All Reviews for Kailua-Kona

Departure day on December 30, 2015, waiting for hotel pickup.

S-Fan appears.

Fluent in Japanese (the reason is a secret to avoid spoilers).

Thorough checks to confirm whether they are a celebrity.

The conversation in the car is solid.

Stopping at various places for commemorative photos.

At the summit of Mauna Kea.

Driving along the mountain road while taking measures against altitude sickness with water and chocolate.

It seems warmer than usual, but at 4,000 meters, it feels like a typical Japanese winter.

However, I’m well-prepared with five layers on top and four on the bottom.

A few foreigners are just in leggings, quite strong.

They gaze at the sunset without concern, but I still want to capture it in a photo.

I receive one-on-one instruction on how to take photos (grateful for the help).

Time flies by.

Before I know it, most participants other than Masashi's tour have descended.

The sun has completely set, and the sky is changing to deeper colors.

"I really want everyone to see this~~"

I'm so glad I got to see it.

Descending a bit from the summit for stargazing.

Quite a strong wind.

Setting up windbreaks with two cars.

Waiting for the sun to fully set with warm drinks and cookies.

With no moonlight, it seems to be in the same state as a new moon for a few hours (is that a possibility?).

Slowly, the sky fills with stars.

Seeing the speed of satellites is quite shocking.

Yo's stargazing school.

Sirius appears bluish-white, Aldebaran looks reddish, very clear.

I learn that my zodiac sign is Gemini and that my brother is immortal.

I discover that Orion is three times larger than I thought.

Due to the season, those constellations that aren't visible in the night sky receive unfortunate news, so checking in advance is wise.

Nine hours pass in the blink of an eye.

On the way back, I fall into a deep sleep.

I'm sure the conversation in the car on the way back was lively too, but that will be for another time.

Mahalo.

2015/12/30 出発の日　ホテルお迎えを待つ

Sファンさん登場

日本語がスラスラ　（ネタばれしないため理由は秘密）

芸能人かどうかの念入り確認もかかさない

車中のトークも盤石

いろんな場所で車をとめて　記念撮影



マウナケア山頂

水とチョコで　高山病対策をしつつ　山道をドライブ

例年より暖かいそうだが　４０００ｍ級　普通に日本の真冬

しかし　上５枚　下４枚　防寒装備にぬかりなし

数名の外国人はレギンスいっちょ　強い

気にせず夕日を見つめるが　やはり写真にもおさめたい

カメラの取り方をマンツーマンでレクチャーしもらう（もらえたことに感謝）

そんなかんなで　時間はどんどんすぎる

気付けば　マサシツアー以外の参加者はほとんど下山

夕日は沈みきり　空はどんどん深い色に変化する

「みなさんにはこれを見てもらいたいんですよ～～」

ほんとに見れて良かった


山頂を少し下って星空観察

なかなかの強風

車２台で風除けをセッティング

暖かい飲物とクッキーで太陽が沈みきるのを待つ

月明かりがない　数時間は新月と同じ状態になるみたい　（そのパターンもあるのか！）

ゆっくりと満天になっていく

人工衛星のスピードはみるとビビる

Yoさんの星空スクール

シリウスが青白っぽい　アルデバランが赤っぽい　くっきりわかる

私はふたご座　弟が不死身であることを知る

オリオン座　思っていたより３倍大きいことを知る

季節がら　夜空に上がっていない星座の方は残念なお知らせを受けるので事前チェックが吉


あっというまの９時間

岐路は爆睡

きっと帰りの車中も軽快トークだったはずだが

それはまたの機会ということで

マハロ

The pickup from the hotel is convenient. I greatly enjoyed the humpback whales and the sunset, and the staff were very service-oriented, making it easy to have a great time even alone. Since the tour is in English, it's more enjoyable if you understand English.

ホテルからのピックアップが便利です。ザトウ鯨とサンセット、スタッフの方々のサービス精神も旺盛で１人でも大いに楽しめました。英語でのツアーですので、英語がわかるほうが楽しめます。

The bento was not great, but the driver was kind and funny, which made it very enjoyable. I was glad that we could take photos at the photo spots. I considered renting a 4WD, and although the weather was very nice, the summit, which is higher than Mount Fuji, was very cold, and during the journey, I was battling sleepiness. If I had gone with a lighthearted attitude, it would have turned into quite a challenge.

お弁当はいまいちでしたが、ドライバーさんも親切で面白い方で、とても楽しかったです。
写真ポイントでは必ず写真も撮っていただけて良かったと思います。
四駆車を借りていこうとも考えましたが、とても良い天気でしたが、
富士山より高い山頂はとても寒く、移動中は眠さとの戦いなので、
軽い気持ちで行っていたら大変なことになっていたと思います。

There were four adults participating (my husband and I, along with my niece and her husband). The weather on the day was very nice, not as hot as I had expected, making it a wonderful day for rafting. We were the only Japanese participants, but the woman at the tour company's office was very kind and accommodating. I needed prescription goggles for the water, but I forgot to request them when I made the reservation. However, I called the day before, and they managed to have them ready for me.

The snorkeling was a bit different from what I had imagined. I was expecting a clearer sea, but it was murkier than I thought. Perhaps it was due to the location? They provided the necessary goggles for snorkeling, but they were old, and I experienced some water leakage, which meant I had to clear the water several times, so I ended up getting out early. If I had brought my own perfect-fitting gear, I might have enjoyed it more. The lunch was delicious! Eating burgers and fruit on the water was exceptional.

I have relied on VELTRA's tours several times, so I felt comfortable trusting them. Next time, I would like to participate in a different tour.

おとな４人（私たち夫婦と姪夫婦）の参加でした。当日はとても天気が良く思っていたほど暑くもなく素晴らしいラフティング日和でした。日本人の参加者は私たち４人だけでしたがツアー催行会社の事務所の女性がとても親切に対応してくれました。水中眼鏡の度が入ったものが必要だったのですが予約の時に頼み忘れてしまっていたのですが、前日電話でお願いし何とか間に合わせていただきました。
シュノーケルのほうは私が思っていたのとはちょっと違っていました。というのももっときれいな海を想像していたのですが思ってより濁っていたのです。場所のせいでしょうか？それからシュノーケルに必要なメガネなどは貸していただけるのですが古いせいでしょうか水漏れがして何度も水を抜く必要があったので私は早めに上がってしまいました。自分にぴったりのものを持っていけばもっと楽しめたのかも・・。ランチはおいしかったですよ！
バーガーもフルーツも海の上で食べるのは格別でした。
VELTRAさんのツアーには何度かお世話になっているので安心して頼むことができました。
次回は他のツアーに参加したいと思っています。

It's a mountain higher than Mount Fuji. You can get there by rental car, but the thought of not having an oxygen tank if you get altitude sickness is chilling. I don't think this would be allowed in Japan. If you're prepared to face the dangers, I won't stop you, but I absolutely recommend going on a tour for the sake of safety. They have extensive knowledge about cameras, so they can teach you how to take photos with the camera you bring. For those interested in constellations, the explanations are very easy to understand, and you'll create lifelong memories by seeing the natural planetarium. The local staff are friendly, humorous, and all around great people. The reason for the four stars is the poor exchange rate. It says $170, but the actual amount I paid in Japanese yen was 21,542 yen. This company has its own exchange rate, so please be careful when applying for the tour.

富士山より標高が高い山です。
レンタカーでも行けますが、もし高山病になった場合、酸素ボンベが無いと思うとぞっとします。
これが日本なら絶対に許可が出てないと思います。
危険覚悟で行くなら止めませんが、安全をお金で買うという意味で絶対にツアーで行く事をお薦めします。
カメラの知識も豊富なので持って行ったカメラで撮る方法等教えてもらえます。
星座に興味のある人にはとても分かり易く、そして自然のプラネタリウムを見ての説明に一生の想い出を作る事が出来るでしょう。
現地スタッフは気さくで、とてもユーモアありトークも楽しく良い人ばかりです。
星４つの理由は換金率が悪いからです。
170ドルと書かれていますが、実際に日本円で支払った金額は21542円です。
この会社独自の換金レートがありますので、このあたりを気をつけてツアーの申し込みをして下さい。

The weather was perfect, and I thoroughly enjoyed both the sunset and the starry sky. This is a place I definitely want to visit again, not just once in a lifetime. There are many tours to the summit of Mauna Kea, but I’m really glad I chose the Masashi Nature School. The guide was fantastic! The lunch and miso soup during our break at the Onizuka Visitor Center were also delicious.

Being in the place closest to space, I felt a connection to the universe and realized that each of us is a part of it! It’s a place that made me want to cherish the Earth.

天候にも恵まれ、サンセット＆星空共に大満喫できました☆
一生に一度と言わず、是非また訪れたい場所です。
マウナケア山頂を訪れるツアーは沢山ありますが、マサシネイシャースクールに入って本当に良かったです。ガイドさんも最高！途中、オニヅカビジターセンターでの休憩時のお弁当も、お味噌汁も美味しかったです。
宇宙に一番近い場所で、宇宙を感じる、宇宙と交信する、
私たち一人一人も宇宙の一部であるとハッキリ分かります！！
地球を大事にしたいな、と思った場所です。

This was a fabulous excursion! Definitely a bucket-list must! Chris was so knowledgable and a wonderful guide. The entire experience was incredible. I was traveling solo and felt completely included the entire time. I recommend this excursion above all others. At the end we had our own private astronomy lesson and were able to use the tour's private telescopes. It just could not have been better!

We participated as a couple. It took about 30 minutes by rental car from our accommodation in Waikoloa. You won't miss the big marlin sign along Highway 19 at the Honokohau Marina where the office is located.

We arrived at the office at 8:45, and our departure was at 9:15. After checking in, all participants signed a document outlining the disclaimers. Our boat had a total of 13 people on board, consisting of two American families on vacation from the mainland and a solo male traveler besides us. There were three staff members, including the captain.

The boat we boarded was a sturdy rubber boat. Holding onto the rope with one hand and placing one foot under the rope at the bottom, we experienced quite a jolt as we traveled for about 40 minutes to Kealakekua Bay. My hands started to hurt, so the captain stopped the boat at various points to share stories and explanations about the Big Island, mixed with jokes, but it was all in English, which might be a bit challenging for those who aren't proficient. However, I don't think it would be too problematic. The topics included the island's volcanoes, elevation, climate zones, and the legend of Pele, so there weren't any groundbreaking discoveries.

Nevertheless, from the sea, you can clearly see the plants and colors of the land changing gradually, showcasing the differences in climate zones on the island. On the way, we were able to see several whales. Many boats approach them, so if you keep an eye out for those, you'll spot them.

Kealakekua Bay also has a monument where Captain Cook landed. While you can't go from the sea to the land, the deep blue sea and steep cliffs are truly beautiful. This bay has a large amount of freshwater bubbling up, and as you get closer to the cliffs, the water gets cold and your visibility becomes hazy, but that means it's rich in nutrients, and there are many colorful fish.

The water is deep, and you can't touch the bottom, but the boat provides life jackets and tubes. We swam for about an hour, returning to the boat whenever we liked to eat sandwiches, drinks, snacks, and fruits. Then we would go back into the sea to swim again.

On the way back, we stopped at several lava caves. The waves were high that day, so we didn't go inside the caves, but on calm days, you can enter. Then, when we got offshore, we encountered a huge pod of about 200 dolphins! We were chased by playful baby dolphins and spinning dolphins, and we enjoyed about 20 minutes together heading back to the marina, experiencing the island's great nature.

夫婦で参加しました。
宿泊先のワイコロアから、レンタカーで30分。事務所があるホノコハウ・マリーナは19号線沿いに大きなカジキマグロの看板があるので見逃しません。
8:45に事務所に着き、出発は9:15。チェックインして、免責事項が記載されている書類に参加者全員がサインします。
私たちのボートは全員で13人が搭乗、私たち以外は全員メインランドからバケーションに来ていたアメリカ人の家族2組と1人旅の男性。スタッフはキャプテン含め3人です。
乗るボートは丈夫なゴムボートというイメージ。
片手でヒモをしっかり持ち、片足を底の部分にあるヒモの下に入れ、かなりの衝撃を受けながら40分くらいかけて、ケアラケウア・ベイまで行きます。
手が痛くなるので、キャプテンが要所要所で船を止めてくれ、ハワイ島に関する話や説明をジョークを交えながらしてくれますが、全部英語で不得意な人にはちょっとついていけないかもしれないです…。でも特に困ることもないと思います。ハワイ島の火山や標高、気候帯、ペレの伝説等なので、ものすごい新たな発見がある話はなかったです。
けれども、海から見る島生えている植物や土地の色がははっきりと段々に変わっていて、この島の気候帯の違いを見ることができます。
行きにくじらを数頭見ることができました。多くの船が近付いていくので、それを目印に目を凝らせば見つかります。
ケアラケウア・ベイはキャプテン・クックが上陸した記念碑もあります。海から陸地に上がることはできませんが、真っ青な海と切り立った崖は本当にきれいです。
この湾には大量の淡水が湧き出ていて、岸壁に近づくと水が冷たく、視界がぼやけますが、それだけ栄養分が多く、色とりどりの魚がたくさんいます。
水深は深く、足が届くところはありませんが、ボートにはライフジャケットやチューブを貸してくれます。
1時間くらい泳いで、各々好きな時にボートに戻って、サンドイッチ、ドリンク、スナック、フルーツを食べます。
そしてまた海に戻って泳ぐといった具合です。
帰りには、溶岩洞窟にいくつか止まります。この日は波が高かったので洞窟の中まで入りませんでしたが、波が穏やかな日は入れるそうです。
そして、沖に出たら何と200頭くらいのいるかの大群に遭遇しました！ずーっと追いかけてくる子どものイルカ、スピンするイルカ、20分くらい一緒にマリーナへ向かい、この島の大自然を堪能することができました。

I participated with my 6-year-old son. Led by Daisuke, who loves dolphins, we jumped into the water to see where the dolphins were swimming. When we looked into the surface, we were able to see a pod of wild dolphins swimming by. Another female staff member stayed with my son, and it seemed like he was able to see them well.

At first, I was nervous and my body was tense, and I was also worried about my son, so the dolphins swam by in no time. However, as I gradually got used to it, I was able to relax and enjoy the experience. Daisuke initially told me, "Please enjoy yourself, Mom," which helped ease my worries about seasickness and whether I could snorkel in the ocean for the first time. I was able to trust them completely.

On the way back to the port, we even saw two whales, which was so moving! It became a precious experience for both my son and me. Thank you very much!

6歳の息子と参加しました。
イルカが好きすぎるというだいすけさん主導で、イルカの泳いでくるポイントへ飛び込み、水面をのぞくと、泳いでくる野生のイルカの群れを見られました。息子には、もう一人の女性スタッフが、ついていてくださり、息子もちゃんと見られたようでした。
はじめは、ドキドキして身体も硬く、息子のことも気になり、あっという間にイルカちゃんは泳いで行ってしまいましたが、だんだんと慣れてきたら、ゆったりと落ち着いてみることができました☆
だいすけさんが、はじめに「お母さんが楽しんでください」と言って下さり、船酔い等の体調面、海での初のシュノーケルができるのかなど不安もありましたが、安心してお任せすることができました。
そして港へかえる途中には、なんとくじらを2頭も見ることがで、感動！！
私にとっても息子にとっても貴重な体験になりました。
本当にありがとうございました♪

This was my second time on the Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour. Since it was my first time participating in winter, I had some concerns, but those worries quickly faded away. I had a wonderful experience once again, receiving passionate and detailed explanations from our guide, Yo, who became a guide because he was captivated by the breathtaking views from Mauna Kea. I was also very satisfied with the service of snap photos with the starry sky that I couldn't take with my own camera!

マウナケアのサンセット&星空ツアーは今回で２回目。冬の参加は初めてだったので、若干不安もありましたが、そんな不安もなんのその。
マウナケアからの絶景に魅せられてガイドになったという葉(よう)さんの熱くて詳しい説明を受けながら今回も素晴らしい体験をすることが出来ました。
自分のカメラでは撮れなかった星空とのスナップ写真などもサービスしていただいて大満足です！

Historical storyteller was fabulous! Great sense of humor, and full of interesting information!
For the price, the food could have been better, and lower prices on drinks.

Very nice set up. We were late so they reset a table for us. Program was nice. Would have liked more interaction with audience participation. Food was plentiful and very good. Liquor could have been more upscale. Bartender and staff were very friendly and helpful. Beautiful setting.

My husband & I bought four tickets to see the Island Breeze Luau at the King Kamehameha Hotel on the Big Island for ourselves & our friends from Germany. The entertainment was a delight & there was a tremendous variety of food & also mai tais available included in the price. Though I'm not a big drinker, the punch bowls of mai tais were taken away pretty quickly after dinner was served. I would rather have alcohol with my meal than before, but if you're a cocktail before kind of person, you'll be fine. The locale was very serene in the evening with the glimmer of the island lights from the mountain side reflecting from the ocean. Overall, a very nice & worthwhile evening.

When driving, the store and parking lot are located far apart, so it's necessary to check the store's location on the map before parking. I think it's better for those coming by rental car to allow extra time. The reception started at 1 PM, but we arrived early and waited for our departure time while having lunch at a table in front of the store.

Since we were departing in the afternoon, I thought the wind and waves might be stronger in December, so I took motion sickness medication. The boat ride took about 45 minutes and was a bit bumpy, but since it was a large boat, I don't think it was too bad. On the way back, it gets cold because you're wet, so I think it's better to have a jacket in addition to a towel.

On the way there, drinks (water, juice) and snacks like rice crackers, as well as drinks, potato chips, and fruit, are available as self-service. The restrooms are spacious, clean, and separated by gender.

All snorkeling equipment is provided, and safety precautions and instructions on how to use the snorkeling gear are explained in English. I can hardly speak English, but I managed. The snorkeling spot had cold water, but there were no waves, and there were plenty of fish, which was fantastic.

By chance, we were able to see dolphins and whales on the way back, making it even more memorable. I would like to participate in the morning next time.

車で行くと店舗と駐車場が離れた場所にあるので、地図の場所の店舗で確認してから止めに行く必要があります。レンタカーでこられる方は余裕をもってこられた方がいいと思います。13時から受付でしたが私たちは早めにいって、お店の前のテーブルでランチしながら出発時間を待ちました。
午後出発なので12月だと風や波が強くなるのかと思って、酔い止めを飲みました。船で移動する時間が45分くらいかかり多少揺れましたが、大きな船なのでそれほどひどくなかったと思います。帰りは濡れているので寒くなりますから、タオルだけでなく、上着があった方がよいと思います。
行きは飲み物（水、ジュース）とおかき、飲み物とポテトチップと果物がセルフサービスで出ます。トイレは男女別て広くてきれいです。
シュノーケル用具はすべて貸してくれるし、安全上の注意やシュノーケル用具の使い方も英語ですが説明もしてくれます。私はほぼ英語ができませんが、なんとかなりました。シュノーケル場所は水が冷たかったですが、波もなく、魚もたくさんいて最高でした。
偶然ですが、帰りにイルカやクジラを見ることができて、さらに思い出深いものになりました。今度は午前中に参加してみたいと思いました。

We had a great time got four bites but that's fishing crew was fun I would go again

I initially made a mistake and went to the wrong meeting place. I ended up at a building with a blue roof that has a marlin monument, but it was a different shop. It's actually a place with many tour companies further back.

There were ten participants in total, including us: four families and two couples.

We were greeted by dolphins right at the start. I was so thrilled!

When I first got on the Zodiac rubber boat, it bounced around a bit and was a little scary, but I gradually started to enjoy the speed and the bouncing. I brought a hat to prevent sunburn, but I couldn't keep it on!

To describe the experience, we sat on the edge of the rubber boat with the engine running, holding onto a rope. The boat took us out to sea at quite a speed, rocking a lot. It was exhilarating. I heard that some people have even fallen off into the sea before.

After that, the captain searched for whales, but unfortunately, we didn't find any that day. However, we did encounter a school of tuna, which was another thrill!

Next, we arrived at the snorkeling point. We jumped into the deep blue sea, far from land. The water was so clear that I could see down to my feet, but beyond that, it turned a deep navy blue. I wondered how deep it was. The water felt so soothing, and when I relaxed, my body floated effortlessly. It was an incredible feeling of liberation.

Snorkeling around the Captain Cook monument was also amazing. It felt like being thrown into a tropical fish tank. There were huge sea urchins everywhere. I wonder if they taste good? (laughs) I also saw turtles swimming, which was another delight!

The captain's English was a bit hard to understand. It wasn't a problem, though. I thought it would be fun to react like a native speaker if I understood everything, but I don't even do that in Japanese!

At the end, we encountered another pod of dolphins. They seemed so free. I was very satisfied. Snorkeling among the coral reefs while watching colorful fish was great too. The sandwiches for lunch were delicious. There were also services for fruits, snacks, and juice, which made it very relaxing.

I brought my iPhone with a waterproof cover, but I took so many photos underwater that I ran out of battery when we were sightseeing over the ocean. Even when dolphins jumped right in front of me and we were in front of amazing lava caves, I couldn't capture those moments…

As mentioned in other reviews, my lack of English skills made it hard to understand the explanations, and I couldn't communicate much with other foreign guests, which was disappointing. However, the captain and the other staff were very kind.

I highly recommend this tour. I really enjoyed the extraordinary experience. Thank you very much. I would love to participate again!

最初にいきなり集合場所間違えてしまいました。カジキのモニュメントがある青い屋根の建物に行ったら、別のお店でした。それより手前のツアー会社がたくさんあるところです。

参加者は、私たちの他、家族連れ４人、カップル２組、計１０名でした。

最初にいきなりイルカのお出迎え。チョーー感激ー！！

ゴムボートのゾディアック号に最初乗った時は、ポンポン飛んでちょっと怖かったですがだんだんスピードがどんなに出ても飛び跳ねても気持ち良く感じるようになりました。日焼け防止のために帽子持って行きましたが、かぶっていられませんでした！

イメージを説明しますと、エンジンの着いたゴムボードのふちに腰掛け、つかまるところはロープのみ。ボートはそんな不安定な私達を乗せて沖にけっこうなスピードでかなり揺れながら進みます。迫力満点です。今まで海に振り落とされた方もいらしたそうです。

その後船長さんが、沖でクジラを探してくれましたが、残念ながらこの日は見つかりませんでした。ただ、マグロの群れに遭遇出来て、またまたちょっと感激～！

その後、スノーケルポイントに到着。 陸地から遠く離れ海のど真ん中でただただ碧い海に飛び込みました。足もとまでくっきり透き通って見えるのにその先は濃紺、いったいどれほどの深さなのでしょう。とろりと感じるぐらいの水、脱力すると簡単に体は浮きます。ものすごい解放感。

キャプテンクック記念碑の周りでのスノーケリングもすばらしかった。まるで熱帯魚の水槽の中に放り込まれたようでした。巨大なウニがたくさんいました。食べたらおいしいのかな？？笑。
カメさんも泳いでました。またまた感激です！

キャプテンの英語はちょと理解できませんね~。それで困ることはありません。理解できてネイティブ並みに反応できたら楽しいかとも思いますが（もともと日本語でもそういう乗り突っ込みはしないですからね）

最後にまたイルカの群れに会えました。自由を感じるイルカたちでした。大満足でしたね。
シュノーケルも珊瑚礁の中、色とりどりの魚を見ながら、良かったです。お昼のサンドイッチも美味しかったです。
フルーツや、スナック、ジュースのサービスもあり、とてもくつろげました。

ＩＰＨＯＮＥに防水カバーつけて持って行きましたが枚数が足りないほど海中をパシャパシャ撮りまくってしまったので、シュノーケルの後に、海の上からハワイ島観光をしてくれた時にはせっかく目の前でイルカがクルクルジャンプしても、すばらしい溶岩洞窟を目の前にしてもバッテリー切れで写真に収めることはできませんでした…

他の書き込みにもあるとおり、英語力がなく説明がよくわからなかったのと、他の外国人の方とコミュニケーションがあまり取れないのが残念でした。でもキャプテンも他のスタッフの方もとても親切です。
ほんとにおすすめのツアーですね。
非日常を楽しめました。
どうもありがとうございました。
また参加したいです！

We spotted dolphins just five minutes after departing! What a wonderful start. I watched brave foreigners diving into the sea while enjoying snorkeling with my son. The inside of the boat was very clean! The restroom was cleaner than those in nearby hotels! Moreover, I was impressed to see the staff constantly moving and working diligently. Good job! On the way back, we encountered whales, making it an even more enjoyable memory.

出港して5分としないうちにイルカ出没‼︎なんと素晴らしいスタート。息子とシュノーケルを楽しみながら海へダイブの勇敢な外国人の方々を眺めました。船内はとても綺麗‼︎トイレはその辺のホテルより綺麗‼︎しかもスタッフの方々は常に動き、きめ細かくお仕事していたのを見て感動しました。good job‼︎
帰りにはクジラ出没し、更に楽しい想い出になりました。

I used this service during my first trip to the Big Island with friends. The meeting place was a bit hard to find, so make sure to look closely at the signs. Also, all the staff and crew spoke only English, so be aware of that. It might have just been coincidence, but all the other customers around us were Americans, and we were the only Asians. For me, it felt more like being abroad compared to Oahu, which is mostly filled with Asians (mainly Japanese), and it was fantastic.

Now, about the activity. The rafting goes at quite a high speed. However, no water comes into the boat, so just make sure to hold onto the ropes tightly to avoid falling off. It felt like we went for over 30 minutes, and the time felt long. But when we encountered a pod of dolphins along the way, it was truly moving. They were so close! And the blue of the ocean upon arrival was breathtaking. It was the perfect shade of blue that you think of when you hear "Blue Hawaii"! The water was so clear, filled with many fish. We were allowed to snorkel freely with no time limit, as long as we had the energy.

The lunch afterward was quite simple, but the pineapple was incredibly delicious. Just when I thought we would return by rafting, we changed locations and snorkeled again. Then we sped back for over 30 minutes. On the way back, we caught a glimpse of a mother whale and her calf. It made me deeply feel that there is still so much nature left on this planet. It was my first time snorkeling in such a deep-looking sea. I definitely want to participate again.

友人との初めてのハワイ島旅行の際に利用しました。集合場所、分かりづらいです。看板をよく見て探すこと。そして、店員さんや乗務員さん全て英語オンリーですので要注意。たまたまかもしれませんが、周りのお客さんもアメリカ人の方ばかりでアジア人は我々だけでした。私からすると、アジア人(主に日本人)ばかりのオアフ島より、海外に来ている感があって最高でした。そして、本題のアクティビティ。かなりの猛スピードでラフティングは進みます。でも船の中に水が入ってくることは一切ないのですが、とにかく落ちないようにしっかりロープを握ってください。３０分以上は進んだ気がします。体感時間長かったです。でも、途中でイルカの群れに会えた時は本当に感動です。あまりにも近い！そして到着後の海のブルーさは圧巻です。ブルーハワイとはこのこと、と言わんばかりの真っ青さ！でもって透明度が高すぎる海にはたくさんのお魚。自由にシュノーケリングさせてもらえました。制限時間なし。体力の持つままに。上がった後のランチはかなり簡易的な軽食ですが、パイナップルがすごくおいしかったです。そしてまたラフティングで帰るのかと思いきや、場所を変えて再びシュノーケリング。そしてまた３０分以上ほどかけて猛スピードで帰りました。帰りしな、クジラの親子が少しだけ見られました。地球にはまだまだ色んな自然があるものだと、しみじみ感じられました。あれほどまでに海底が深く見える海でシュノーケリングをしたのは初めてでした。是非ともまた参加したいです。

Today, I participated in a dolphin tour. I believe there are many companies offering dolphin tours on the Big Island, but I heard that Mr. Nata was the first to start a dolphin tour there. Mr. Nata, Mr. Daisuke, and Ms. Chiho from Aloha Kona Tours provided an absolutely wonderful experience. For example, it seems that with other companies, you only get about three chances to go into the water, but the team at Aloha Kona Tours has a strong enthusiasm to show you the dolphins! They quickly spotted a pod of dolphins with the naked eye, got us into the water swiftly, and today we were able to enter the ocean five times. Each time, the dolphins came very close, and there were so many of them; it was an indescribable experience. My 6-year-old daughter was well taken care of, allowing us parents to focus on watching. It was so amazing that I understand why some people become repeat customers. Today, I was lucky to be with veteran guests, and after it was over, I really understood the desire to return. I am already eager to come back, and I plan to bring my friends' families with me next year. Next time, I would like to request not only dolphins but also manta rays and Mauna Kea with Aloha Kona Tours. Thank you for the wonderful memories!

本日イルカのツアーに参加しました。ハワイ島でイルカのツアーは何社もあると思いますが、縄田さんがハワイ島ではじめてイルカのツアーを始めたそうです。アロハコナツアーズの縄田さん、ダイスケさん、ちほさんは本当に素晴らしい体験をさせてくれました。例えば他社では3本位しか海におりるチャンスはないようですが、アロハコナツアーズの皆さんは見せたい！という熱意がとても強く、肉眼で素早くイルカの群を見つけ、素早く海に降り、今日は5回も海に入れてくれました。どの回もすごく近くにイルカが来て、群の数もとても多く、言葉にならない体験をしました。6歳の娘にもバッチリ付き添ってもらっていたので、私達親は自分が見ることに集中できました。本当にすばらしいのでリピーターになってしまう方もいるそうで、本日は運良くベテランのお客様とご一緒させて頂きました。終わった後、リピートしてしまう気持ちがよくわかりました。私も既にリピートする気まんまんなので、来年は友達家族も連れてまた来たいと思っています。次回はイルカだけでなく、マンタとマウナケアもアロハコナツアーズでお願いしたいです。良い思い出をありがとうございました！

It's truly an amazing tour to be able to drive so easily to a summit over 4000 meters! The moment the sunset sinks into the sea of clouds below is incredibly moving. The stargazing experience is also fantastic, with a detailed guide to many stars. They even serve miso soup with the bento, and during stargazing, they provide warm tea and cookies, offering excellent service. I also appreciated the stop at the supermarket on the way there and back. Everything we saw was wonderful, and it became a delightful memory!

4000ｍ越えの山頂に、車でこんなに簡単に行けるなんて、本当にすごいツアーです！
頂上から見下げる雲海に、夕日が沈む瞬間は、大感動です。
そして、星空観測も、たくさんの星を、とても詳しくガイドしてくれます。
お弁当では、お味噌汁まで出してくれたり、星空観測では温かい紅茶とクッキーを出してくれて
サービス満点です。
行きと帰りに、スーパーに立ち寄ってくれるのも、うれしいです。
とにかく見るものすべてが素晴らしく、楽しい思い出になりました！

We were able to see a beautiful sunset and a starry sky. The guide was bright and fun. Moreover, they seemed to have studied well and explained things like altitude sickness and constellations in a very easy-to-understand way. They took beautiful photos with both their camera and ours. I would like to use this service again when I visit the Big Island of Hawaii.

とっても綺麗な夕日と、星空が見られました。
ガイドさんは皆さん明るく楽しかったです。
しかも、よくお勉強されているようで、高山病についてや星座についてなど、とてもわかりやすく説明して頂きました。
ガイドさんのカメラでも、自分達のカメラでも綺麗に写真を撮って頂きました。
ハワイ島に行った際にはまた利用したいです。

We were blessed with perfect conditions of clear skies, no wind, and a new moon, allowing us to fully enjoy the starry night. The dinner was also thoughtfully prepared for Japanese guests. The driver and guide showed great attention to detail. The only disappointment was that while driving between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa in such great weather, I wished we had a little time for photos. I definitely want to join another tour with Masashi Nature School next time, and I would highly recommend this tour to my friends. Thank you!!

快晴・無風・新月と絶好のコンディションに恵まれ満点の星空を大満喫しました。
夕食も日本人向けに気遣いのあふれたものでした。　　ドライバー兼のガイドさんも細かい心配りでした。　　だだ一つ残念だったのは、　途中のマウナケアとマウナロアの間をドライブした時に絶好のお天気だったので、　少しの写真タイムがあればよかったと思いました。
次回もぜひマサシネイチャースクールのツアーを、　そして友人たちにもぜひこのツアーをお勧めしたいです。　　Thank you!!

It seems it was too early for whale watching. The participants seemed to mainly enjoy the sunset and the meal on the sea. The driver for the pick-up, the receptionist, and the captain were all very pleasant. I would like to try again around March when the whales are out.

ホエールウォッチングには　早かったようです。
参加者は　洋上の夕日と食事を楽しむのが　主のようでした。
送迎のドライバー　受付の女性　船長　感じがよかったです。
クジラが出る　3月頃再挑戦したいですね。

I must state that the tour we booked to visit Mauna Kea was the highlight of all our activities on the Big Island. Greg was outstanding in his knowledge of the area and the solar system. My wife and I learned many new things when it came to star systems and planets. Viewing the International Space Station when it came by was unbelievable. The evening was moon free and perfectly clear. The Sunset at the Summit was breathtaking and the effects of 40% less oxygen was quite noticeable. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting or planning to visit Hawaii. Keep up the great work and a big Aloha to Greg and Blake!!!

My daughter and I did this tour in Nov and thoroughly enjoyed it. The staff on the cruise were very friendly. Thoroughly guide through out the cruise. Food was absolutely amazing and so was the cocktails. Music was also fantastic. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and guided us throughout the cruise. Had a fantastic time. Highly recommended.

I participated with the Matsuchan team. It was a very satisfying tour, just as everyone else's experiences described. Matsuchan is generally talkative, but he knows when to be quiet if participants want to sleep. The photo download service was very appreciated for us, as we only had smartphones.

松ちゃんチームで参加しました。
みなさんの体験談どおりとっても満足できるツアーです。
松ちゃんは基本おしゃべりですが、参加者が寝たい時には黙っていてくれる空気の読める人です。
スマホしかもっていない私達には写真のダウンロードのサービスはとっても有難かったです。

What a fabulous tour led by Greg. Full credit to Greg, who was so engaging and informative, he really enriched the experience.
The tour was out of this world literally. The telescopes, scenery, sunset!! I loved that we didn't race off , after the sunset, but stayed as the colours deepened. We were the last tour to leave the sunset location.
The food was good! Lasagne and a very yummy brownie and later hot chocolate and biscotti whilst we star gazed through massive telescopes.
I was totally impressed with this tour. In fact raved about it so much when I got back to the hotel that my friend went the next day and also loved it!!

My husband and I love Hawaii, and we usually spend our time shopping in Honolulu, but this time we decided to experience the natural beauty of Hawaii for the first time by visiting the Big Island.

I wanted to feel the ocean of the Big Island up close, so I joined this ocean rafting tour, and it was the right choice. I realized that the blue of the ocean in the Big Island is completely different when viewed from land compared to when seen from a boat. In shallow areas, the water is a transparent blue, in slightly deeper areas it turns emerald green, and where the currents collide, it turns ultramarine. Sitting on the edge of the boat and moving through the water, I was directly immersed in those beautiful shades of blue.

But the fun didn't stop there. On the water, we saw baby manta rays feeding, dolphins swimming in pods, and surprisingly, we even encountered a jumping whale! It was a series of emotional moments.

Under the sea, we encountered colorful fish while snorkeling. I felt like I never wanted to come up for air; I could have watched them forever.

Finally, the captain was cheerful and spoke in a way that we could understand, even though we didn't know English well. He was so skilled at peeling pineapples that I wanted to learn from him!

The only downside was that there was no shower after getting off the boat. We were told to change in the restroom. We were covered in salt, and the hotel was far away. Although our bodies dried off on the way back from snorkeling, having a shower would have made it a five-star experience!

私達夫婦は、ハワイが大好きで、いつもはホノルルで買い物したりして過ごしてしまうのですが、今回はハワイの自然を感じたいと思って初めてハワイ島に行く事にしました。
ハワイ島の海を直接感じたくて、オーシャン ラフティングのこのツアーに参加したのですが、正解でした。ハワイ島の海の青さは、陸から見ているのと、 船から見るのとは全然違うと言う事を感じました。
浅瀬では 透明感のあるブルー 、少し深い所は エメラルドグリーン、海流がぶつかる所は 群青色。ボートの縁に座って海を移動しているので、その青が直接目に入ってきて 、どれも素敵な青でした。
楽しみはこれだけではありません。
海の上では、赤ちゃんマンタが餌を食べていたり、イルカが、群をなして泳いでいたり、そしてまさかの‼︎ クジラがジャンプしたのにも 出会えました。 感動の連続です。
海の中では、色とりどりの魚とシュノーケリングで、出会えました。ホント海の中に入れた顔を上げたくなくなる感じ、ずーっと見ていたと思わせてくれました。
最後にキャプテンは、明るくて、英語がわからない私達に伝わるように、話かけてくれました。デザートのパイナップルの剥き方は、教えてもらいたい程、上手でしたよ。
ゴメンなさいは、ただ一つ 船から上がった後に シャワーがない事です。 着替えは トイレでして下さいとのこと。潮まみれで、ホテルまで遠いし、 シュノーケリングから帰ってくる間に、身体は乾いていますがシャワーがあれば星5つですね‼︎

Daisuke, who jokingly said, "I'm a dolphin otaku, so I know everything about dolphins!" was indeed telling the truth! We encountered a pod right after we set sail. He seemed to really understand the dolphins, pointing out where they were and when they would jump. It felt like a dream to swim with countless dolphins. In the end, we had such a fulfilling experience that we reluctantly had to wrap it up due to time constraints. Since they are wild dolphins, it might have been lucky to see so many, but I believe Daisuke's guiding skills played a significant role as well! Thank you very much.

「僕はイルカオタクだから~。イルカちゃんのことは何でもわかるよー♪」と冗談気に話していたダイスケさん。本当でした! 出港してからすぐに群れに遭遇。あそこにいるから、ここでジャンプするから、などなど、イルカの声を聞いては、本当に理解していた様でビックリ。数え切れないほどのイルカちゃん達と泳げて、何だか夢の中にいた様な…。最後は時間切れで渋々切り上げるほどの充実ぶりでした。野生のイルカなので、沢山会えるのはラッキーだったのかもしれませんが、ダイスケさんのガイド力も大きかったと思います! ありがとうございました。

Fabulous!!! But many got sea sickness!!
Food was awesome