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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
Sat 05 Apr
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You can choose the date already on the booking website
Starting at $263.76
Sat 05 Apr
Starting at $263.76
Make a reservation
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
1
Kailua-Kona
The adventure starts with dinner.
2
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.
3
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)
Steve_G
Feb 2024
Awesome star viewing and Marcus our trip guide was amazing!! He was very knowledgeable about astronomy and the formation of the universe
Lauren_P
Jan 2024
Fantastic tour!! We saw the rings on Saturn, the bands on Jupiter and much more!!! Guides are so knowledgeable and really fun to be around!! This telescope is amazing!!!!
Sorbrique_G
Dec 2023
Marcus was an excellent guide! He was friendly and knowledgeable about stars and Hawaii. The meal was decent, typical tour food, maybe a touch better. My only complaint was having 20 people (we had another tour w/us) to one guide made things a little long, but we made do and were able to see some very cool things. If you have never had the opportunity to see the night sky through a telescope, would recommend this trip. If you have, you can skip it.

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