Maunakea Stellar Explorer from KONA

Overview

For an out-of-this-world experience, check out Maunakea Stellar Explorer from KapohoKine Adventures. This thrilling adventure is the only Big Island star tour to feature nighttime astronomical observing AND safe daytime solar viewing with all ages welcome! Our in-house stellar explorers are the best and most experienced in Hawaii with one having created the Mauna Kea Visitor’s Center and operated it for a decade. Others on staff have written noted articles and reviews for well-known astronomy magazines and have worked at world-class observatories.

City: Big Island of Hawaii

Sun 27 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $263.76

Make a reservation

Sun 27 Apr

Starting at $263.76

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Bottled water

Driver/guide

Dinner

Jackets

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

Kailua-Kona

The adventure starts with dinner.

Saddle Road

Next, you’ll travel across Saddle Road between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, two of the tallest and most massive volcanoes on Earth. Your National Park Service trained guide will discuss the volcanology, geology, and history of these monstrous wonders, as well as providing in-depth narration on the various lava flows and flora and fauna that you’ll be passing by. Lastly, your guide will take you to one of our preferred locations on Mauna Kea for nighttime stargazing.

Mauna Kea

You’ll observe deep sky and planetary objects through a large aperture Dobsonian telescope under one of the darkest and most pristine skies on planet Earth! Our Dobsonian telescopes are a true purist’s experience to view the night sky. Their fast focal ratio enables you to see sprawling wide field views of objects that simply aren’t possible with the types of telescopes used by other tours. Depending on what is visible in the current sky and weather permitting, you’ll observe galaxies, nebula, star clusters, planets, double star systems, the moon, and much more; all the highlights and showpiece objects like you’ve never seen before! Afterwards, warm up with Kona coffee and hot chocolate before returning to your resort. Warm jackets provided. This tour does not visit Maunakea’s summit out of deference to Native Hawaiian concerns.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (97)

Betty_E

Feb 2025

We really enjoyed the star watching trip. The dinner before was at a restaurant we had not tried before. Food and service were very good. Our guide Marcus was very knowledgeable about stars, volcanoes, Hawaii in general... We were able to view and learn a lot about the stars, planets and galaxies. Great time, even if we only went up to about 7000 foot, which was fine with us!

PETER_J

Jan 2025

It’s very rare to visit a place that leaves you speechless. The Milky Way is nothing short of extraordinary. The guide is very knowledgeable, patient and warm

Francis_O

Jan 2025

None of the things happened because Viator contracted with a company that does not do any of this. I unfortunately did not see this disclaimer in. Kapahokine Adventure email they put down in the email. I was not expecting to be booked on a totally different experience. Both of these operators are aware of this happening but they have your money so so sad to bad.