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Activity Big Island of Hawaii, USA

Maunakea Stellar Explorer from Kona

3.8 (109 reviews) 6 h 30 min Free cancellation
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Maunakea Stellar Explorer from Kona

About this activity

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.

This tour does not visit Maunakea’s summit or Visitor Center out of deference to Native Hawaiian concerns.

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At a glance

Duration
6 h 30 min
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Up to 26 people
People per booking
1–26
Guide
English
Operated by
Kapohokine Adventures

Ages: Children (5–17 years) · Adults (18–99 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Included: Bottled water
  • Included: Driver/guide
  • Included: Dinner
  • Included: Jackets

Not included

  • Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

  1. Kailua-Kona

    1 h 30 min

    The adventure starts with dinner.

  2. Saddle Road

    one hour Admission included

    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

    1 h 30 min

    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.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

  • Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
  • Volcano House
  • Kohala Coast Collection
  • Lava Lodge at Hale Kilauea
  • Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings' Land Waikoloa
  • OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa
  • Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kohala Suites Waikoloa
  • Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
  • Keahole Airport
  • Kailua Village Resort
  • Manago Hotel
  • Kona Oceanfront Home

and 11 more pickup points

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

Using your ticket

  • Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
  • Must wear closed toe shoes
  • Wear warm clothes
  • Bring a jacket

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%
  • The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Traveller ratings

3.8 out of 5 · 109 reviews
5
52%
4
17%
3
7%
2
2%
1
21%

Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Maunakea Stellar Explorer from Kona

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