Maunakea Stellar Explorer HILO
Hilo, US
75% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Explore Rainbow Falls in Hilo town
- Witness the impressive Boiling Pots on the Wailuku River
- Experience the unique Kaumana Caves and enjoy a picnic-style lunch
- Stargaze under the dark and pristine skies of Mauna Kea
- Learn about volcanology and view the sun through a state-of-the-art telescope on Saddle Road
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Duration: 7 hours
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Includes hotel pickup/drop-off
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Professional guide included
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Dinner and beverages provided
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Safe daytime solar viewing
Experience the wonders of the night sky with the Maunakea Stellar Explorer tour from KapohoKine Adventures. Prepare to be amazed as you embark on this thrilling adventure, the only star tour on the Big Island that offers both nighttime astronomical observing and safe daytime solar viewing. With the best and most experienced stellar explorers in Hawaii as your guide, you'll have the opportunity to observe deep sky and planetary objects through a large aperture Dobsonian telescope under some of the darkest and most pristine skies on Earth. But the adventure doesn't end there. You'll also explore beautiful sites along the way, including Rainbow Falls, Boiling Pots, Kaumana Caves, and Saddle Road, where you'll witness the breathtaking views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Don't miss this out-of-this-world experience!
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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7 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Embark on the Maunakea Stellar Explorer for an unforgettable stargazing adventure and solar viewing experience on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Included
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Bottled water -
Dinner
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Hotel pickup and drop-off
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Beverages
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Driver/guide
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Coffee and/or tea
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Professional guide
Excluded
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Gratuities
Meeting Point
93 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI 96720 , United States
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
Rainbow Falls
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!
20 minutes
Admission Included
Boiling Pots
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.
20 minutes
Admission Included
Kaumana Caves Park
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.
60 minutes
Admission Included
Mauna Kea
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!
90 minutes
Saddle Road
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.
60 minutes
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health -
Public transportation options are available nearby
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What our experts say
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Don't miss Rainbow Falls for photos -
Try local poke at a nearby eatery
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Bring warm layers for stargazing
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Visit Kaumana Caves for exploration
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Plan for a sunset at Mauna Kea
More About this Experience
Introduction
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Maunakea Stellar Explorer in Hilo, Hawaii. This one-of-a-kind tour, brought to you by KapohoKine Adventures, offers a stellar experience like no other. With the combination of nighttime stargazing and safe daytime solar viewing, this tour caters to all ages and ensures a truly out-of-this-world experience. The expert stellar explorers at KapohoKine Adventures have an extensive background in astronomy and have worked at world-class observatories, guaranteeing an informative and captivating journey.What to expect?
During this 420-minute tour, you can anticipate a variety of exciting activities. The adventure begins in Hilo as you drive along the historic waterfront and visit the iconic Rainbow Falls. Marvel at the breathtaking 80-foot twin waterfall system and witness the rainbow effect that gives this natural wonder its name. Continue your journey to the scenic Wailuku River and explore the impressive Boiling Pots known for their unique rock formations. Then, venture into the Kaumana Caves, part of the lava tube system, and enjoy a quick picnic-style lunch atop the caves. As the sun sets, you'll head to one of Mauna Kea's preferred locations for nighttime stargazing. Using a large aperture Dobsonian telescope, you'll have the opportunity to observe galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, planets, and even the moon. The tour also includes traversing the Saddle Road, where you'll learn about the volcanology and geology of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, while your guide sets up a state-of-the-art solar telescope for a close-up view of the sun's activity.Who is this for?
The Maunakea Stellar Explorer tour is tailored for anyone seeking an exhilarating and educational adventure. Whether you're a family looking for a unique experience or an avid astronomy enthusiast, this tour is perfect for you. With its diverse range of activities, this tour is suitable for all ages and interests. From exploring natural wonders to peeking into the mysteries of the universe, there is something for everyone on this tour.Why book this?
Immerse yourself in the wonders of Hilo and Mauna Kea with the Maunakea Stellar Explorer. This tour offers a seamless blend of adventure and knowledge. With expert stellar explorers guiding you throughout the journey, you'll gain insider insights and learn fascinating facts about the locations visited. The opportunity to observe the night sky with a large aperture Dobsonian telescope provides an unparalleled stargazing experience. Additionally, the chance to witness solar activity up-close with a state-of-the-art solar telescope adds another layer of excitement. This tour promises to leave you awestruck and inspired by the natural and celestial wonders of Hawaii.Good to know
The Maunakea Stellar Explorer tour includes a duration of 420 minutes, ensuring ample time to fully immerse yourself in each activity. The tour covers essential sites such as Rainbow Falls, Boiling Pots, Kaumana Caves, Mauna Kea, and Saddle Road. Be prepared for stunning natural beauty, informative narrations about volcanology and geology, and mesmerizing stargazing experiences. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the awe-inspiring moments and dress comfortably for the outdoor adventures during the tour.Reviews
Customers who have experienced the Maunakea Stellar Explorer tour have shared overwhelmingly positive feedback. They praise the knowledgeable and friendly stellar explorers who provide captivating commentary throughout the journey. The stargazing part of the tour, using the large aperture Dobsonian telescope, has left customers in awe of the incredible celestial sights they were able to witness. The opportunity to view the sun's activity through a state-of-the-art solar telescope has also been a highlight for many. Overall, customers express their satisfaction with the tour, describing it as an unforgettable and enriching experience.
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