Mauna Kea Stargazing Stellar Explorer & Daytime Solar Viewing Experience, Big Island tours & activities, fun things to do in Big Island | HawaiiActivities.com

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Mauna Kea Stargazing Stellar Explorer & Daytime Solar Viewing Experience
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Embark on the only stargazing tour in Hawaii that features nighttime astronomical observing on the slopes of Mauna Kea & daytime solar viewing. The most family-friendly stargazing tour, all ages are welcome! Tour departs from Kona and Hilo.

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This once-in-a-lifetime stargazing tour is the only one on the Big Island that features both nighttime and daytime star viewing! Visit various attractions on the island on your way to Saddle Road, between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Enjoy a delicious dinner, then drive up mystical Mauna Kea. Once you're on the slopes of the dormant volcano, you'll be given time to acclimate to the altitude while your guide explains the history of the island and the volcano. You'll be able to see stars at night and also watch the sun come up with this special, state-of-the-art telescope! You'll also get a hot drink and dessert to help keep you warm as you gaze at the night sky.
Know Before You Go:
  • Where is the Stargazing Location?The stargazing takes place on the slopes of Mauna Kea. On this tour, you will not be visiting the Summit of Maunakea or the Visitor Center.
  • What type of Telescope will be used? You’ll observe deep-sky and planetary objects through a large 10-inch aperture Dobsonian telescope. 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. Kapohokine Adventures is the only company on the island that features a state of the art Coronado SolarMax 60 hydrogen-alpha solar telescope for safe views of the sun.
  • What will I see? 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!
Tour Intinerary Highlights (Kona / Waikoloa / Kohala Departures)

  • Mauka Meadows Coffe Farm: Includes a Coffee Farm Tour; Hawaiian- style BBQ dinner; Coffee, honey, and teas tasting. The Mauka Meadows has the largest infinity pool in Hawaii with sweeping views of Kailua Bay below.
  • Daytime Solar Viewing: safely watch the sun come alive in true color with vibrant solar flares, sunspots, prominences and any other current activity weather permitting.
  • Drive by Saddle Road: Drive by the famous 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.
  • Mauna Kea Stargazing: Observe the start under one of the darkest and most pristine skies on planet Earth! Afterward, warm up with Kona coffee, hot chocolate, and a delicious dessert.


Tour Intinerary Highlights (Hilo Departure)

  • Rainbow Falls: Visit the most popular waterfall in Hawaii and take your postcard picture in front of an 80-foot tall twin falls system. Look for the rainbow effect that gives the waterfall its name!
  • Wailuku River Boiling Pots: Impressive photo opportunities are often found here when the river “boils” through depressions in the rocks.
  • Kaumana Caves: 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.
  • Daytime Solar Viewing: safely watch the sun come alive in true color with vibrant solar flares, sunspots, prominences and any other current activity weather permitting.
  • Drive by Saddle Road: Drive by the famous 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.
  • Mauna Kea Stargazing: Observe the start under one of the darkest and most pristine skies on planet Earth! Afterward, warm up with Kona coffee, hot chocolate, and a delicious dessert.
Other recommended activities
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Price
From Kona - Coffee Farm, Hawaiian BBQ, Solar Viewing & Stargazing
1 Select a date
2 Select the amount (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)
You can book a maximum of 13.
Adult (Age 13 & over)
USD 197.90
USD 197.90
Child (Age 0-12)
USD 192.67
USD 192.67
Quick Confirmation USD 0.00 USD 0.00
USD 0.00
USD 0.00
Total:
*The price is subject to change depending on the start time or add-on(s) you choose.
Next >
Adult (Age 13 & over)
USD 197.90
USD 197.90
USD 214.92 8%off
USD 214.92 8%off
Child (Age 0-12)
USD 192.67
USD 192.67
USD 209.23 8%off
USD 209.23 8%off
GE Tax included
Includes:
  • Mauka Meadows Coffee Farm with coffee & honey tasting
  • Hawaiian- style BBQ dinner
  • Daytime Solar Viewing
  • Nighttime Stargazing at a secret location on the slopes of Mauna Kea
  • Sweet Treats & Hot Chocolate
  • Duration (incl. transportation): 6.5 - 9 hour(s)
  • Available: Daily
  • Pick-up:
    • Round-trip from Kona / Waikoloa free x per person
      Round-trip from Kona / Waikoloa free x per person
  • Inclusion: Beverages / Coffee / Expert guide / BBQ dinner / Picnic deli-style dinner / Hot chocolate & sweet treats / Warm jacket / Coffee farm visit / Solar telescope / Stargazing at a secret location
  • Schedule
  • 　
  • Pick-up
    Time & Location
  • 　
  • Drop-off
    Time & Location
  • 　

  • 13:30-15:30 Pick-up & Check-in
  • Visit Mauka Meadows - A Traditional Kona Coffee Farm (1 hr)
    Generic_Coffee_Bean_Berry_123RF_21848008_ML Sample coffee, honey and teas. Have a delicious Hawaiian-style BBQ dinner and enjoy incredible ocean views.
  • Sun Observation with a Solar Telescope (30 mins)
    Hawaii_Big Island_Kapohokine_Mauna Kea_1057755827 An expert trained guide will let you safely watch the sun.
  • Travel through Saddle Road (1 hr)
    Hawaii_Big Island_Kapohokine_Mauna Kea Stellar Incredible landscape of Mauna Loa & Mauna Kea Volcanoes
  • Stargazing at a secret location (1.5 hrs)
    Hawaii_Big Island_Kapohokine_Mauna Kea Stargazing Your guide will take you to one of the best locations on Mauna Kea for a incredible nighttime stargazing.
  • Sweet Treats & Hot Chocolate
    Hawaii_Big Island_Kapohokine_Mauna Kea Stellar Warm up with some Kona coffee, hot chocolate, and a delicious dessert from our local artisan bakery.
  • 22:00-22:15 Check-out & Drop-off
Package detail / Schedule
From Hilo - Rainbow Falls, Lava Tube, Picnic Dinner, Solar Viewing & Stargazing
1 Select a date
2 Select the amount (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)
You can book a maximum of 13.
Adult (Age 13 & over)
USD 176.96
USD 176.96
Child (Age 0-12)
USD 171.72
USD 171.72
Quick Confirmation USD 0.00 USD 0.00
USD 0.00
USD 0.00
Total:
*The price is subject to change depending on the start time or add-on(s) you choose.
Next >
Adult (Age 13 & over)
USD 176.96
USD 176.96
USD 192.17 8%off
USD 192.17 8%off
Child (Age 0-12)
USD 171.72
USD 171.72
USD 186.49 8%off
USD 186.49 8%off
GE Tax included
Includes:
  • Stop at Rainbow Falls
  • Stop at Wailuku River & Boiling Pots
  • Stop at Kaumana Lava Tube Cave
  • Picnic Dinner
  • Daytime Solar Viewing
  • Nighttime Stargazing at a secret location on the slopes of Mauna Kea
  • Sweet Treats & Hot Chocolate
  • Duration (incl. transportation): 7 - 8 hour(s)
  • Available: Daily
  • Pick-up:
    You can choose either Pick-up (additional fee) or Check-in (free).
    • Round-trip from Hilo free x per person
      Round-trip from Hilo free x per person
  • Inclusion: Beverages / Coffee / Expert guide / BBQ dinner / Picnic deli-style dinner / Hot chocolate & sweet treats / Warm jacket / Lava tube cave visit / Solar telescope / Stargazing at a secret location
  • Schedule
  • 　
  • Pick-up/Check-in
    Time & Location
  • 　
  • Drop-off/Check-out
    Time & Location
  • 　

  • 14:30-15:00 Pick-up & Check-in
  • Visit Rainbow Falls (20 mins)
    Hawaii_Big Island_Kapohokine_730345540 See the most iconic waterfall in Hilo.
  • Wailuku River & Boiling Pots (20 mins)
    Hawaii_Big Island_Kapohokine_Wailuku River Witness the incredible formations of Boiling Pots. Take pictures of the river that “boils” through depressions in the rocks.
  • Explore Kaumana Caves & Picnic Dinner (1 hr)
    Hawaii_Big Island_Kapohokine_Cave Adventure into the Kaumana lava tube cave system.
  • Sun Observation with a Solar Telescope (30 mins)
    Hawaii_Big Island_Kapohokine_Mauna Kea_1057755827 An expert trained guide will let you safely watch the sun.
  • Travel through Saddle Road (1 hr)
    Hawaii_Big Island_Kapohokine_Mauna Kea Stellar Incredible landscape of Mauna Kea & Mauna Loa Volcanoes
  • Stargazing at a secret location (1.5 hrs)
    Hawaii_Big Island_Kapohokine_Mauna Kea Stargazing Your guide will take you to one of the best locations on Mauna Kea for a incredible nighttime stargazing.
  • Sweet Treats & Hot Chocolate
    Hawaii_Big Island_Kapohokine_Mauna Kea Stellar Warm up with some Kona coffee, hot chocolate, and a delicious dessert from our local artisan bakery.
  • 22:00-22:30 Check-out & Drop-off
Package detail / Schedule
Notes
Restriction(s)
  • All Packages
    • This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
    • If less than 4 participants are booked, the activity may not operate.
    • Children of all ages can participate in this activity.
    • Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
    • Because of high altitude, this tour is not advised for those with respiratory, circulatory or heart conditions, pregnancy or poor health.
Additional Note(s)
  • All Packages
    • The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
    • The menu is subject to change without notice.
    • Gratuity is not included in the price.
    • The weather in this area is unpredictable and the temperature could drop fast. It is highly recommended to bring jacket, long pants and closed toe shoes.
    • This tour does NOT visit summit of Mauna Kea or Mauna Kea Visitor Center.
Booking Requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)
  • All Packages
    • You can book a maximum of 13.
Activity provider
KapohoKine Adventures
FAQ
Please click HERE to send an inquiry about this activity
Payment/Cancellation policy
Payment type
Credit card payment
Cancellation Policy
  • Any cancellations made after 16:00 local time, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
Related Activities: Stargazing Tours (See all)
From USD 176.96
From USD 176.96

Taxes & fees included

1% Reward Points
(5.00/5.00) 5.00 / 5
(4 reviews)

Pick-up Available
Duration incl. transportation 6.5 - 9 hour(s)
Availability Daily
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LATEST 5-STAR REVIEWS

by: Ping
Unforgettable experience. Excellent services.
Unforgettable experience. Amazing views. Excellent services.
by: Guilietta Kim
Great experience
It was very impressive that a tour guide has shared a lot of stories about cultures of Hawai'i during the entire tour program. The courses were absolutely nice. The view of a coffee farm was so beauti...more
by: Nicole
Making Astronomy Fun!
I decided on this tour/adventure package because it’s something that really interests me. From the c...more
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Stellar Explorer & Daytime Solar Viewing Experience
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