching the summit, we followed Aoki's instructions and put on warm clothing to prepare for the cold while waiting for the sunrise. Gradually, the sky began to change from pale purple to orange, and eventually, the sun slowly revealed itself. At that moment, the mountains and the sea of clouds glowed golden, and I was struck by the grandeur of nature.
When the orange sun appeared from the sea of clouds, it was a moment so moving that it brought tears to my eyes.
Perhaps due to the thin air, I felt a bit of difficulty in breathing, but more than that, it was a moment filled with emotional fulfillment.
The sunrise at the summit of Mauna Kea was not just about enjoying a beautiful view; it was a special experience that allowed me to feel the connection between nature and the universe, and a new vision for life. Sharing this moment with my partner became one of the unforgettable memories of our lives.
As advice for those who will participate in the future, I recommend making sure to prepare for the cold. The altitude is high, and it gets quite chilly in the morning. Also, managing your physical condition to prevent altitude sickness is important. Enjoy the experience while consciously taking deep breaths. And above all, make sure to imprint the starry sky and sunrise in your memory, feeling that moment deeply rather than relying solely on photos.
Finally, the sunrise at the summit of Mauna Kea is an emotional moment worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime.
I will definitely participate in the sunrise tour again!
少し前に行ったサンセットツアーで、高山病の症状が出たので、少し心配しながらのサンライズツアーでしたが、綺麗にクリアできて元気に日の出を見てきました!
ハワイ現地9月20日(金)、私たち夫婦は長年の夢だったマウナケア山頂でのサンライズツアーに参加しました。ハワイ島での旅行のハイライトとして、この日をとても楽しみにしていました。
標高約4200メートルの過酷な環境に少し不安もありましたが、その美しさを目の当たりにした瞬間、その不安は一気に消え去りました。
ツアーは深夜にスタートし、まだ暗闇の中を山頂へ向かう途中、ツアーガイドのAokiさんの素晴らしい語りとともに夜空に広がる星空が私たちを出迎えてくれました。まるで手を伸ばせば触れられるような星々が輝き、私たちはその美しさに言葉を失いました。まるで宇宙に吸い込まれるような感覚に包まれました。
ムーンボウに、土星、木星、カノープス、シリウス、ペテルギウスまで望遠鏡でツアーガイドのAokiさんに見せていただき、パートナーと一緒に大満足。
山頂に到着し、ツアーガイドのAokiさんの指示通りに寒さ対策にしっかりと防寒具を身に着けながら、日の出を待ちました。少しずつ空が薄紫からオレンジ色に染まり始め、やがて太陽がゆっくりと顔を出しました。その瞬間、山々や雲海が黄金色に輝き、自然の壮大さに心を打たれました。
雲海からオレンジに輝く太陽が姿を現した時には、涙が出るような感動がありました。
空気が薄いせいか、呼吸が少し苦しく感じることもありましたが、それ以上に心が満たされる感動の瞬間でした。
マウナケア山頂でのサンライズは、単に美しい景色を楽しむだけでなく、自然と宇宙のつながり、人生のあらたなビションを感じる特別な体験でした。夫婦二人でこの瞬間を共有できたことは、私たちの人生の中でも忘れられない思い出の一つとなりました。
これから参加される方へのアドバイスとしては、まず防寒対策をしっかりとすることです。標高が高く、朝はかなり冷え込みます。また、高山病に備えて体調管理も大切です。ゆっくりと深呼吸を心掛けながら楽しんでください。そして、何よりも星空や日の出を自分の目でしっかりと焼き付け、写真だけに頼らず、その瞬間を心から感じてください。
最後に、マウナケア山頂でのサンライズは、人生に一度は体験する価値がある感動的な瞬間です。
サンライズツアー、また参加します‼️
Your in the bus for a long rides but the sights are all beautiful!
A really well planned day, we really wanted to stargaze so was super happy we got the day tour + the evening
After leaving the hotel, we had lunch at Punalu'u Bake Shop. There is a small shop and restrooms available. We enjoyed the lunch we ordered and then set off. At Black Sand Beach, we saw a few sea turtles. After that, we stopped by a Kona coffee shop, but there were no small souvenirs available, so we decided not to buy anything. They do offer various samples for tasting.
Finally, we entered the Volcano National Park. We took a short break at the Kīlauea Visitor Center. They informed us about souvenir magnets, restrooms, and smoking areas, so we took a moment to relax. We visited the Kilauea Overlook to see the crater. There was a bit of smoke rising, but there was no eruption. Apparently, it was impressive last year, and we were shown some videos. We enjoyed watching the steam vents releasing smoke for a bit. After that, we were guided to several spots within the national park. We ended with a break at Volcano House Hotel.
After that, there was supposed to be dinner and a night tour... but it didn't happen. We returned to the hotel, and it seems there are no night tours currently since there is no eruption. If you expect a night tour when booking this tour, you might be disappointed, so please be cautious. If you're hoping for a night experience, I think it's better to check in advance with a place that can accommodate you in Japanese. Overall, it was nice to get a general tour of Kīlauea Volcano.
ホテルを出発して、プナルウ ベイク ショップでランチ。
ちょっとした売店とトイレがあります。
頼んでいた昼食を頂き、出発。
黒砂海岸では、ウミガメが数匹いました。
その後、コナコーヒーのショップに寄りましたが、お土産用に小さいのが無く、購入を断念。
試飲では色々頂けます。
いよいよ、火山公園に突入。
キラウエア ビジターセンターでちょっと休憩。
お土産のマグネットと、トイレ、喫煙場所を教えて頂き、一服。
Kilauea Overlookで火口を観光。
ちょっと煙が上がってましたが、噴火はしていません。
昨年はすごかったらしく、動画で見せて頂きました。
スチーム・ベンツで煙が上がるのをちょっと鑑賞。
その後、火山公園内を数か所案内して頂きました。
最後にボルケーノ ハウス ホテルで休憩。
その後に、夕食と夜のツアー。。。?なし?
そのまま、ホテルに戻って終了。
いまは噴火していないからか、夜のツアーはありません。
それを期待して、このツアーを申し込むとがっかりしますので、ご注意を。
夜を期待するならば、日本語で対応可能な所に、事前に確認した方が良いと思います。
ただまあ、キラウエア火山をざっくりと回ることが出来たのは良かったです。
I also took on the sunset challenge following the sunrise.
Spending time at 4,205 meters while watching the sunset, along with views of Subaru and the sea of clouds, was a treasure.
It's a moment that makes me feel glad I came to the Big Island!
Unfortunately, the starry sky wasn't great, but I was still very satisfied.
The guide took wonderful photos, which became great memories as well.
Thank you very much.
I highly recommend it!
サンライズに続いてサンセットにも挑戦しました。
夕陽の沈むところを、4205メートルから
スバルや雲海を眺めながら過ごす時間は
宝物でした。
ハワイ島に来て良かった!
と思う瞬間ですね。
星空が、生憎でしたが
それでも大満足です。
ガイドさんがすてきな写真を
撮ってくれたので、それもいい思い出になりました。
ありがとうございました。
とてもおすすめします!