Reviewed by: George
First off The Two outstanding parts to this tour was Jeff; The Tour Guide and The Stars. Tour Guide Jeff, detailed intellect to the stars was fun and educational without being obnoxious. Felt very fortunate to have him as our guide. Even though the clouds didn’t corporate fully that evening the Sunset was astounding even at nine thousand foot elevation.
The Rudeness of One Local Park Ranger that evening was disappointing to witness by all in the group. He made a big deal to our Tour Guide to move the company van by honking his horn repeatedly when all he had to do was ask politely Not Nice. The other disappointment was The Gift Shop closing very early and while they were closing the gift shop personnel Didn’t allow access to the Restroom for the many guess that were present at the time. Gift shop took about 15 minutes to close up shop and during that time could’ve allowed access to Restrooms. Thank You Jeff !!! for saving our visit
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/03/03 |
Activity Date: | 2019/02/28 |
Reviewed by: Gabe
First off, big thanks to Jeff for being an entertaining and super knowledgeable guide. Great customer service as well. They called us early on in the morning to let us know, to our dismay, that we wouldn’t be able to get up to the summit for our particular trip (due to many weather related circumstances that were out of their control). It was a huge bummer, but like I said, still 100% worth it to attend the abbreviated version of this excursion. I’m more of a street smarts kinda guy if you know what I mean, Jeff made everything so easy to understand and so interesting to everyone attending the trip. He was able to answer every single question we had. I swear the guys a living encyclopedia. Long story short there should be no hesitation on your part to take this once in a lifetime trip. Set aside the funds you need to experience this NO. MATTER. WHAT.
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/03/03 |
Activity Date: | 2019/02/28 |
Reviewed by: Yumi
It was so lucky to sit next to the pilot!
The best view and nice weather. Kind and well experienced Pilot. It was expensive but worth to try.
Just the recording the flight US$40 was too high. And the confliction of USB to be ready and bus schedule was too tight.
NB: Check my pick up time on the Vaucher !!! It was actually the flight schedule. I was about miss the beggest event of the trip!!!
That was your Veltra mistake.
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Packages: | 基本プラン |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2019/03/01 |
Activity Date: | 2019/02/26 |
Reviewed by: Katerina
This tour provided a great overview of the island. The stops were timed well for bathroom/stretch purposes. We made a couple unscheduled fun stops/detours which was great. Nate had a lot of info to share amd was very knowledgable. Food was very yummy and Nate even found an orchid shopnfor us to eat at while it was pouring outside. Overall great experience.
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Packages: | Grand Circle Island & Volcanoes National Park |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2019/02/19 |
Activity Date: | 2019/02/16 |
Reviewed by: みにゃ
はじめてのヘリコプター体験、楽しかったです。
日本語パイロットリクエストしましたが、予約確定時、英語パイロットと、お知らせが来ましたのであらかじめ理解の上参加できたのが良かったです。
ネイティブではありませんが、理解出来、とてもよい体験になりました!
残念ながら、キラウエア火山は沈静化していましたので期待したものではありませんでしたが、雄大なハワイ島の景色を眺めることが出来、お値段の価値はありました!
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Packages: | 基本プラン |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/02/18 |
Activity Date: | 2019/02/16 |
Reviewed by: Irwin Ohana (Family)
Jim Carey is an outstanding and knowledgeable guide who wove Hawaiian folklore, geology and local current events into an experience that we (ages 12 to 72) all enjoyed. We had a nice small group (just seven of us) which allowed Jim to go a little off script and pack a lot of experiences into our day. The transportation van was comfortable but be ready for a long drive because Jim really covers the Big Island. From the lava flows in Kona to Hilo to Kilauea, there was a lot of ground covered. The gourmet dinner of organic and locally grown steaks, fish and produce was exceptional. Don't even get me started on the dessert. We are still talking about it. The stargazing was a spectacular finish to the day.
Thank you Jim for an unforgettable experience.
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Deluxe Volcano Tour |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2019/02/17 |
Activity Date: | 2019/02/13 |
Reviewed by: Katsutoshi
クジラのジャンプを何回も見ることができて感激しました。船は揺れましたが、クジラを探すことに夢中になっていたため船酔いもなく楽しめました。
Rating: | |
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Packages: | 8:00発/ワイコロア港 |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/02/17 |
Activity Date: | 2019/02/09 |
Reviewed by: anko
滞在先がカイルアコナだったので地力で集合
場所まで行かなければならなかったですが
パブリックパーキングが判り辛く、かなり焦り
ましたので事前のチェックが必要です。
ツアーの内容は予想以上に近くでクジラを
見る事が出来て大変良かったです。
ただし、船はかなり揺れますので、船酔いの
心配な方はそれなりに準備した方が良いと思います。
Rating: | |
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Packages: | 8:00発/ワイコロア港 |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/02/12 |
Activity Date: | 2019/02/08 |
Reviewed by: arita
遠目でしたが、鯨を見ることが出来ました。ユッタリとカップルで泳ぐ鯨達を見て癒やされました、ぜひもう一度参加したい!
Rating: | |
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Packages: | 9:30発/ カワイハエ港 |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/02/11 |
Activity Date: | 2019/02/05 |
Reviewed by: Travelooza
We enjoyed it a lot. We wish we had gone earlier in our trip so we would’ve had the opportunity to build other activities around what we saw on this trip. James runs this business on his own and he does a lot of research and individualizes each trip to the current conditions of the atmosphere and weather. The photos he took of us were amazing. I could see couples booking this for engagement, honeymoon or anniversary photos. The star gazing was the highlight. We see stars from our house very well but it doesn’t even compare to the clarity of the sky at that altitude. I would definitely recommend this excursion.
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Buy One, Get One FREE! |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/02/07 |
Activity Date: | 2019/01/26 |
Reviewed by: もりぞう
夫と二人で参加しました。期待していたブリッジングには遭遇できませんでしたが(ただ遭遇率はあまり高くないとのこと)、親子クジラに出会えました!(マウイ島のほうがみられるんでしょうか??)
送迎はスムーズで、朝一にひとつアクティビティを体験でき、そのあとの一日をたっぷり使えますしよいスケジュールだと思います。乗客みんなで「何時方向にいる!」と見つけあい、潮吹きやしっぽたたきを楽しみました。ツアー船長が(英語ですが)クジラの生態について説明してくれました。乗客のいろいろな質問にも答えてくれて、学びになりました。いつかまた参加して、ぜひブリッジングを見てみたいです!
Rating: | |
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Packages: | 8:00発/ワイコロア港 |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/02/06 |
Activity Date: | 2019/02/05 |
Reviewed by: Atlanta Couple
Let me start off by saying I had a pretty low expectation for the meals when I saw they were included. The food was really great—chef made lunch and delicious beef ribs at dinner. I’m still dreaming about them. That alone provides so much value for the price.
Now, onto the tour—Keith was an amazing tour guide! He started off by learning and continually speaking to each of us individually by name. He had the greatest stories at AND between each tour stop. We really enjoyed the tour from start to finish and almost forgot how long of a day it was! And for the stargazing, we lucked out with a beautiful clear sky and Keith was knowledgeable about not only the stars we were seeing, but so much beyond that!
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Twilight Volcano & Stargazing Tour |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/02/04 |
Activity Date: | 2019/02/01 |
Reviewed by: ふじこ
セスナと比べて安定した乗り心地、安心快適、素敵な体験でした。パイロットが、望月TOSHIさんだとわかった瞬間、安心感・期待感がさらに倍増。
熔岩の流れはストップしてましたが、その分、火口にもぐんと近付け、海から見る岸壁も火山島そのもの、同乗したカナダ人家族と一緒に大感激したのでした。
Rating: | |
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Packages: | 基本プラン |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/01/30 |
Activity Date: | 2019/01/14 |
Reviewed by: C D
James was a very knowledgeable and chill guide. He also takes amazing pictures! This is a really unique tour that you can't find elsewhere. Definitely recommend for those who visit the big island.
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Waterfalls, Lava Cave & Stargazing |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/01/28 |
Activity Date: | 2019/01/25 |
Reviewed by: Irina
Mauna Kea star-gazing tour was a must on our recent trip to Hawai’i. Our tour guide, Jim, was very knowledgeable and made sure that everyone in our group had the best experience possible. Absolutely incredible views, unforgettable sunset above the clouds, gorgeous Milky Way!!
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/01/13 |
Activity Date: | 2019/01/10 |
Reviewed by: Gary T
Brett, out tour guide did an outstanding job, very enthusiastic and knowledgeable.
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Deluxe Volcano Tour |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2019/01/07 |
Activity Date: | 2019/01/04 |
Reviewed by: Yuka
日常会話レベル以下の英語力でしたが、特に問題なく楽しむことができました。
【船に乗るまで】
時間になったらホテルのフロントまで小型バスが迎えに来てくれました。
ワイコロアから程近い海に降ろされ「終わったらここに戻ってきてね。それと船に乗る前に同意書は向こうで書いてね。」と言われ、砂浜にある海の家(?)に向かいます。タブレットのような機械で電子サインを済ませ10分ほど待つと小さな船が来たので乗りました。
沖より少し手前で小さな船から大きな船に移ります。
日本人参加者は私達2人だけでした。
【ホエールウォッチング体験】
船の席は自由です。英語ツアーなので私は何を言っているかはちんぷんかんぷんでした(笑)。
また船は揺れるので立ち上がってクジラの写真を撮る際は、皆立つのでしっかりロープや手すりにつかまってください。
遠かったですが4〜5回クジラの潮吹きを見ることができ、クジラの反り返りの低いジャンプも見ることができました。ハワイ島の大自然を感じられた瞬間で貴重な体験でした。
クルーも親切なお兄ちゃんでした。「クジラは毎日ほぼ見れるよ!イルカはたまに。ここよりもコナの方がいるよ。」とのこと。クルーのお兄ちゃんに船でクジラに大接近してる画像を見せてもらい、大迫力すぎて驚きました。自然相手なのでクジラに会えるor会えないは運ですが、こういうラッキーな日もあるんだなぁと思いました。ちなみに、私達2人は船酔いせずに済みました。
【ホエールウォッチングを終えて】
9:30頃船から降りて、また小さい船に移動し砂浜へ戻ります。行きに乗ったバスに乗り込み、無事にホテルのフロントに到着し無事にツアー終了となりました☆
ホエールウォッチングは初めての経験だったので、参加してよかったです!またクジラを待ってる間はクルージングとして楽しみましたよ。遠くの方にマウナケア等の山が見えて美しい海岸も見ることができ優雅な時間でした。
Rating: | |
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Packages: | 8:00発/ワイコロア港 |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2019/01/03 |
Activity Date: | 2018/12/30 |
Reviewed by: Nichole B
My friend and I went on the stargazing and sunrise tour to the Summit of Mauna Kea yesterday. Todd was our tour guide and extremely personable. He was also a wealth of knowledge on constellations, and local landscape. The stargazing was outstanding, we saw satellites, shooting stars, and a ton of constellations not visible usually at home. The summit was breathtaking, watching the sun come up we could see the whole island and Maui from up there. It was like being on top of the world. I definitely recommend it!
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Buy One, Get One FREE! Stargazing & Sunrise Tour |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2019/01/01 |
Activity Date: | 2018/09/02 |
Reviewed by: maichap
鏡のような海面をゆっくり走ると、クジラの潮吹き、ダイビングを見学。帰り道はイルカの群生というおまけ付き。人生にこんな時間があるのだと、感動!
Rating: | |
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Packages: | 9:30発/ カワイハエ港 |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/12/31 |
Activity Date: | 2018/12/27 |
Reviewed by: Sam
Great experience! Saw whales and dolphins...mission accomplished!
Rating: | |
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Packages: | [09:30 AM] Whale Watch Cruise from Kawaihae Harbor |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/12/30 |
Activity Date: | 2018/12/24 |
Reviewed by: Kelsey
The experience was a let down as there was nothing special about it. The amount of money you pay for this is not worth it. However, the tour guides were very nice and enthusiastic.
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Standard Package: Treetop Canopy Zipline Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/12/27 |
Activity Date: | 2018/12/24 |
Reviewed by: Greg D
While I understand that no one can truly guarantee seeing whales naturally, it's still a bit disappointing not to have seen any and the only reason Oceans Sports didn't get the full 5 stars. We appreciated the opportunity to try again another day but our demanding schedule didn't allow for it.
That being said, the crew was incredible fun and friendly and we very much enjoyed our "boating trip". The drinks were good and we got some incredible recommendations from the crew for lunch and other day-time activities. I would highly recommend this trip to others even with the off-chance of not seeing any whales.
Rating: | |
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Packages: | [8:00 AM] Whale Watch Cruise from Anaeho’omalu Bay |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/12/26 |
Activity Date: | 2018/12/20 |
Reviewed by: Darko
I recommend this Sunrise tours especially to people who never conquers mountain peak higher then 3000 m.
Of course, I recommend it to everyone else, but for those who are for the first time on a higher elevation this is simply the must.
The flow of emotions I felt when I reached the peak was so overwhelming that I couldn't stop the tears.
It's almost impossible to express the feeling of inner fulfillment when you stand on the top of a high mountain watching the sunrise!
The Veltra crew did outstanding planning by set of small stops so our body can adapt to over 4000 m attitude.
First we stopped at 2000 to adapt to coldness of night and change in altitude. (They distributed parkas to all of us at that time)
Then we stopped at around 3000 m for unforgettable stargazing experience.
I saw shapes of Milky way, before but this was on completely different level.
I think the altitude of 3000 m makes substantial difference. There you don't have any light pollution but also the air is already thin enough to give you unforgettable experience of pure connection with the universe.
Then finally, just when you think that it can not get better then this, on the brink of dawn, we reached the summit and saw and felt unforgettable sunrise that will, at least in my case, stay forever in my memories.
I would like to use this opportunity to thank Veltra team and especially to our guide Stefan for allowing me to experience this unforgettable sunrise.
Sincerely.
Aloha,
Thank you very much for joining our sunrise tour and giving us your review.
We are happy to hear that you enjoyed the sunrise and stargazing.
Because we are a Japanese tour company, it was our challenge to combine customers who speak different language.
We are very careful about the altitude accommodation of our customers.
Sunrise from the summit and the sky filled with the stars at Mauna Kea is outstanding.
I will tell Stefan about your review and he would be happy.
Thank you for choosing our tour.
We're looking forward to seeing you on Big Island again!
NatureSchool
Sumire
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/12/26 |
Activity Date: | 2018/09/11 |
Reviewed by: いっきゅう
まだシーズン始まったばかりで、クジラはあまり活発に動いてないと聞いていたのですが、4回スプラッシュ!その内1回はかなり近くで会うことができました。
船の先端が網になっていて、子供たちはそこに寝転がり、めちゃめちゃ気持ち良さそうでした!気持ちよすぎて爆睡してましたが…
ガイドは全て英語の為、私や子供には内容は全然分かりませんでしたが、分からなくてもとにかく楽しめました!
Rating: | |
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Packages: | 9:30発/ カワイハエ港 |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/12/25 |
Activity Date: | 2018/12/22 |
Reviewed by: Andrew
We took the Japanese tour since the english tour was sold out. Fortunately we were bilingual so there were no issues for us. Mr. Aoki the tour coordinator was very helpful. There might be few things that you just have to laugh about.
Sadly we weren’t able to see the sunrise because of weather issues but we got to see the star gazing perfectly!!
FYI not being avle to see doesnt happen often because this tour is known for being able to see more than 300 days/year.
Still waiting for our pics from the tour guide since they took the pictures for us! Will post all the pics when we recieve them
Aloha Mr.Andrew,
Thank you for joining our Mauna Kea Sunrise& Stargazing tour.
We are glad that you enjoyed the stargazing. I'm sorry if you We apology for lacking of communication in English.
In winter season, there will be more possibility of rain; however, as you mentioned, it is so true that most of time in a year, the weather is clear on Mauna Kea summit.
If you have not receive the password for your pictures, we kindly appreciate if you could send us an Email, and we will reply to your Email ASAP.
We are looking forward to seeing you in the Big Island!
Sincerely,
NtureSchool
Rena
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Buy One, Get One FREE! Stargazing & Sunrise Tour |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/12/14 |
Activity Date: | 2018/10/07 |
Reviewed by: Shin Taniguchi
Many people say sunset is better than sunrise, but sunrise is great, too.
Even though we were on the tour about two days before the full-moon (meaning moonlight is very bright and moon doesn't set until about 5 in the morning), we could enjoy the gorgeous stars in the sky with decent explanation of the stars.
Sunrise was also gorgeous. It was no doubt one of the most beautiful scenaries I have ever seen in my life. Although we were lucky enough to see both stars and sunrise in good weather and it is said that we mostly see clear sky at the peak of Mauna Kea, you may have to keep in mind weather is always a variable you can never tell.
Our guides were good, with a lot of experience and knowledge, trying to do their best to make the tour enjoyable.
If you are okay to go to bed early on the day before and can wake up at 1:30 in the morning, it will let you spend your time more wisely because you have a whole day even after you come back from the tour. (we came back to the hotel around 8:30 am)
Also be noted that the temperature up there is very low. Especially because the weater in Hawaii is hot and you need to face the near-freezing-point weather on the same day, make sure to prepare warm clothes yourself. The ski jackets and pants they lend you will not be enough.
Aloha, this is Sumire from NatureSchool.
Thank you for joining our tour and giving us your feedback.
I 'm glad to hear that you could enjoy the stars and sunrise with the clear sky.
As you said, it's very hard to expect the weather on the summit.
Even though the weather is not good, we try our best to make the customers enjoy the tour.
Our tour guides have much knowledge and many skills.
We would love to do more English tours in the future.
We are looking forward to seeing you again on Bigisland.
Thank you for joining our tour again!
NatureSchool
Sumire
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Buy One, Get One FREE! Stargazing & Sunrise Tour |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/12/14 |
Activity Date: | 2018/09/23 |
Reviewed by: あかさたな
ツアーの前日に、集合場所が変更になりました。
かなり、カイルアからは遠くて、参りました。
また、ホエールは現れずただ海に浮かんでいただけでした。
英語しか無い日取りだったので、分からないとかなりつまらないと思います。
良い点は次回無料で参加できるvoucherをくれたこと。
でも、もう行かないかな。
Rating: | |
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Packages: | 8:00発/ワイコロア港 |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/12/12 |
Activity Date: | 2018/12/09 |
Reviewed by: Mara
Highly recommend this excursion. Great way to see the entire island from lava rock to waterfalls to Japanese gardens to a lave tube cave, it was all amazing. But the best part is the stargazing on Mauna Kea. Its like nothing you have experienced before. To see the sky in this way was simply inspirational. James from Epic Tours gave us a amazing tour and having pictures taken all along the way was the icing on the cake. Definitely a must do on the Big Island.
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Buy One, Get One FREE! |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2018/12/02 |
Activity Date: | 2018/11/29 |
Reviewed by: Jitendra Shrivastav
Awesome tour and special thanks to Awana for being an awesome Guide during entire journey and make it a memorable one
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Grand Circle Island & Volcanoes National Park |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/12/01 |
Activity Date: | 2018/11/27 |
Reviewed by: Mako
価格に見合った感動が待っている (分けて報告します)
今回はハワイ島だけに少し長めに滞在することにしました。できるだけノンビリ過ごすのが目的ですが、と言ってもただコンドミニアムに閉じこもっているのも芸がない。何かとっておきのツアーはないか、と探しに探して決めたのがヘリコプター遊覧!これで空からビッグアイランドを一望できる、と心は踊りますが、いくつかの難問がありました。
①料金が高め ②ヘリコプターは危険ではないか ③何もヘリでなくとも車で十分ではないか ④実施が天候に左右される ⑤日本語パイロットのヘリに乗れるか(英語がダメなので) ⑥ツアーのパターンはどれを選べば良いのか ⑦そもそもキラウエアの噴火は大丈夫か 、などなど。これらを何とかクリアして素晴らしい時間を手にした報告です。
①について:ハワイ島の魅力はなんと言っても多彩な自然です。地球は生きていて今も進化し続けていることを実感するにはヘリコプターしかない!と、清水の舞台から飛び降りる気持ちで予約しました(涙) 実際に飛んでみるとそれはもう期待以上でした。他のツアーと比較すると確かに高いです。しかし時間単価ではなくて、「感動単価」で考えると安い!というのが体験しての実感です。ハワイ島では高価な買い物などできませんし、する必要もありません。ですから、最初から旅行費用に組み入れて準備することをお勧めします。もちろんお金持ちの方には言わずもがなです。ぜひ体験して下さい。
②について:何事も危険ゼロは無いですが、ヘリ事故の確率は、レンタカーで慣れない運転にチャレンジするのに比べたら比較にならないくらい低いと思います。実際、機体もかっこよくて、視界も広く、揺れもなく、とても爽快なフライトを楽しめました。騒音はヘッドホンを着けると消えますし、パイロットを含め乗員全員で会話ができます。これも楽しい時間となり、同乗したご夫妻とお友達になってしまいました。運行の可否は、フライト時刻毎にその日の飛行ルートの気象状況を見て決められ、実際に、私たちの次の時間以降のフライトは中止になりました。当たり前ですが危険なフライトは決してしません。
その2にに続きます
Rating: | |
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Packages: | 基本プラン |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/11/29 |
Activity Date: | 2018/11/26 |
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Aloha, this is Sumire from NatureSchool.
Thank you very much for joining our sunrise tour and posting your review!
I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour.
Our company's tour guides have much knowledge about stars and Big Island.
We can see bunch of stars that are invisible in a town.
Thank you for choosing our tour.
We're looking forward to seeing you again.
Sincerely,
NatureSchool
Sumire