All Reviews for Kailua-Kona

We participated as a couple in our 60s.
The weather was bad on the day, but we managed to reach the summit.
We couldn't see the sunset due to the blizzard, but the starry sky afterward was very beautiful.
It seems there are risks of not being able to reach the summit in winter on Mauna Kea, but the snow-covered Mauna Kea is mystical and wonderful in its own way, and I highly recommend it.
Thank you to our guide Masa for taking photos with a high-end camera.
Ichikawa, your lecture on the stars was very interesting.
If we can come again, we hope to do so next time.
Looking forward to the next visit!

60代二人で参加させていただきました。
当日は天候が悪かったですが、なんとか頂上まで登ることができました。
吹雪でサンセットは見ることができませんでしたが、そのあとの星空はとても綺麗にみることができました。
冬のマウナケアは登頂できないリスクもあるようですが、雪の積もったマウナケアはそれはそれで神秘的で素敵でおすすめです。
ガイドのﾏｻさん、高価なカメラで撮影していただきありがとうございました。
イチカワさん、星空のレクチャーとても面白かったです。
また来ることが出来たら次こそは。
次回もよろしくお願いします

We would definitely recommend and do this again! We had a blast!

I visited the Big Island for the first time. I was picked up on time at 1:20 PM from the Royal Kona Resort, and we set off on the tour. We visited two other hotels, and there were about 11 people in total on the tour.

The mountain roads were quite unpaved, and the vibrations were significant even in the tour's 4WD vehicle. After the Onizuka Visitor Center, we were advised not to sleep to prevent altitude sickness, and I think it's a good idea for those who are anxious to bring motion sickness medication.

At the Onizuka Visitor Center, we enjoyed a very Japanese-style bento and warm miso soup (the warm miso soup was great), and we stayed for a little over an hour to acclimatize before heading to the summit.

At the summit, there was still quite a bit of snow, and I was quite surprised to see locals snowboarding.

The weather was excellent, and the views and night scenery were amazing. The convenience of being able to drive to over 4,000 meters in elevation is fantastic.

However, as I mentioned in the title, the guide's voice was quite soft, and there were many times when I couldn't understand what was being said, which was disappointing. Since the guide was young, they might have been nervous. Overall, the tour itself was wonderful, and I hope for improvements in the future.

ハワイ島には初めて行きました。ロイヤルコナリゾートを時間通り13:20に迎えに来ていただきツアー出発。他のホテル2件にまわり、合計で11人ほどのツアーでした。
山道はかなり非舗装の感じが強く、ツアーの4WDでも振動がすごかったです。オニヅカビジターセンター以降は高山病の予防のため眠ってはいけなく、不安な人は酔い止めを持っていったほうがいいと思いました。
オニヅカビジターセンターではいかにもジャパニーズなお弁当と温かいお味噌汁をいただき(お味噌汁が温かくてよかったです)、高地順応のため1時間ちょっと滞在してから山頂へ。
山頂ではかなり雪が残っており、スノーボードをしている現地の人がいたことにはかなり驚きでした。
とにかく天気が良く、景色と夜景は最高でした。標高4,000m以上に車だけで行ける手軽さは素晴らしいです。
しかし、タイトルにも書きましたがガイドさんの声が小さく、何を言っているのかよくわからないことが多くあったのが残念でした。若いガイドさんでしたので、緊張していたかもしれません。ツアー自体は素晴らしいものでしたので、これからに期待したいと思います。

The cost for three family members exceeded 60,000 yen. It can't be helped because of the rain... But they said, "The fact that cancellations are not allowed was written in small print when you made your reservation. I recommend postponing to tomorrow, but it will cost $20 per person, and I can't guarantee what tomorrow will be like." Well, that's true, but...

To top it off, when we saw stars peeking through the cloudy sky, they said, "It's close to a full moon today, so you won't see stars on a day like this. Please come back during a new moon next time." That really rubbed me the wrong way.

So, we ended up eating cold bento in the car and just driving around. It was a tour where we were scolded for being unprepared.

家族３人で６万円を超える料金。
雨だから仕方がないと言えばそこまで・・・・
でも「キャンセルができないことは、申し込みいただいた時に小さな字で書いてありましたよね。明日への延期を薦めますが、一人２０ドルかかり、明日もどのようになるのか断言はできません」との事。まぁそうだろうけど・・・
挙句の果ては、曇り空の合間に星が見えた時も「今日は満月に近いので、こんな日に来ても星は見えません。次回申し込みする時には、新月に来てください」との事。
逆撫でるじゃねーか。
ということで、冷えた弁当を車で食べて、ひたすらドライブ。挙句勉強不足だと注意されたツアーでした。

It was a two and a half hour stage, and I had a great time without getting bored. The food was delicious as well. I think I would have enjoyed it even more if I understood English.

２時間半のステージでしたが飽きることなく楽しかったです。
食事も美味しかったです。
英語が分かればもっと楽しめたと思います。

Due to bad weather, we couldn't reach the summit. We also couldn't see the sunset because of the clouds. It's unfortunate since I was looking forward to it, but it can't be helped because of the weather. We were able to see the starry sky, but due to the full moon, it wasn't a perfect starry night... You really need to check the calendar before going to avoid missing out.

悪天候のため山頂まで登れませんでした。
サンセットも雲で見れませんでした。
天候のためなので仕方ありませんが、楽しみにしていたので残念でした。
星空は見れましたが、満月のため満点の星空とはいかず。。。ちゃんと暦を見て行かないと損します。

Well, we were very excited to go on this tour. We have gone out in Alaska on whale tours and had a blast. First of all we noticed that the "safety" protocols were not very obvious. There were 12 guests on board and we noticed ONE life jacket. You basically scream across the water for over an hour, sitting on the edge of the raft and got bounced to kingdom come. We did see a mama and baby whale, which was nice. But, we both got sick on the boat. The staff was nice, but not overly accommodating with our throwing up and getting sick.

The sea was wonderful, and I enjoyed both kayaking and snorkeling. Since there was no transportation provided, it was fine to wear my swimsuit and take an Uber to the meeting point at the hotel parking lot. However, after the tour ended, we dispersed in the parking lot. I had to change in the nearby hotel's restroom without any shower facilities. I really wished there had been at least a simple shower to rinse off the salt, and I would have appreciated having a place to change.

海は素敵でカヤックもシュノーケリングも楽しめました。
送迎がないので水着を着て集合場所のホテルの駐車場までウーバーでいくのは良いのですが、ツアーが終わったあとも、駐車場で解散となりました。着替えはシャワーもないままそばのホテルのトイレでしました。せめて簡易シャワーで塩を落としたかったですし、着替える場所も欲しかったです。

Tour:
We came to Hawaii for our honeymoon and participated in this tour to experience the great outdoors.

They picked us up right on time in front of the hotel, and we got on the shuttle. We drove through some rough roads, but the driving was careful, so the ride was comfortable. Over the course of about 2-3 hours, we gradually ascended in elevation while taking breaks for the restroom and meals. As the altitude increased, the temperature dropped, so we gradually added more layers of clothing. During the drive, the guide provided explanations about the land, plants, and the Big Island, which was enjoyable.

Sunset:
We went to the summit of Mauna Kea. The sea of clouds was gently floating, and the sun was setting, turning red as it sank. The sky, dyed in shades of crimson and blue, was enchanting. It felt like we were not on Earth. While at the summit, the guide took photos with my camera and smartphone.

Starry Sky:
Immediately after the sunset, we moved to a spot to view the starry sky. Since it was February, it was the rainy season, but we were lucky as it had been clear for the past week. Moreover, it was a new moon, so the stars were visible across the sky without being disturbed by moonlight, creating the best conditions! There were many stars that are usually not visible, and the night sky sparkled beautifully. While we gazed at the stars, the guide used a laser pointer to explain the constellations and took photos again.

Impressions:
It was simply amazing! I was able to feel the great outdoors, and it was a series of moving experiences. I want to come back to the Big Island again. The guide was also very attentive, allowing us to participate in the tour with peace of mind. Next time, I would like to try a different tour.

Advice:
- As noted, it's a good idea to bring warm clothing. The guide lent us ski pants, jackets, and gloves, but it's necessary to have at least basic pants, heat tech, and a sweater. Also, the tips of my sneakers were cold, so I think bringing adhesive heat packs for your socks would be helpful.
- All transportation was by shuttle. I don't have much confidence in my physical stamina, but it was not a problem at all. However, as the altitude increases, the oxygen thins, so I made sure to take deep breaths. The guide advised that people prone to anemia should avoid squatting.

ツアー:
ハネムーンでハワイ旅行に来ていて、大自然を感じたくてこのツアーに参加しました。

時間通りホテルの前まで迎えに来てくれて、シャトルに乗りました。荒い道も通りましたが、運転が丁寧だったので乗り心地は良かったです。
2-3時間程、トイレ、ご飯休憩を挟みながらドライブで徐々に標高が上がっていきました。
標高が高いと気温が下がっていくので、徐々に着る服を増やしていきました。
移動中はガイドさんが土地や植物やハワイ島について説明をしてくれて楽しかったです。

サンセット:
マウナケア山の頂上へ行きました。雲海がゆらゆら浮かんでいて、そこに太陽が赤くなりながら沈んでいきました。
茜色と青色に染まっていく空が幻想的でした。地球に居ないような感覚になりました。
山頂にいる間、ガイドさんが自分のカメラやスマホで写真撮影をしてくれました。

星空:
サンセットの後すぐに移動して星空を観るスポットに行きました。
2月だったので雨季でしたが、ここ1週間は晴れているとのことでラッキーでした。しかもちょうど新月の日で、月明かりに邪魔されずに星が空一面に見えて、最高のコンディションでした！
いつも見えていない星がたくさん浮かんでいて、夜空がきらきら輝いて本当に綺麗でした。
星を眺める間、ガイドさんがレーザーポインターを使って星座の説明をしてくれました。ここでも写真撮影をしてくれました。

感想:
もう、最高でした！
大自然を感じることができて、感動の連続でした。ハワイ島にまた来たいです。
ガイドさんも丁寧で、安心してツアーに参加することができました。次回は違うツアーにも参加してみたいです。

アドバイス:
・注意書きにもありますが防寒着を持っていくと良いです。でもガイドさんがスキーウェアのズボンとジャケット、グローブを貸してくれますが、最低限のズボンやヒートテック、セーターは必要です。あとスニーカーのつま先は寒かったので靴下に貼るカイロを持っていくと良いかなと思います。
・移動は全てシャトルでした。私は体力に自信がないですが、全く問題ありませんでした。でも標高があがると酸素が薄くなるので、深呼吸するよう心がけました。ガイドさんには貧血気味の人はしゃがまないようにとアドバイスをしてくれました。

The event was held four times a week, and the schedule worked out well. At the opening, the ceremony where King Kamehameha's group solemnly landed on the ship really enhanced the atmosphere, which was great. The buffet-style food was well-managed by the staff, allowing guests to fill their plates without waiting in line, and during the wait, we could enjoy drinks while watching a mini-show, which was nice. The menu was clearly introduced on the website in advance, featuring many local Hawaiian ingredients and dishes, and the taste was excellent. The hula dance and fire show performed by the young male and female artists were beautiful and impressive. It was a satisfying show.

週4回の開催で日程がうまくとれた。
オープニングで、船に乗ってカメハメハ大王一団が厳かに上陸するセレモニーが雰囲気を盛り上げてくれ、よかった。
バイキング形式のお料理は、係員がお客を上手に案内して並ばずに盛り込め、待ち時間中はミニショーを見ながらドリンクがいただけてよかった。お料理の内容も事前にウエブで紹介されわかりやすく、ハワイ特産の素材、料理が多く、味もよかった。
フラダンス、ファイアーショーは演技者の若者男女、美しく、かっこよかった。満足いくショーでした。

Amazing! Our guide spotted a whale right away, and he swam around and around the ship for an hour.

I was planning to go to the dream destination of Mauna Kea and was searching for a summit optional tour when I learned about the closure of the access road, which was shocking. However, while reading the website of Masashi's Nature School, I found out that it reopened for a limited time at the end of December, so I checked the date of the new moon and made a reservation.

The tour was more thoughtful than I expected. Starting with the pickup service, the shio-no-no bento, winter clothing, and above all, the detailed explanation of the starry sky, along with the revolutionary option to download photos that we wouldn't be able to take well ourselves later on. Of course, the best part was the wonderful personality of the guide. It seems that the staff of this tour is making a significant effort to become specialists not only in stargazing but also in Hawaiian tourism. I would love to participate in tours that offer experiences we can't have on our own on the Big Island. Thank you very much!

憧れのマウナケアへ行こうと思い、山頂オプショナルツアーを探しているとき、アクセス道路の閉鎖を知りショッ受けていたのですが、マサシのネイチャースクールのホームページを読んでいると、12月末に期間限定で開通したのを知り、新月の日を調べて申し込みました。
ツアーは予想以上に気配りのあるものでした。送迎に始まり、しおのの幕の内弁当、防寒着、そしてなにより、星空の詳しい説明、あと自分たちではうまく撮影出来ないであろう写真を後でダウンロードできるという画期的なものでした。もちろんガイドさんの人柄の良さが一番でした。こちらのツアーのスタッフの皆さんがかなり星空だけではなくハワイの観光においてスペシャリストになるよう努力されているようです。また、ハワイ島で自分たちでは経験できないようなツアーがあれば参加したいと思います。本当にありがとうございました。

The weather on the day was cloudy, and we couldn't reach the summit, but fortunately, we were able to see the sunset from near the top through the gaps in the clouds. The stargazing around 2000 meters was also amazing. Tomo's guidance was clear, and it was evident that he worked hard to ensure our satisfaction. Additionally, since the tour was affected by the bad weather, we received a half-price gift voucher for the next tour.

I would like to challenge myself again at a good time to see the sunset and the starry sky from the summit. Tomo, I look forward to it!

当日の天候は、雲が厚く山頂まで登ることができませんでしたが運よく、山頂付近でサンセットを雲の合間から見ることができました。2000ｋｍ付近での星空観測もサイコーでした。トモさんのガイドもわかりやすく私たちに満足させる為に一生懸命さが伝わりました。また、このツアーが天候不順の為満足させられなかったと次回の為にツアー半額ギフト券も頂きました。
もう一度、山頂からのサンセットと星空が見れるよういい時期にチャレンジしたいです。トモさん、その節は宜しく！

As it was my first time overseas and my first time in Hawaii, I was filled with anxiety, so I joined a tour with a Japanese guide. The tour guide provided very thorough explanations about the local conditions and what I needed to be careful about, along with the reasons for it, which helped me participate in the tour with a solid mindset.

As a result, even though it was my first time at an altitude of over 4,000 meters, I didn't feel unwell and was able to fully enjoy the tour. Fortunately, the tour included a climb to the summit of Mauna Kea, and although there were some clouds, I was able to see a beautifully clear starry sky, which made me very satisfied.

I have participated in stargazing tours domestically a few times, but the guide's explanations were very interesting, and I enjoyed this stargazing experience more than any I had attended before. While the altitude and temperature at the summit are not something you can easily access, and there is a possibility that you might not see beautiful scenery depending on the weather, I felt that this tour is definitely worth the challenge. Thank you to the tour guide for a wonderful time.

初めての海外、初めてのハワイで不安だらけだったため、日本語ガイドのツアーに参加しました。
ツアーガイドの方の説明がとても丁寧で、現地の状況や、どういったことに気をつけなければならないのか、理由も付けて説明していただいたため、このツアーでの心構えをしっかり持って参加することが出来ました。
その結果、人生初の標高4000m以上でしたが、特に具合も悪くならずツアーを満喫することが出来ました。
ツアー内容としては、ラッキーなことにマウナケア山頂まで登ることができ、また星空もやや雲はかかっていましたが十分綺麗な星空を見ることもでき、とても満足しました。
国内ですが、別のツアーで星空観測をしたことも何度かありますが、ガイドの方の説明がとても興味深く、今まで参加した星空観測よりも楽しめました。
山頂の標高や気温など気軽に行けるものではないですが、また天候次第では綺麗な景色が見れない可能性もありますが、それでもチャレンジする価値のあるツアーだと感じました。
ツアーガイドさん、楽しい時間をありがとうございました。

Seeing the difference colored fish. Very informative on fish, life and friendly

It was the evening of the previous day, but I was able to smoothly make a reservation and complete the payment without any issues, allowing me to go whale watching the next morning. However, the meeting point on the map was at a different location from the same agent, which caused quite a bit of panic. Fortunately, a local person kindly explained everything to me, and I was able to make it on time.

前日の夕方でしたがスムーズに予約がとれ支払いも話題なく翌日の朝からホエールウォッチングする事ができましたが集合場所の地図が同じエージェントの別の場所になっておりかなり慌てました。現地の方に丁寧に説明していただき無事まにあいました。

I participated in this activity in mid-February 2020. It seems that until the end of December 2019, access was restricted due to a local demonstration against new astronomical observation equipment, but on the day of my visit, I was fortunate to reach the summit.

Originally, I was considering renting a car to keep costs down, but ultimately, choosing this tour was the right decision. (Looking back, I think it would have been terrifying to drive on those mountain roads, and I probably would have suffered from altitude sickness.)

What I appreciated most was not just the sunset and starry sky, but also the hospitality that reflects Japanese quality. (It was truly wonderful.)

<Recommended Points>
1. All conversations during the tour are in Japanese, and the staff (it was Tomo when I participated) provides detailed explanations about Mauna Kea and the history of the Big Island during the bus ride.
2. Rental of cold-weather gear (pants, outerwear, gloves) is free.
3. They are very attentive to altitude sickness precautions.
4. The tour makes several stops at photo points along the way, allowing time for photography.
5. There is a photo service included. Later, they share the photos in a service accessible only to participants.

<Comment>
You might have doubts since I only mentioned good points, but I couldn't think of any negatives. The main sunset was, of course, spectacular, but the subsequent stargazing was also incredibly enjoyable. The stars were truly beautiful, and they provided detailed explanations about them.

I participated in February, and the weather conditions were good that day, allowing us to fully enjoy both the sunset and the starry sky. However, due to weather conditions and the aforementioned demonstration, there is a possibility that these experiences may not be available, so I think it would be truly lucky to enjoy everything on the day of your visit.

2020年２月中旬にこのアクティビティに参加しました。2019年の12月末ごろまではハワイ島現地の方々のデモ(新たな天体観測設備の反対運動)により入山できなかったそうですが、当日はタイミング良く頂上まで登ることができました。
元々、「できるだけコストを抑えるために、自分でレンタカーを借りて行けないか」と考えていましたが、最終的にこちらのツアーを選んで正解でした。
(今思うとあの山道を車で行っていたらと考えると恐ろしいですし、おそらく高山病にもなっていたと思います)
また、参加して良かったと思うのは 夕日・星空だけでなく、日本クオリティーのおもてなしでした。(本当に良かったです)

＜おすすめポイント＞
① ツアー内での会話はすべて日本語で、マウナケアやハワイ島の歴史をバスでの移動中にスタッフの方(私が参加したときはトモさんでした)が丁寧に説明してくださいます。
② 防寒具(ズボン、アウター、手袋)のレンタル(無料)
③ 高山病対策の注意喚起など、本当に気を使ってくださいます。
④ 山頂へ向かうまでの道中の撮影ポイントで数回停車し、撮影時間を設けてくれます。
⑤ 写真撮影サービスがついています。後日、参加者だけ閲覧可能なサービスでシェアしてくれます。

<コメント>
良い点ばかりで疑念を抱かれるかもしれませんが、マイナスポイントは思い当たりませんでした。また、メインの夕日が素晴らしかったのはもちろんですが、その後にある星空観測もすごく楽しいものでした。星は本当に綺麗で、星について詳しく説明をしてくださいます。

また、私が参加したのは２月でしたが、この日は天候などのコンディションが良く夕日も星空も満喫できました。しかし、天候や上記の記載のデモによりこれらを楽しめない可能性があるそうですので、当日はすべて楽しむことができれば本当にラッキーだと思います。

I participated in February. There was a period when access was blocked, and I made a reservation because it was advertised as reopened. I understood that it wasn't the right time and that the weather could prevent us from seeing anything, but it was more disappointing than I expected. This is because important details were not adequately addressed in the tour description.

Guides should obviously know that during winter, access to the summit is almost impossible. On the day of the tour, I was told that last February, they could only reach the summit for three days. While it's understandable due to the season, I believe they should clearly state the probability of reaching the summit. Even if we could go up, the views advertised were not to be expected, and it was just about reaching the summit.

If they are charging nearly 20,000 yen, they should at least specify the probability, and when they tell you on the day that it's better to participate in summer because you can hardly climb in winter, it leaves a negative impression.

Summer might be enjoyable, but winter is not worth 20,000 yen. I'm also unsure about summer. Additionally, during the time close to the full moon, the sky is bright, and the stargazing is not impressive. The guide mentioned this too. Since it was around the full moon, it was not much different from Japan, and there was no need to go all the way there.

While they provide explanations about celestial bodies while stargazing, the content was not even at the level of a casual interest in astronomy, so I wanted to leave early. Another participant was much more knowledgeable.

In summary, I regret that it would have been sufficient to enjoy the trip to Onizuka by rental car. To sum up, avoid the winter and the periods around the full moon.

2月に参加しました。
通行止めになってた時期があり、再度開通！という触れ込みで思わず予約をしました。
適した時期ではない事や天候次第で何も見られないことは承知していましたが、想像以上に期待はずれです。
というのも、ツアー詳細に大事なことがあまりに触れられていないからです。
冬場はほぼ山頂に行けないことは、ガイドなら当然知っています。当日も、去年の2月は3日しか山頂に行けなかったと。季節的には仕方ないにしても、それであれば、山頂まで登れる確率を明記するべきだと思います。また、登れたとしても、掲載されている景色は期待できず、登れただけ、ということです。
2万円近い代金を取るのであれば、確率くらいは明記して欲しく、当日に、冬場はほとんど登れないため、夏に参加する方が良いと言われると、ネガティブな印象しか残りません。

夏場は楽しめるでしょうが、冬場は2万円の価値はありません。そもそも、夏場もどうか。
また満月に近い時期は空が明るく、大した星空ではありません。それもガイドの方は言ってました。丁度満月の時期だったため、日本とさほど変わらず、わざわざ行った必要は無かったです。
また星を見ながら天体の説明をしてくれますが、趣味で天体が好き、程度にも届かない内容だったので、早く帰りたくなりました。
参加してた別の方の方がよっぽど詳しかったです。
以上から、レンタカーでオニヅカまで行き楽しめば十分だったと後悔です。
纏めると、冬場と満月挟んだ前後は回避です。

We participated as a family of three, and thanks to the advice from the tour staff and the schedule, we didn't have to worry about altitude sickness and had the best experience. Long ago, I was able to see a beautiful starry sky in my hometown, but this time it was on another level; I was so moved by the breathtaking views that I forgot about time and the cold. Additionally, the staff took commemorative photos and provided detailed explanations at each point, making it truly worthwhile to join the tour. The free photo download service afterward added to the memories. I plan to create another opportunity to join again. Thank you!

家族3人で参加しましたが、ツアースタッフの方々のアドバイスとタイムスケジュールのおかげで高山病の心配もなく、最高の体験をさせて頂きました。遠い昔、自分の故郷でも綺麗な星空を見ることができましたが、今回のそれは別次元、時間と寒さを忘れるほどの絶景に感動しました。また、スタッフの方々がポイント毎に記念撮影や詳しい説明をして頂きまして、ツアーならではと参加して本当に良かったと思います。後日の写真無料ダウンロードサービスでは思い出も一入となりました。次の機会をつくって、またお世話になろうと思ってます。感謝❗️

Mauna Kea has been closed for a while due to protests against the construction of a new observatory since last year, but as of February 2020, it was accessible to the summit depending on the weather. Fortunately, we were blessed with good weather and were able to enjoy beautiful sunset views along with stargazing. The guide was excellent at managing breaks and encouraging us, and before we knew it, we had climbed to over 4,000 meters. The acclimatization and breaks were appropriate, which eased our anxiety. Above all, witnessing the beautiful sunset was the most moving experience. I felt it would be a shame not to participate if you visit the Big Island. I saw some individuals driving up in rental cars, but I think it could be dangerous for those who are not used to traveling on rough roads. After sunset, the stargazing was incredible, with a sky full of stars, and the explanations of the constellations were easy to understand. They also took photos, creating wonderful memories. Thank you very much.

マウナケア山は昨年から天文観測所新規建設反対デモでしばらく封鎖されていたということですが、2020年2月現在天候次第ですが、山頂まで登れる状態でした。そしてたまたま好天に恵まれて、美しいサンセットと共に星空観察もできました。ガイドの方は休憩や声掛けがお上手であっという間に高度4000m以上のところに登って行きました。高度順応や休憩が適切で不安が軽減されました。そして何よりも、美しいサンセットが見れたことが一番の感動です。ハワイ島に来たらぜひ参加しないともったいないと思いました。個人でもレンタカーで登っている人がいましたが、旅慣れていないとダート道をあがっていくには危険と思います。その後の星空観測も太陽が降ってからは満点の星空で、星座の解説などもあって分かりやすかったです。写真も撮ってくれてとてもいい思い出になりました。ありがとうございました。

I would give it 0 points.

We weren't even able to set sail, and there was no communication.

I had booked a hotel transfer plan, but when the time came, the bus didn't arrive. When I called, I was told, "We found a defect in the boat, and we can no longer set sail." If it were due to weather or something similar, that would be one thing, but a defect in the boat?

Moreover, there was no communication at all, and I only found out it was canceled after I reached out.

We were on our honeymoon, and it was truly disappointing. I was told I could reschedule for another day, but there's no guarantee that the same issue won't happen again, and I can't trust this company, so I canceled.

I urge the tour company to establish a system that allows for immediate communication in case of cancellations, so that no one else has to go through this kind of experience. In this day and age, there are countless ways to communicate, including email, chat, and apps, not just phone calls.

I hope no one else has to suffer the same fate.

0点です。
そもそも出航すらできておらず、連絡も無し。

ホテル送迎プランで予約してましたが、時間になってもバスが来ず、こちらから電話してみると「ボートに不備が見つかり出航が出来なくなりました」とのこと。
天候などの理由ならまだしも、ボート不備って。
しかもなんの連絡も無く、こちらから連絡して初めて「キャンセルになりました」って。

新婚旅行で来ていたのですが、本当に残念です。
別日に変更可能と言われましたが、次回同じことが起きない保証もないし、この会社自体信用できないのでキャンセルしました。

ツアー会社さんは、二度とこのような被害者を出さないよう、キャンセル時はすぐに連絡が出来る仕組みを整えてください。
このご時世、電話だけでなくメール、チャット、アプリなど方法はいくらでもあると思うので。

同じ被害に遭う人が出ないことを祈ります。

I found a similar tour that offered Japanese language support, but since this one was cheaper, I decided to join this tour instead. I passed by the Japanese tour group along the way, and they were following a similar course. The participants there were in their 40s to 60s, so the age group was a bit older.

In our tour, everyone except us was from Europe or America, so we spoke in English. They were friendly people in their 30s, which made for a fun atmosphere that I enjoyed. There were also some adventurous individuals who jumped off the rocks, so I think younger people would have more fun on this English tour.

The sun was strong, but I wore a long-sleeved rash guard, so I managed to avoid a bad sunburn. At first, I hesitated to leave my smartphone and valuables behind, but I was worried about them getting wet, so I decided to hand them over. As expected, I capsized once while kayaking on the way back and got soaked, so anyone going in the future should definitely leave their valuables before getting on the kayak.

似たようなツアーで日本語OKのものがあったのですが、値段が安かったのでこちらのツアーに参加しました。日本語ツアー組も途中すれ違ったので、似たようなコースを進んでいました。そちらの参加者は40～60代だったので高めの年齢層でした。

私たちのツアーは、私たち以外は欧米人だったので、英語でしゃべっていました。彼らは30代前後の友好的な人達だったので、私も楽しい雰囲気で楽しめました。
岩場から飛び降りたりしていたやんちゃな人もいたので、若い人ならこちらの英語のツアーの方が楽しめると思います。

日差しが強かったのですが、長袖のラッシュを着ていたので、ひどい日焼けはしなくて済みました。最初、スマホや貴重品を預けるのを躊躇したのですが、水没が心配だったので預けることにしました。案の定、カヤックで帰ってくるときに1回転覆してびしょびしょになったので、これから行く人は迷わず貴重品はカヤックに乗る前に預けた方が賢明です。

Pick up was right on time!
Our guide Matt was very knowledgeable and passionate about Hawaii island from legends to Hawaii original plants and animals. He kept entertaining us until his voice got hoarse! My favorite part of the tour was definitely the lava tube. it's really amazing!! The way to and from the lava tube is super bumpy and rough. If you get motion sickness, you should take medication for it. I brought kids (12 and 10) with us and they enjoyed themselves as well. Hiking was very mild so anyone can enjoy this tour, I think.

On February 10th, due to a winter storm, the observatory staff at Mauna Kea had to descend because of the bad weather. The Onizuka Center was also closed all day due to sub-zero temperatures. However, our guide Jin said, "Let's find a hole in the clouds and chase after it. Since it's like this, let's explore the super rare winter storm in Hawaii." Despite being hit by heavy downpours that felt like an automatic car wash, we were able to see the majestic slopes of Mauna Kea, the fantastical cinder cones, the rain clouds changing shape and flowing by, and the massive thunderclouds and lightning approaching from afar. We also spotted a rainbow appearing over the undulating lava and Mauna Kea, which was beautifully snow-covered as its name suggests, along with Mauna Loa, which typically doesn't receive snow, lightly dusted in white.

In the car, there was a mood of acceptance that stargazing was impossible on such a day, but Jin was the only one who hadn’t given up. He read the movement of the clouds and drove the car east, then west, and finally north. "Huh? Is it not raining around here?" Our spirits lifted instantly! We stopped by a heiau near the harbor and discovered a sparkling starry sky through a gap in the thick rain clouds! We were overwhelmed by the brightness, number, and depth of the night sky. Before we could even take photos, the heavy rain returned in an instant. Such weather is unique to the Big Island, isn't it?

Although we couldn't make it to the summit of Mauna Kea, Jin skillfully listened to everyone's plans and generously shared information about points of interest. He even took us to a great spot for whale watching that is easy to see during this season. I was impressed by Jin's guiding skills! Thank you very much. (For those prone to motion sickness, please take anti-nausea medication. The mountain roads are quite winding and bumpy.)

2/10、冬の嵐でマウナケアの天文台観測員も下山する悪天候。オニヅカセンターも終日氷点下で通行止めという日に当たってしまいましたが、「雲の穴を見つけて追いかけます。こうなったら超レアなウィンターストームのハワイを見て回りましょう」とガイドのJinさん。たびたび自動洗車機みたいな土砂降りに見舞われながらも、壮大なマウナケア山麓、幻想的な噴石丘たちを見渡す高台で次々と形を変えて流れる雨雲や、遠くから押し寄せる巨大な雷雲・稲光を見たり、うねる溶岩の上に現れた虹、名前通り白く雪化粧したマウナケアに加えて、普段は雪が降らないマウナロアがうっすら白く雪をまとっている姿などを目にすることができました。
こんな日だから星空はムリだよね・・・と納得ムードの車内で、1人だけ諦めてなかったのがガイドのJinさん。雲の動きを読み、クルマを東へ、西へ、ついには北へ。
あれ？この辺は雨やんでる？我々のテンションは一気にアップ！港のそばのヘイアウ脇で停まり、分厚い雨雲の隙間にキラキラの星空を発見！その輝きの強さ、数、夜空の深さに圧倒されました。写真を撮る間もなく、あっというまに土砂降り再来。こんな天候もハワイ島ならでは、ですよね。
マウナケア山頂には行けなかったけど、さりげなく全員の予定を聴いて気前よく見どころ情報を教えてくれたり、この時期に見やすいホエールウォッチングのポイントに寄ってくれたり、Jinさんのガイドとしての技量に感服！ありがとうございました。
（クルマに弱い方は酔い止め薬を。山の道路はクネクネでこぼこが結構あります）

A few days before we participated, Mauna Kea experienced bad weather with snowfall and icy roads, resulting in the road to the summit being closed from a certain point, and it was also closed the day before. I was anxious about whether we would be able to reach the summit on the day of our tour, but to my surprise, it was beautifully clear, and we were able to enjoy the sunset at the summit. The starry sky was even more wonderful than I had imagined, and thanks to our bright and fun guides, Tomo and Ichikawa, we had a perfect tour. I truly felt lucky. I am sincerely grateful to our guides, who were always attentive to ensure that none of the participants suffered from altitude sickness while we all shared the awe of the magnificent and beautiful Mauna Kea and the sunset.

私たちが参加する４、５日前にマウナケア山は悪天候で積雪と道路の凍結、その結果山頂までの道路は途中から通行禁止になってしまい前日も通行禁止でした。当日は山頂まで行けるのか不安でしたが、驚くほど見事に晴れて山頂でのサンセットを堪能できました。星空も想像以上に素晴らしく、トモさんとイチカワさんという明るく楽しいガイドさんのおかげで完璧なツアーを楽しませていただきました。本当にラッキーでした。参加者が一人も高山病にならないよう終始気を遣いながらも、雄大で美しいマウナケアの姿とサンセットに共に感動していたガイドさんに心から感謝しています。

I had always wanted to climb Mauna Kea when I visited the Big Island, but I had given up because the summit had been closed since July. However, I heard that the road to the summit reopened in December, so I signed up for this tour.

At the beginning of the tour, I was informed that the summit was closed due to bad weather for three consecutive days, and I arrived at the 2800m Onizuka Visitor Center while praying. There, we took a break to acclimatize to the altitude while eating our lunch. When we got back in the car and the guide told us that the gate was open and we could go to the summit, there was a cheer in the vehicle.

The road to the summit was steep and off-road, and I thought it would be impossible to go there in a rental car. Thanks to the guide's skilled driving, we safely reached the top.

It was quite windy at the summit, and even with the snow gear we borrowed, it was freezing cold. However, the view from there was indescribably beautiful, and I was really glad to see it.

After descending, the guide explained stargazing to us. I was happy to see the starry sky, the full moon, and even a comet.

On the way back to the hotel, the guide told us that a moonbow had appeared and stopped the car. It disappeared in an instant, but I was lucky enough to see the elusive moonbow, making it an incredibly lucky day.

If you plan to visit the Big Island, I definitely recommend joining a Mauna Kea tour. It became the best memory of this trip. Thank you very much!

ハワイ島に行ったら絶対マウナケアに登りたいと思っていましたが、7月から山頂閉鎖されていたため、諦めていました。しかし、12月から再び山頂への道が再開したと聞いて、このツアーに申し込みました。
ツアーの最初に、3日連続で天候不良のため、山頂閉鎖されていると聞いて、祈りながら、2800mのオニズカビジターセンターに到着しました。そこで、お弁当を食べながら、高山病に慣れるための休憩をしました。再び、車に乗り込んだ時、ゲートがオープンしているので、山頂まで行けるとガイドさんが教えてくれた時、車内で歓声が上がりました。
山頂までは、オフロードの急な道で、とてもレンタカーで行くことは出来ないと思いました。ガイドさんの熟練の運転で無事頂上に着きました。
頂上はかなり風が強く、貸していただいたスノーウェアを着ても凍えるくらい寒かったです。しかし、そこから見える景色は言葉に出来ないくらい美しく、この景色を見れて本当に良かったと思いました。
一旦下ってからは、ガイドさんから天体観測を説明してくれます。満天の星や満月、そして彗星を見ることが出来て良かったです。
また、ホテルに帰る途中にはガイドさんからムーンボウが出たと教えてくれて、車を止めてくれました。あっという間に消えてしまいましたが、幻のムーンボウまで見ることが出来て、今日はすごくラッキーな一日でした。
もし、ハワイ島に行く予定がある方は、絶対にマウナケアのツアーに参加したほうがいいと思います。この旅で一番の思い出になりました。本当にありがとうございました！

Mauna Kea, which is taller than Mount Fuji, was an exciting first experience for me. I was worried that, depending on the weather conditions, we might not be able to reach the summit, but on the day of the tour, we were able to make it to the top. Watching the sunset from 4,200 meters was a transformative experience that left me deeply moved. During the stargazing, it felt like the entire sky was a treasure box of jewels. I’m really glad I participated, as I had never had the opportunity to see such nature and stars before. The guide was also very kind and easy to talk to. I plan to recommend this tour to my friends.

富士山より高いマウナケアは初めての体験だったのでワクワクしていました。天気の状況によっては、山頂まで行けない可能性があるとのことで心配していましたが、当日は山頂まで行くことができました。4,200mからのサンセットを見て、世界観が変わるくらいの体験ができ、すごく感動しました。また星空観測では、まるで空全体が宝石箱のようでした。あれだけの自然や星を見る機会がなかったので参加してよかったと思っています。ガイドの方も大変優しく話しやすかったです。友人にもこのツアーを紹介しようと思います。

The cruiser was large and the wind was strong, but it was okay. I was moved to see whales swimming to the right and left in front of the boat. However, there were no jumps, and I was a bit disappointed with just the body and tail. But I guess that's nature for you.

Maybe because it was an early morning, I was able to spend the day very leisurely. It was a wonderful experience. The staff were also very kind and it was a lot of fun.

クルーザーも大きく風が強かったがまあまあでした。
鯨も舟の先へと右へと左へとみることが出来感動でした。でもジャンプ等はなく胴体しっぽなどで少々期待外れ。でも相手は自然界しょうがないですね。
朝が早かったせいか、１日がゆっっくりと過ごせました。
とても素晴らしい経験でした。スタッフの方々もとても親切で楽しかったです。

I participated in the manta tour, but unfortunately, we couldn't see any mantas due to rough seas. Since it was the last day on the Big Island and I was scheduled to return to Oahu, I was a bit disappointed thinking I wouldn't be able to participate in any more activities, even with the guarantee system in place.

However, I was informed that since the headquarters is located on Oahu, I could switch to a local tour there, and I was able to join a dolphin swim tour in Oahu!

That tour was amazing, as I got to swim with many dolphins.

Although I was disappointed not to see mantas on the manta tour, the comprehensive guarantee system helped me avoid feeling like I lost out. I highly recommend this company's tours over others.

マンタツアー参加しましたが、シケのためマンタは見れず。
ハワイ島も最終日でオアフ島に戻る予定だったため、保障制度があっても今回の旅ではもう参加できないな〜と少しがっかりしてました。

しかし、本社がオアフ島にあるとのことで、そちらの現地ツアーに振り替えもできますと言われ、オアフ島でイルカ中学のツアーに参加することができました！

そちらのツアーはたくさんのイルカと泳ぐことご出来てとても素晴らしかったです。

マンタツアーではマンタ見れず残念でしたが、保障制度が手厚いため損した気分にならずに済みました。ほかの会社よりもこちらの会社のツアーがおすすめです。

I thought it would be about two hours, but it ended up being close to three hours, which was enjoyable. However, for the first two hours or so, the host's talk and performances delayed the start of the actual Hawaiian show. It might be a reminder to take it easy and enjoy Hawaiian time. The show itself wasn't much different from what I've seen outside of Hawaii.

２時間ほどかと思っていたら、３時間近くあって長く楽しめた。ただ、最初の２時間くらいは、司会者の話と演奏でなかなか、本来のハワイアンショーが始まらない。せかせかせず、ハワイタイムを過ごせということかも知れないが。
ショー自体は、Hawaii以外で観たものと、あまり変わりは無かった。