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Maunakea Stellar Explorer from Kona

Kailua-Kona, US
70% of travellers recommend this
Very Good (98 reviews)
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Free Cancellation up to before the experience starts (local time)

    Highlights

    • Safe daytime solar viewing
    • Experienced in-house stellar explorers
    • Deep sky and planetary observations with large aperture telescope
    • Sprawling wide field views of galaxies, nebula, and star clusters
    • Warm up with Kona coffee and hot chocolate
    • Duration 6 hours 30 minutes
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Includes dinner
    • Expert astronomy guide
    • Safe solar viewing included

    For an out-of-this-world experience, book the Maunakea Stellar Explorer from KapohoKine Adventures. This thrilling tour is the only Big Island star tour to feature nighttime astronomical observing AND safe daytime solar viewing. With all ages welcome, it's the perfect adventure for the whole family. The in-house stellar explorers are the best and most experienced in Hawaii, with one having created the Mauna Kea Visitor's Center. Others on staff have written noted articles for well-known astronomy magazines and have worked at world-class observatories. On this tour, you'll witness breathtaking views of the night sky through a large aperture Dobsonian telescope, allowing you to see galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, planets, and more like never before. Afterward, warm up with Kona coffee and hot chocolate before returning to your resort. Don't miss out on this unique and unforgettable experience on Maunakea.

    At a Glance

    • Free cancellation
    • 6 hours 30 minutes
    • Instant Confirmation
    • Available in English
    • Mobile voucher
    • Small Group tour
    • Guided
    • Family friendly

    Featured Reviews

    Very Good (98 reviews)
    icon
    Viator
    Erik_d
    Aug 24
    The tour was a great experience. Nice dinner and good hot choc at the end. Marcus drove the Saddle Road, set us up for sunset viewing near a parking lot and if there were no partial clouds obscuring would have set up the solarscope, and then drove to a secluded spot for 1.30-2 hours using his portable Dobsonian telescope giving each of us turns to watch e.g. Alpha Centauri (a twin star!), Venus and as top of the bill Saturn with the clearly visible ring pattern. And in between used the laser pointer to show lots of stars and nebulas. Even had 3 falling stars, a rarity! However we were disappointed that all only went to 6000 feet (2 km), meaning we missed the far better sunset views including ocean from the visitors centre. (Summit is not really needed to visit, partly due to sensitivity for local culture but also as it’s simply too cold and can bring altitude sickness). Company delivers as advertised, but we should have read better – though the pickup options in Kona for this tour were amongst the best. The tour would, both because of less delivered quality and of far less fuel cost for the company compared to the other routes, need to be sold at USD 75 at least below the current level. For the current level of price, go for a tour that visits the visitor centre (9000 ft/3km) for sunset vistas (and stargazing similar to this one) like Mauna Kea Summit sunset and stars, Mauna Kea Summit tour, Mauna Kea stargazing experience.
    icon
    Viator
    Sandya-and-Erik
    Aug 24
    The tour was a great experience. Nice dinner and good hot choc at the end. Marcus drove the Saddle Road, set us up for sunset viewing near a parking lot and if there were no partial clouds obscuring would have set up the solarscope, and then drove to a secluded spot for 1.30-2 hours using his portable Dobsonian telescope giving each of us turns to watch e.g. Alpha Centauri (a twin star!), Venus and as top of the bill Saturn with the clearly visible ring pattern. And in between used the laser pointer to show lots of stars and nebulas. Even had 3 falling stars, a rarity! However we were disappointed that all only went to 6000 feet (2 km), meaning we missed the far better sunset views including ocean from the visitors centre. (Summit is not really needed to visit, partly due to sensitivity for local culture but also as it’s simply too cold and can bring altitude sickness). Company delivers as advertised, but we should have read better – though the pickup options in Kona for this tour were amongst the best. The tour would, both because of less delivered quality and of far less fuel cost for the company compared to the other routes, need to be sold at USD 75 at least below the current level. For the current level of price, go for a tour that visits the visitor centre (9000 ft/3km) for sunset vistas (and stargazing similar to this one) like Mauna Kea Summit sunset and stars, Mauna Kea Summit tour, Mauna Kea stargazing experience.
    icon
    Viator
    jeremywY3966UW
    Jul 24
    Booked tour through Trip Advisor. KapohoKine Adventures called to say the booking was wrong and I'd need to rebook. I went through a different service instead. They never cancelled the reservation and despite me never traveling with them - charged me over $400. They were defensive and adamant about keeping my payment. There are lots of companies offering this tour - (I actually used Mauna Kea Sunset & Stars Tour through Taikobo Hawaii - they were fantastic) I would highly recommend going with one that isn't going to stick it to the customer if there are misunderstandings or other unavoidable irregularities.
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    Viator
    Julia_M
    Jun 24
    Excellent tour food was great. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and yes parkas were provided. It was 29 degrees. We were not at the summit or at the visitor center if that is where you wanted to be please read all of the descriptions
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    Viator
    Relax693916
    May 24
    Our guide Marcus was amazing. He was very knowledgeable about the stars and Hawaiian history. Super friendly and nice.
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    Maunakea Stellar Explorer from Kona

    Experience unforgettable stargazing at Mauna Kea with expert guidance, dinner included, and safe solar viewing for all ages.

    Included

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

    Excluded

    • exclusion
      Gratuities

    Pickup

    Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)

    Pickup Location
    Chalet Kilauea
    Club Wyndham Kona
    Club Wyndham Mauna Loa Village
    Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
    Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
    Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings' Land Waikoloa
    Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kohala Suites Waikoloa
    Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kailua-Kona, an IHG hotel
    I will contact the supplier later
    Kailua Village Resort
    Keahole Airport
    Kohala Coast Collection
    Kona
    Kona Oceanfront Home
    Kona Tiki Hotel
    Lava Lodge at Volcano Village
    Manago Hotel
    Marriott's Waikoloa Ocean Club
    Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa
    Royal Kona Resort
    The Sea Village
    Uncle Billy's Kona Bay Hotel
    Volcano House
    Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
    Waikoloa Honu and Gecko Condominiums
    Please call the phone number on your ticket/voucher for your pick up time and schedule.

    What to expect

    1

    Kailua-Kona

    The adventure starts with dinner.

    Duration 90 minutes
    2

    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. Lastly, your guide will take you to one of our preferred locations on Mauna Kea for nighttime stargazing.

    Duration 60 minutes
    Admission Admission Included
    3

    Mauna Kea

    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.

    Duration 90 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

    • Additional information
      Not recommended for participants with poor cardiovascular health
    • Additional information
      Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Additional information
      Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    Provided by Kapohokine Adventures

    What our experts say

    • icon
      Try the local Kona coffee after stargazing.
    • icon
      Dress in layers; it gets cold at night.
    • icon
      Visit nearby Kailua-Kona for great dining.
    • icon
      Check weather; stargazing depends on it.
    • icon
      Bring a camera for stunning night shots.

    Why Book with Evendo?

    More About this Experience

    Introduction

    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.

    What to expect?

    Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey that combines the marvels of day and night sky exploration. The Maunakea Stellar Explorer tour promises to provide unparalleled experiences and encounters with celestial wonders. Throughout the 390-minute adventure, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, planets, double star systems, and the moon through state-of-the-art telescopes. With our fast focal ratio Dobsonian telescopes, you can indulge in wide field views of objects that you've never seen before. Plus, our knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights about volcanoes, geology, and the history of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.

    Who is this for?

    This tour is ideal for stargazers of all ages who yearn for an extraordinary experience. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or someone looking to delve into the world of astronomy for the first time, our Maunakea Stellar Explorer tour caters to all levels of interest. Families, couples, solo travelers, and groups will find this tour to be an immersive and educational adventure that unveils the secrets of the universe in a captivating way.

    Why book this?

    With its unique blend of daytime solar viewing and nighttime astronomical observing, the Maunakea Stellar Explorer tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness celestial wonders from one of the darkest and most pristine skies on planet Earth. You can explore the magnificence of the universe with our top-of-the-line Dobsonian telescopes, providing wide field views that other tours simply can't match. Additionally, our guides' expertise and passion for astronomy, gained from years of experience and contributions to the field, ensure a truly enchanting and informative journey.

    Good to know

    It's important to note that this tour does not visit Maunakea's summit out of deference to Native Hawaiian concerns. However, rest assured that the deliberate choice of stargazing locations still guarantees exceptional celestial viewing opportunities. Throughout the tour, you will be provided with warm jackets and have the chance to indulge in Kona coffee and hot chocolate. So, dress comfortably and prepare for an unforgettable experience under the sparkling night sky.

    Reviews

    Customers who have embarked on the Maunakea Stellar Explorer tour have been blown away by the immersive and educational experience it provides. They praise the knowledgeable and passionate guides who shared captivating stories and insights about the universe. The technology and telescopes used during the tour received rave reviews, with visitors amazed by the stunning views of stars, galaxies, and celestial objects. Travelers also appreciated the attention to detail, warm jackets, and the chance to warm up with Kona coffee and hot chocolate. Overall, the reviews underscore the unforgettable moments and exceptional stargazing opportunities offered by the Maunakea Stellar Explorer tour.

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