4.5 (82)

Hilo, US

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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!

About this experience

Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
Admission Included
7 hours
Suitable for 1-15 Participants
Private Tour, Small Group Tour
Guided Experience

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

Included

Bottled water
Dinner
Coffee and/or tea
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional guide
Driver/guide
Beverages

Not included

Gratuities

Popular Hotels Closeby

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.

About this product

How long before the event do I need to book?

You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

At least one adult or senior required per booking

Meeting point & End point

Your Itinerary

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

Additional information

Not recommended for participants with poor cardiovascular health
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews

(82)

4.5 (82)

lisaaD6397PJ

You’ll never see as many stars as you will on this excursion! We were staying in Waikoloa so we drove Hawaiian belt road to do some sight seeing and then had late lunch at Hawaiian Style Cafe (amazing) in Hilo before meeting our tour guide Henry. Henry was very knowledgeable with each part of the tour. We drove through the gardens and learned of Hawaiian history on our way to Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots. They were cool and then we went to the top to see the island’s oldest Banyan tree. Next We drove to the lava cabes and went in about 1/2 mile. It was not tough to walk but tou wNt to wear closed shoes like sneakers. Henry explained about how the heat of lava created different formations. Then we drove anout 45 minutes up Mauna Kea for view of sunset above the clouds and dinner of sandwiches and salads. We did not go to the peak because of lower oxygen levels and cool temps. Henry gives great overview of star formations and uses laser to point out constellations. The Dobsonian telescope proves you with beautiful star sighting and is also used to show you deep space. This tour was mime and my son’s favorite thing we did on the big island.

Heather_K

Our guide Rich recovered the tour. Less than 24 hours before the tour the company called to cancel, because only my daughter and I had booked. I had to book a third booking myself to even get the tour. When we arrived we realized the tour doesn't actually go to the observatory. It stops at a rest stop along the "Saddle" road and you observe thru a telescope. Our guide was extremely well educated and knew the situation the company put us in with misleading ads and forcing us to overpay at the last minute. He went out of his way to help us appreciate Hilo anyway. I can't recommend this company, but if you can find Rich he's is one of the best guides I've ever used.

Kim_D

Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and really made the experience wonderful. We really enjoyed making some stops before we went star gazing.

Terri_G

Everything about this tour was done in a professional manner---communications, tour bus, picnic meal selections, parkas, telescope equipment. But the experience was made even better by Nate, the tour guide. He is so knowledgeable about the Hawaiian culture and history and the sites we visited. His passion was contagious!

Janet_F

Henry was the best!!!! And very knowledgeable. Loved the history lessons of Hawaii and the plant life. A little disappointed about kaumauna cave, but the nature walk was good sub. Thank you doesn't really say it all.

Trudy_H

This was an amazing experience. Rich, our tour guide, was so knowledgeable and fun he really brought everything to life. We have 19 year old twins who loved it, and Rich was able to engage with the adults and younger kids too.

pufferfishdeal

The worst experience I would say. They don’t tell you properly that they don’t go to the summit. They say “they avoid taking you to the native land.” In fact, they don’t even take you to the visitor center. They take you off of highway and set up a telescope and show you 5-6 stars and talk for 1 hour or so. We were just 6k feet high. They give you a morsel of rice and exactly 4 zucchini pieces for dinner, which could cost you $2. They say that they provide hot chocolate and coffee, but we didn’t get anything. It was such a waste of time and money. There were 3 buses from the same company at the same time…everyone of them were pissed or surprised that the way they scammed us. I’m not sure who rated 5 stars to this tour? May be their own people? I want to rate them zero so that others can save their money.

Karen_Z

Pretty good and well organized route and tour. The night sky is less impressive than what I saw on social media, but still pretty good. Our dinner order got mixed up - I spent some time collecting our group’s order and communicating with admin, but we ended up with all ham sandwiches.

HW_H

This tour is amazing ! The guide was very professional, and the hotel's pick up service was convenient. Not only have a stellar explorer, but also visited Rainbow Falls and other attractions. They provided a simple dinner and hot cocoa.

Nataliya_A

We expected to go to the Observatory. Unfortunately, we were not notified that we are not going. The guide was mostly spoke about his own family and we did not learn much about anything. The BO from the guide was so bad that we were considering to turn around and get back to the hotel on our own. It was hard even to be in the same car with him. It was just a transportation service to the mountain where he set the telescope. It was cool to see a Jupiter ans Saturn. But for that you can get $500 telescope and see it at home. At least this is our impression.

Collected by Evendo & our supplier partners

2024-06-18 11:36