Day trip

Mauna Kea: Stellar Explorer Tour from Hilo

4.2 / 5

31 reviews

Activity provider:KapohoKine Adventures
Day trip

Mauna Kea: Stellar Explorer Tour from Hilo

Activity provider:KapohoKine Adventures
Likely to sell out

From US$ 240.73 per person

Likely to sell out

Have an out-of-this-world experience. This thrilling adventure is the only Big Island star tour to feature nighttime astronomical observing for all ages.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 7 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Small group
Limited to 13 participants

Experience

Highlights
  • Visit Rainbow Falls
  • Explore the Kaumana Caves
  • Learn about two of the tallest and biggest volcanoes on Earth
  • Visit Boiling Pots
  • Go stargazing at night and experience a unique perspective of the sky
Full description

Visit Rainbow Falls and the Kaumana Caves before heading to your stargazing location. Travel across Saddle Road between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, 2 of the tallest and biggest volcanoes on Earth. To complete your tour, your guide will take you to one of the preferred locations on Mauna Kea for nighttime stargazing.

Observe the deep sky and planetary objects through a large aperture telescope, under one of the darkest and most pristine skies on planet Earth.

Enjoy narration from expert astronomers, who have written articles for well-known magazines and worked at world-class observatories for decades. The telescopes are a true purist way to view the night sky. Their fast focal ratio enables you to see sprawling wide-field views of objects that are simply not possible with other telescopes. 

Weather permitting and depending on what is visible in the current sky, you can observe galaxies, nebula, star clusters, planets, double star systems, the moon, and much more.

Includes
  • Entrance fees
  • All telescope equipment
  • Jackets

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Grand Naniloa Double Tree Hotel, 93 Banyan Drive, Hilo, HI 96720.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Jacket
  • Long pants
  • Closed-toe shoes

Not allowed

  • Open-toed shoes

Know before you go

  • This tour does not visit the summit of Maunakea out of deference to Native Hawaiian concerns
  • You must wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and bring a jacket
  • Telescope equipment will be provided
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.2 /5

based on 31 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.6/5
  • Transportation
    4.6/5
  • Service
    5/5
  • Organization
    5/5

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Star rating:

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable regarding formation of volcanic activity, astronomy, the history of the island and the beliefs of the Indigenous population. The Rainbow Falls, caverns and stargazing were all beautiful and particularly interesting given the information provided prior. Highly recommend!

May 30, 2023

Stargazing experience was pretty enjoyable. Nearly every guest on the tour initially believed we would go to the Maunakea summit, I believe since the tour states Mauna Kea in its name but does not specify what part of the mountain. It was likely already too late to get a refund. Two people exited the tour very early on after learning this when the tour van started driving off. The highest you go is at the Mauna Kea park. Keep this in mind when booking, as this is a costly experience.

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May 30, 2023

This tour is a great way to see some major attractions in Hilo: Rainbow Falls, Boiling Pots, and Kaumana Cave, while also taking you up Mauna Kea to stargaze. Our tour guide, Krystal, made our experience absolutely out of this world! She is full of energy and knew so much about the local flora and fauna, culture, and astronomy. Thank you so much for an amazing experience.

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May 30, 2023

Product ID: 206445