Reviewed by: Hide&Keiko
I felt a bit anxious about participating since we were going over 4000 meters at the summit of Mauna Kea, but thanks to our guide Matt's careful attention, I was able to enjoy the experience without any troubles and bring home wonderful memories!
After being picked up at the hotel, we set off towards Mauna Kea with a total of 10 people. At first, I was a bit taken aback by Matt's high energy, but his cheerful chants of "yoisho, korasho, dokkoisho" were quite delightful, and before we knew it, we arrived at the Onizuka Visitor Center while enjoying the scenery from the car window. Here, we had an early dinner with warm miso soup and a bento box. After a break for altitude acclimatization, we headed to the summit.
That day, we were fortunate with the weather; it wasn't as cold as I had expected. Still, I was grateful for the down jacket and gloves that were provided. The sunset, with the sun sinking and changing the colors of the horizon's gradient, was a breathtaking sight from the 4000-meter summit.
The stargazing afterward was also enjoyable, and we were able to see Jupiter and the moon through a telescope with explanations. I was once again impressed by the flow of the tour, which highlighted unique points, the sense of security, and the professional guidance with photo opportunities and constellation explanations.
Thank you, Matt, for a truly enjoyable experience. If you visit the Big Island, I absolutely recommend the sunset at Mauna Kea; it offers a breathtaking view that you can't experience through shopping or dining. Aloha!!
マウナケア山頂4000m越えということで、多少の不安を感じての参加でしたが、ガイドのまっちゃんの細かい配慮のおかげでトラブルもなく楽しく感動の思い出を持ち帰る事ができました!
ホテルへお迎え後、総勢10名でマウナケアへ向けて出発。まっちゃんのハイテンションに最初は少し引いたものの「よいしょ、こらしょ、どっこいしょ」の掛け声が何とも愉快で、車窓の景色を楽しみながら、あっという間にオニヅカビジターセンター到着。
ここでは温かいお味噌汁とお弁当で早めの夕食。高度順応をかねて休憩後山頂へ。
この日は天候にも恵まれ思っていたほど寒くなく、それでも貸してもらえる上下セットのダウンや手袋帽子はありがたかったです。
沈んでゆく太陽の光が地平線のグラデーションの色を刻々とかえてゆくサンセット。
4000Mの山頂からみるサンセットはまさに息をのむ光景でした。
その後の星空観察も楽しく、美しい星空も望遠鏡で木星、月面を解説付きで見せて頂きました。
ツアーならではのポイントをおさえた流れと安心感に加えて写真撮影、星座解説などプロのガイドだなぁと改めて感心しました。
ガイドのまっちゃん、ありがとう、本当に楽しめましたよ。
ハワイ島に来たらマウナケアのサンセット絶対おすすめです、ショッピングや食事では味わえない心に残る光景が広がっています。
Aloha!!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | <4月限定>☆会員限定モニターツアー☆/おすすめプラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/04/15 |
Reviewed by: みー。
It was a breeze to reach the summit while chatting with Mr. Kunisaki in the car, even though I was worried I might get car sick!
It was so much fun and became a lifelong memory. The sunset and the starry sky were incredible! Also, the delicious bento and warm miso soup (with green onions!) were great.
The warm tea and cookies we enjoyed under the starry sky overflowed with everyone’s hospitality!!
I’m so glad I went to Hawaii Island for my first overseas trip with my mother!
Thank you for the wonderful memories.
I’ll look for "Summer Love Triangle" in Japan too (laughs).
Also, the honey that Mr. Kunisaki recommended was super delicious! I only bought two, but I wish I had bought more (^ - ^).
お迎えの車から、国東さんと話しっぱなして、車酔いするかな?と思っていた山頂まであっという間でした!
凄く楽しく、一生の思い出になりました。
あんな夕日と、満天の星空!
あと、美味しかったお弁当&温かい味噌汁(ネギ入り!)
星空の下で頂いた、温かい紅茶とクッキー
皆さんの、おもてなしの気持ちが溢れていました!!
初めての母との海外旅行、ハワイ島に行って良かったです!
素敵な思い出をありがとうございました。
日本でも「夏の三角関係 」探してみます(笑)
あと、国東さんがオススメしてくれたはちみつスッゴク美味しかったです!
二個しか買わなかったけど、爆買すれば良かったなー(^-^)
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| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/04/06 |
Reviewed by: Michele
We stared the day with a happy welcome from our guide and driver Jim. He had been a truck driver for most of his life so I felt very comfortable with his driving. From the very start to the end of the day Jim regaled us with his knowledge of the history, biology, geology, stories, songs and politics of this beautiful island. Our first stop was lunch at a pretty park. Lunch was delicious and healthy. We saw waterfalls, volcanos, steam vents and many different types of wild animals. We took an afternoon coffee break at the Big Island Candies shop where we enjoyed a free cup of Kona coffee and tasted many samples of the best cookies. Of course I had to buy at least one box. That evening we ate dinner and had drinks at a nice old lodge by the volcano. We enjoyed the company of the other guests. We all agreed dinner was great. The clouds had cleared and we were able to see the errie red glow of the lava and did some star gazing with Jim's high powered binoculars. The air was chilly up on the mountain and Jim made us hot chocolate and coffee to warm us up. On the way back to our hotels we watched a very interesting video of the history of the volcano with many amazing close up shots of inside and lava flows. It turned out to be a wonderful day and my husband and I agreed we were glad we went and it was worth every penny.
Aloha! Mahalo for joining us on our Deluxe Volcano Experience. We are so happy to hear that you had such a wonderful day with Jim. He is a wonderfully knowledgeable guide whose love for Hawaii shines through his songs and stories of the island. So glad to hear you enjoyed all of the sights and meals along the way. It's pretty hard to walk out of Big Island Candies without buying something with all of the amazing goodies they have there! Even with some cloud coverage, the lava lake is such a majestic sight to see, but when those clouds move, WOW! Mahalo for your kind words and we hope to see you next time you visit the Big Island!
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| Packages: | 2-for-1 Review Rebate Special |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/18 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/04/14 |
Reviewed by: まきゆか
During the drive from the pickup location to Mauna Kea, we listened to the guide's explanations and interesting stories, making the long journey enjoyable. We had dinner at the Onizuka Visitor Center, where they provided miso soup, creating a warm and comforting moment. It was quite cold near the summit of Mauna Kea, but they lent us warm clothing, allowing us to take our time and enjoy the sunset. The weather was great, and we were able to see a beautiful sunset from the best spot; it was the most stunning sunset I have ever witnessed.
After the sun set, we descended to about 3,500 meters and enjoyed stargazing. The guide mentioned that since it was the day after a new moon, we could see stars up to magnitude 6, which is usually difficult to see. Starting with the North Star and the Big Dipper, we explored the twelve zodiac constellations, the Southern Cross, and the winter Milky Way, with the guide providing detailed explanations using a laser pointer while incorporating Greek mythology. Here, we were served warm tea and chocolate chip cookies, which helped warm our chilled bodies as we enjoyed the beautiful starry sky. Thank you to our guide, Matsuzaki-san, for this wonderful experience!
ピックアップ場所からマウナケアまでの車内でもガイドの方の説明や、面白い話を聞き、長旅ではあったが、楽しい道中でした。オニズカビジターセンターにて夕食のお弁当。お味噌汁なども用意されており、ほっと温まる時間でした。マウナケア山頂付近はかなり冷えていましたが、防寒着を上下貸してくれたので、ゆっくりと夕日を見ることができました。天気も良く、美しい夕日をベストスポットで見ることができ、今までで見たサンセットで1番美しい景色でした。
日が沈んでから山を3500m程のところまで降り、星空鑑賞をしました。 この日は新月の翌日で普段は難しい6等星まで見えるとガイドの方がおっしゃっていました。 北極星と北斗七星から始まり黄道12星座、南十字星、冬の天の川などギリシャ神話を交えながらレザーポインターを使って丁寧に説明して下さいました。ここでは温かい紅茶とチョコレートチップクッキーが振る舞われ、冷えた身体を暖めながら美しい星空を堪能できました。今回お世話になったガイドの松崎さん、ありがとうございました!
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| Packages: | <4月限定>☆会員限定モニターツアー☆/おすすめプラン |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/17 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/04/08 |
Reviewed by: せいちゃん
I joined a tour to see the starry sky. Since I don't have much knowledge about astronomy and I'm not confident in my physical strength, I chose the sunset option instead of the sunrise. The summit was above the sea of clouds, and thanks to that, I was able to see a wonderful sunset.
At the Onizuka Center along the way, I had an early bento, borrowed warm clothing, and was able to acclimate to the high altitude. It was very cold near the summit, but it was great that this tour provided separate warm clothing for the upper and lower body.
Since the time at the summit was limited, we did the stargazing on the way down at a small clearing. The Canopus, which I saw for the first time, was truly magnificent. However, I participated in mid-March when the first quarter moon was directly overhead, making it very bright, and I was unfortunately unable to see the nearby stars. Next time, I would like to come in the summer during the new moon to see the Milky Way.
満天の星を見たくツアーに参加しました。
天文知識がなく体力に自信もないことからサンライズでなくサンセットを選択しました。
頂上は雲海を抜けたところにあり、おかげさまですばらしいサンセットを見ることができました。
途中の鬼塚センターで、早めの弁当をいただき、防寒着を借り、十分高地になれることができ、ました。
頂上付近はとても寒かったですが、このツアーでは上下別々の防寒着を借りられたので良かったです。
頂上にいられる時間が制限されているということで、星空観測は降りる途中、少しの空き地で行いました。
初めて見たカノープスはとても素晴らしかった。
ただ参加したのは3月の中旬で上弦の月でが真上にあり、とてもまぶしく、近辺の星が見られず大変残念でした。
次回は夏の新月に天の川を見にきたいと思います。
Dear Seichan,
Thank you for participating in our Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour. Unfortunately, it seems the moon phase wasn't very favorable this time, but we hope you will join us next time to see the Milky Way during the summer new moon. All of our staff sincerely look forward to your next visit to the island.
Nobu
せいちゃん様
今回は弊社のマウナケア山頂サンセット&星空観測ツアーにご参加いただきまして、ありがとうございました。生憎あまり月齢が良くなかったようですが、次回は是非に夏の新月に天の川を見にいらしてください。スタッフ一同またのご来島を心よりお待ちしております。ノブ
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| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/15 |
Reviewed by: Winchan
I participated in a tour on March 27, 2016 (Sunday). It was a truly wonderful experience. I was very worried about the weather since the day before had been filled with heavy rain and thunderstorms, but on this day, it was sunny from the morning, which raised my expectations.
The guide for the day was "Macchan." He was very cheerful, full of interesting topics, and had exceptional photography skills. He guided us with a smile and energy without interruption until the end, and thanks to the great weather and this wonderful guide, I believe I had a precious and fantastic experience.
During the journey to the summit, he explained about the town, flora and fauna, and lava, and we had time to stop for commemorative photos. With the guide's camera, as well as the cameras of participants, we were able to switch quickly between great angles and shooting styles (flash, balance, etc.) with impressive skills, allowing participants to take not only selfies but also various wonderful photos.
Furthermore, with the guide's high-performance DSLR camera, we were able to capture the starry sky and group photos that couldn't be taken with digital cameras or smartphones, and they were made available for download from the web.
In addition to the beauty of the sunset and starry sky, the warm bento, miso soup, and tea we had during the altitude acclimatization time, this was the first tour where participants were continuously taken care of without interruption. Above all, I believe the greatness of this tour is supported by the guide.
I was glad I chose this tour because they provided cold-weather gear for everyone. Although there was a prior notice about preparing for the cold, at the summit of Mauna Kea, the cold and strong winds made my long sleeves, fleece jacket, and pants completely inadequate. Being able to put on the cold-weather jacket and overalls, along with a hat and gloves, during the acclimatization time was a great help.
On this day, the wind speed at the summit was 20 m/s (typhoon level). Many people had smartphones, but when operating the smartphone screen, it was necessary to take off gloves, which made my fingertips freeze and was quite painful. I recommend gloves that are responsive to touch, which can be found at 100 yen shops (like Daiso).
Despite the strong winds, the sunset reflecting on the sea visible below the sea of clouds was magnificent. Here too, the guide carefully adjusted the position of the vehicle to provide wind protection while quickly taking photos of everyone (it was full of surprises).
His claim that he could operate most cameras was not a lie.
The subsequent stargazing was also fantastic. During the preparation, we listened to songs related to the stars in the warm vehicle (which was very enjoyable), and when we got out of the car, we were greeted by a sky full of stars. It was said that stars up to magnitude 6 were visible, and we could see the Milky Way.
Just when I thought we would finish with commemorative photos and appreciation, there was a detailed explanation interwoven with stories about the constellations. The clear explanations using a laser pointer were truly moving.
In addition to the sky full of stars, we also saw satellites and shooting stars, which was another emotional experience.
I learned that depending on the time of the full moon or moonrise, stars may not be visible, and there are various conditions to consider. It is actually better to research properly in advance and think about whether to join a sunrise tour or a sunset tour. I was really lucky this time.
There were many fortunate aspects, and I was moved by the sunset and starry sky, and above all, I was grateful to the guide for this day.
2016年3月27日(日)のツアーに参加しました。とても素晴らしい体験でした。
前々日が土砂降りの雨と雷ピカピカ、の後だったので、天候をとても心配していましたがこの日は朝から晴れていい天気で、期待が高まりました。
この日のガイドは「まっちゃん」。 とても明るく話題豊富で、カメラの腕前がまさに「凄腕」の方でした。解散まで途切れることなくにこやかに元気に楽しくガイドをしていただき、天候に加えて、このすばらしいガイドさんのおかげで、貴重な素敵な体験ができたと思っています。
山頂への移動の間に町や動植物、溶岩の話が次々と説明され、途中下車して記念写真の時間がありました。ガイドさんのカメラの他に、参加者が持っているカメラで、次々といいアングルと撮影スタイル(フラッシュ、その他バランスなど)に一瞬で切り替えて撮る「スゴ技!」で、参加者は自撮りだけでなく、様々な素晴らしい写真をも手に入れることができました。
さらに、ガイドさんの高性能一眼レフカメラでは、デジカメやスマホでは撮影できない星空や、集合写真などを撮影して、Webからダウンロードできるようにしてくれる充実ぶりです。
夕日と星空の素晴らしさに加えて、写真、途中の高度順応の時間に食べる温かいお弁当、味噌汁、お茶など、これほどに間断なく参加者の世話をしてくれるツアーは初めてです。何より、このツアーの素晴らしさを支えているのはガイドさんだと思います。
このツアーを選んで良かったのは、防寒具を全員分用意してあることでした。
事前に防寒の用意の案内はありましたが、マウナケア山頂では寒さと強風で、自分が用意した長袖、フリース上着、ズボンでは全く歯が立たない程で、防寒用の上着とツナギズボンに帽子や手袋を、高山病対策の滞在時間を利用して着込むことができたのは、助かりました。
この日の山頂は風速20M(台風並み)。多くの方がスマートフォンを持っていましたが、スマートフォンの画面を操作する時は手袋をとる必要があり、指先が凍えて辛かったです。
100円SHOP(ダ●ソー)で指が反応する手袋を売っているのでお勧めです。
強風の中でしたが、雲海の下に見える海(!)に夕日が映って、素晴らしい夕日でした。
ここでもガイドさんは車の位置を細かく調整して風よけを考えてくれて、その一方で相変わらずの素早さでみなさんの写真を撮っていました。(びっくりすることばかりです)
たいていのカメラの操作はできますとの言葉に嘘はありませんでした。
その後の星空観測も素晴らしかったです。
準備の間は星にちなんだ曲を温かい車内で聞かせてもらい(とても楽しかった)、車を降りると、満天の星空。6等星まで見えていたとのことです。天の川が見えました。
記念撮影や、鑑賞して終わりと思いきや、星座の物語を交えた詳しい解説がありました。レーザーポンイターを使ったとてもわかり易い説明は、感動モノでした。
満天の星に加え、人工衛星、流れ星なども観られ、これまた感動。
そして、満月や月の出の時間によっては星が見えないとか、いろいろな条件があることがわかりました。 本当は事前にちゃんと調べて、日の出のツアーに参加するか、夕日のツアーに参加するかを考えるのが良いのだそうです。 今回は本当にラッキーでした。
運が良かった部分も多く、夕日と星空に感動、そして何よりガイドさんに感謝する一日でした。
Dear Winchan,
Thank you for participating in our Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour. This March, there were several days when the road to the summit of Mauna Kea was closed due to bad weather, but we are delighted that the weather was stable on the day of your tour. We also sincerely appreciate your kind words about our tour guide. We will take your feedback to heart and continue to strive for excellence as a team. We look forward to your next visit to the island.
Nobu
Winchan様
この度は弊社のマウナケア山頂サンセット&星空観測ツアーにご参加いただきましてありがとうございました。この3月は悪天候の為にマウナケア山の山頂に登る道路が閉鎖された日が何度かありましたが、参加日の天候が安定していたこと、嬉しい限りです。また、弊社のツアーガイドにお褒めの言葉をいただきまして、誠にありがとうございます。お言葉を励みにして、これからもスタッフ一同頑張っていきたいと存じます。またのご来島をお待ちしております。ノブ
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| Packages: | ☆会員様限定モニターツアー☆/おすすめプラン |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/12 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/27 |
Reviewed by: Daniel Ruymann
We just returned from Kona, Hawaii and had the opportunity to participate in 3 excursions from different operators. Our tour, specifically our tour guide, Jim Carey, was life changing. His knowledge, passion and enthusiasm made for a once in a lifetime experience that we will never forget. From Jim's storytelling, songs, narratives of the Hawaiian culture and history, throughout our 12 hour adventure that included stops at Rainbow Falls, Big Island Candies, Mauna Loa, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (with afternoon and evening viewings), hikes through lava tunnels, a fine dining experience, topped by an amazing stargazing experience, I was inspired by Jim Carey, which serves as a testament to the caliber of talent that Kailani Tour employees. I would highly recommend this tour and in particular, any tour with Jim Carey. I am blessed to have gone on this journey with him as our tour guide. Bravo to Jim and Kailani Tours.
Aloha! Mahalo for joining us on our Deluxe Volcano Experience. We are so happy to hear that you had such an amazing day with Jim Carey! He is a wonderful guide whose Aloha shines through his stories, songs, and genuine love for Hawai'i. Jim's top-notch hospitality allows our guests to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the day! We are glad that you enjoyed all of our stops along the way and were able to get in some incredible stargazing! Mahalo for the amazing recommendation and we hope to see you next time you visit the Big Island.
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| Packages: | 2-for-1 Review Rebate Special |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/12 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/04/02 |
Reviewed by: ゆうき
The high energy of guide Matsuzaki and the easy-to-understand stargazing guide were fantastic. The photo download service after returning home is a wonderful touch.
ガイドのmatuzakiさんのハイテンションと、わかりやすい星空ガイドが最高でした。帰国後の写真ダウンロードはうれしいサービスです。
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| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/11 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/04/02 |
Reviewed by: Tom
Super fun time during the entire cruise, great drinks, and outstanding food. Captain and crew attentive and fun to talk to. Can't go wrong with this cruise.
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| Packages: | Dinner Cruise |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/10 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/17 |
Reviewed by: lucy
The explanation was interesting, and they took photos, making for great memories. Since both telescopes were fully booked, I only got a brief glimpse of Jupiter, but the view from the summit was very clear with little wind. I'm glad I joined the tour, as I'm not very good at driving and it would have been uncertain if I could have made it to the summit on my own.
説明も面白く、写真も撮ってくれて良い思い出になりました。
2台満席でしたので、望遠鏡は木星1つだけをちらっと見るだけでしたが、山頂で風も少なく、とても綺麗に見ることができました。
あの山頂は、運転の苦手な自分ではたどり着けるかも危ういのでツアーに参加して良かったです。
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| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/09 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/04/03 |
Reviewed by: nwc
The booking process so easy – one simple phone call. The tour provides lunch, dinner, snacks, EVERYTHING you’ll need.
Jim Carey was our guide, and was EXCELLENT in EVERY WAY. “Uncle Jim” was very accommodating and went out of his way to ensure guests were comfortable. We were amazed at Jim’s knowledge of island history & Hawaiian culture. As we traveled, Jim educated us on island facts, myths, and legend. He recounted many great tales of Hawaiian lore,with enthusiasm and energy. Jim loves his job and entertaining his guests.
The tour began with a trip to Mauna Kea and picnic lunch. After, we headed to Hilo and stopped at a lava field. Next stops were Rainbow Falls, Kamehameha Statue and Big Island Candies for a snack. After Hilo, we went to Volcanoes National Park while Jim told us history of the island’s volcanoes. Jim is as much a geologist as tour guide. We pulled over to see “steam vents”, and then to the viewing area and the Volcano Museum and gift shop.
On the way to dinner, we stopped at the Thurston Lava Tube. The tube was well lit, but Jim made sure we were armed with flashlights. We exited through a “skylight” and made our way back.
We ate at the Kilauea Lodge, a quaint restaurant. Meal was top-notch. Back to Volcanoes Park at dark. Jim had high-powered binoculars and we viewed spewing lava. The temp dropped, and Jim was ready w/hot chocolate.
We made one last stop to do some stargazing. For someone who had never viewed the stars in the blackened sky of Hawaii, I was astounded. The sky was FULL of stars – thousands of them that I’ve never seen before. It was like visiting a planetarium, in real life.
In conclusion, we highly recommend this excursion for anyone interested in a comprehensive tour that covers everything you would want to see on the Big Island, in one feature-packed day. If Jim is available, as for him by name. He was the best tour guide we’ve ever had – on any tour, on any island, country or continent.
Aloha! Mahalo for joining us on our Deluxe Volcano Experience. We are so happy to hear that you had such an excellent day with Jim. He is a wonderfully knowledgeable guide whose Hawaiiana stories have quickly become a favorite among our guests. His top-notch hospitality allows everyone to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the day! We are so glad that you enjoyed all of the stops along the way and were able to get some stargazing in, as well. It truly is breathtaking to see such an abundance of stars and we totally agree that it's like standing in a real-life planetarium! Mahalo for the amazing recommendation and we hope to see you next time you visit the Big Island!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2-for-1 Review Rebate Special |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/06 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/04/02 |
Reviewed by: 角岡憲次
I participated in the sunset stargazing with my wife. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much from the night sky. Our main goal was to climb a mountain over 4000 meters high, and it was supposed to be an easy drive. We talked about how this would probably be the greatest experience of our lives.
I've been to the Big Island many times, but this was my first time joining a tour. I always had a sense of admiration for the majestic Mauna Kea visible from our resort hotel room, but my wife had slightly high blood pressure, so we had given up on climbing it.
However, my wife insisted that she wanted to see the sunset or sunrise from Mauna Kea, so we decided to sign up for Masashi Nature School, where they speak Japanese. The plan was for the sunset stargazing on March 30. However, that day the summit was closed, and we rescheduled for April 1. I was truly impressed by their sincere response to this situation. The itinerary was also very enjoyable, and our driver and instructor, Matsuchan (Mr. Matsuzaki), had a personality that eased our minds.
At the intermediate point, Onizuka, we acclimated our bodies to the high altitude for about an hour. There, we had an early dinner. A proper Japanese bento with miso soup was served, which was also wonderful. We changed into ski wear here.
We were just a little further from the summit. The road turned to dirt, and we climbed powerfully in a four-wheel drive vehicle. We finally arrived at the longed-for summit. It was still quite bright, so I took the opportunity to use the restroom.
The view was breathtaking. I took many photos, and it started to get colder. We admired the stunning sunset alongside the Subaru Telescope from Japan. This alone was fantastic, but the real excitement was yet to come. Once it got completely dark, we descended to the stargazing point and waited in the car for a while. This was the key moment. Once the staff was ready, we stepped outside.
What a sight it was! From directly beside us to straight above, it was a night sky unlike anything I had ever seen. The thin air seemed to invite us to the stars. The main instructor, Matsuchan, gave an amazing explanation of the constellations! He used a laser pointer to make it very easy to understand.
The Big Dipper was huge and immediately recognizable. I have astigmatism and my eyesight is a bit poor, but I didn't mind it at all. The emotion of seeing these stars is indescribable, which is frustrating, but I can only say it was simply wonderful.
It was a tour I would want to join again and again.
サンセット星空観測に妻と二人で参加しました。
正直、星空はそれほど期待していなかったのです。目的は4000m以上の山に登ることでした。それも車で簡単に、、、。生涯で最大の経験だろうと、妻と語り合っていました。
何度もハワイ島へは来ているのですがツアーに参加したのは初めてです。リゾートホテルの部屋から見えるマウナケアの雄大な姿にいつも憧れのような感情がありましたが、妻が少し血圧が高く登るのは諦めていました。
しかし妻がどうしてもマウナケアからの夕陽か朝日が見たいと言うので、思い切って日本語の通じるマサシネイチャーズスクールに申し込みました。
予定は3月30日の夕日星空観測です。
ところがその日は山頂がクローズ、4月1日に変更しました。この対応も実に誠実に対応していただき感激しました。また行程の案内も実に楽しく松ちゃん(松崎さんと云うドライバー兼インストラクター)の人柄がこちらの気持ちを和らげてくれます。
中継地点onizukaで約一時間体を高地に慣らします。そこで早めの夕食です。まともな日本食弁当が味噌汁付きで出てきました。これも素晴らしい。
ここでスキーウェアーに着替えます。
山頂まではあと少しです。途中からダートに変わり四輪駆動で力強く登ります。
憧れの山頂に到着です。まだかなり明るく、この間にトイレを済ませます。
絶景です。沢山写真撮りました。そしてどんどん寒くなってきました。
日本のスバル電波望遠鏡と共に夕日の絶景を眺めました。これだけでも素晴らしいのですが、実は本当の感動はこれからでした。辺りがすっかり暗くなったころ星空観測の地点まで降ります。しばし車内で待機。これがポイントです。スタッフによって準備完了、車外へ。
何ということでしょう。(ビフォーアフターの様に)
真横から真上まで至る所、今まで見たことのない星空です。薄い空気が降るような星へと誘ってくれます。
メインのインストラクター、松ちゃんの星座解説がまた素晴らしい!
レーザーポインターで実にわかりやすく解説してくれました。
北斗七星デカいです。すぐ分かりました。私は乱視で目が少し悪いのですが全く目のことは気になりませんでした。この星を見れた感動は言葉では表せないのがなんとも歯がゆいのですが、ただただ素晴らしいと
言っておきましょう。
何度も行きたくなるツアーでした。
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/06 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/30 |
Reviewed by: Rach
I just took a Kailani Tours Hawaii trip to Kilauea Volcano recently. It was a very enjoyable and breathtaking experience with Chris, who is very knowledgeable and passionate about the tour!
From the beginning to the end of the tour, it was on schedule and pleasant to be part of. Chris was very informative and well prepared for everything (water, hot chocolate, umbrellas, heavy jackets, hot towels, etc).
From driving along Saddle Road to picture taking at Rainbow Falls to walking through the Thurston Lava Tube, and much more, It was one of the best tours I have ever taken.
I would definitely recommend the tour to anyone who wants a rewarding trip with magnificent sceneries and wildlife!
WOW!
Aloha! Mahalo for joining us on our Deluxe Volcano Experience. We are so happy to hear that you had such a magnificent day with Chris. He is a wonderfully knowledgeable guide who genuinely loves what he does! Mahalo for your thumbs up recommendation! We hope to see you next time you visit the Big Island for some more fun with the Kailani Tours 'Ohana!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2-for-1 Review Rebate Special |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/04 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/27 |
Reviewed by: JenNMikeY
My husband and I enjoyed this trip immensely! Since we were staying on the opposite side of the island from the Volcanoes National Park and Hilo, this was a great way to see it all without having to spend half the day driving. The hotel pick-up was a nice added convenience. Taking the tour allowed us to just sit back in comfort and enjoy the sights and the company of some really nice people who took the tour with us.
The van was comfy and spacious, and the group is limited to 14 guests, so we were never lost in a crowd. Our tour guide, Chris, was a joy to spend time with. He knew the island quite well, from the top of the mountain to the waterfalls, the lava tube and all of the interesting sights that were covered on the tour. He showed a genuine interest ad knowledge of all of the places we visited, and delivered commentary with a great sense of humor thrown in - he was never boring! He was familiar enough with the tour and our expectations that he was able to adapt the schedule just enough to accommodate the changes in island weather - namely rain - on the wet side of the island. He even provided umbrellas and flashlights for exploring after the sun went down.
The trip included a Fantastic dinner at a lodge near the Park. This alone was almost worth the time and cost of the tour! We were lucky enough to be seated with Chris during dinner and found him to be very personable. I could have spent hours just enjoying our conversations. Chris is perfectly suited to run this type of tourism business, and has created a tour that is just different enough from other tours to make it stand out!
I would absolutely recommend this tour to others. Thanks for a great time on the Big Island!
Aloha! Mahalo for joining us on our Deluxe Volcano Experience. We are so happy to hear that you had such a fantastic day with Chris. He is an amazing guide, whose love for the Big Island really shines though his stories and fun facts along the way. His witty personality and attention to detail really allow our guests to just sit back, relax, and enjoy! The dinner at Kilauea Lodge is always a very welcomed treat to help refuel and warm up before checking out that majestic glow from the lava lake inside of Halema'uma'u Crater and we are so glad to hear that you enjoyed it so much! Mahalo for the wonderful review and we hope to see you next time you visit the Big Island!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | 2-for-1 Review Rebate Special |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/02 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/22 |
Reviewed by: erina
I chose this tour because you can't go to Mauna Kea on your own. The scenery was more beautiful than I imagined, with countless stars I've never seen before. It made me want to participate again! I was amazed by the staff's extensive knowledge. I would be happy if the food quality could be improved.
マウナケアには自力ではいけないので、こちらのツアーを選びました。想像以上の美しい景色、
今まで見たことない星の数々。また参加したい!とおもわせる内容で下。ツアースタッフの方の知識の豊富さには驚かされました。食事の内容があまりよくないので改善していただけたら嬉しいです。
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/31 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/24 |
Reviewed by: James Harmon
The tour was great. We started by being picked up a local shopping center and then driving north. On our way, our tour guild spotted whales jumping off the coast and pulled over so we could watch. An extra bonus. We then picked up the rest of the guest and went over the mountain. Chris, our tour guild was a wealth of information and gave a great discussion of Hawaii and the different things that we saw. After stopping for lunch, which was basic but good, we went to Hilo for a tour and then on to the National park. Chris took us to a couple of sites not normally seen by tourist which was great. He also took us to the volcano tubes which was really interesting. He timed the tour so we had the whole tube to ourselves, which was really neat. We then went to dinner at a very nice place. The food was great, especially the fish. After dinner we went to the volcano and since it was night we got to see the lava light up the back ground. Chris helped us take pictures which are already posted on Facebook. After that we headed back. I would recommend this tour, especially Chris, for anyone who wanted to see the volcanoes and learn about the Island of Hawaii.
Aloha and Mahalo for joining us on our Deluxe Volcano Experience! We are so happy to hear that you had such a great day with Chris. He is a wonderful guide with an abundance of knowledge, helping our guests to really connect with our island while on tour. Whale season usually runs October-March and we are so excited to hear that you folks had an opportunity to see some humpback whales on your way up the coast. Very cool treat! Mahalo for your recommendation and we hope to see you on your next visit to the Big Island.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | 2-for-1 Review Rebate Special |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/28 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/02 |
Reviewed by: Ben E.
Staff was knowledgeable and expecting us. The tour guide was a riot (funny) and the whole crew made it an awesome time - would do it again!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Kona Submarine |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/28 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/22 |
Reviewed by: sonoko
In the early afternoon, I boarded the van for pickup and listened to our guide Matchan's enjoyable commentary. We encountered a magnificent sea of clouds and quickly arrived at the Onizuka Visitor Center. Although it was an early dinner, the warm miso soup was included, and it was incredibly delicious—I even had a second helping. Finally, we were at the summit of Mauna Kea. Being able to drive up to the 4,205-meter peak felt like a dream for the elderly couple. I didn't mind the thin air at all. I was prepared for the strong winds, but I appreciated the thoughtful provision of warm clothing, hats, and gloves. Our guide's professional camera skills prompted me to strike a pose as if I were jumping over the sun. I jumped! I really did! We captured some great photos! The reflection of the sunset created a pink and blue scene that I had never seen in Japan. Next, we drove to a stargazing spot, where the warm drinks and cookies we had were also very tasty. The starry sky was absolutely stunning, and a shooting star fell right in front of us. The guide explained the constellations clearly using a laser pointer. My daughter and her husband participated in the sunrise tour on the same day and were equally impressed, so I hope to join the sunrise tour next time. I would love to rely on your services again then. My satisfaction level was 100%.
昼過ぎの迎えのバンに乗りガイドのマッチャンの楽しい案内を聞き、素晴らしい雲海と出会いあっという間にオニズカビジターセンターに着きました。早い夕食ではありましたが、温かい味噌汁も付き、そこで頂くお味噌汁は最高に美味しくておかわりまでしてしまいました。いよいよマウナケア山頂です。4,205mの山頂まで車で登れるとは、老夫婦にとっては夢のようでした。空気が薄くなるのも私は全然気になりませんでした。風が強いのは覚悟の上でしたが、防寒着、帽子と手袋まで気配りが嬉しかったです。また、ガイドさんのプロ並みのカメラさばきに、思わず太陽を飛び越えるポーズ。飛びました。飛びましたよ!!しっかり写真にもおさめてもらいました!太陽が沈んだ後の反射でピンクとブルー色の光景は日本では見たことがないものでした。次に星空スポットへ車で移動し、そこでいただいた温かい飲み物とクッキーもとても美味しかったです。素晴らしい満天の星空でした。流れ星も目の前に落ちました。星座についてもレーザーポインターを使いながら分りやすく説明してくれました。娘夫婦が同じ日のサンライズツアーに参加し同様に感激していたので、次はサンライズツアーに参加できればと思っています。その時はまたお世話になりたいと思います。満足度100%でした。
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | ☆会員様限定モニターツアー☆/おすすめプラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/25 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/01 |
Reviewed by: CKO
Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii, at 4,205 meters, is higher than Mount Fuji, yet it is easily accessible by car. I joined this tour because it offers views of the Subaru Telescope and beautiful starry skies. While several companies operate similar tours, I chose Masashi Nature School because they took photos and provided the option to download them from their website.
The basic schedule was as follows: Departing Kailua-Kona at 1:30 PM, leaving Waikoloa at 2:30 PM, passing through Parker Ranch, and arriving at the Onizuka Visitor Center at 4:00 PM (where we enjoyed a dinner bento and viewed the endangered silver sword plant). After putting on the warm clothing provided, we departed the center at 5:15 PM, taking photos with Mauna Loa and the Subaru Telescope in the background, and reached the summit at 6:15 PM. We watched the sunset at 6:45 PM and departed the summit at 7:15 PM. We descended to about 3,600 meters for stargazing (observing Jupiter and the Moon through telescopes, constellation explanations from the guide, and photo opportunities) and left the Onizuka Visitor Center at 9:00 PM, arriving in Waikoloa at 10:00 PM and Kailua-Kona at 10:45 PM.
I was able to see sights that can only be experienced by climbing to the summit of Mauna Kea, such as the Subaru Telescope, the sunset sinking into the sea of clouds, and the Pleiades star cluster, which I had never seen in Japan.
A few observations: 1. The warm clothing provided (especially hats and gloves) had a very used feel, so I recommend bringing your own if that concerns you. 2. The bento was made by Big Island Grill, famous for its poke, and it was very delicious. 3. On the way down from the Onizuka Visitor Center, you can sleep, but since the descent starts from 2,800 meters, be careful to occasionally pop your ears to avoid discomfort. 4. For the best stargazing, try to go during a new moon. At 4,200 meters, the air is clear, and it truly felt like another world.
ハワイ島のマウナケアは、4205mと、富士山より高いにもかかわらず、車で容易に行くことができ、日本のすばる天文台や、きれいな星空がみられ ると言うことで、このツアーに参加しました。他に何社か催行していますが、マサシネイチャースクールさんは、写真を撮ってくれた上、さらにHPか らダウンロードが可能ということで、こちらを選びました。簡単なスケジュールとしては、13:30カイルアコナ出発 14:30 ワイコロア出 発、パーカー牧場の間を抜け、16:00オニヅカビジターセンター着(夕食のお弁当と絶滅危惧種である銀剣草の鑑賞),貸していただける防寒着を 着用して17:15センター出発、途中、となりの4000m級のマウナロアや、すばる天文台をバックに写真を撮りながら18:15山頂到着。 18:45サンセット19:15山頂出発。3600m位まで降りて星空観測(望遠鏡で木星と月の観測、ガイドさんの星座解説、写真撮 影)21:00オニヅカビジターセンター出発 22:00ワイコロア22:45カイルアコナ着。
すばる天文台や、雲海に沈むサンセット、日本では見たことのない昴 (プレアデス星団)などなど、マウナケアの山頂まで登らなければ見られない景 色を見ることができました。
気づいたことを少し。1. 貸していただける防寒着(特に帽子や手袋)はused感満載なので、気になる方はご自分のものを持参することをお勧めします。2. お弁当は、コアで有名なビッグアイランドグリル製だそうで、とても美味しかったです。3. 帰り、オニヅカビジターセンターから降りていくときは寝てもいいのですが、2800mのところからの下山になりますので、たまに耳抜きをしないと耳が痛くなりますのでご注意ください。 4. 星空観賞は、できれば新月の時が星がよく見えます。4200mは、空気も澄んで、文字通り別世界でした。
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | ☆会員様限定モニターツアー☆/おすすめプラン |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/19 |
Reviewed by: Alan L
Our tour guide Mike was fantastic. After a bit of confusion on picking up passengers, we started heading east across the Big Island on Saddle Road in a very comfortable Mercedes van. Mike has a wealth of knowledge, both cultural and local, so he made the tour feel almost personalized for everyone. We stopped at the Mauna Kea Recreation Area for a tasty, fresh lunch. Weather was perfect to see both volcanoes. We stopped along the highway to walk on the lava and see and he explained the different types. We continued to Hilo and watched a video about the volcanes, and then we stopped at Rainbow Falls. Mike knew the best places for nice pictures. After taking the scenic route and getting downtown Hilo, we learned more history about various buildings and the Kamehameha statues around the islands and stopped at Big Island Candies for some tasty samples and quick shopping. Time for the main event!
We went into the Volcanoes National Park. We stopped by some active steam vents and then the Jaggar Museum to see the active crater. Mike tooks us to see other craters and lava flows and stopped to let us walk around and see various formations created by the flow. We went deeper and deeper into the park, making our way almost to the ocean, and then stopped at the Thurston lava tube. Very unique!
From there, we headed for dinner at the Kilauea Lodge. Great atmosphere, great food, great service! Definitely try the soups! After dinner and after dark, Mike took us back to the Jaggar Museum to view the lava glow. Mike must have called on Pele to part the fog, because we were able to see and take pictures of the glow. He provide binoculars and jackets to those who needed it.
Now, heading back to the Kona side at night, we finished the volcano video and watched an "update" video that showed all the eruptions since 1983. We stopped across from the Mauna Kea Rec Area for stargazing. Mike point out constellations, planets, galaxies, stars. BEAUTIFUL!
Aloha! Mahalo for joining us on our Deluxe Volcano Experience. We are so happy to hear you had such a fantastic day with Mike! Dinner at the Kilauea Lodge is such a special treat, and we agree that their soups are a must try to help warm up on those cold Volcano nights. We love when the fog parts and our guests get to enjoy that magnificent glow so clearly. Those clear skies also make for some amazing stargazing as well and we're glad to hear you enjoyed it! Mahalo for the wonderful recommendation and we hope to see you on your next visit to the Big Island!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | 2-for-1 Review Rebate Special |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/20 |
Reviewed by: Chris
As someone who grew up in new york and then relocated to seattle, I'm used to big city living and never learned how to drive. This was my first trip out to ANY Hawaiian Island so you can imagine my dismay when I realized how limited I was in terms of car service so this tour was a god send when it came to actually being able to see a lot of the big island which I never would have managed on my own. The coach itself was spacious and comfortable and even thought the tour itself was carefully constructed to have a lot of walking breaks I don't think I would have gotten stir crazy even once if we'd done just a complete driving circuit of the island.
Our driver, Jim, was just a fountain of knowledge of not just the sites we visited but also the history/mythos behind a lot of them them and their importance to the indigenous peoples, but also of local attractions that I've totally added to my "to do" list whenever I make it back to the island. Jim was warm and accommodating and the embodiment of 'aloha' . The more in depth stargazing portion of our tour ended up getting rained out which was a disappointment (it was the part I was looking forward to most!) but I did manage to get in a little constellation viewing with Jim while waiting for the rest of the tour group to complete their night viewing of Halemaumau.
It's definitely a tour I would recommend to all of my family and friends, mahalo!
Aloha! Mahalo for joining us on our Deluxe Volcano Experience. We are so happy to hear that you had such a wonderful day with Jim. He truly is a wealth of knowledge, helping our guests to really connect with our island while on tour. It's always nice to just sit back, relax, and let our guides show you some of our favorite spots. Our Mercedes Sprinter Vans are the best way to do just that! We can also customize private tours for guests who would like to see more of our beautiful island with our amazing guides! Mahalo for your wonderful recommendation and we hope to see you on your next visit to the Big Island.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2-for-1 Review Rebate Special |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/22 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/21 |
Reviewed by: jdgriffin23
This is one of the best tours to take while on the Big Island of Hawaii. We were picked up from our hotel in Waikoloa Beach in a very nice and comfortable van. The first stop was at Mauna Kea park where we had a delicious lunch. Our tour guide (Mike - awesome!) even brought placemats for us to use at the picnic tables! We then went along saddle road while he told us very interesting information about Hawaii and the volcanoes. We saw a beautiful waterfall at Rainbow Falls. We stopped at several locations to see the various types of lava produced by the volcanoes. We went to the Jagger museum and saw Kilauea crater, the Thurston lava tube, steam vents, and enjoyed samples of Kona coffee, cookies, and candy at the Big Island Candy factory. Delicious! We had a wonderful dinner at Kilauea Lodge and then went back to the Jagger museum to see the lava flow at night. It was amazing! Mike had binocular, warm coats, hot chocolate, tea, coffee and snack for us. After that, we went stargazing. It was cold at night, so having the coats was great. We had plenty of bathroom breaks throughout the tour and the 12 hours went by quickly. We also watched some incredible videos about the volcanoes on the trip on a large screen in the van. I would definitely recommend this tour! The tour guide was great, food was great, and we met some new friends along the way!
Aloha and Mahalo for joining us on our Deluxe Volcano Experience! We are so happy to hear that you had such an awesome day with Mike. It's incredible how fast 12 hours can go by when you're having so much fun! Most people don't realize how cold parts of our island can get, especially in the evening, and we are glad that our parkas helped keep you comfortable while watching the glow from the lava lake in Halema'uma'u and also while stargazing. Mahalo for your wonderful recommendation and we hope to see you on your next visit to the Big Island!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | 2-for-1 Review Rebate Special |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/22 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/20 |
Reviewed by: Randy C.
WOW! We totally enjoyed our 11 am to 11 pm volcano trip on the Big Island, learning about the island's history, Hawaiian stories and the beautiful and amazing sights! Our passionate, energetic tour guide Jim Carey was extremely knowledgeable and prepared for everything (umbrellas, warm jackets, water, hot chocolate and so much more). Jim prioritized in our safety, comfort and having great fun! He hit many of the items on our Hawaii "bucket list" from lava tubes, volcano sights both day and night stargazing, waterfalls, stream vents and so many more stops. I loved being able to sit back and enjoy the whole trip without worrying about directions or driving. As we drove home in the dark in the comfortable Mercedes van, Jim played a wonderful video with the history footage of volcanos eruptions on the island.
Aloha! Mahalo for joining us on our Deluxe Volcano Experience. We are so happy to hear that you had such an amazing day with Jim. He is a wonderfully knowledgeable guide whose hospitality really helps our guests connect with our island while on tour. It's always great to hear that we are helping people check off items from their "bucket list"! That's why we love what we do. Mahalo for your glowing review and we hope to see you on your next visit to the Big Island!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Deluxe Volcano & Stargazing Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/22 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/15 |
Reviewed by: saito takako
On my third attempt, I finally reached the summit of Mauna Kea. The sunset sinking into the sea of clouds was magnificent. I was moved by the overflowing starry sky. I've added another memory of Hawaii.
3回目のチャレンジで、念願のマウナケア山頂に、雲海の中に沈む夕陽、素晴らしかったです。あふれんばかりの星空に感動しました。ハワイの思い出がまたひとつ増えました。
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| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/21 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/02/22 |
Reviewed by: L. Estrada
From the pick-up to the drop off 11 hours later, this was an absolutely fantastic tour! Our guide and driver, Jim Carey was so considerate of everyone from kids to seniors, he was totally accommodating and made excellent use of every minute. The van was clean and comfortable and he had anticipated every scenario. He was prepared with umbrellas, binoculars, flashlights, warm coats, hot chocolate and cookies and warm towels to freshen up after a day of adventures and beautiful sights. Jim was so knowledgeable about all things Kona, plants, birds, stars and he even played the Ukuele for us. Volcano National Park was truly awesome and especially at night. I really can't say enough about this tour from reservation to follow up - I could not ask for more. The lunch and dinner were great! So much thought and effort has obviously gone into this tour and Jim's enthusiasm was the icing on the cake. The concierge at the hotel said she could not even touch this tour and highly recommended Kailani Tours. This is a 10 star for sure!
Aloha! Mahalo for joining us on our Deluxe Volcano Experience. We are so happy to hear that you had such an awesome day with Jim. He is a wonderful, knowledgeable guide with so much Aloha to share! His Hawaiiana stories and ukulele playing have quickly become a favorite amongst our guests. We love hearing that you enjoyed all of our stops and treats along the way! Mahalo for the fantastic recommendation and we truly hope to see you on your next visit to the Big Island!
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| Packages: | 2-for-1 Review Rebate Special |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/21 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/15 |
Reviewed by: SusanShull
We enjoyed the entertainment. There were a lot of people in attendance which made this a little difficult to see especially when people were standing and crowded around. We would have preferred a venue with a smaller attendance. Food was good.
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| Packages: | Ohana Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/21 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/06 |
Reviewed by: Kate
What a wonderful tour experience to Kilauea Volcano with Kailani Tours and Chris. My husband and I greatly enjoyed the entire day and would recommend the tour to anyone seeking a rewarding day with Volcano viewing! From start to finish, the tour was very well-planned and enjoyable. Chris was a veritable encyclopedia of knowledge about sites, plants and the best times and places to enjoy Kilauea. The food, both at lunch and dinner, was first-rate and could accommodate any dietary preference. All the little touches -- like hot cocoa and cookies and an evening tour of the Thurston’s Lava Tube – made the day even more special. Our group was lucky enough to see a great view of the glow at the Volcano on a misty night and stars on the trip home. The van is quite comfortable and we were never more than 45 minutes between bathroom opportunities. Count on Chris and Kailani for a tour to exceed your expectations on the Big Island.
Aloha and Mahalo for joining us on our Deluxe Volcano Experience! We are so happy to hear that you had such a wonderful day with Chris. We'd agree that he is a wealth of knowledge whose attention to detail and hospitality are truly Top-Notch! To hear our tour even exceeded your expectations is so incredible to us. Mahalo for your excellent review and recommendation! We hope to see you on your next visit to the Big Island.
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| Packages: | 2-for-1 Review Rebate Special |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/16 |
Reviewed by: yuko
This time, I was finally able to go to the Big Island of Hawaii for my honeymoon, and while researching, I came across this tour and was well taken care of. They picked us up at the hotel, and we had a restroom break around Waikoloa (there was a supermarket, so I ended up buying a lot of souvenirs in a short time. Haha). Since we had a little time, they also took us to the beach. After that, we picked up guests from other hotels one by one and set off for Mauna Kea together! First, we had dinner at the Onizuka Visitor Center♪ Dinner was a bento box and miso soup. Eating lunch under a clear blue sky with not a cloud in sight was the best! After dinner, we borrowed warm clothing and finally set off for the summit! I tend to get motion sickness, so I took some medicine (and it was a good decision. The bumpy gravel road made for a lot of shaking). We could see the sea of clouds beautifully from the car, which was already quite moving. When we got close to the summit, the oxygen was thinner than at ground level, so when I got out of the car, my body felt a bit light-headed, but I gradually got used to it. More than that, the sunset was so amazing that I forgot about everything else. I got to see a sunset that moved me so much for the first time. I took a lot of photos, and the tour guide also took many pictures for us. After the sunset, we did some stargazing a little below the summit♪ It was breathtaking! I had never seen so many stars in Japan!! The guide explained a lot about the stars with a laser pointer, so time flew by, and I really enjoyed stargazing. My camera couldn't capture any stars at all, but the guide's high-performance camera took photos of the starry sky with the distant red glow of the Kilauea crater in the background, making for a memorable stargazing experience. I was very satisfied. They also drove us back to the hotel, and I think we arrived around midnight. I was fast asleep in the car on the way back. Haha. The guide talked to us about various things during the trip, so it was not boring at all, and we got some memorable photos, so I truly felt it was great to have been taken care of by this tour! When I have the chance to go to the Big Island again, I definitely want to use this tour again♪ If you go to the Big Island, you definitely shouldn't miss this place!!!
今回、ハネムーンで念願叶って初めてのハワイ島へ行けることになり、色々と調べていたところ、こちらのツアーが目にとまりお世話になりました。ホテルまで迎えに来て頂き、途中ワイコロア周辺でトイレ休憩も有り(スーパーもあったのでお土産等も短時間で沢山買ってしまいました。笑)時間が少しあると言うことで海へも連れてって頂きました。この後、他のホテルの方も順々にピックアップし、マウナケアへ向けて全員で出発です!まずは途中のオニヅカビジターセンターで夕食タイム♪夕食は幕の内弁当とお味噌汁でした。雲ひとつない快晴で青空の下でのお弁当は最高です!夕食後は防寒具をお借りして、いよいよ頂上へ向けて出発!私は酔いやすいタイプなので、酔い止めを飲みました。(結果、飲んでおいて良かったです。砂利道を上がっていくので揺れが凄いかった)車中から雲海も綺麗に見れて既に結構感動物です。頂上付近につくと酸素が地上より薄いので、車から降りると体がフワフワしてましたが徐々にそれも慣れてきます。そんなことよりサンセントが素晴らしすぎてそんなことも忘れてしまいます。初めてあんなに感動するサンセットを見れました。ここぞとばかりに写真も撮り、ツアーの方にも沢山写真を撮って頂きました。サンセット後は頂上より少し下ったところの路肩にて星空観測です♪もう悲鳴ものでした!日本でこんなに沢山の星を見たことが無い!!ガイドさんがレーザー棒で星の説明を沢山してくれたので、時間が経つのも早くとても楽しく星空を鑑賞できました。私のカメラでは星なんて全く映らなかったのですが、ガイドさんの高性能カメラで星空と遠くに赤く映るキラウエアの火口をバックに写真撮影もして頂き、形にも残る星空観測ができて大満足でした。帰りもホテルまで送って頂き、ホテルに着いたのは24時近くだったと思います。帰りの車では爆睡でした。笑 道中、ガイドさんも色々とお話してくださり退屈しない移動でしたし、記念に残る写真も撮って頂けたので、結果こちらのツアーでお世話になり本当に良かったと思います!またハワイ島に行ける機会が出来たときには、ぜひまたお世話になりたいと思えたツアーです♪
ハワイ島に行ったらこちらに行かないと損ですよ!!!
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| Packages: | ☆会員様限定モニターツアー☆/おすすめプラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/02/28 |
Reviewed by: sho
Many first experiences, with a glowing orange sunset! A sky full of stars!! I was so moved that I couldn't stop talking, it was an exciting tour!!
初体験のものも多く、オレンジ色に輝くサンセット!
満天の星空!!話が尽きないくらい感激して、興奮度満点のツアー!!
Dear Sho,
Thank you for participating in our Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour. This year, the weather on Mauna Kea has been more stable than usual, which is wonderful. We look forward to welcoming you again.
Nobu
sho様、
弊社のマウナケア山頂サンセット&星空観測ツアーにご参加いただきましてありがとうございます。今年は例年に比べてマウナケアの天候が安定しており何よりでした。またのお越しを社員一同お待ちしております。 Nobu
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| Packages: | 2名様以上プラン |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/16 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/07 |
Reviewed by: S.じぇにふぁー
On my first trip to Hawaii, I decided that more than anything else, I wanted to see the Subaru Telescope up close and observe the starry sky in the clear air. Among the many optional tours, I chose the stargazing tour at Mauna Kea with "Masashi's Tour" because they use a reflecting telescope and, unlike other tours, they conduct stargazing at a higher elevation than the Onizuka Visitor Center.
On the day of the tour, another vehicle joined us from a different route, bringing the total number of participants to about 13, half of whom were newlyweds. As a couple who are more seasoned (?), we felt a bit out of place, but that feeling quickly vanished thanks to our guide's entertaining and lively commentary, which kept us laughing throughout the journey. The drive around the Big Island takes a long time, so having a fun guide who provides explanations along the way is a big plus. A tour led by a guide fluent in Japanese gives a sense of security and, above all, is enjoyable.
After a restroom break, we first headed to the Onizuka Visitor Center on the slopes of Mauna Kea. Here, telescopes are permanently set up, and we looked through them with other tourists to see sunspots and flares. To watch the sunset from the summit, we had an early dinner (around 4:30 PM). It was already cold at this point, so having warm miso soup in addition to our bento was a delightful service. We stayed for a while to acclimatize to the altitude and put on bright, ski-like cold-weather pants. Suddenly going to an altitude over 4,000 meters can make even simple actions like putting on pants difficult, as it can lead to a lack of blood flow to the brain and the risk of hypoxia. Personally, I often experience headaches, dizziness, and nausea even at Japanese highlands, so I was quite worried about altitude sickness. I followed the guide's instructions to stay awake and took deep breaths to avoid shallow breathing.
Despite some unpaved bumpy roads, we quickly reached the summit without experiencing the nausea or headaches I had feared. The surroundings were bright, but sunset was approaching. Perhaps due to the unfamiliar altitude, I felt a bit distant, and even though there were many people around, it felt strangely quiet. The sight of the sun gradually dyeing the surroundings crimson was nothing short of divine, an overwhelming presence. I watched the sun sinking beyond the sea of clouds below with a prayerful heart.
As the sun set, all 13 observatories around us opened their domes simultaneously to prepare for astronomical observations. To avoid being in the way, our tour had to retreat early. The headlights of cars and lights from tourists passing by would interfere with the observations, so we were informed that stargazing would take place on the descent rather than at the summit, which I understood.
As we parked on a flat area along the road, we finally arrived at the much-anticipated stargazing time. That day, there was a half moon, and unfortunately, the moonlight was too bright for a star-filled sky, but we could still see the winter Milky Way. Among the many stars, I noticed Orion, which is located in the southern sky in Japan, near the zenith, while the North Star and Cassiopeia were positioned low in the northern sky. We spotted the first-magnitude star "Canopus" high in the southern sky, and my husband and I cheered. Then we looked at the moon's surface through the telescope and took a break with warm tea and cookies. Finally, we took commemorative photos against the starry sky, and the observation session concluded as we headed back.
At the Onizuka Visitor Center, where we stopped for a restroom break, it was overflowing with other tours and individuals who had come to stargaze, and the constant headlights of passing cars made it difficult to quietly enjoy the starry sky. Of course, the stars were much more beautiful than those seen from the ground, but I was glad to have chosen this tour where we could observe in a smaller group.
Howeve
初めてのハワイ旅行では、ワイキキでの買い物ツアーよりも何よりも、すばる天文台を間近で見て、その澄んだ空気の中で星空観測をしたいと決めていました。数あるオプショナルツアーの中からマウナケアでの星空観測を「マサシのツアー」に決めた理由は、反射式望遠鏡を利用することと、他社のツアーとは違ってオニヅカビジターセンターよりも標高の高い場所で星空観測を行うとあったからです。
当日は別ルートからもう一台途中で合流し、合計13名程度の参加者だったそうですが、そのうち半数が新婚さん。ウチのように熟年(?)にさしかかった夫婦はあまり参加しないのかと少々場違いな感じもしましたが、そんな気分は吹き飛ぶようなガイドさんの楽しい弾丸トークに道中笑いっぱなしでした。ハワイ島ツアーは車での移動時間が長いので、ガイドさんのトークが楽しく、また移動中に周辺の説明をしてくれるのはポイントが高いですね。日本語に堪能なガイドさんのツアーはやはり安心感もあるし、何より楽しいです。
途中トイレ休憩をはさんだりしながらまずはマウナケア中腹のオニヅカビジターセンターへ。ここでは望遠鏡が常設されていて、他の観光客と一緒に望遠鏡をのぞき込み、太陽の黒点やフレアを見ました。山頂で夕日を見るためにこの場所で思いっきり早めの夕食(時刻はまだ4時半頃)。この地点で既に寒かったので、お弁当の他に温かいお味噌汁は嬉しいサービスでした。高度に身体を慣れさせるためしばらく滞在し、スキーウエアのような派手な防寒着のズボンもこの場で着用。標高4000メートルを超える高地に突然行くと、ズボンをはくような動作だけでも血液が脳に回らなくなり、脳が低酸素状態になる危険性があるからだそうです。私自身、日本の高原に行っただけでも頭痛やめまい、吐き気に襲われることも多く、高山病が怖かったので、ガイドさんの指示に従って眠らないようにしたり、深呼吸をして浅い呼吸にならないよう気を付けたりしました。舗装されていない凸凹道もあったものの、心配した吐き気や頭痛に襲われることもなくあっという間に山頂に到着。辺りは明るいけれど間もなく夕日が沈む時刻です。
慣れない高地にいるせいか、耳が遠いような、気が遠くなるような気分で、大勢の人がその場にいたにもかかわらず、周囲が妙に静かな気がしました。刻一刻と周囲の色を朱に染めていく太陽の姿は神々しいとしか言いようのない、圧倒的な存在。眼下に広がる雲海の向こうに沈みゆく太陽に、ただただ祈るような気持ちで見入った時間でした。
夕日が沈むと、周囲の13ある天文台は一斉にドームを開け放ち、天体観測の準備にかかります。その邪魔にならないように私たちのようなツアーは早々に撤退しなければなりません。山頂を行き交う車のヘッドライトや観光客が照らす明かりだけでも観測の邪魔になるため、その場にとどまっての星空観測ではなく、下山して行うのだという説明に改めて納得。さて、他の車がオニヅカビジターセンターまで下っていくのを横目に、道の途中、車を寄せられる平たい場所に停車していよいよお待ちかねの星空観測タイムです。
当日は半月で、月明かりが明るすぎて降るような星空は残念ながら体験できませんでしたが、それでも冬の天の川も見えましたし、たくさんの星々の中に日本では南側にあるオリオン座が天頂付近に見え、逆に北極星やカシオペア座が北側の低い位置にあることなどを実感。日本では見ることのできない一等星「カノープス」を南の高い位置に見つけ、夫と二人歓声を上げました。それから望遠鏡で月面の様子を見せてもらって、温かい紅茶とクッキーで一休み。最後に星空を背景に参加者それぞれの記念撮影をして、観測会は終了、車に乗って帰路につきました。
途中トイレ休憩のため立ち寄ったオニヅカビジターセンターでは、他のツアーや個人で星を観にやってきた人たちとその車であふれかえっていて、ひっきりなしに通る車のヘッドライトが気になって星空を静かに眺めるという雰囲気ではありませんでした。もちろん下界で見る星空より数段きれいでしたが、やはり少人数で観測できる、このツアーにしてよかったです。
ただ、唯一そして最大の残念だったことは、せっかく準備した望遠鏡で見たものが月面だけだったという点。きれいな星空を見られたのは嬉しかったけれど、望遠鏡で色々視られると期待していたのでせっかくなら上り始めた木星や、オリオン座の大星雲なども望遠鏡で見せてほしかったなぁ。そこが本当に残念でした。ツアーを申し込む前にその点を確認しておくべきでした。
でもその点さえ除けば、道中も楽しく、素晴らしいツアーだったと思います。
ハワイ島に行かれる方は、ぜひマウナケアで太陽と星空を観測するこのツアーに参加してみてください!一生心に残ること請け合いですよ。
Dear Jennifer S.,
Thank you for participating in our Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour. We also appreciate your valuable feedback. From now on, we will ensure that you have the opportunity to view constellations and celestial bodies through telescopes as much as time allows. We sincerely look forward to your next visit to the island.
S.じぇにふぁー様
弊社のマウナケア山頂サンセット&星空観測ツアーにご参加いただきましてありがとうございました。また、この度は大変に貴重なご意見を頂戴しましてありがとうございます。これからは時間の許す限り、星座や天体を望遠鏡で見ていただくこととしますので、是非、またのご来島を社員一同心よりお待ちしております。
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | ☆会員様限定モニターツアー☆/おすすめプラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/15 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/02/15 |
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Dear Mi,
Thank you for participating in our Mauna Kea tour. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the sunset and the starry sky. On the Big Island, you can also savor freshly caught seafood and abalone, so we all look forward to your next visit.
Nobu
みー様
今回は弊社のマウナケア山のツアーにご参加いただきましてありがとうございました。夕日と満天の星空にご満足をいただけたようで何よりです。ハワイ島には獲れたての魚介や新鮮なアワビもご賞味していただけますので、またのご来島をスタッフ一同心よりお待ちしております。ノブ