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)

Kelly_A

Dec 2021

I was under the mistaken impression that this experience/tour went all the way to the top of Mana Kea, not a grass strip at 7,000ft ASL. It wasn’t until our guide Marcus, who was great by the way, mentioned we were going up to only 7,000ft that it became apparent this wasn’t a stargazing trip to the top of the mountain, nor even to the Visitors Center at 9,000ft. That needs to be stated in the description up front, not as the last sentence. Marcus was great, and made the best of the situation. He was very knowledgeable in astronomy.

Shahid_R

Dec 2021

Marcus, our guide, was passionate about astronomy. He had good knowledge base and took time to explain various stars and why their positions change at various times and months. In spite of some clouds he showed us several stars and galaxies using his large mirror telescope. Hot cocoa and jackets were provided at the right time. It was a small group. I believe everyone enjoyed the experience. If you are remotely interested in Astronomy or space science, you will enjoy this your.

Debra_P

Nov 2021

Richard was very nice and knowledgeable. The stars were awesome. Thank you to Richard for this great trip