Maunakea Stellar Explorer from Kona

3.8
(100 reviews)

6 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

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.

What's Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Bottled water
Driver/guide
Dinner
Jackets
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Please call the phone number on your ticket/voucher for your pick up time and schedule.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Kailua-Kona

    The adventure starts with dinner.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    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.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 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.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Kapohokine Adventures

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Night Tours
Shore Excursions
Adventure Tours
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Port Pickup
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

3.8 Based on 100 100 reviews
5 stars
54
4 stars
17
3 stars
7
2 stars
2
1 star
20
from per person
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