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

Thu 24 Oct

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $263.76

Make a reservation

Thu 24 Oct

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 (70)

Osamu_M

Dec 2019

Unfortunately, we couldn’t climb the Mt. Mauna Kea, but spend great time to stargaze from the mountain next to it. John was so familiar with the star history and zodiac story, he sincerely taught us lots of episode related signs. The meal was great and two travel friends are very kind that they made great conversation with us, despite we are only Japanese. If the situation about Mauna Kea is changed, I would like to consider the next tour opportunity.

rerisher

Dec 2019

We had a fantastic time on this tour despite the complete “whiteout” conditions by nightfall, and the success of the tour was largely due to the knowledge and congeniality of our guide, Todd. Not only was Todd intelligent and well spoken, but he also cooked an outstanding dinner. Todd also had an actual college degree in astronomical science, which made him uniquely suited to guide us on a tour of the sky. Even though we did not get to view the stars as planned, we still thoroughly enjoyed our time and would love to try this tour again under clearer conditions.

Response from Host

Dec 2019

Aloha and mahalo for the great review. I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour even though the weather wasn't cooperating. I hope you'll adventure again with us real soon.

michellesM7347YT

Dec 2019

John was great! Not only did he do everything for us (drive, cook, and educate). He gave us a great tour of the skies and as promised he stayed out as late as the group was willing to stay out. We stayed way past the other groups that were out there with us. We got to see so many wonders in the sky. And dinner at the coffee planation was a nice treat and surprise.

Response from Host

Dec 2019

Aloha and mahalo for the wonderful review. I'm happy to hear that you had such a great time adventuring with us. We'd love to see your photos -- be sure to follow and tag us on Instagram @Kapohokine.