All Reviews for Kailua-Kona

Two Virginians loved this excursion! We're so glad that we rode on a tandem kayak so we could switch on paddling. You need to be somewhat physically fit so you can keep up with everyone. We were soo lucky to see an off-season whale, as well as a pod of dolphins. I know it's up to mother nature to see these incredible creatures, but i would have still enjoyed the tour without seeing them. Highly recommended.

I participated with a friend on May 1, 2008!!

I had only been to the Big Island once as a child, so I was a bit anxious, but it turned out to be a wonderful experience.

My friend had just arrived from Japan and was tired, but thanks to our guide's lively talk, we had an enriching time right from the first day.

The sunset at Mauna Kea was truly spectacular. After taking a break for lunch, we positioned ourselves above the clouds. At that moment, I was so moved that my eyes became teary. At the summit, the beauty of the sunset left me speechless. How can I describe it... it felt like being close to God...

While other tours left one after another, our tour stayed a while longer, allowing us to enjoy the beautiful gradient of the sky after the sun had set. Even though it was May, there was still snow on the mountainside, and it was cold, but thanks to the incredibly warm overalls I borrowed, no one returned to the car for warmth, and we could fully enjoy the wonders of nature. I felt a bit sad to leave after spending so much time there.

As for the starry sky, our guide mentioned that the conditions weren't great due to clouds, but he tried to read the wind flow and move us to a better spot. For someone like me, who only knows the sky over Nagoya, it was a breathtaking sight filled with stars that made me unable to hold back my tears.

I became completely absorbed in the guide's explanations of the stars, even though I had no knowledge of constellations. As I followed the stars he pointed out with my eyes, it was truly magical!! My favorite was Canis Major. It was adorable.

This tour would be romantic for couples, fun and educational for families with children, and enjoyable for friends like us.

Above all, our guide Shinya's stories, enthusiasm, and tone of voice were fantastic. He was easy to understand and entertaining, while also being very professional. I would love to use this tour again with another friend next time.

I was really happy that he kindly answered questions about the Big Island beyond the tour. Thank you, Shinya!! Take care until we meet again~＾−＾☆

２００８年５月1日に女２人で参加しました！！

ハワイ島は子供も頃に１度つれられてきただけで初めてのようなもので不安でしたが素晴らしい体験が出来ました。

友達は日本からきたばかりで疲れていたにもかかわらず、ガイドさんの軽快なトークにのせられて初日から濃い時間を過ごせました

マウナケアの夕日は本当に素晴らしかったです。
途中、お弁当休憩をとった後くらいから雲の上に位置していきます。
この時点で私は感動のあまり目頭があつくなりました。
山頂でのサンセットではあまりの美しさに言葉がでませんでした。
なんとたとえたらいいでしょうか・・
神様の近くにいるような感じ・・・・かな。

ほかのツアーが次々と引き上げていく中、私たちのツアーだけがしばし留まり、日が落ちた後の素晴らしい空のグラデーションを堪能しました。
５月だというのに山肌には雪が残っており寒かったのですが、ものすごく暖かいつなぎのような服をお借りしたおかげでだれひとり車に暖をとりに戻る人もおらず、自然の神秘をこころゆくまで堪能することができました。
ずいぶんとそこにいたのに、立ち去るのがさみしいくらいでした。

星空は、ガイドさんの話では雲があるためコンディションはあまりよくないとのことでしたが、風の流れを読み移動を試みてくださって、普段名古屋の空しか知らないわたしにとっては流れる涙をとめることが出来ないほどの満天の星でした。

そしてガイドさんの星の説明に、まったく星座の知識のない私でも夢中になっていきました。
ガイドさんの指す星を目で追っていくとあら不思議！！
ほんとうにその形が浮かび上がってきます。
わたしのお気に入りは大犬座。かわいかったです。

このツアーはカップルで参加してもロマンティックだしお子様連れなら楽しくお勉強もできるかんじだし、私たちのような女同士でも満喫できるものだと思います。

なによりガイドのシンヤさんのお話やガッツや声のトーンなどが最高でした。
よく聞き取れておもしろく、またプロフェッショナルでもありました。
次回はまた別の友達とも利用したいです。

ツアー以外のハワイ島の質問にも快く答えてくださり本当に嬉しかったです。
シンヤさんありがとう!!
また会う日までお元気で~＾−＾☆

It was colder than I expected, but the starry sky was more amazing than I thought. I'm glad I participated.

思った以上に寒かったけど、思った以上に星空は凄かった。参加してよかったです。

We had a great time at Island Breeze. The location is excellent and the weather was perfect when we were there (April). The Mai Tai's were perfect and so was the food. Gotta try the poi!! Before the show started there was several interactive demonstrations that were fun. The show itself explained well the history and varied cultural influences of the Hawaiian islands. Overall a great evening.

It was a fun time for the family.

I participated on April 16th. I considered other companies for the Mauna Kea summit tour, but I think choosing Nature School was the right decision.

Positive points: The guide, Mr. Yamamoto, was friendly and very knowledgeable. His explanations were very easy to understand.

The driving was safe, allowing us to feel secure throughout the ride.

They took us to more locations than any other tour, and we had plenty of opportunities for commemorative photos. (They took us all around Mauna Kea.)

They were the last to descend from Mauna Kea compared to other tours. (It seems there’s a rule from the observatory that we must descend within 30 minutes after sunset, but they stayed with us until the very end. It’s cold, and watching the sunset outside can be tough, but we could relax and enjoy it from inside the vehicle.)

The warm clothing provided seemed to be the best among other tours. (They had jackets and two types of full-body suits for women. The jackets were long enough to keep our feet warm.)

Stargazing was possible at the highest elevation compared to other tours. (Other tour companies had already descended, so there were no distracting car lights. We could see from a paved area, minimizing dust. Depending on the day, they might need to go lower due to wind conditions.)

I strongly recommend checking the moon phase before going. If the moon phase doesn’t align, it might be worth adjusting your travel dates for this tour in Hawaii. If you plan to take this tour, it’s quickest to ask on the Nature School website which day would be best for your visit to the Big Island.

It was amazing!!!!

４月１６日に参加いたしました。マウナケア山頂のツアーは他社もあり、検討しましたがネイチャースクールで大正解だったと思います。

良かった点・ガイドの「山本さん」が気さくで非常に物知り。説明も非常にわかりやすい。

安全運転で終始安心して乗ってられる。

どこのツアーよりも多くの場所を廻ってくれて度々、記念撮影が出来る。（マウナケア山では隅から隅まで廻ってくれました）

どこのツアーよりも一番最後にマウナケア山を下りてくれる。（日が沈んでから３０分以内に山頂は下りないといけないというルールが天文台からきているようですが、ギリギリまでいてくれます。寒くて、サンセットをずっと外で見るのは厳しいですが車内でのんびり見れます）

防寒具が他のツアーよりも一番暖かそう。（ジャケット、女全身ツナギ２種類ありました。ジャケットも裾が長く足元まで暖か）

天体観測がどこのツアーよりも一番標高が高いところで出来る。（他のツアー会社が既に下りているので、邪魔な車の光は一切無しです。舗装されているところで見れるので砂埃なども少ない。日によっては風などの影響で下に下りる事もあるようです。）

月齢を調べて行くことを強くお勧めいたします。月齢が合わないのならば、このツアーの為にハワイの旅行日をずらしてもいい位です。
もしこのツアーで行くのならば、ネイチャースクールのホームページで質問を受け付けていたので、自分のハワイ島へ行く日でどの日が一番いいですか？と質問するのが一番手っ取り早いです。

最高でした！！！！

The Tour was Execlent and ED the driver was so knowledgeable about everthing.

the stargazing afterwards was fantastic
the guides were both fantastic

absolutely perfect!

We had a wonderful time! The staff was great and very informative. We would definetly do it again.

Today, my favorite Orion constellation rose in the sky over Kawanishi. Every time I see Orion, I remember the Orion from Mauna Kea. That Orion, buried among the stars, was so unique! I had never seen such an Orion before! The moment I tilted my head back to gaze at the night sky, the voices of everyone's excitement echoed around us! It was truly a sight of gold, silver, and sand! Numerous satellites passed through the night sky. The Sirius we observed through the telescope sparkled brilliantly and was incredibly beautiful! The rings of Saturn were astonishingly vertical, which was a surprise! My 76-year-old mother still lights up with joy when she recalls that memory. Everyone who joined us was also very moved, and as the organizer, I feel a bit proud. After all, we were at 4,205 meters. When we arrived at the hotel, our water bottles were crumpled. I recommend the stargazing at Mauna Kea to anyone planning a trip to Hawaii, as well as those who aren't. The ocean in Hawaii is certainly wonderful, but Mauna Kea offered an even greater sense of awe and inspiration. The charming talk from the handsome guide was also very appealing. It's been two weeks since I returned from this trip, where I thought I might be done with Hawaii, and I'm already longing for that starry sky and sunset again.

今日も川西の空に大好きなオリオン座が上ってきました。そのオリオンを見るたびに、マウナケアのオリオンを思い出します。　一目でそれとは分からないくらい、星々に埋もれたあの！オリオンを！！あんなオリオン見たことない！　あの時、首を後ろに倒して夜空を見上げた途端、みんなの感激の声が響き渡りましたね！　まさに金・銀・砂子の☆☆☆！人工衛星がいくつも夜空を通り過ぎて行きました。望遠鏡で見せていただいた、シリウス。燦然とまばゆいばかりに煌いて美しいことこの上もなし！！土星の輪はナント、縦についていて、ビックリ！　76歳の母も一番の思い出と今でも目をきらきらさせて喜んでいます。ご一緒した皆さんもとても感激されて、企画した私はちょっと自慢です。なんたって4205ｍ。ホテルに着いたらペットボトルがへしゃげてました。ハワイ旅行を計画してる人はもちろん、していない人にもマウナケアの星空観測を勧めています。ハワイの海はもちろんとても素敵だけど、それ以上の感激と感動をマウナケアはプレゼントしてくれました。ハンサムな山ちゃんのトークもとても魅力的でした。ハワイももういいかなぁと思って行った今回の旅行から帰ってきて2週間。あの星空と夕陽がまた恋しくなってきました。

What a wonderful tour and an incredible and knowledgeable tour guide. We will never look at the stars in the same way. Don't miss this while on the Big Island, it's an awesome trip!

We booked this trip because Dan is very interested in astronomy. As we drove up to the summit we began to understand the magnificence of the view. The sunset was unbelievable and the experience unforgettable. When we came down the mountain to do our stargazing I saw the moon through the telescope as I have never seen it before. The detail of the craters was amazing. It was a beautiful evening and night. Thank you.

We were taken care of during our honeymoon trip.

Regarding the Big Island and the stars, our guide "Yamachan" was very knowledgeable, and I learned a lot while having a great time. It's no wonder they named it "Nature School."

Since I participated in late March, I would like to join again to see the summer night sky.

The summit of Mauna Kea is very cold, but the cold weather gear provided on this tour is the best in terms of warmth compared to other tours, and it was really great. I wonder if this is the only place that lends out coveralls?

新婚旅行でお世話になりました。

ハワイ島についても、星についてもガイドの「山ちゃん」は大変物知りで、非常に楽しみながら勉強させてもらいました。さすがは「ネイチャースクール」の名前を付けているだけあります。

3月下旬に参加したので、今度は夏の星空を見にまた参加したいと思います。

マウナケア山頂はとっても寒いですが、ここのツアーの防寒具は周りのツアーと比較しても1番防寒性に優れており、とってもよかったです。つなぎを貸してくれるのはここだけなのかな？？

CAPTAIN CHAD AND BRANDY WERE EXCELLENT ENTERTAINERS! THEY KEPT US LAUGHING THE WHOLE RIDE OUT. WE SAW THE SPOTTED SPINNER DOLPHIN PODS WHERE THEY TOOK US SNORKELING. THE SNORKELING WAS WONDERFUL TOO. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME FOR US. MUST ASK FOR CHAD, HE MAKES IT GREAT!!!! PAY HIM MORE MONEY.

was said to be the best on this isle. Maui had a much better luau I thought. you have to pay extra for a flower lei. if you dont drink alcohol, it is a pricy dinner

We enjoyed the show, and the MC was really funny and had a good voice. Before it started we ended up waiting in several different areas for them to set up. The cups for the drinks were too small, even for water and soda. I can understand having small cups for the alcohol, but it was difficult to drink enough water. It would have been more comfortable with the tables and chairs set up on the grass, instead of sitting on concrete (too hot!)Also, a bigger selection of vegetarian options would be good. Overall, as first timers to the Island, we really enjoyed the show. Thanks!

This was our first trip to Hawaii, and we thought the luau was a great value! The food was great, and since our room looked over the luau area, we got to see the pig being put in the imu pit early in the day, and then experienced how great it tasted hours later!
Unfortunately our luau was rained out just as the show started, and though we got a raincheck for the show, we had another event planned for luau nights and could only come late into the show. I think we missed a good portion of the fire dancers as we only saw one guy. What we did see was great though!
I'd definitely do it again.

It was definitely a unique experience, and having it depart from the pier in downtown Kona was great. We saw some marine life, though I guess we expected a bit more variety of fish (mostly yellow ones). Guess the fish don't come when it's sub time though! We loved looking at the coral and seeing a whole different world under the surface.

We did buy the CD that was offered for $20 with your picture, thinking it would have a variety of marine life pictures from previous trips, but on first inspection, it doesn't appear to have much. We did get our picture on the CD plus pictures of everyone else on the ride ... Don't think it was worth the $20.

Overall, a great and unique thing to do and I'd definitely recommend it to first-timers and those with kids, but not something I'd do again I don't think.

This was my second time participating in this tour after seven years. Last time I saw the summer constellations, and this time I was able to see the winter constellations. The stars I viewed through the telescope were very beautiful, and since the stars and scenery are different each time, I think I could repeat it many times without getting bored. The guide, Yamachan, was also interesting, and I have been recommending this tour to my friends and family. I definitely want to participate again!

今回このツアーに参加するのは７年ぶりの２回目でした。
前回は夏の星座、今回は冬の星座が見れました。
望遠鏡を通して見た星もとてもきれいで、毎回見れる星や景色も違うので、何度リピートしても飽きないと思います。
ガイドの山ちゃんの話もおもしろく、友人や家族にもこのツアーを勧めています。
是非また参加したいです！！

Guide was excellent
Tour was good
Wait at airport to return to your original island was intolerably too long.

Breath Taking Experience. Great Guide.

This was a great time. The staff was helpful and friendly in making sure you had a great time. Kayaking was a good and steady pace. Snorkeling was amazing! Being underwater with the fish and coral is a must see! Seeing dolphins playing close by is really neat too.
Cave was a bit disappointing, being only 30 feet deep, you coulnd't really go in them.
If you are up for the extreme, try the cliff jump, its definately a thrill and safe.
All in all, a good experience; great way to spend a morning in Hawaii.

This was a wonderful, amazing tour! The sunset view from the summit of Mauna Kea is incomparable. I felt like I was standing on top of the world. The stargazing was also wonderful. I never saw the stars so clearly before. My tour guide was Buck, who gave us a great astronomy beginner's lesson. He also was very professional, and knowledgeable about other aspects such as the culture, history, and environmental ecology of the island. I highly recommend this trip to everyone. Bring gloves and a knitted cap--you will use them. The tour company will provide parkas. Cookies and hot chocolate before stargazing was a nice touch!

Overall, it was a fun experience to be in a submarine. We got to see a pod of dolphins, so that was exciting. It's like scuba diving but you don't get wet. Pretty neat. The pier is a walking distance from downtown Kona, so it was very close to our hotel.

This was our first time to the Islands and our first Luau. We were not disappointed. We had a fantastic time and loved the entertainment. The host was great and very informative of the Hawiian and Polynesian cultures. We loved the costumes and how the dancers interacted with the guest. We upgraded our tickets and ended up sitting in the very front row. WoW! We could not have had a better time.

Since I came all the way to Hawaii, I wanted to have at least one dinner that truly felt like Hawaii, so I participated in this show. There was a bit of a wait from check-in to entry, but once we were shown to our seats, there were various activities prepared one after another, and I was able to enjoy myself to the fullest without getting bored. Next to us was a group of grandparents in their mid-80s who were college friends, and we had a great time chatting with them. The food was a spread of local Hawaiian dishes, and what I thought would be just a little bit ended up filling my plate completely, leaving me quite full. As for the dancing, several young women and men performed dances from various countries, and it was very impressive. It turned out to be a memorable night!

せっかくハワイに来たのだから、1日くらいはハワイを感じるディナーをしたい
なーと思いこのショーに参加しました。
チェックインから入場まではやや時間がありましたが、いったん席に案内され
てからは、次から次にいろんなアクティビィティーが準備されていて飽きるこ
となく思う存分楽しむことができました。私たちのと隣には８０代半ばの大学
仲間というおじいちゃんおばあちゃんたちのグループの方たちがいらっしゃり
、いろんなお話をしたりしてとっても楽しい時間を過ごす事ができました。料
理もハワイのローカルな料理がずらーっと並んでいて少しずつとっていたつも
りがいつの間にかお皿いっぱいになっていておなかいっぱいでした。
ダンスですが若い女性と男性数名がいろんな国のダンスを踊ってくれとても迫
力がありました。
思い出に残るいい夜になりました♪

I participated in this cruise with my parents, making it a family of three. We were the only Japanese people there, but everyone was friendly and it was a lot of fun.

The weather was nice that day, but since it was February, it was quite cold when we entered the water. However, once we got used to it, it was no problem at all! We were able to see beautiful tropical fish swimming around.

We snorkeled at two locations, and in between, we enjoyed breakfast and lunch. The large hamburger for lunch was very filling and delicious.

I think this is a great activity for those who want to spend a relaxing time on the sea.

Unfortunately, we didn't get to see any dolphins during the cruise, but we did see whales!

今回このクルーズには両親と3人で参加させていただきました。日本人は私たち家族だけでしたが、皆さん気さくで楽しかったです。

この日はお天気も良かったのですが、やはり2月なので海に入る時は結構寒かったですが、慣れてしまえばもうへっちゃら☆きれいな熱帯魚たちが泳ぐのを見ることができました。

シュノーケルは2箇所で行い、その合間に朝食や昼食をいただきました。昼食のおっきなハンバーガーはボリュウム満点でとってもおいしかったですよ。

のんびりした時間を海の上で過ごしたい方にはいいアクティビティだと思います。

クルーズの途中では残念ながらいるかに会うことはできませんでしたが、鯨には会えましたよ♪

This tour was by far the highlight of our Kona vacation - guide Karen was knowledgeable and friendly and put us at ease even though my sister was a first time snorkeler. She also gave a fantastic history of the island and everything we saw on the way. The best part was seeing a school of dolphins as we were kayaking to the first snorkel sight! I look forward to doing this activity again on my next trip!

This was an enjoyable hour! The staff was great! Spinner Dolphins, Eel, Manta Ray and lots and lots of beautiful fish in the reef! Worth every penny!

Pearl Harbor was amazing. Lunch at Duke's, as recommended by Leo, on Wakiki Beach was wonderful. All in all we had a great time.