All Reviews for Top Places to Visit in Hawaii

I was moved to be able to visit the summit of Mauna Kea, renowned as a sacred mountain. On the way, as soon as we arrived at the mountain, it started to rain, and there were moments when thick fog made it hard to see, which made me anxious about reaching the summit. However, in the end, I was able to see the sunset through a gap in the clouds.

I felt grateful to witness both the harshness and gentleness of nature.

I also want to thank our guide, who explained everything in Japanese using Google Translate, as I can hardly speak or understand English.

Although I couldn't see many stars, I’m really glad I went. Thank you!

神聖な山として名高いマウナケア山頂に行けて感動しました。
道中は、山に着いた途端に雨が降り出し、途中濃霧で周りが見えなくなるなど山頂まで行けるかヒヤヒヤしましたが、最後は雲の隙間から日の入りを見ることができました。
自然の厳しさと優しさを見ることができたような気がして、感謝が溢れました。

英語がほとんど話せない&聞けない私に、Google翻訳を駆使して日本語で説明してくれたガイドさんにも感謝。

星はほとんど見れなかったけど、本当に行って良かったです。ありがとうございました！

Saw everything from volcanos to waterfalls and both sides of the island

The atmosphere was really nice under the beautiful moon. Both the show and dinner were excellent! It was a wonderful experience on the Big Island of Hawaii!

月も綺麗な下で、とにかく雰囲気がとても良かったです。
ショーもディナーも、最高でした！
ハワイ島での素敵な体験になりました！

Our guide was from Hawaii, born on Maui, and has been living on the Big Island for two years. He was handsome, had a great voice, and was genuinely kind. The weather wasn’t ideal — it was cloudy, though we did see the sea of clouds and a bit of sunlight breaking through. It still felt magical watching the sunset above the clouds, even without a clear sky. Unfortunately, we couldn’t see any stars that night, probably due to the season (I went in late October). But the next day, on another tour, I did see a sky full of stars — so it’s still possible! Be prepared for altitude sickness; I felt lightheaded at the summit and was glad we descended soon after sunset. Overall, it was a good experience despite the bumpy mountain road — and it felt great to have “checked off” the highest mountain in the world (from base to peak).

It's a place where you can't help but wear a down jacket in the hot Hawaii. Just that alone is a unique experience. The sunset and the starry sky are amazing. The Milky Way was clearly visible! It would have been perfect if they could have explained a bit more about the stars.

暑いハワイの中でダウンジャケットを着ないと居られない場所です。それだけでも異体験。サンセットも星空も最高です。
天の川もハッキリと見えました！
もう少し星の説明をしてもらえたら満点でした。

The sunset was really nice. However, if you want to see a lot of stars, it probably depends on the season, but you should pay attention to the moonset. I participated in late October, but the moonlight was so bright that it probably wasn't the true starry sky of Hawaii Island. The guide mentioned that too, haha. During this time, it seems like the sunrise would be better.

夕日はとってもよかったです。
ただし星を沢山見たいと思ったらおそらく季節にもよると思いますが月没を気にした方がいいです。私は10月後半に参加しましたが月明かりが眩しくておそらくハワイ島の本気の星空ではありませんでした。ガイドの人も言ってました笑
この時期なら日の出の方が良さそうです。

This trip into the valley was a highlight of our friend’s visit to the Big Island from Massachusetts. We all commented on what a great guide Forrest is.

I signed up for this as an activity for my honeymoon. The tour guide was very friendly and kind, providing advice to avoid altitude sickness and explaining the scenery visible from the car window on the way to Mauna Kea, making the journey enjoyable. The sunset from the summit of Mauna Kea was incredibly precious, and I had a luxurious time. During the stargazing tour, I was able to see many stars shining in the night sky, as well as the Milky Way and moving satellites.

They lend you warm clothing, which is reassuring, but it would be good to bring a sweatshirt, hand warmers, thick socks, and leggings to wear under your pants, and change at the visitor center during breaks. The price is a bit steep, but I think it will create unforgettable memories in life. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who is considering it.

新婚旅行のアクティビティとして申し込みました。ツアーガイドさんもとっても気さくでお優しく、高山病にならないためのアドバイスやマウナケアまでの道中の車窓から見える景色も説明していただき、マウナケアに着くまでも楽しい時間を過ごせました。マウナケア山頂から眺める夕日は何よりも尊く、贅沢な時間を過ごせました。星空ツアーでは、夜空にたくさんの星が輝き、天の川や人工衛星が動いてる様子まで見ることができました。
防寒着を貸してくださるので安心ですが、トレーナーやカイロ、厚地の靴下やズボンの下に着るスパッツを持参して、途中のビジターセンターでの休憩時に着替えるとよさそうです。お値段は少々張りますが、人生で忘れられない思い出になると思います。迷っている方にはぜひお勧めしたいツアーです。

The mountains of Mauna Kea, the sea of clouds, and the sunset sinking into the clouds were spectacular. At the summit, there is a spot known as the Hawaiian sacred site, where I felt a mystical atmosphere. The guide spoke Japanese and provided clear explanations, allowing me to feel at ease and trust them completely.

マウナケアの山々や雲海、雲海に沈む夕陽は壮観でした。山頂にはハワイアン達の聖域と呼ばれるスポットがあり、なにか神秘的か雰囲気を感じました。
ガイドさんは日本語も喋れる方で、説明もわかりやすく安心してお任せできました。

As night fell, the starry sky became increasingly visible, and I was deeply moved. I think I would have been even more touched with a bit more explanation in Japanese.

夜になるにつれて、どんどん星空が見えてきて感動しました。
もう少し日本語の説明があると更に感動したと思います。

I used this for my honeymoon trip.
The mountaintop was very cold, but thanks to the guide's thoughtfulness (delicious BLT sandwiches and the provision of ski wear), it became a wonderful memory.
During the stargazing, they provide explanations in Japanese as well, so don't hesitate to join just because it's an English tour; you'll miss out if you don't!

ハネムーン旅行で利用しました。
山頂はとても寒かったですが、ガイドさんの心遣い（美味しいBLTサンド、スキーウエア上下の用意）のおかげでとても良い思い出になりました。
星空観察では、日本語も交えて説明していただけるので、英語ツアーだからと遠慮せず、利用しないと損です！

Even though it's a mountain over 4000 meters high, you can drive to the summit, making it an easier tour than I had imagined. The sunset and starry sky at the top are definitely something you should see when you visit the Big Island. I also think it's great that, being at the summit, the clouds are below you, so there's no need to worry about the weather for stargazing. If you really want to see the stars, it's better to join a tour that takes you to the summit.

4000mを超える山なのに、頂上まで車で行けるので、想像していたよりも楽なツアーでした。
頂上で見る夕日と星空は、ハワイ島に来たら絶対に見るべきだと思います。
星空観測は、頂上なので雲が下にあり、天候の心配をする必要がないのも良いと思います。
必ず星空を観たいなら、頂上まで来るツアーに参加した方が良いです。

It was great that the guide tried hard to communicate in Japanese. However, overall it was difficult to understand, and the special feeling of the tour was lacking. I thought it might have been better to rent a 4WD and go on our own.

ガイドが一生懸命日本語で伝えようとしてくれたのは良かったです。
ただ全体的にはわかりずらく、ツアーの特別感も薄く、四駆を借りて自分たちで行っても良かったなと思いました。

We were the only Japanese participants. It truly felt like an overseas trip. The guide is also focused on environmental protection, practicing the balance between nature conservation and tourism on the Big Island.

Additionally, they pay attention to the safety of tour participants, allowing us to enjoy the experience with peace of mind. There were plenty of fish swimming around, and the water clarity was high, making it a fun tour.

Lunch and breakfast were simple but delicious. I would love to participate again when I come back to the Big Island.

日本人の参加は我々のみ。まさに海外旅行です。ガイドは環境保護にも注力しており、ハワイ島の自然保護と観光の両立を実践しています。
また、我々ツアー参加者の危険行為にも注意を払っており、安心して楽しむことができます。魚も沢山泳いでおり、透明度も高く、楽しいツアーでした。
ランチ、朝食も手軽だけど美味しかったです。
また、ハワイ島に来る時には参加したいです。

I was nervous about the tour being in English, but our guide Wes explained everything clearly in English and provided detailed explanations in Japanese, making it a truly memorable experience!

The time management, attention to the participants, and the warm cocoa distributed before the stargazing cruise were also lovely touches.

We were blessed with good weather, and I'm really glad I participated! Thank you very much.

英語でのツアーということで緊張していましたが、ガイドのWesさんが分かりやすい英語と、日本語で細かく説明や解説をしてくださり、本当によい思い出になりました！

時間の配分や、参加者への気配り、星空クルーズの前に配られた温かいココアなど気遣いも素敵でした。

天気にも恵まれ、参加して本当によかったです！
ありがとうございました。

Since I wasn't confident in my stamina for the early morning course, I decided to join the sunset course, and I was very satisfied! The sunset view was also very beautiful, and the guide provided explanations in Japanese.

早朝コースだと体力に自信がなかったので、サンセットコースに参加することにしましたが、大満足でした！
サンセットの景色もとても綺麗でガイドの方も日本語で説明してくれました。

The famous observatories from various countries located at the summit over 4000 meters stand out in white, and I found it breathtakingly beautiful as they were dyed in the orange hue of the sunset. The starry sky was completely different from the night sky I usually see, and I lay down on the road to take it all in.

4000mを超える山頂にある各国の有名な天文台の建物が白色で映える中、それが夕日のオレンジ色に染まるところが息を呑むほど綺麗だと感じました。
星空は、普段見る夜空とは完全に別物で道路に寝転がって見ました。

It was the best experience!! On the way to the summit, the scenery made me feel like I was on Mars, with the sun sinking into a sea of clouds. The dynamic presence of nature was truly amazing.

And under the starry sky, being able to see Saturn's rings through a telescope was an extraordinary experience. As more stars appeared, I was able to take photos with the starry sky as a backdrop. The cocoa they provided when I was feeling cold warmed both my body and heart. Our guide, James, explained everything clearly, and I’m really glad I asked for his help. I would love to rely on them again next time.

最高の体験でした！！山頂に向かう途中、火星に自分が来たような景色と雲海に沈んでいく太陽。ダイナミックな自然のありようは、本当に素晴らしかったです。
そして、満点の星空では、望遠鏡で土星の輪も見れたのも、非日常の体験でした。だんだんと星が増えてきて、星空をバックに写真も撮っていただだけました。体が冷えていた時に出してくれたココアで、体も心も温まりました。ガイドのジェームスが色々説明してくれたのもわかりやすくて、お願いしてとても良かったです。また次も、お世話になりたいと思いました。

Warm and professional welcome with info about useful tips.

The weather was nice, and I was able to see a beautiful sunset and starry sky. Although the guide was in English, Kai was fluent in Japanese, which was a great help.

天候も良くとでも綺麗な夕日と星空を見る事が出来ました。
英語ガイドでしたが、カイさんが日本語が達者で助かりました。

We departed in the evening and reached the summit at an altitude of 4,200 meters, above the clouds. The moment the sun set, the sky transformed from orange to deep blue, which was truly breathtaking. The guide carefully explained the constellations and planets, and it was moving to see the Milky Way with the naked eye. The temperature is quite low, so warm clothing is essential. The down jacket that was provided was very helpful. The photos taken by the professionals during the tour were also wonderful and perfect for remembering the trip.

夕方に出発し、標高4200mの山頂に着くころには雲の上。
夕陽が沈む瞬間、空がオレンジから群青に変わっていく光景は本当に息を呑みました。
ガイドさんが星座や惑星を丁寧に説明してくれて、肉眼で天の川を見られたのも感動的でした。
気温はかなり低いので、防寒着は必須です。貸してもらえるダウンジャケットがとても助かりました。
ツアー中にプロの方が撮ってくれた写真も素晴らしく、旅の思い出にぴったりです。

If you simply want to see the summit of Mauna Kea and the starry sky, you can rent a car and go on your own, but having a tour guide allows for a richer experience with various stories about Hawaii and detailed explanations of the night sky. It made for a more fulfilling time. Additionally, the attention to detail was wonderful, making the entire experience from gathering to dispersal completely stress-free! Thank you very much.

単純にマウナケアの山頂や星空を観るだけなら、レンタカーを借りて個人でも行けますが、車中でのハワイにまつわる色んな話、星空の詳細な説明など、ツアーガイドがいるからこその体験ができて、より豊かな時間になりました。
また、気遣いも素晴らしく、集合から解散まで、ノーストレスでした！ありがとうございました。

Nice cruise with excellent staff, especially the captain

The sunset and the stars in the night sky were very beautiful!! I was worried about booking an English guide, but I had a Japanese guide who explained things in Japanese and answered my questions, so I felt at ease. I was satisfied because they took wonderful photos.

夕日も夜空の星もとても綺麗でした！！
英語ガイドを予約して不安でしたが、日本人のガイドさんで、日本語でも説明してくれたり、質問に返してくれたので安心でした。
素敵な写真を撮ってくださったので満足です。

The sunset viewed from the closest place to space was truly amazing! Our guide, Wes, was very attentive and great at taking photos! You definitely should participate.

宇宙に一番近い場所で見るサンセットは本当に最高でした！ガイドのWESさんは丁寧に教えてくれて写真も上手！絶対参加した方がよい

The view of the sea of clouds and sunset from the summit of Mauna Kea was incredibly beautiful and moving. The guide, Shotaro, was kind and made the experience enjoyable! Thank you!

マウナケアの山頂から見た雲海とサンセットがとても綺麗で感動でした。
ガイドのショウタロウさんが親切で楽しく参加することができました！
ありがとうございました！

The buffet had a wide variety of food and drinks, and I definitely overate. The Hawaiian songs and dances were also enjoyable. The sunset view in the background was lovely.

バイキングの料理も、飲み物も豊富で、食べ過ぎました。ハワイアンの歌や、踊りも楽しかったです。
背景の夕焼けの景色もステキでした。

On my first trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, I was able to see the beautiful Milky Way. There were a few clouds, but I was moved by the starry sky that I can't see in Japan. When I think about it, it was truly my first experience seeing the "Milky Way" in my life... Even in my mid-50s, having a first experience is a wonderful thing!

初めてのハワイ島で、美しい天の川を見ることができました。少し雲が出たりしましたが、日本では見ることができない星空に感動しました。よく考えてみると、「天の川」を本当に見たのは人生初の体験でした...。50代半ばになっても、人生初って良いものですね！

I had some concerns about my physical condition when going to a high place, but I realized that it's okay if I go by car.

高所まで行くことに体調面での不安が少しありましたが、車で行くと大丈夫なんだなということが分かりました。

Our guide Wes was incredible! We learned so much and enjoyed the sunset and stargazing on Mauna Kea so much! Wes was knowledgeable, friendly, and patient. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!