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Big Island
This was my second time. I participated with my son for the first time, and he was also very impressed. I was satisfied with the fluent Japanese guidance from the guide. Out of the 11 participants, only 4 were Japanese, including us. They were very considerate in many ways. They also drove us back to the hotel. Thank you very much.
二度目となる今回でした。初めてとなる息子と参加しましたが、息子も大感激でした。ガイドさんからの流ちょうな日本語での案内で満足です。というのも、11人参加の内日本人は我々を含め、4人だけでした。
色々と気を使っていただきました。帰りもホテルまで送っていただきました。
ありがとうございました。
Translated by OpenAI
This is our second trip up the mountain with Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Sunset Adventure. We were so awed in 2015, we wanted to take it all in again. Of course, we never expected it to be even better than our first experience. Our host/driver/guide, Kea, was excellent! His knowledge of the land, the people, and the culture was extensive and well-delivered. We wanted to listen to him for hours more! Kea's respect and request, in Hawaiian, to visit the mountain was moving. It reminded us we were guests, and to honor those before us and where we were. Stepping out of the van for stargazing took our breath away. The stars are so brilliant. Kea had so much information to share on each of the selections he chose to show us through the mighty telescope. We saw Polaris, the Southern Cross, and the Milky Way all in the same sky. Quit searching and choose Kea with Mauna Kea Stargazing! Best in Class!
Really good water conditions, we got to see a good amount of the rays and the experience was breathtaking!
Aloha Kara! We are thrilled to hear of your amazing experience on our manta ray tour. We hope you come again soon! Mahalo
Drinks were good, food was yummy and lots of, and the crew was really joyful!
Absolutely wonderful dinner and show. We were seated with enough time to get our food and appreciated that they served the children first while the adults were able to get their drinks from the open bar. Loved having the chance to try different types of drinks from the bar. I was concerned about the weather with it being out in the open since it was cloudy and had rained in the afternoon recently but it was perfect weather! Our kids and I really enjoyed the show and we had a lovely family next to us from Wisconsin that made the dinner even more enjoyable. Would have preferred the waiters/ess come more from the back as they helped their tables so that we could see and record the event a little better. Over wonderful family event that we highly recommend!
Wed June 28, 2023
Totally awesome experience w professional zippers who keep safety first but make it super fun!! I embraced the challenge of the bridges to help me w my fear of high edges. Curtis and Eli , our guides, are very knowledgeable of Hawaii , and some hidden gems to visit!
Definitely recommend Kohala Zipline’s
Treetop Canopy adventure!
55-515 Hawi Rd
Hawi, Hawaii. 96719
1808 331-8505
I was a bit anxious about the English tour, but thanks to the wonderful hospitality of Sue (nickname), who is half American and born in Japan, it was an incredibly fun tour. The guidance in the car, the sunset, and stargazing were truly amazing. I can't forget the BLT sandwich we had at the summit and the hot cocoa while watching the stars. Thank you very much!
英語ツアーと言うことで少し不安でしたが、日本産まれのアメリカ人とのハーフのスーさん（愛称）の素晴らしいホスピタリティのお陰で最高に楽しいツアーでした。車内での案内、サンセット、星空観測、本当に素晴らしかったです。山頂で食べたＢＬＴサンドウィッチ、星空を見ながらのホットココアも忘れらません。本当にありがとうございましたm(_ _)m
Translated by OpenAI
It was a wonderful sunset. I was also able to see Japan's Subaru. However, there was too much moonlight, and the starlight was a bit lacking. But later, I received photos via email, which became a wonderful keepsake. Mahalo! I recommend it.
素晴らしいｓｕｎｓｅｔでした。日本のスバルも見ることができました。ただ月の明かりが多くて、星の明かりが今ひとつでした。けど、あとからメールで写真を送っていただき、素晴らしい記念になりました。マハロ！おすすめします。
Translated by OpenAI
On the day I participated, we were divided into a group of only Japanese participants and another group from other countries, so I was able to have a guide in Japanese. Even as a woman participating alone, I had a great time. Our driver and guide, Stefan, was fluent in Japanese and provided an enjoyable tour while also taking wonderful photos. Thank you, Sue.
The temperature, weather, and wind were all perfect that day, but since this is all dependent on nature, it's just luck. However, I've heard that there can be differences in weather stability depending on the season, so it would be good to research that before planning. Stargazing is not suitable when the moon is bright, so if you can choose your dates, I recommend planning around the moon phase.
We only observed a few stars through the telescope (just Venus on that day), so you might want to consider that as a bonus. However, there were plenty of explanations using a pointer, and I believe the beauty of the stars here is something you can't see anywhere else. It felt like a dream to be able to go up to 4,205 meters by car without experiencing altitude sickness. I'm glad I participated!
私が参加した日は、ちょうど日本人だけの車とその他の国の方の車に分かれたので、日本語でガイドをしていただけて、女性1人での参加でも、充分楽しめました。
ドライバー兼ガイドのステファンさんは、日本語ペラペラで楽しくガイドしてくださったり、素敵な写真を撮ってくださったりしました。
スーさん、ありがとうございました。
気温や天候や風も、この日はすべて良かったけれど、こればかりは自然相手なので運。ただ、季節によって、天気の安定、不安定に差があるそうなので、その辺は計画前に調べられると良いと思います。
星空観測は月が明るいと不向きなので、日程を選べる場合は、月齢を見て計画されると良いと思います。
望遠鏡で星を観るのは、ほんの一部（この日は金星のみ）でした。なので、これは おまけと考えた方がいいかも知れません。
でも、ポインターを使っての説明は沢山してくださるし、ここの星の美しさは他では見られないものだと思います。
こんな風に高山病になることなく、車で4205メートルまで行けることが夢のようでした。
参加して良かったです！
Translated by OpenAI
The tour was wonderful , the crew engaging, helpful, humorous, and knowledgeable , the equipment was fine, thoughtful snacks/drinks provided, and of course then there were the rays.it was a dreamlike experience.
Aloha! We are so happy to hear that you had such an amazing time on our Manta Ray tour. We love to hear about our guest's positive experiences. We hope to see you again soon. Mahalo
The show was very entertaining and food was amazing! I would have liked the host to speak a little louder. The tables at the back could barely hear him. Otherwise, great experience.
MUST DO-Our family comes to Hawaii every summer and this is by far the most magical experience we've ever had on an excursion!!! There were four manta rays swimming around us-truly awe inspiring! Our kids are 16, 14, and 10...ALL LOVED IT and said it was the highlight of our trip! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Aloha Molly! Thank you for joining our tour and leaving such positive feedback! We are so glad that your family enjoyed your time with the manta rays. We hope to see you again in the future! Mahalo
I had a wonderful time in the beautiful weather of Hawaii Island!
We first went offshore to find dolphins, but unfortunately, we couldn't see any. However, it felt great to speed along in the rubber boat!
The snorkeling was also beautiful. I think there might be more variety of fish in places like Kerama in Okinawa. The water clarity was about 25 meters!
After snorkeling for about an hour, we returned while getting explanations about the lava caves along the coastline.
ハワイ島の最高の天気の中、素敵な時間を過ごせました！
最初にイルカを見つけに沖合に出ましたが、残念ながら会えませんでしたでもゴムボートでスピード出して進むのでとても気持ち良かったです！
シュノーケルも綺麗でした。沖縄のケラマとかの方が魚の種類は多いかな？透明度は25mくらいあったと思います！
小1時間シュノーケルした後に戻りながら海岸線の溶岩洞窟の説明などもしてくれました。
Translated by OpenAI
The weather was great, and I had a very fulfilling snorkeling experience. I've tried it in various places before, but having plenty of time to enjoy it at my own pace was really good.
天気にも恵まれ、とても充実したシュノーケリング体験ができました。今までいろんな場所で経験しましたが、たっぷりな時間で、ゆっくり自由に楽しめるのがGood でした
Translated by OpenAI
I participated in the tour with my parents in their 60s, so I was a bit anxious, but the guide was very attentive, taking care of everything from altitude sickness to restroom breaks.
Although the tour was primarily in English, the guide provided support in Japanese at key points, which made it very enjoyable! (Every time we got off the bus, he would casually explain things in Japanese, including information about restrooms, safety tips at the summit, and even jokes! ✨)
During the sunset, he took many wonderful family photos against the backdrop of the sea of clouds and the sunset, as well as some funny solo shots! He used a professional camera, so the starry sky looked incredibly beautiful (there was even a bonus of the faint red crater from the volcano that erupted a few days ago!). The photos were shared instantly via AirDrop!
Thanks to the stunning scenery and our guide Shotaro, I made some truly wonderful memories! Thank you so much! ✨
60代の父母を連れてのツアー参加でしたので、少し不安でしたが、ガイドさんが高山病のことはもちろんお手洗いのことも、こまめに気遣ってくださり、ケアしてくれました。
また英語ガイドのみとの事でしたが、要所で日本語でのフォローを入れてくださり、とても楽しめました！（車を降りるたびに日本語でドライブ中の説明のフォローやお手洗い情報、山頂での注意事項、ジョークまで気さくに日本語で話しかけて下さいます✨）
サンセットでは雲海と夕陽をバックに素敵な家族写真から面白いソロショットまでたくさん写真を撮ってくれます！
一眼のカメラで撮ってくれますので、星空がめちゃくちゃ綺麗に写ります（数日前に噴火したボルケーノの赤い火口もうっすら映るボーナス付きでした！）
写真はAirDropですぐに共有してくれます！
見たことのない景色はもちろん、ガイドのショウタロウさんのおかげでとても楽しい思い出が出来ました！本当にありがとうございました✨
Translated by OpenAI
We went on the afternoon tour with 8 in our family ranging in age from 4 to 65. Most had no snorkeling experience. Everyone in our group thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The crew were so friendly and helpful! We were impressed with their safety precautions, including all of the crew being certified lifeguards and were watching out for everyone the entire time we were in the water. The water was pristine and we saw so many varieties of fish and even saw an eel. The coral was beautiful, too.
When we went to pick up, our names weren't on the list, but there just happened to be two seats available, so we were able to get on. They said something like, "Lucky you, there were seats available!" which shows they have no management at all. Plus, there weren't enough meals, so we couldn't eat. (laughs)
By the way, there’s no telescope rental. You just quickly look at the stars, take a quick photo, and that’s it. It feels like, where did the photos go? I wish I could get a refund.
ピックアップの際、私達の名前がなく、たまたま2席空いていたから乗れることに。たまたま空いててラッキーだね！みたいな事言われて、管理全くできてません。しかもご飯の数も足りず、食べれませんでした。笑
ちなみに望遠鏡の貸し出しなんてありません。さくっと星見て、さくっと写真とっておわり。
写真どこいったの？って感じです。返金してほしいくらいです。
Translated by OpenAI
The captain exchanged information with other captains and took a detour to an area where we might see dolphins. Sure enough, dolphins came to play around the boat, and we saw them jump twice. Communication is important in everything, isn't it? We also had a great time snorkeling and got to see plenty of yellow fish.
ハワイ島の船長さん同士の情報交換で、イルカに会えそうな海域に遠回りしてくれました。見事、イルカが船の周りに遊びに来てくれました。ジャンプも2回。
コミニケーションは、何事も大切ですね
シュノーケルも、黄色いお魚もいっぱいみれて良かったですよ。
They are a friendly crew, so please feel free to talk to them a lot!
フレンドリーなクルーたちですので、ぜひたくさん話しかけてください！
Translated by OpenAI
We booked this tour based on these reviews, it seems that these reviews were spot on. Our tour started when Tod picked us up on time and whisked us off to our island adventure. He was very knowledgeable and went out of his way to explain Hawaiian culture and pointed out things in our drive that were informative.
The stargazing portion of our tour was an incredibly unique and awe-inspiring experience. Tod was a knowledgeable guide and took us to a dark and remote location in Mauna Kea, perfect for stargazing. With the use of his personal high-quality telescope, binoculars and a powerful laser pointer, we were able to see constellations, planets, and even faint nebulae. Tod also shared interesting facts and stories about the night sky, making the experience both informative and enjoyable.
Tod even made the experience memorable by playing The Planets by Gustav Holst, its those little details, that made this tour the highlight of our Big Island Vacation.
Overall, this tour is a must-do for anyone who wants to see the stars in all their glory accompanied by our an amazing guide Tod.
Make sure to request him on your next stargazing adventure.
There was a Japanese guide. A Japanese woman kindly assisted me over the phone. Unfortunately, if you can't see a manta, you can participate for free next time. In fact, I was able to try again for free.
On June 10th at 18:00, we saw the best sunset, but we only caught a glimpse of one manta passing by in the distance. My husband didn't see any at all.
On June 13th at 21:00, I was allowed to try again for free, and I had the best encounter with 4 to 5 mantas that spun around right in front of me multiple times. It truly felt like a manta experience. Since it’s nature... the impact and emotion were different from just seeing mantas pass by in Ishigaki Island.
Even though I don't understand English, I could feel the excitement of the crew. Since it was dark in the sea, I felt reassured participating just by understanding Japanese.
日本人のガイドさんがいます。電話も日本人の女性が親切に対応してくれました。
残念ながらマンタに会えない時は、次回の参加は無料にして頂けます。実際、無料で再度チャレンジできました。
6/10 18:00からは最高の夕日は見れましたが、遠くに通り過ぎた1枚しか見れませんでした。主人は、全く見れてません。
6/13 21:00に無料で再チャレンジさせてもらい、4～5枚のマンタが目の前で何度もクルクル回転してくれる最高の出会いを見れました。これぞマンタという感じでした。自然相手なので。。。。。石垣島での通り過ぎるマンタを見るのとは、迫力、感動が違いました。
英語が解らない私でも、乗組員のスタッフの興奮が伝わりました。
暗い海なので、日本語がわかるだけで安心して参加できました。
Thank you for participating in the retry. I'm glad you were able to get a solid second chance to encounter the wild manta rays! Please join us again; we look forward to seeing you. MAHALO
リトライでのご参加ありがとうございました。
野性のマンタとの出会い、2度目のチャンスをしっかりゲットしていただけて良かったです！
またぜひこ参加ください、お待ちしています。
MAHALO
Translated by OpenAI
The boat ride was so much fun and such an adrenaline rush. The waters were beautiful and perfect temperature for swimming. The captain and crew were so friendly and had so much information about the land. Would definitely do it again and you get so much for the price!
Fortunately, all the participants were Japanese, so the Japanese guide provided detailed explanations and took beautiful photos. I was able to enjoy Mauna Kea, which I had wanted to visit once in a lifetime. The weather was bad on the ground, and I was worried, but as the guide said, once we got above the clouds, the new moon allowed us to see the stars clearly, and the wind was gentle, making for a comfortable tour without needing to wear pants.
The only disappointing thing was that I was told the snacks for a member who couldn't participate due to health issues were lost somewhere, so we couldn't hand them out.
幸運にも全員日本人参加者だった為、日本語ガイドさんが、詳しく説明してくれ、写真も綺麗に撮ってくれた。一生に一度行きたかった、マウナ・ケアを堪能できました。地上は天気が悪く、心配してましたがガイドさんのいう通り、雲の上に出れば新月で星も良く見えて、風も弱かったので、ズボンを履かないで快適なツアーでした。
一つだけ残念だったのは、体調不良で参加できなかったメンバーの軽食がどこかで無くなったのでお渡し出来ないと言われたのが残念です。
Translated by OpenAI
This was a great hike with our guide Jennifer. She adjusted it to match my kids’ level of interest. She was well prepared with all the supplies including backpacks, snacks, rain gear and jackets. On our visit we got sun and rain and sun and rain. My kids’ were tired so we cut our hike short but it was just enough to have great introduction to the park, and the plants and history around it.
OMG not even sure how to translate to words the experience on this tour
everything went smooth since the pick up, the tour guide assigned to us has so much knowledge about the culture, and the places.
you get a meal which is delicious to start the day, the the views from the sunset never in my life had experience something like that
then the cherry on top the stars, this was a life experience like never before you can see even the space station crusing the skies.
do not hesitate on talking this tour you wont regret it
Great experience. Amazing stars and view of the sunset.
Great evening entertainment, with crowd participation, sing along and laughs. MC ‘Sam’ kept us entertained with jokes, songs and some interesting facts of Hawaii.
The grace of the dances made for a nice calming evening while the fire dances were mesmerising and a must see.
Great food and the free flow of drinks are always a welcome!
A Must if in Kona!!
People in bite me were very friendly and fun!
Highly recommend to join their tour!
We had a wonderful time on the sunset cruise. We had a one year old and three year old with us, and the whole family had a great time. The crew was amazing, the boat was clean, and the drinks were strong. My husband usually gets sea sick, but this was the first time he was completely fine. The boat is big and stable. The crew had several drink choices, snacks, and even brought out teriyaki rice bowls for everyone. They let my three year drive the boat, which made his whole trip. We’re definitely going again on this next time we’re on the Big Island.
The Luau itself it’s in a nice place, check in was quick. We did have to stand around in the hot sun for a bit.
Seating was a nightmare because the sun is literally right in your face and there’s no shade.
The food was bleh. It was cold and not too flavorful.
i really liked this luau! right near the water and very productive evening
