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

Wed 25 Feb

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $263.76

Make a reservation

Wed 25 Feb

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)

jeremywY3966UW

Jul 2024

Booked tour through Trip Advisor. KapohoKine Adventures called to say the booking was wrong and I'd need to rebook. I went through a different service instead. They never cancelled the reservation and despite me never traveling with them - charged me over $400. They were defensive and adamant about keeping my payment. There are lots of companies offering this tour - (I actually used Mauna Kea Sunset & Stars Tour through Taikobo Hawaii - they were fantastic) I would highly recommend going with one that isn't going to stick it to the customer if there are misunderstandings or other unavoidable irregularities.

Julia_M

Jun 2024

Excellent tour food was great. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and yes parkas were provided. It was 29 degrees. We were not at the summit or at the visitor center if that is where you wanted to be please read all of the descriptions

Relax693916

May 2024

Our guide Marcus was amazing. He was very knowledgeable about the stars and Hawaiian history. Super friendly and nice.