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 16 Jan

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $263.76

Make a reservation

Thu 16 Jan

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)

Nicktravels23

Jul 2019

This is a can’t miss tour, seeing the Milky Way and other galaxies is so amazing. We had tour guide Todd and he was really amazing, he was very knowledge about the night sky, and Hawaiian history and culture. He made a great dinner for us and during the driving gave us a lot of great information about Hawaii as well as answer all the questions we had. The night we had was cloudy going up but as soon as we got to the viewing spot the clouds parted and we had a perfect night to view stars and the galaxy. Highly recommend this tour, very relaxing, but also learning a lot of information. Our tour guide Todd was the best, very knowledgeable and fun.

nehapatel607

Jun 2019

We just got back from our trip out to see the stars. Unfortunately once we got to the site to view the stars, the clear night became really cloudy. We were not able to see much at all. After spending all day looking forward to seeing stars all day, it was really disappointing to not get to see any. However, I give this tour 5 stars because our guide, Chris K, was so knowledgeable about the volcanoes, the stars and the island, that it was still fun. After sitting on a bus for many hours and then not seeing stars, I was expecting my two teenagers to be really upset and annoying. Lol. They actually had fun, and to be honest it was because they learned a lot from Chris.

Mizzschizo

Apr 2019

You could only be so lucky to get Todd as your Guide (but he's really a Master of Everything!) when you go. He really brings the heart to the tour. He has so much knowledge of Hawaii's history and culture. He shows great reverence towards the Japanese culture as well. Our tour at Mauka Meadows was delightful. Their property is wonderfully designed and picturesque. Todd prepared our dinner there and the BBQ pork was fantastic!!! After our meal we went to a viewing spot on Daniel K Inouye Hwy (Saddle Road) and it was pure splendor!!! The Milky Way glistened across the sky, and in that moment I fell in love with the stars. Don't pull out a star Gazing app, it will spoil everything. Let Todd (or your Guide) set up the telescope and present the sky to you. You will learn about the stories behind the stars and if you are lucky enough, you will get to see even more extraordinary objects!!! This tour is one you do not want to miss!!!