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Mauna Kea Summit: Small-Group Stars Adventure at Hawaii's Tallest Peak
4.8
1,253 Ratings
Kailua-Kona
Embark on a small-group adventure to the Mauna Kea Observatory, Hawaii’s tallest peak. Explore the mysteries of space and time while enjoying breathtaking views from 13,796 feet above sea level.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel - Travelers staying in Kailua Kona will meet the guide here. Your guide will meet you at the benches closest to the hotel’s parking lot entrance at the curbside. There may be additional meeting location stops along the way to Maunakea. - Maunakea Visitor Information Station - Enjoy a warm picnic dinner while you acclimate to a higher elevation and learn about Hawaiian star navigation before you head to the summit. - Mauna Kea Summit - Enjoy a sunset from above the clouds while overlooking the Pacific Ocean atop Maunakea. After the sunset, travel to a more comfortable elevation and let our guides reveal the night sky with our 11” Celestron telescopes. - Maunakea Visitor Information Station - Descend to a lower elevation after the sun sets and sip hot chocolate during a private star show with our 11” Celestron telescope. View deep space objects with our Stellina digital telescope and share captured images of the Hawaiian night sky with your friends & family
What's Included
- Private star show with telescope
- Hooded parkas and gloves
- Central meeting locations for pick-up & drop-off
- Hot cocoa and cookies
- Included local taxes
- Expert guidance
- Hot picnic dinner
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Embark on a fascinating voyage through space and time at the Mauna Kea Observatory, perched high atop the peaks of Hawaii’s Big Island. The view from Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s loftiest pinnacle affectionately dubbed ‘White Mountain,’ situated 13,796 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level, offers a distinct perspective of the island. With our small-group astronomy tour, you are guaranteed a unique and intimate encounter on the mesmerizing summit of Mauna Kea.
- Minimum age is 13 years
- Due to the high altitude; this tour is not suitable for those with respiratory, heart or circulatory conditions, poor health, or pregnancy
- Scuba divers should be aware of altitude dangers
- IMPORTANT - Please note, guests meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel must meet at least 15 MINUTES PRIOR to the tour’s departure time.
- Guests are required to wear closed-toe walking shoes or hiking boots, long pants. We recommend bringing a light sweatshirt or jacket
- Guests must bring their own water bottles. Tour operator will provide filtered water refills.
- Please advise your parka size (small, medium, large, x-large or xx-large) and choice of meal at time of booking. If you do not indicate this at the time of booking, you will be required to call and advise them of this information directly.
- There is minimal walking on this tour, the maximum being about 150 yards
- The access road to Mauna Kea is four-wheel drive only, so it can be bumpy. The custom off-road transit vans will get you to the top and back in safety and comfort. The transit vans can carry a maximum of 12 passengers
- Snow is seasonal at Mauna Kea, with the heaviest snowfall occurring during the winter months
Location
Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
Palani Road
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(1253 Ratings)
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Doug_s
Jul 28, 2024
Amazing! - Jason was amazing! He is so knowledgeable and he made the experience memorable. The sunset above the clouds was a once in a lifetime experience.
Review provided by Viator
Laura_u
Jul 27, 2024
Stargazing with John - The stargazing with John was amazing. His knowledge and passion for the tour was quite evident. It was definitely the highlight of our trip to Hawaii and we will remember it forever.
Review provided by Viator
Pioneer812903
Jul 27, 2024
Great Experience - Just Book It - We had a great time with Jeff on our Mauna Kea tour and highly recommend the experience. Jeff kept us entertained and informed the entire time. Watching sunset from the summit of Mauna Kea and the stargazing that followed was a huge highlight of our trip to the Big Island. Don't miss this.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bobbie_d
Jul 25, 2024
Don’t miss this tour! - This was an amazing experience. The small group approach was ideal. It’s a long day but worth every minute. The sunset we were treated to will be a life long memory. Had not star gazed in quite awhile….it was lots of fun and the guide (Jeff) was exceptional. It’s is always successful when the guide loves the subject matter.
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Review provided by Viator
Tanvi_d
Jul 25, 2024
Once in a lifetime experience - Jeff was amazing, caring and very informative. He kept checking on everyone to ensure no one is getting sick or feeling uneasy due to the high elevation. The van was super clean and very comfortable. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Eleanor_t
Jul 24, 2024
Volcano adventure - Wonderful weather wonderful guide. John. We were not sure what to expect but it exceded our expectations
Review provided by Viator
Lauragoesred
Jul 21, 2024
Wow! - Great experience! We can only recommend anyone to join this tour. Jason was a fanatical guide and gave us a unique day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zeel_p
Jul 16, 2024
Awe inspiring - The Forest Service guide (Jeff) was incredible. Van was very comfortable and he made sure the group was well taken care of, shared a lot of insights about the area and brought two telescopes to help with stargazing. We saw the Southern Cross which I’ve never seen living in. North America! He also provided so many extras - warm meal, altitude acclimation, parka and mitts and a sweet treat when you needed it most. It’s cold up there and so many people who chose to do this without an experienced guide were pretty miserable. Loved this tour and our guide and would highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Karen_g
Jul 15, 2024
Breathtaking experience in all the best ways - We had Jeff as our tour guide and we had a wonderful experience. In fact, this was our favorite activity during our two-week Hawaiian vacation! Jeff shared many interesting facts and tidbits about the area during the trek up to the visitor's center and then to Mauna Kea's summit. He stressed safety with everyone and checked in with us throughout the journey to make sure we were comfortable. We enjoyed our southwest chicken stew and homemade rolls, and the cookies with hot chocolate really hit the spot for dessert. The stargazing simply took our breath away! This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime type of experience.
Review provided by Viator
Allison_k
Jul 14, 2024
Awesome star gazing! - This was a one in a lifetime experience for sure!
John our tour guide was an absolutely phenomenal! His attitude was upbeat and knowledgeable and made everyone comfortable. He is also hilarious! If you can do this tour and can get John you will never forget it! We had an incredible time! Thank you John!
Review provided by Viator
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