All Reviews for Kailua-Kona

My friend and I participated in an underwater cave exploration plan. On that day, there were only four participants: the two of us and one couple. The instructors were Kevin and his wife (who is Japanese), and both were fluent in Japanese, so there were no language barriers at all. They provided us with very attentive support.

After we set off, we found ourselves surrounded by a completely empty, deep blue sea. It felt like we had the ocean all to ourselves. It was a truly wonderful experience.

However, be careful when jumping off the cliffs! We had a light-hearted attitude about wanting to jump, but... if you underestimate it, you might end up in pain. The view from up high was beautiful, but standing on the edge of the cliff, it was higher than I expected, and it took a bit of courage to jump... It was a serious jump, for sure (laughs). If you don't jump straight in, you might get hurt. I lost my balance and landed on my rear—ouch! It really hurt (tears). Only those who are confident should give it a try!

Overall, it was a lot of fun, so I highly recommend it! Next time, I think I’ll participate without jumping.

友人と２人で海中洞窟探検プランに参加しました。
この日の参加者は、私たち２名とカップル１組、合計４名のみでした。
インストラクターはケビンとその奥様（日本人）で、どちらも日本語ＯＫです。なので言葉の壁はまったく問題なし。
お二人には、とても丁寧にサポートしていただきました。
出発して少し経つと誰もいない真っ青な海が広がっていました。まるで私たちだけの貸切の海のようでした。
とっても素敵な体験ができました。

ただ、崖からの飛び込みは要注意！！
軽~い気持ちでジャンプを希望した私たちでしたが・・・。
甘く見ていると痛い目にあいます。
高いところからの景色はとってもきれいだったのですが、いざ崖の上に立ってみると思ったより高く、飛び込むにはちょっと勇気が・・・。かなり真剣ジャンプですよ（笑）。
まっすぐに飛び込まないと痛い目にあいます。
私は、バランスを崩しおしりからドボ~ン！かなり痛かったです（涙）。
自信のある人のみチャレンジしてね！！

でも、総合的にはとっても楽しかったのでお勧めです☆
次回は、飛び込みなしで参加したいと思います♪

Liked how this was in a bay...not in come choppy ocean with tons of waves and where I feel like I am having to fight just to stay upright...no way, this was nothing like that. It felt almost like I was back home at the lake and really peacefully just gliding through the waters.

And the bay itself is really pretty. Then the snorkel section of the trip was really fun too. To get in and see fish and wildlife I had never seen before was exciting.

Overall it was a really wonderful time in Hawaii and made a highlight of my vacation. Mahalo.

Hawaii is an island of the South Seas. It was a mystical experience that completely dispelled that image. The air at an altitude of 4,000 meters was crystal clear, and I was breathless at the majestic sight of nature untouched by human hands. The sun quickly set, and the colors of the sky changed vividly along with it, while the brilliance of the stars that filled the night sky afterward was an overwhelming sight that is hard to put into words. The guide who explained the constellations, stars, and the Milky Way under this natural planetarium, weaving in stories related to them, was truly wonderful. I want to go again to gaze at the autumn and winter skies.

ハワイは南国の島。とのイメージを完全に払拭される神秘の体験でした。標高4000メートルの空気は澄み切っていて、人の手の及ばない大自然の悠然とした姿に息をのみました。陽が見る見るうちに落ちていき、それと共に鮮やかに変化していく空の色も、その後夜空をぎっしり埋め尽くした星々の輝きも、言葉にし難い圧巻の光景でした。天然のプラネタリウムの下で星座や星、天の川など、それらにまつわる物語を交えて解説して下さったガイドさんも本当に素晴らしかったです。今度は秋冬の空を眺めに行きたいです。

I chose this plan because I wanted to do both kayaking and snorkeling. It was a casual half-day course. Since it was my first time on the Big Island and I was moving around by rental car, I was a bit anxious about joining a tour without transportation included, but this was the only one with a Japanese-speaking guide.

Once we arrived at the meeting point without any issues, we received instructions on how to paddle a kayak and then headed out to sea. The guides were a couple, and both of them (the wife is Japanese) spoke fluent Japanese, so I felt completely at ease. I was satisfied that we could paddle for a long time. Although the snorkeling experience didn't have as many fish as I encountered in Palau, I was more than comforted by the personalities of the two guides, the color of the sea, and the surrounding scenery.

The kayaking was comfortable, and I was able to experience getting in and out of the kayak on the water for the first time. Since it was just the two of us participating this time (they usually accommodate small groups), it felt less like joining a tour and more like receiving warm hospitality from acquaintances, allowing us to have a very relaxing time. I highly recommend this tour!

カヤックとシュノーケルのどちらもしたくて
このプランを選びました。気軽な半日コース。
はじめてのハワイ島、レンタカーでの移動だったので、
送迎なしのツアーへの参加に不安はありましたが
日本語ガイド付きはここだけだったので。。

無事集合場所についてからは、カヤックのこぎ方の
指導を経て、海に出れました。
ご夫婦のガイドさんで、お二人とも（奥様は日本人の方ですが）
日本語がぺらぺらでなんの不安もなくすごせました♪
長い時間カヤックを漕ぐこともできて満足でした。
シュノーケルはパラオで体験したほど、たくさんの魚には
恵まれませんでしたが、それ以上にガイドさんお二人の
お人柄や海の色、周りの景色に癒されました。

カヤックも乗り心地？すわり心地がよかったです。
はじめて海の上で乗り降りも体験できました。
今回は私達二人だけの参加だったので（いつも少人数対応とのこと）、
なんだかツアーに参加したというより
知り合いに温かいもてなしを受けたような感じで、
とてもリラックスした時間をすごすことができました♪
オススメできるツアーです☆

The perfect choice for our family of four! My husband and I weren't too sure at first if our kids would behave for this trip, but we were so glad we went. Not only did the kids behave....they loved it! They couldn't get enough of the colorful fish and sea critters. And the time was perfect...enough to see alot, yet not too long for the kids to get too restless or bored at all. A great choice for us.

Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay had very high visibility and was quite satisfying. In Hawaii, Hanauma Bay on Oahu is famous for snorkeling, and I have experienced it several times, but the visibility at Kealakekua Bay surpassed my experiences at Hanauma.
Ocean rafting is quite bumpy and fast, so it's almost impossible to wear a hat on the boat. Don't forget facial sunscreen. Especially after snorkeling, the sunscreen washes off, which can lead to serious sunburn.

ケアラケクア湾のシュノーケリング。透明度がとても高く満足のいくものでした。ハワイではオアフ島のハナウマ湾がシュノーケリングで有名で、何度か体験していますが、今回のケアラケクア湾の透明度はハナウマでの経験を上回るものでした。
オーシャンラフティングは揺れ・スピード共にかなりのモノなので、船上では帽子をかぶっていることがほとんど出来ません。顔の日焼け止めを忘れずに。特にシュノーケリング後は日焼け止めが落ちているので大変な事になります。

The sunset from the summit of Mauna Kea. The sun sinking into the sea of clouds was more beautiful than I imagined.
With the borrowed gear and over-pants, I hardly felt the cold.

After that, we descended to 3,900 meters for stargazing. The starry sky exceeded my expectations. Choosing a date close to the new moon was the right decision.
The guide's explanations were easy to understand, and I had downloaded a constellation app (Star Walk) on my iPhone, but it didn't see much use, which was a pleasant surprise.
Taking photos of the starry sky was quite challenging, but with a simple tripod and a compact digital camera that allowed manual shooting, I managed to capture some shots.

The round trip drive is a bit long, so it might be a challenge for those who are prone to motion sickness, but it's definitely worth the effort to prepare and take on the challenge.

マウナケア山頂からのサンセット。雲海に沈む夕日は想像以上の美しさ。
お借りしたウェアとオーバーパンツで寒さもあまり気にならず。

その後、高度3900mまで下っての星空観測。こちらも期待以上の最高の星空。
新月に近い日程を選んで正解でした。
ガイドの方の説明もわかりやすく、iPhoneに星座早見アプリ（Star Walk）を仕込んでいきましたが、あまり活躍せず、嬉しい誤算でした。
星空の写真撮影はなかなか難しかったのですが、簡単な三脚とマニュアル撮影が可能なコンパクトデジカメで、なんとか撮影が出来ました。

往復のドライブがちょっと長いので、車酔いに弱い方にはちょっと難点かもしれませんが、体長を整えてチャレンジする価値は高いです。

When you live in the city, you rarely get to gaze at the starry sky. Given the season, "Tanabata" is one of the events for Japanese people, drawing attention to the night sky. However, it's also the rainy season, and it's rare to have clear weather in Japan.

So, off to the Big Island of Hawaii! A natural planetarium!

The starry sky at the summit of Mauna Kea was truly wonderful. I could see Saturn's rings clearly. To see both the Southern Cross and the North Star in the same night sky! I saw countless shooting stars. Thank you to our engaging guide, Mr. Yamamoto, for keeping us entertained with his witty storytelling.

It was a summit tour that felt like it was over in the blink of an eye. It's no wonder there are so many repeat visitors.

都会に住んでいると星空を眺めることはありません。
季節柄、「七夕」は日本人なら行事の一つで、夜空を眺める注意を惹かれます。しかしながら、梅雨の時期でもあり、日本で晴天に恵まれる事は稀です。

そこでハワイ島！
天然プラネタリューム！

マウナケア山頂の星空はとても素敵でした。
土星の「輪」も良く見えました。
「南十字星」と北極星が一つの夜空で見られるなんて！
流れ星も数え切れないほど見えました。
軽妙な話術で飽きさせないコンダクターの山本さん、ありがとうございました。


「あっ」という間の山頂ツアーでした。
リピーターが多いのもうなづけました。

had no idea you could actually surf on the big island! but you can! and I did! ha!

only having been surfing a few times, those instructors had their work cut out for them! but they were really patient and encouraging, and yessir I got up on that board and rode a few! yeee haw!

check this lesson out!

The cave was a bit disappointing. It was so small that we only paddled in 3 feet and turned around.
We actually snorkeled in a bay with cliffs. You were able to climb up and jump off a 30 foot cliff.

They had great snacks up on the cliff: fresh pinapple, cookies, chocolate, cheese and drinks.

The staff was very laid back. We had 3 tour guides for our trip that seemed to not stress about anything. We had one couple in our group that paddled away from the main group and the staff didn't seem concerned about it.

My wife, who is an avid bird watcher, convinced me to come on this tour. Okay, she basically dragged me here...and I seriously thought I was going to be miserable and bored the whole time....but I was honestly amazed at how much fun I had!

It was an entire day, but it didn't feel too long at all...in fact, there were so many new birds that I had never seen before that we were learning the names of and all, that I felt like by day's end we were just skimming the surface of all these rare species!

My wife teases me now when we talk about it, that I might have had even more fun than her! Great tour.

The kayak/snorkeling adventure was a lot of fun. I was prepared to kayak, but it was still a LOT of work. In total, you end up kayaking for close to two hours. Then we snorkeled for close to an hour or more. Would NOT recommend if you cannot kayak for that long or if you have small kids that cannot help paddle. Just be prepared.

The guides were nice and kept pace in the front with the leaders and in the rear with the slowest of the group. No one was left behind, which was nice. However, at the front of the group, we did do a lot of waiting for others. We went to a few sea caves and then went to a spot to snorkel and have snacks. The snacks were nice, the fresh pineapple was the best by far!

I did not find anything unique about this tour though. I felt like the tour guides have given the same "WOW you guys seem adventerous, should we take them here....or not?" talk a thousand times. Was kind of corny. But the activity was exactly as described and both my husband and I

I had a very enjoyable time.
They also speak Japanese (one of the two staff members is Japanese, and the other is fluent in Japanese), and the staff's service was excellent.
If you're going to do sea kayaking in Hawaii, I highly recommend it.

大変楽しい一時を過ごすことができました。
日本語も通じますし（スタッフ二人のうち、一人は日本人ですし、もう一人は日本語ペラペラの方です。）、スタッフの方の対応がとてもよかったです。
ハワイでシー・カヤックをするなら、大変おススメです。

The weather was clear on the day of the tour, and I was really excited. It was a tour fitting for our 20th wedding anniversary. About five minutes after departure, we encountered a large group of dolphins, which was amazing! They seemed to be jumping around the boat as if they were waiting for us.

After arriving at the snorkeling point, we had lunchtime on the boat. I was a bit confused since it was my first time snorkeling, but with the staff's advice, I was able to enter the water with confidence. Underwater, it was mystical with coral reefs and schools of tropical fish. On the way back, we also encountered a whale, making the tour absolutely fantastic. Since the boat had no roof, make sure to take precautions against sunburn!

当日は天気も快晴でとってもワクワクしていきました。
結婚２０年の記念にふさわしいツアーでした。
出発して５分位した所でイルカの大群に遭遇して感動！ツアーの船を待って居たかのように船の周りでジャンプを繰り返していました。
シュノーケリングポイントに到着後船上でランチタイム
初めてのシュノーケリングで戸惑いも有りましたがスタッフのアドバイスで安心して海に入ることが出来ました。
水中では珊瑚礁や熱帯魚の群れで神秘的でした。
帰りの道中クジラにも遭遇してツアーは最高でした。
船には屋根が無いので日焼け対策は万全に！

I was a bit anxious about the English-only aspect, but I confirmed the meeting place the day before and arrived 30 minutes early on the day of the event. The staff spoke some Japanese, so I had no worries at all. There were about 20 foreign guests. They provided a document in advance with the content of what the captain would be discussing. The activities were diverse, including dolphin jumping, snorkeling, and exploring lava caves. The hamburger for lunch was delicious, and the captain's pineapple dish was the best. Drinks were also freely available. However, the boat was quite fast and jumped a bit, so you need to be somewhat prepared for that. There was no time to feel seasick. I'm grateful to the staff.

英語のみと言う事で不安でしたが前日集合場所を確認し当日30分前に行きました、スタッフは片言の日本語を話してくれて何の心配も有りませんでした、客は全員外国人２０名程でした、キャップテンの話されている内容の文書を事前にくれます。イルカのジャンプ、シュノーケリング、溶岩洞窟鑑賞と内容は豊富でした、お昼のハンバーグ美味しかった、キャプテン料理のパインも最高、飲み物も自由に頂けます只ボートのスピードが早いのとジャンプするので若干の覚悟が必要です、船酔いはする暇が有りませんでしたスタッフに感謝です

When I arrived on the Big Island, I joined a tour to see the stars! I hope this helps those who are planning to participate in the future.

I recommend going during the new moon. Without the moonlight, the stars are beautiful. The tour company provides warm clothing, so it’s best to prepare your own warm socks for your feet and ear muffs or a mask for your face.

Also, you will drive on rough roads, and there are temperature and pressure differences, so I think it’s a good idea to rest well the day before you go. It’s also recommended not to have a packed schedule the next day (I personally felt like I wanted to take it easy the following day).

I chose the tour company based on price after some deliberation, and I’m really glad I did. There was an older gentleman who was a veteran of the Big Island among the participants, and he said this tour was the best.

The main reason is that they focus on the stars. Since there is an observatory nearby, there are some restrictions, but they push it to the limit (laughs). Other companies seem to have shorter times. However, it seems they stop at supermarkets, so if that’s something you want to do, you might prefer that option. I think it’s good to choose a company based on other people's comments as well. The new moon days are popular, so make your reservation early!

ハワイ島に着たら、星！ということでツアーに参加しました。
これから参加する方のためになればと思います。

お薦めは、新月に行かれること。
月の光がないので、星が綺麗です。
そして、防寒具は催行会社が貸してくれるので、それ以外、足（厚手の靴下）、顔（耳あて、マスク？）の準備をご自身でされていかれると良いです。

それと、道中はあらい道を車で通りますが、気温差、気圧差もあるので、前日はゆっくり休まれてからむかうのが良いと思います。翌日もあまり詰め込んだスケジュールにしない方がお薦め（どちらかというと、翌日の方がゆっくりしたいなと思いました）。

催行会社さんは、悩んで最後は値段で決めたのですが、ここで本当に良かったです。
一緒に参加されている方に、ハワイ島ベテランの年配の方がいらっしゃいましたが、その方もこのツアーが1番良かったとおっしゃっていました。

1番の理由は、星に重点をおいてくれることでしょうか。
天文台が近くにあるため、制約があるのですが、ぎりぎりまでねばってくれます（笑）
他社さんはもう少し時間が短いようです。その代り、スーパーとかに行かれているようなので、その点は事前に確認し、寄りたいというのであればそっちの方が良いという方もいるかも。
他の方のコメントも参考に、会社を選ばれると良いと思います。新月の日は人気なので、お早めに予約を~。

This was my fourth time at Mauna Kea. I also went for the sunrise, but I preferred the sunset. Each time, I participated with a different tour company, and they all put in a lot of effort to make it enjoyable, but I think this was the best one so far.

I was especially happy that this tour allowed for a longer time at the summit. Each company provides warm clothing, but it was my first time borrowing pants. It really helps since your feet can get cold after a long time.

I always plan my schedule around the new moon, so this time, the starry sky and shooting stars were amazing!

Moreover, this time we observed from the closest spot to the summit, so the stars were right next to us... I also saw the Southern Cross for the first time.

What impressed me the most was being able to take a photo of Saturn with my phone camera, thanks to the staff.

I will definitely participate in this tour again next time!

マウナケアには４回目
サンライズも行ったけれど、私はサンセットのほうが良かったです。
毎回違う催行会社で参加、
各社とも私考を凝らして楽しませてくれますが、今までで一番良かったと思いました。

特にこのツアーは山頂での時間をとても長く取ってもらえるので嬉しいです。
そして、各社防寒着を貸してもらえるのですが、ズボンを借りたのは初めてでした。長時間居てると足下が冷えるので助かります。

毎回新月時期を狙ってスケジュールを組んで行くので、今回も満天の星と流れ星は最高！でした。

それにまして今回は山頂に一番近い所での観測だったので星が真横に・・・初めて南十字星も見ました。

一番感激したのは、
土星の写真を携帯のカメラで取れた事、スタッフの御陰です。

次回も絶対このツアーに参加します

An adventure with. great sights and friendly /helpful staff.
Reccomnend for anyone who loves water and great sight seeing.

It was truly amazing. The instructors were both Japanese and American, and they taught us kindly with great Japanese skills. It was my first time kayaking, and we paddled for a long time towards a cave. Entering the Dragon Cave felt like being inside a dragon's throat, with water gushing out from deep inside, which was really interesting. It was thrilling and absolutely fantastic.

After getting hyped up and anchoring the kayak, we went snorkeling next. There were so many fish, including some I had never seen before. Occasionally, there are also dolphins and mantas. I was moved by the beautiful sea in such a healing situation. I definitely want to recommend this to anyone looking to create great memories through activities. It's an experience you'll want to have again for sure!

本当に最高でした。
インストラクターの方は日本人と、アメリカ人の方でしたが、日本語が上手で優しく教えてくれました。
また、カヤックは初めてでしたが、凄く長く漕ぎ、
洞窟に向かいました。
ドラゴンケイブという洞窟に入ると、本当に
龍の喉の中みたいで、奥で水が噴き出して、本当に面白かったです。迫力もあって、凄く良かったです。
ハイテンションになって、カヤックを停泊させると、
次にシュノーケリングをします。
魚がたくさんいて、見たこともないような魚がいました。
時々、イルカやマンタもいるそうです。
本当に綺麗な海に癒されるシチュエーションで感動しました。いい思い出を、アクティビティで作りたい方に是非お勧めしたいです。またきっと体験したくなるアクティビティです！！！

It was such a wonderful experience that it brought me to tears instead of words. The appropriate and flexible responses, along with the necessary yet not extravagant equipment, and reasonable prices made me glad I chose Masashi Nature School.

Guide Ochi-san provided clear explanations about the history, background, and stories of Hawaii and Mauna Kea during the journey and at the summit. There seems to be a saying on the Big Island: "If you want to know everything, go to the top of the mountain." As I looked at Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa and got closer, I felt that meaning resonate in my heart. Standing there, the majestic Hawaiian prayer songs naturally echoed deep within my ears.

【What was wonderful】
- The crisp atmosphere at the summit.
- A 360-degree panorama from the true summit (4205m).
- The sunset sinking beyond the sea of clouds to the west.
- The shadow of the mountain appearing above the sea of clouds to the east.
- The shadow of the Earth that appears after the sun sets.
- The gradient from orange to deep blue.
- The countless stars I had never seen before, including the Southern Cross.
- Guide Ochi-san. At first, I thought he was a bit brusque (laughs).

While it was already amazing as it was, I recommend preparing the following, including my own reflections:

【Altitude sickness measures】
- Get plenty of sleep the night before.
- On the day, avoid drinking alcohol at the beach in the morning.
- If you're worried, buy oxygen spray locally.
*You will be going to a place nearly 450m higher than the summit of Mount Fuji. Underestimating it can lead to painful experiences, even for seasoned climbers.

【Cold and hunger measures】
- They will lend you warm outerwear, but you should prepare your own inner layers (flannel shirts, fleece, long pants, shoes, etc.).
- If you're sensitive to the cold, bring hand warmers from the base.
- You might get hungry on the way back, so bring snacks like candy or Snickers.
*Lunch will be provided, but since you'll be returning more than five hours after eating, you might feel a bit hungry.

【Photography equipment】
- A "tripod" and a camera that can set the shutter speed to over 30 seconds (get accustomed to using it beforehand).
- Batteries deplete quickly in the cold, so bring a spare battery.
*Capturing beautiful sunset and starry sky photos will create the best memories.

【iPhone/iPad app "Star Walk"】

言葉の代わりに涙が出るほど、すばらしい経験でした。
適切かつ臨機応変な応対と、華美ではないが必要充分な装備、リーズナブルな価格。
マサシネイチャースクールにしてよかったと思いました。

ガイドの越智さんが道中および山頂で、ハワイやマウナケアについての歴史・背景・エピソード等、色々と分かりやすく教えてくれました。
「全てを知りたければ、山の頂へ行け」という格言がハワイ島にはあるらしいです。
マウナケア・マウナロアを見て、そこへ近づくに従って、その意味が心で感じられる気がしました。
その場に立つと、雄大なハワイの祈りの歌が、自然と耳の奥に響きました。

【素晴らしかったこと】
・ピンと張りつめた山頂の大気。
・本当の山頂（4205m）からの360度パノラマ。
・西の雲海の彼方に沈む夕日。
・東の雲海上に出現する、山の影。
・夕日が沈んだ後に現れる、地球の影。
・オレンジ~深い青へのグラデーション。
・見たこともない星の数。そして南十字星。
・ガイドの越智さん。最初はぶっきらぼうな人かと思いましたが（笑）

そのままでも十分すばらしいですが、私の反省も含めて、
以下の準備をして行くことをオススメします。

【高山病対策】
　・前夜の睡眠は十分に取る。
　・当日は、午前中でもビーチでアルコールなどを飲まない。
　・心配なら現地で酸素スプレーを買っておく。
　※富士山頂より450m近く高い場所に行きます。
　　ナメてかかると玄人でも痛い思いをします。

【寒さ＆空腹対策】
　・暖かい防寒着の上下を貸してくれるが、インナー系は自分で用意する。
　　（ネルシャツ、フリース、長ズボン、靴など）
　・寒がりの人は、ホッカイロなどを麓で仕込んで行く。
　・帰り道でお腹が減る可能性があるので、飴やスニッカーズ等、小腹に入れるものを。
　※お弁当は出ますが、食べて5時間以上経過して帰りますので。少し腹が減りました。

【写真道具】
　・「三脚」と「シャッタースピードを30秒以上に設定できるカメラ」。
　　（事前に使い慣れておくこと）
　・寒いとバッテリーの消耗が激しいので、予備バッテリー。
　※夕日や星空を綺麗に撮れると、最高の思い出になります。

【iPhone／iPadアプリの「Star Walk」】

Most times you see trips with pictures it is the best of the best and you do not always see what they show on the website....in this case it is EXACTLY what you will see. FANTASTIC snorkeling and a wonderful time. I highly recommend this trip. Informative and very friendly crew. They will make sure you get good snorkeling!

This was the first time that my husband & me tried the snorkelling. The crew was awesome and helpful!!

This time, I participated with my parents. The reason for joining was my mother, who had always wanted to try this kind of attraction, so we joined somewhat on a whim, but the three of us had a fantastic time together. None of us speak English, but the atmosphere and the Japanese guide we received at the beginning were more than enough.

The incredible speed of the ocean rafting, the breathtaking snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay, and the encounters with dolphins were all first-time experiences, and everyone in the family felt we wanted to participate again!

The weather was a mix of sunny and cloudy on the day, but my father and I, who didn’t apply sunscreen on our backs, ended up very red and it was quite a hassle. By the way, I did apply sunscreen everywhere else, but my face and arms also got sunburned. So, for those who are going to participate, I think it's best to use sunscreen thoroughly. (The captain and the male local staff reapplied it several times.)

今回、両親と参加しました。
参加のきっかけは母で、母がずっとこういうアトラクションをしたいとのことだったので、なんとなく参加しましたが、家族3人思いっきり楽しめました。
3人とも英語は話せませんが、何となくのふいんきと、最初にもらえる日本語で書かれた案内で十分でした。
オーシャンラフティングのものすごいスピードと、ケアラケクア湾での美しすぎるシュノーケル、そしてイルカとの遭遇、初めての体験ばかりで、また参加したい！が家族全員の感想です。

当日は晴れたり曇ったりでしたが、背中に日焼け止めを塗らなかった私と父は、真っ赤になり大変でした。
ちなみに、背中以外はしっかり塗りましたが、顔も腕も焼けていました。
なので、これから参加するかたはしっかりと日焼け止めを使ったほうがいいと思います。（船長と男性の現地スタッフは何度か塗り直していました。）

The sunset at the summit of Mauna Kea was truly wonderful. The starry sky was lovely, but it was a bit disappointing that there were quite a few clouds. I hope for clear weather next time. However, the sunset was beautiful with the clouds, as the orange spread across the sky in an indescribable way. I want to go again.

マウナケア山頂のサンセットは本当に素晴らしかったです。
星空も素敵だったのですが少し雲が多かったのが残念でした。次回は晴天に恵まれたいなと思いました。
でもサンセットは雲が多かったのでオレンジ色が広がって何とも言えない感じでした。
また行きたいです。

I have participated in this tour twice in the past. It's definitely one of the tours you should go on when you visit the Big Island. This time, we were covered by thick clouds from the moment we left the hotel, and it was said that the summit conditions were fifty-fifty. By the time we arrived at Mauna Kea, there was unusually snow at the summit for this time of year, and the roads were frozen, resulting in a road closure, so we couldn't go up. However, the staff's response to whether customers would be satisfied with the current situation was good. After the rain and thunder, we were taken to another point where we could see the sunset through a gap in the clouds, and we were able to walk and enjoy it together. The timing was perfect! We were able to see a beautiful sunset. I'll save the starry sky for the next time as something to look forward to. Thanks to the staff's judgment and actions at that time, we were able to have a great time. The view from that point was also a wonderful memory. The bento from another company looked more delicious, though (laughs). I would like to use this service again!

過去２回ほど、参加しております。
ハワイ島に来たら是非、行ってほしいツアーの一つです。
今回は、ホテル出発時より厚い雲に覆われていて　山頂は五分五分との事でした。
やはりオニヅカに到着した頃には、この時期には珍しく山頂には雪が積もっていて　路面も凍結しているとのことでロードクローズとなって　上がる事は出来ませんでしたが　スタッフの方の　今の状況でお客様に満足してもらえるかの対応は良かったです。
雨や雷が落ちていた状況の後で　雲の隙間から見える夕日を違うポイントへ連れてって頂き、皆でウォーキングして見ることができました。
タイミングもばっちり！綺麗な夕日を見ることができました。
満点の星は、また次回への楽しみとしてとっておきます♪
あの時のスタッフさんの、判断の行動で　楽しく過ごす事ができました。あそこから見たポイントも素晴らしい景色で思い出となりました。
お弁当だけは、他社の方が美味しそうでしたけど（笑）
また利用させて頂きたいと思ってます！！　

I was desperately holding onto the boat's rope to avoid being thrown off during the ocean rafting, but it became fun once I got used to it.

This time, I didn't encounter any dolphins or whales as others have mentioned, but snorkeling in Kealakekua was amazing. The water was very clear and beautiful.

It was my first time snorkeling, so I was a bit confused at first, but by the end, I wanted to practice diving deeper.

After coming out of the water, it was really cold. A long-sleeved shirt was necessary.

Also, I thought I would get a tan and went without sunscreen, but the Hawaiian sun is intense, and I got quite burned and turned bright red. Even though I applied aloe after-sun gel frequently, three days later my arms were swollen and peeling all over, which was tough. Even if you want to tan, make sure to apply some light sunscreen.

I couldn't catch everything in fast English, but overall, it was a lot of fun.

オーシャンラフティングでは、ボートから振り落とされないように必死で、ボートの紐を握っていましたが、慣れてくれば楽しかったです。

今回は皆さんが書かれているようなイルカやクジラには出会えませんでしたが、それでもケアラケクアでのシュノーケルは最高でした。
水の透明度がとても高く、きれいでした。

シュノーケルは初めてだったので、初めは戸惑いましたが、
最後にはもっと深く潜水できるように練習したいと思うようになっていました。

海から上がった後は、とっても寒かったです。
長袖の上着は必要でした。

あと、日焼けしたいと思い、日焼け止めを塗らずにいったのですが、ハワイの日差しは強烈で、かなり焼けて真っ赤になり、アロエのアフターケアジェルをこまめに塗っても３日後には腕が赤く腫れて、体中の皮がむけて大変でした。。。
日焼けしたくても、必ず、軽めのサンスクリーンは塗りましょう。

全て早い英語でよく聞き取れなかったですが、全体的にはとても楽しかったです。

First, it cost us about $90 one way by taxi from the Kohala area to this meeting point, so the lack of transportation was the biggest drawback.

We set off on a rubber boat! It took off at a high speed, so you have to hold on tight. It was really fast, and I thought, "No way..." but indeed! I think we took a long route, but the journey to Kealakekua itself felt like rafting. We were tossed around for quite a while, feeling the bumps from the waves and the speed, which was scary, so I held on to the boat tightly to the point that my hands hurt. On the way back, I got used to it and enjoyed it moderately.

Everything was in English, and all the other customers were Westerners.

When we arrived at Kealakekua, we were greeted with a beautiful view, just like in the pictures. We stopped the boat at a spot where we could see the Captain Cook monument, and after a snorkeling briefing, we entered the sea and started snorkeling. The types of fish varied by location, so it's good to move around a bit.

It was very beautiful and magical☆

However, after getting back on the boat from the sea, it was quite cold due to the wind, so it's better to bring a windbreaker or hoodie. Everyone was shivering so much that they had goosebumps.

On the way back, we did rafting again while being guided to various sightseeing spots. The captain's guidance was in English, but at check-in, we received a paper with guidance in Japanese. (However, there’s only time to read it while waiting for other customers to arrive after check-in, so I recommend checking in early.) We didn’t have much time to read, so we managed to understand somewhat through words and the kind gestures of the staff. The staff were very kind to us Japanese, explaining things clearly and being considerate. I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude. Thank you very much!

Also, when getting off the boat, all the Westerners were giving tips. Since it was my first time paying tips on an optional tour, I wanted to note this for those who might not know. It seems better to prepare $10 bills for each person.

まず、コハラ地区からこの集合場所まで行くのに、免許のない我々はタクシーで片道約＄９０したので、送迎がない点が最大のデメリットでした。

ゴムボートに乗って出発！
猛スピードで走り出すので、しっかりとつかまっていなければなりません。
本当に凄いスピードで、まさか…と思ったのですが、やはり！
大回りはしていたと思いますが、ケアラケクアまでの移動自体がラフティングだったのです。
結構長い時間、波でのガタンという感じと猛スピードで揺られ、恐かったので、行きは手が痛くなるほどしっかりボートにつかまっていました。
帰りはだいぶ慣れ、適度に楽しめました。

全て英語で、他のお客さんは皆欧米人でした。

ケアラケクアに着くと、写真のようにそれはもう美しい光景が見られました。
キャプテンクック碑の見える位置でボートを止めて
シュノーケルのガイダンスの後、船から海へ入り、シュノーケリング開始。
場所によって、いる魚の種類が違ったので、色々動いてみると良いです。

とっても綺麗で幻想的でした☆

ただ、海から船に上がった後は、風もあり大変寒いので、ウインドブレーカーやパーカーなどを持って行ったほうが良いです。
皆とりはだが立つほど震えていましたので。

帰りはまたラフティングをしながら、各観光スポットを案内してくれました。
船長のガイドは英語ですが、チェックイン時に日本語でのガイドが書かれた紙をもらえます。（ただ、チェックインして他のお客さんが揃うのを待っている間しか読む時間がないので、早めのチェックインをお勧めします。）
我々は読む時間があまりなかったので、単語とスタッフのお兄さんの親切なジェスチャーで何となく理解できた、という感じでした。
スタッフの方は、私たち日本人にとても親切に、わかるように説明したり、色々と気遣ってくださいました。
この場を借りて、御礼が言いたいです。
ありがとうございました！

あと、船を降りるとき、欧米人が皆チップを渡していました。
オプショナルツアーでチップを払う、というのが初めてだったので、ご存じない方のために記しておきますね。
＄１０札を人数分用意しておいたほうが良さそうです。

I really got to see a manta ray!
Even with the lights, it was quite dark, and the photos turned out dark as well (laughs).

However, the sight of the manta ray swimming gracefully, turning its body, was clearly visible against the darkness because of its white color.

Even in Hawaii, the ocean at night is cold.
I went during Golden Week, and I think it's better to rent a wetsuit. I thought there might be an extra charge, but it was included in the price. At the reception, they will instruct you to borrow one from the next room if you need it, so I recommend stopping by.

The reception area inside the shopping center was a bit hard to find (it's a glass shop with just a counter).

I wasn't sure about the warm drinks and food. It might be better not to rely on them too much...

本当にマンタに会えました！
ライトがあっても結構暗く、写真を撮っても暗闇でした（笑）

ただ、マンタがくるくると身体をひるがえしながら泳いでいる様は、
白いので暗闇に浮かびあがるようによく見えました。

ハワイといえども、夜の海は寒いです。
私はGWに行きましたが、ウェットスーツは借りた方がいいと思います。別途料金がかかるのかと思いましたが、料金に含まれていました。受付場所で、必要だったら隣の部屋で借りるよう指示されるので立ち寄った方がいいと思います。

ショッピングセンター内にある受付場所がちょっとわかりづらかったです。（カウンターだけがあるガラス張りのショップ）

温かい飲み物や食べ物はよくわかりませんでした。あまりあてにしない方がいいかも…

The kayaking trip was good despite the weather. The waves were a little rough and we actually tipped over. Our guide was awesome! He answered all our questions and he stopped to help other people in need. Since the weather didnt cooperate, we werent able to snorkle. They are very understandable and refunded some of our mpney. We highly recommend this to anyone!

The experience of watching the sunset from a peak over 4000 meters is truly unforgettable, and it became a wonderful memory. Additionally, while stargazing, I learned a lot from the interesting stories shared. The tour conductor also mixed in various anecdotes while guiding the tour, so the frequent movements didn't bother me much. However, it tends to be quite cold, so it's best to prepare as much as possible for the cold. We brought fleece and leggings from Japan. Other outerwear for warmth can be borrowed, and they are quite good quality.

4000mを超える山頂から夕陽を眺める経験はそうできないので、本当に良い思い出になりました。また星空観察でも色々と面白い話を聞きながらなので、勉強になりました。ツアーコンダクターの方も色々な話を織り交ぜながら、ツアーを進めてくれるので、移動の多さもあまり気になりません。ただ、寒いことが多いようですので、可能な限り防寒対策をしていかれた方が良いです。私たちは日本からフリースとスパッツを持って行きました。それ以外のアウターの防寒具は立派なものを貸して頂けます。