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 23 Oct

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $263.76

Make a reservation

Wed 23 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)

Richard_B

Apr 2022

We had an excellent driver/guide. Really enjoyed his stories. We were rained out but he made the most of what he could control. Not his fault as he was good but didn’t control the sky. I took a chance but it didn’t work out.

Nancy_D

Feb 2022

We saw no stars. This company does not drive above the clouds. There was no compensation for seeing no stars. Very expensive van ride with a fish taco dinner!

Emily_C

Jan 2022

It was good stargazing (the best view of sirius and the moon I've ever had), and our guide was knowledgable about astronomy, and good at keeping up an educational dialogue through the trip, and helpful/ensuring everyone's comfort. However, the description on Viator says that there are two stops going up Muanakea, and I think this is misleading. All we did was cross the street, and it was a location I had already been to on the island (across from a popular rest stop), so it doesn't seem that exceptional. The good news is that you have an easy bathroom opportunity. I thought we would be going higher up the mountain (although I knew this was not a summit tour). I would also like the company to incorporate more Hawaiian/indigenous stellar history/stories. For example, the constellations we learned about came largely from a western/European perspective. Since this tour mentions not going to the summit our of respect for Hawaiian concerns, it would be nice to incorporate more of their history/beliefs/culture into this tour.