We booked this wonderful trip as a 49th wedding anniversary activity. The sunset and stargazing tour was excellent in every way. Derrick picked us up at the Starbucks in Waikoloa and entertained us with a very informative talk about the Big Island’s flora and fauna while he drove us to the Mauna Kea Access Road. Derrick is very smart, knows his “stuff” and delivers it in a humorous manner—he’s a natural born teacher! From there we rode in a nice 4-wheel drive van with Hunter, who was our guide for the sunset and stargazing tour. Hunter is an encyclopedia of knowledge about the night sky, the telescopes, and about how to take care of his passengers. We proceeded to the Visitors’ Center, where we paused for about 30 minutes to acclimate to the altitude. This stop also afforded time to use the restroom and don heavier clothing for the ascent to the summit. When we arrived at the summit, Hunter distributed parkas. It is chilly at the top, even in May. No one in our group had any problems with altitude sickness; none of us got very cold at the top. Perhaps we were too distracted by the beauty that Nature afforded us as we stood in the rarefied air. I took some of the best sunset photos I have ever taken. Don’t fail to book this tour if you love sunsets! And don’t think you can see the same panoramic vista out the window of a jet. You can’t! After the sun had set, Hunter took us to a place with a somewhat lower altitude. I’ve never been with a guide like Hunter, who could explain and point out all the constellations in the night sky. What a show! Just wish I could have captured it somehow. But nothing played back on a flat screen could possibly measure up to being there! Oh, by the way, you don’t need dinner on the way up! A simple packed sandwich will suffice. Many in our group drank hot chocolate and munched snacks (both provided) near the end of the star gazing. I can’t say enough wonderful things about this trip to Mauna Kea. It is easy to see why Hawaiians consider it sacred. Being there is a spiritual experience so powerful that I am likely to book this trip again. Finally, don’t think you’re too old or too sick to enjoy this trip. I’m in my 70’s and I have multiple sclerosis. I didn’t walk around a lot, but I still managed to feast my eyes! Adding: Thanks for answering my emails and keeping me informed by texts!