Maunakea Stellar Explorer HILO

4.4 (107 reviews) 7 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

107 reviews

4.4

Night Sky — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Milky Way — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

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.

Day Trips Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Excellent Quality Adventure Tours Low Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 7 hours
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: Adults (3–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off
Included: Professional guide
Included: Bottled water
Included: Driver/guide
Included: Dinner
Included: Beverages
Included: Tea and coffee: Coffee and/or Tea

Not included

Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Rainbow Falls

20 min Admission included

Start your adventure in quaint Hilo town where you’ll drive along the historic waterfront before arriving at Rainbow Falls. This iconic waterfall right off a postcard features an 80 foot tall twin waterfall system. Look for the rainbow effect that gives the waterfall its name!
Boiling Pots

20 min Admission included

Continue traveling up the Wailuku River to Boiling Pots. Impressive photo opportunities are often found here when the river “boils” through depressions in the rocks.
Kaumana Caves Park

one hour Admission included

Explore Kaumana Caves, part of the lava tube system that brought lava 1.5 miles from Hilo-town in 1881. Take a peek inside the cathedral-like space before tucking into a quick picnic-style lunch atop the caves.
Mauna Kea

1 h 30 min

Your guide will take you to one of our preferred locations on Mauna Kea for nighttime stargazing. 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!
Saddle Road

one hour

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. While you’re taking in the breathtaking terrestrial views, your guide will prepare some heavenly views just as stunning. Setting up a state of the art solar telescope for your viewing pleasure, your specially trained guide will let you safely watch the sun come alive in true color with vibrant solar flares, sunspots, prominences and any other current activity weather permitting.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

End point

Pickup points

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - A Doubletree By Hilton

We pick up at all major hotels, please contact us at 808-964-1000 for more information.

Using your ticket

Must wear Closed toe shoes, wear warm clothes and bring a jacket
Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions