All Reviews for Haleakala National Park Tours

This was my first time participating, and it was an absolutely amazing experience. The weather was perfect, and the starry sky and sunset exceeded my expectations! Also, Yamachan's guidance was fantastic. There were laughs, tears, and moments of inspiration. I think it's a tour I would want to join again and again.

初めて参加しましたが、とにかく最高の時間でした。
天気にも恵まれ想像以上の星空と夕日！そして山ちゃんさんのガイドも最高でした。
笑いあり、涙あり、感動あり、
何度でも参加したいツアーだと思います。

I stayed at the Kaanapali Beach Club and received an email about a meeting point at the roundabout off of Kaanapali Shores Place. I waited at the rotary in front of the lobby and in front of the hotel, but no car came. I couldn't reach the main contact number, but when I called the reconfirmation number, I was able to get through. I was told that the bus had already passed. They said they would check with the driver to see if he could come back, and it seemed like it would be fine. However, later I received a call saying that they could not come back and that I could not join the tour. They mentioned that they would issue a refund, which I accepted, but when I checked later that same day out of concern, the person who promised the refund did not come to confirm. In the end, I contacted Veltra, and they were able to confirm things, but the local tour company could not verify the facts until the end. Ultimately, the refund was made thanks to Veltra's assistance. There are issues with the local tour company's response. For those who will participate in the future, it is necessary to confirm the meeting point with the hotel and to ensure that you have a contact number for the local tour company that you can reach in case of emergencies.

Kaanapali beach clubという、ホテルに宿泊し、
Roundabout off of Kaanapali shores pl of the kaanapali beach club
という集合場所をメールされました。ロビー前のロータリーと、ホテル手前で待っていましたが、車は来ませんでした。
代表番号にかけても繋がらず、その後、リコンファームの番号にかけると繋がりました。
既にバスは過ぎたとのこと。ドライバーに戻れるか確認する、たぶん大丈夫だろうということになりました。
しかし、その後、もう戻れない、ツアーには参加できないという電話がありました。返金はするから、という話で納得しましたが、同日中に不安になり確認すると、返金すると約束した担当は確認で来ませんでした。
結局ベルトラさんに連絡し、確認していただきましたが、最後まで現地のツアー会社は事実を確認できませんでした。結局返金されることになったのは、ベルトラさんの対応のおかげです。現地のツアー会社の対応には問題があります。
これから参加される方には、合流場所をホテルにも確認していただき、緊急時には必ず連絡取れる電話番号を現地ツアー会社に確認する必要があります。

We toured with Kane who was knowledgeable and attentive. Felt safe driving up, and he made sure the group stayed together. Only thing is, since they feed us pastries when we first get to the lounge. I didn't really feel up to breakfast because it was a long morning and wanted to go back to the resort and rest. The experience alone was amazing, far more than I expected. I recommend booking this trip.

The summit of Haleakalā was very cloudy, so we moved to another spot! I thought it wouldn't work even after moving, but there were countless stars!!! It definitely deserves a five-star rating, but I want to see the starry sky from the summit next time, so I will participate again.

ハレアカラ山頂は雲が多く、別のスポットに移動！！
移動しても無理なんじゃ…と思ってたけど
そこは満天の星！！！
十分星５つに値するけど
今度は山頂での満天の星が見たいので
また参加させてもらいます。

The tour guide was friendly and I had a great time! We were lucky to see a beautiful sunrise, and the snack service (warm coffee and bread) was really nice! The breakfast we had on the way back was also delicious. If you come to Maui, I definitely recommend visiting here!

添乗員の方が気さくな方でとても楽しめました！日の出も運良くきれいに見れましたし、何より軽食のサービス(温かいコーヒーとパン)がすごく良かったです！帰りにとった朝食もおいしかったです。マウイに来たら、ぜひここを訪れることをおすすめします！

The tour day was blessed with good weather, and since it was close to a new moon, there was no moonlight at all, allowing us to see countless stars like a natural planetarium. The sunset was truly beautiful, with a sea of clouds below, and I was overwhelmed by the starry sky.

I am very grateful to our tour guide, Yamapi. He took great care of us, showed us various stars through the telescope, and the lectures were enjoyable! It felt like going back to elementary school. I felt that the company, including Yamapi, genuinely wants participants to enjoy the tour with thoughtful consideration and care. I would love to join this tour again! Thank you very much!

ツアー参加日は天候に恵まれ、新月に近かったため月明かりが全く無く、天然プラネタリウムの如くたくさんの星を見ることができました。サンセットも本当に美しく、下には雲海が広がり、星空も含めて感無量でした。
ツアーガイドの山ピーさんには本当にお世話になりました。星空観測、望遠鏡で色々な星を見せてくださり、レクチャーも楽しかったです！小学生に戻る感覚でした。参加者ファーストの気配り、心づかい、山ピーさん含め、こちらの会社は参加者に気持ちよくツアーに参加して欲しいという心掛けがあると感じます。またこのツアーに参加したいです！本当にありがとうございました！

It was my second time participating after four years, and this time I was able to see shooting stars multiple times. It was still the best tour! Yamapi, I'll come to see you again, so please take care of yourself and keep doing your best!

４年ぶり２度目の参加でしたが、今回は流れ星も何度も見れて、変わらず最高のツアーでした！
山ピー、また会いに行くのでお身体を大切に、元気にがんばってくださいね。

Following my Sunrise Tour five years ago, I participated in the Sunset Tour for the second time. The weather was great, making it a perfect day for viewing. I was constantly impressed by the lively talk and knowledge of our guide, Mr. Yamap. Since I don't usually live in an environment where I can stargaze, I had a wonderfully luxurious time. If I have the opportunity, I would like to participate again. Thank you very much.

5年前のサンライズツアーに続き、2回目はサンセットツアーに参加してみました。
天候も良く、観賞にはうってつけの日でした。
解説の山pさんの軽快なトークと知識に終始感心していました。
普段、星を眺める環境で暮らしていないので、とても贅沢な時間を過ごさせていただきました。機会があれば、改めて参加してみたいと思います。
ありがとうございました。

The driver guide was friendly and kind. The breakfast we had at the golf course clubhouse was delicious. Indeed, warm clothing is essential.

ガイドの運転手さんは、気さくで親切でした。ゴルフ場のクラブハウスで食べた、朝ご飯は、美味しかったです。やはり、防寒具は必携です。

It was very beautiful.
While it's essential to prepare for the cold, it was bearable, perhaps because it was summer. If you're planning to take photos, having gloves might be a good idea.

とても美しかったです。
寒さ対策はきっちり必要ですが、夏だった所為か耐えられる寒さでした。撮影されるならてぶくろがあるといいかも。

I participated with a friend. They picked us up at the hotel, and along the way, we had fun conversations and learned various recommendations about Maui. We enjoyed drinks at Krispy Kreme, chose bento boxes at the supermarket (I underestimated the bento, but it was incredibly delicious), and shopping at Kula Lodge (we got to sample a lot of food). The journey to Haleakalā was truly enjoyable. The sunset was so moving that words can't describe it. Additionally, we went to a hidden spot where there were only 2 or 3 other people besides our tour group. We had a wonderful time. Unfortunately, the starry sky was not fully visible due to the clouds, but it was a sky that you can't see in Tokyo. (Even though we could see a little, we were told we could come back for a revenge trip next time. It was really thoughtful of them.) I was also moved by Yamapi's passionate stories. Thank you for everything. I will definitely participate again! For those who are unsure about going, you should definitely go—it's highly recommended!

友達と2人で参加させていただきました。ホテルまでお迎えに来ていただいて道中楽しいお話しに加えオススメのお店などマウイに関して色々と教えていただきました。クリスピードーナッツに飲み物、スーパーでお弁当選び(お弁当とあなどっていましたがすごーく美味しいです。)、クラロッジでお買い物(たくさん試食させてもらいました)、ハレアカラに着くまでも本当に楽しかったです。サンセットは言葉にならないほど感動しました。さらに穴場に行っていただいたのかそこは私達ツアー客と他には2、3人だけ。本当に素敵な時間を過ごすことができました。残念ながら星空は雲が多く満天の星とまではいきませんでしたが東京では見れない星空でした。(しかも少しは見えたにもかかわらず、次回リベンジして良いとのこと。ほんと至れりつくせりです。)ヤマピーさんの熱のこもったお話にも感動です。色々とありがとうございました。絶対にまた参加しまーす！！行くか迷われてる方は絶対に行った方が良いですよ〜。オススメです。

The first time was about three years ago when I applied with a friend, but it was canceled due to bad weather. This year for sure! It was a tour for two, but I somehow requested to participate alone. I was grateful that they picked me up. Personally, I think it could have been even more enjoyable if I had a deeper knowledge of astronomy. The explanations in Japanese, the Japanese food, tea, safety measures against the cold, and safe driving were all great. While inquiring about participating alone, I was starting to give up thinking it might be impossible since I was by myself. I also looked at the English tours, but the reviews were... (sweat). It truly became a wonderful memory! I would love to participate again if I have the chance.

一回目は三年ほど前、友人と申し込みましたが天候不良でキャンセル。
今年こそは！二人からのツアーでしたが
ひとりでの参加をなんとか、リクエスト。
ありがたく、ピックアップしていただきました。
個人的にはもっとマニアックな
天体の知識がわかればもっともっと楽しかったかも。
日本語の説明、日本のご飯、お茶、説明、寒さ対策、安全運転。
ひとり参加についての
問合わせ中、一人だから無理かもと諦めかけていた時
英語のツアーも見ましたが、評価が。。。。。（汗汗）
本当に良い思い出になります！またチャンスがあれば参加したいものです

I was really happy to see a lot of rainbows on the way, and it felt like I was being welcomed! Since it was close to a full moon, if you want to see more stars, you might want to go around the new moon for a better experience! Anyway, the colors of the sky were truly wonderful, and it was a fantastic tour! Yamapi had a lot of knowledge, so it was really enjoyable not just talking about celestial bodies but also other topics!

行く道中にたくさん虹も見れて、迎えられている気がして、すごく嬉しかったです！
満月近かったので、より星を見たい方は新月あたりにいくと、もっとたくさん星を見れるかもしれません！とにかく空の色が本当に素敵でとても良いツアーでした！ヤマピーさんもたくさん知識をお持ちだったので、天体のお話以外もすごく楽しかったです！

Our Tour Guide Henry was very well versed on all aspects of the Island and to Haleakala in general. He was patient with our entire group and encouraged questions.
Dinner was meh-My husband and I have eaten several times at Cafe O'Lei in Kihei,but this was not up to those standards.

Since Sunset was fully booked, I chose this option, and it was a great decision!
You can see a perfect starry sky because they start very early in the morning!
The sunrise was also very beautiful.
It was really cold, so I wore a down jacket, sweater, and denim, and even with Heattech underneath my denim, I was still cold.
Also, the guide and all the other guests were foreigners, so everything was in English.
The explanations were detailed and easy to understand, and the other tour participants were nice people too!

サンセットが満席だったため、こちらにしましたが、大正解でした！
朝とても早くから出版するので、満点の星空が見れます！
朝日もとても美しかったです。
とてもさむいので、ダウンジャケット、セーター、デニム、デニムの下にヒートテックでも寒かったです。
またガイドさんや他のお客さんも全員外国人なので英語です。
説明会も細かくしてくれてわかりやすかったですし、ほかのツアー客もいい人でした！

Preston was awesome! Best driver and very polite with people. Very fun and enjoyable trip! I highly recommend giving him a raise he deserves it!!

The time spent at each location was short and felt insufficient. I thought the name "Maui Island Highlights" might not be appropriate. There wasn't enough time to stroll around the town of Makawao, and after lunch, I could only manage to hurriedly buy coffee. We disbanded at the meeting place by 2 PM. I think it would have been better to have a bit more time to look around. Just when I was feeling that the experience wasn't worth the price, the guide asked for a tip, which was even more disappointing.

各所滞在時間も短く物足りなかった。
マウイ島ハイライトとう名称は当てはまらないのではないかと思った。
マカワオの街も散策するほど時間がなく昼食後急いでコーヒーを買うのが精一杯
14時には集合場所で解散になった。
もう少しゆっくりと見て回れても良いと思う。
値段の割にイマイチだなと思っていたところでガイドさんにチップを要求されて、さらにがっかりした。

In the morning, we were able to fully enjoy a leisurely hotel life until our 14:30 pickup. They picked us up right on time, and we made a stop at Whole Foods to choose our lunch, taking a bathroom break at Kula Lodge while gradually acclimatizing to the altitude. During the drive and breaks, we enjoyed detailed guidance and fun conversations with our guide, Yama P. At the stops, he also recommended souvenirs and offered tastings. In fact, everything was incredibly delicious.

At the hotel, despite our worries about the cloudy sky, we found clear weather at the summit of Haleakalā, with a new moon and no wind, creating perfect conditions for stargazing, according to Yama P. After enjoying our lunch and warm tea in the car, we put on the warm clothing and gloves provided, sat in our chairs, and adjusted our eyes to the darkness for a trip into the starry sky! The constellations were beyond imagination. We were captivated by Yama P's flowing lecture on the constellations. It was a fulfilling half-day that flew by in no time.

午前中はゆっくりホテルライフを満喫する事が
可能な14:30、ピックアップでした。
時間ピッタリにピックアップして頂き、途中ホールフーズでのお弁当チョイス、クラロッジでトイレ休憩を挟みながら、ゆっくりと高度順応して行きます。その間の車内や休憩中も山Pの詳しいガイドと楽しいお喋り。立ち寄り場所ではお薦めのお土産や試食なども。実際、メチャうまかった。
ホテルでは心配していた曇り空もハレアカラ頂上では晴天、月齢ゼロ、無風の3拍子が整い、なかなかの天文日和との山Pの弁。
車内でお弁当と温かいお茶を頂いた後、用意して頂いた防寒着と手袋を身に付けチェアに座り眼を暗闇にならしての満天の星空へトリップ！
想像を絶する星座群です。山Pの流れるような星座のレクチャーに聞き惚れます。
あっと言う間の充実した半日でした。

Our driver Judy wasn't the most pleasant of people. When we first got on the bus we sat in the handicap set behind her. My sister in law has a knee brace on so it was easier. Judy told us we couldn't sit there. We moved and a little bit into the ride she asked if anyone was prone to motion sickness. She said they could come up front. That made me mad. Then when we stopped to order our dinners a couple complained they couldn't understand her. We couldn't either. She got better speaking after that. She also told use we had 15 minutes and then disappeared for a half hour leaving us in the hot van. People start getting off so they could get air. Just not the greatest of drivers.

I asked a friend who has participated in Yamapi's Haleakalā sunset and stargazing tour about why they go so often, and they said it gives them inspiration and courage every time. I was encouraged to join for the first time. Yamapi, whom I only knew from "Hawa Koi," was wonderful, but meeting him in person revealed that he is truly a charming person, and I understood why one would want to join his tours again and again. We were blessed with good weather, and the sunset over the sea of clouds and the starry sky afterward were etched in my eyes and heart thanks to Yamapi's explanations. I am grateful to have participated in this tour and to have met Yamapi.

やまぴーさんのハレアカラS unset&stargajingツアーに10回くらい参加している友人に、何故そんなに度々？って聞くと毎回感動と勇気をもらえるとの事でした。是非と勧められて初めて参加させていただきました。「ハワ恋」で一方的に知っていたやまぴーさんも素敵でしたが、お会いすると、本当に魅力溢れる方でお話も楽しく2度、3度……やまぴーさんのツアーに参加したくなるのが分かりました。天候にも恵まれ雲海に沈む夕陽もその後の満天の星もやまぴーさんの解説で目と心に焼き付けてきました。
このツアーに参加できやまぴーさんにお会い出来たこと感謝です。

Last year, I participated in this tour for the first time and was so moved that I decided to join again this year as a key event in Maui! As a result, there were many clouds this time, so we couldn't see a sky full of stars, but just listening to Yamapi's explanations makes this tour worth it. Rather, it feels like a waste not to visit Haleakalā when coming to Maui! I plan to visit Maui again to experience the starry sky and the atmosphere of Haleakalā, and to meet Yamapi. Thank you very much!

去年、初めてこのツアーに参加させて頂いて
信じられないくらいに感動したので今年もマウイの主軸イベントとして
参加！
結果、今回は雲が多く満天の星というわけにはいきませんでしたが
ヤマピーさんの解説を聞いているだけでこのツアーには参加する価値があります。というよりマウイに来てハレアカラに行かないなんてことは勿体ない気がします！
また星空とハレアカラの空気、ヤマピーさんに会いにマウイを訪れるつもりです。有難うございました！

A chance to see some of the beauty of this location. Caution, you lose approximately 3 degrees F per 1,000 ft of altitude. You must also expect to experience wind chill as they wind is blowing.

I visited Haleakalā 25 years ago, and since it was during the day then, this was my first time experiencing the sunset. Unlike Japan, the regulations for entering the park have become quite strict, which I felt is important for preserving nature. The weather was such that there was a sea of clouds below, while above, it was perfectly clear with not a single cloud in the sky. There was no wind, and the moon was in its crescent phase. Our guide, Mr. Yamauchi, mentioned that it was perfect for sunset and stargazing.

At 7 PM, the sunset occurred, and the sun set faster than I had imagined, followed by the green flash. In the eastern sea of clouds, I could distinctly see the elliptical earth shadow, which gave a sense of the Earth's roundness. After the sun completely set, the starry sky was breathtaking. Mr. Yamauchi pointed out the prominent constellations, and I was able to see the Southern Cross clearly for the first time in a while, which was quite nostalgic.

Additionally, with a high-powered telescope connected to GPS that moved with a remote control, I could see Jupiter's vertical bands and the four planets lined up vertically. Various meteor showers were also visible, and the stars at lower altitudes sparkled like jewels, leaving me in awe. Maui offered a relaxed experience, allowing me to connect with nature on a global and cosmic scale, making it the best trip ever.

25年前にハレアカラに行ったことがあり、この時は日中でしたので今回初めてサンセットに行きました。日本とは違い入山の規制がかなり厳しくなっていて、自然を残すには大切なことだと感じました。天候は下界は雲海で、上空は雲ひとつない快晴、風も無風で、月齢がいわゆる三日月で、ガイドのヤマウチさんはサンセット&星空観察にはパーフェクトと言っておられました。午後7時のサンセットは、太陽が想像以上の速さで沈み、その後にグリーンフラッシュが訪れました。そして東の雲海には地球の丸さを感じる楕円形のアースシャドーがくっきり浮かびました。日が完全に沈んでからは、満天の星空でヤマウチさんが代表的な星座を教えてくれ、久しぶりにくっきりした南十字星を見ることができ、感傷に浸ることができました。また、GPSに接続していてリモコンで動く倍率の高い望遠鏡では、木星の縦の線や縦に並んだ4個の惑星がくっきり見え、他にもいろいろな流星群も見え、高度の低い位置の星は宝石のような輝きでうっとりとしました。マウイ島はゆったりとした時間が過ごせ、地球規模･宇宙規模の自然が体験でき、最高の旅行となりました。

Our guide was informative and was really great about giving us all time to see things and ask questions. We really enjoyed our trip and would recommend to friends

Der Sonnenaufgang über dem Haleakala ist definitiv einen Ausflug wert. Wer nicht mitten in der Nacht eine unbekannte und kurvenreiche Strecke fahren will, sollte diese Tour buchen. Der einzige Nachteil ist, dass alle Busse auf den Parkplatz am Visitor Center halten und es entsprechend voll dort ist. Außerdem ist eine organisierte Tour die einzige Möglichkeit den Sonnenaufgang zu sehen, wenn man keinen Parkplatz mehr über die Website des Nationalparks buchen kann... Ohne reservierten Parkplatz kein Zutritt!

Since my trip was decided at the last minute, I didn't make many plans and only booked this tour. This time, I traveled to Maui, where I went with my family 20 years ago, but this time it was just my mother and me on our first trip together. While we enjoyed our time leisurely, this tour became a wonderful memory. Our guide, Mr. Yamauchi, was attentive to each participant, providing advice on souvenirs and sharing stories from his overseas experiences, which made the time very enjoyable.

Additionally, the beauty of the starry sky, which I had never seen before, was accompanied by detailed explanations, and he prepared warm clothing, blankets, and hot tea, allowing us to fully enjoy the stars as a mother and child. Next time, I would like my father, husband, and sister to join us.

Thank you, Mr. Yamauchi.

旅行に行くことが出発ギリギリに決まったので、あまり予定を決めず、このツアーだけ予約させていただきました。
２０年前に家族で行ったマウイ島に、今回は母と初二人旅。ゆったりと過ごす中で、このツアーはとてもいい思い出になりました。ガイドのヤマウチさんは、参加者の方それぞれに気を配ってくださり、お土産のアドバイスやご自身の海外生活の経験のお話など、とても楽しく時間を演出してくださいました。
そして、見たこともない星空の美しさ、詳しい説明とともに防寒着や毛布、温かいお茶など用意してくださり、星空を親子で満喫させていただきました。
今度は、父や主人、妹も一緒に参加したいです。
　ヤマウチさん、ありがとうございました。

Unfortunately the day we went it was raining, very cloudy and very windy at the top so no sunrise. It is the risk you take when you book the trip. The guides were good to hang around hoping for some sun to come out. The breakfast was pretty good but could have been a little better organized. Overall, an ok day but nothing you can do about the weather. The company was nice to offer pants and jackets to everyone so it kept our clothes dry and us warm at the top, a nice feature I didn't realize we were getting.

The local tour with an English guide (including myself, there were three Japanese passengers and about ten foreign passengers) was well explained, and as a one-day tour, it was good. Unfortunately, the view from the visitor center near the summit was completely obscured by fog, which was disappointing, but later at the second viewpoint, I was relieved to see the entire crater beautifully. I was moved by the majestic views, including the scenery along the way. I’m not sure if we passed through the town of Paia as scheduled (I don’t think it was a particular issue), but the towns of Makawao and Iao Valley were also nice. Initially, it was stated that drop-offs were not allowed except at the pickup hotel, but after the Iao Valley tour, we split into a shuttle bus heading to Kahului and a bus going to Lahaina, so I was able to be dropped off at my desired destination of Lahaina, which was very helpful. Thank you very much.

英語ガイドの現地ツアー（乗客のうち私を含めて３人が日本人で、残り10数名は外国人）で、私の語学力ではドライバー兼ガイドの説明がその２割程度も聞けたかどうかわかりませんが、よく説明されており、１日ツアーとして良かったです。残念ながら、頂上近くのビジター・センターからの眺めは霧で全く見えず、これで終わりかとガッカリしましたが、その後、少し下がった第２展望台ではクレーター全体がきれいに見れてホッとしました。途中の景色も含めて、雄大な眺めに感動しました。予定にあったパイアの街 を通ったかどうかは不明でした（特に問題とは思っていません）が、マカワオの街、イアオ渓谷も良かったです。
当初、迎えのホテル以外への送りは不可とされていましたが、イアオ渓谷観光後にカフルイ方面へのシャトルバスとラハイナ方面への本バス移動に分かれたため、目的のラハイナまで乗せていただき、これも助かりました。
ありがとうございました。

Beautiful drive to Haleakala! Our driver, Judy, was both pleasant and extremely informative. She is truly an attribute to the company? She made the trip to and from the crater a good one.
Sunset was awesome!! The dinner at the golf course was more than we expected!

On my first visit to Maui, I joined this tour somewhat on a whim. Although the mountain was unexpectedly closed on the scheduled day, preventing us from reaching the summit, I had a wonderful time with our tour guide, Yama P, and the other participants! I plan to come back next year for a rematch!

初めてのマウイ島で、なんとなく参加してみたこちらのツアー。
予定の日はまさかの山がクローズで、頂上までいけなかったものの
ツアーガイドさんのやまPをはじめ、そこでご一緒させていただいた方たちととても楽しい時間を過ごすことができました！
また来年リベンジしようと思います！