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Big Island

Stargazing Tours

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Hawaii_Big Island_Kapohokine_Mauna Kea Stellar

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(22)

Highlights

Only Big Island star tour featuring nighttime star gazing & daytime solar viewing

Tour departures from Kona and Hilo

Stargaze from a preferred location on the slopes of Mauna Kea

Observe the night sky through a large aperture Dobsonian telescope

All ages are welcome!

Reviews

Amazing experience and knowledgable guide

Wade

Posted on: 2021/03/27 | Wade

Mauna kea star gazing

Carol

Posted on: 2021/01/15 | Carol

Big Island

6 - 7.5 hour(s) incl. transportation

Available Sun, Tue, Thu, Sat

Pick-up available

Not Accessible

Keeping you safe from COVID-19

Guideline for Health & Safety Measures

Activity providers will be checked for the following safety measures in an effort to keep our guests safe and healthy.

Health Screening

At the beginning of each shift, staff members will undergo a health screening which can include a health check questionnaire, temperature check, etc.

If a staff member shows symptoms of COVID-19, they will immediately be sent home and quarantined.

Sanitizing Measures

Frequently touched surfaces will be disinfected continuously.

Equipment will be sanitized after each use.

Staff members will be regularly washing and sanitizing their hands.

Additional sanitization stations will be available to guests.

Personal Protection Equipment

Face masks and/or face shields will be worn by staff members throughout the activity.

Gloves will be worn when necessary.

Social Distancing

Activity location, whether outside or inside, is listed.

Capacity and group size, whether a private or shared activity, is listed.

Transportation options, whether a private or shared vehicle, as well as cleaning protocols, are listed.

Seats will be assigned to keep a safe distance between participants, at least 6 feet (2 meters), during the activity.

Touchless Solutions

Check-in process has been modified to be completed digitally from the time of booking until the start of the activity.

To limit physical interaction between guests and staff members, only credit card payments will be accepted.

Food and beverages will be served by staff members to guests.

Safer Attractions

All areas visited during tours and activities have been checked that they comply with CDC health regulations.

To safely participate in an activity, guests are asked to maintain the following safety protocols as recommended by the CDC.

Only participate in tours and activities if you are in good health, and do not show any COVID-19 symptoms.
Pass a temperature check upon arrival and do not have a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

Observe the mandatory quarantine period or have cleared the pre-arrival testing.

*Provide information for contact tracing purposes.
Frequently wash and sanitize your hands.
Wear a face mask when required by the activity provider, especially when indoors.
Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet (2 meters) to protect yourself and others.
Make advance reservations online to reduce the contact with others at the time of check-in.
Be aware that due to unforeseeable circumstances related to COVID-19, tour itineraries may be altered or cancelled without advance notice.

*Contact Tracing

If you tested positive of COVID-19 within two weeks of activity participation, please contact VELTRA immediately.

In the case when one of the participants is found to be infected, you may be asked about your interactions pre and post activity. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

What to expect

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.

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. 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)

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.

Deli-style Picnic Meal Choices: *subject to change without

Ham Sandwich
Turkey Sandwich
Club Sandwich
Chicken Sandwich
Veggie Sandwich
Ham Salad
Turkey Salad
Club Salad
Chicken Salad
Veggie Salad

Packages

From Kona - Solar Viewing & Stargazing

USD 239.79

From Hilo - Rainbow Falls, Lava Tube, Picnic Dinner, Solar Viewing & Stargazing

USD 218.84

Private Tour from Kona (up to 10 passengers)

USD 1,750.78

Private Tour from Hilo (up to 10 passengers)

USD 1,583.24

Currently selected

From Kona - Solar Viewing & Stargazing

USD 239.79

Child (Age 0-12)

USD 234.55

Depart from Kona on a 6 hour stellar explorer adventure. View the sun with a state of the art solar telescope with the aid of your specially trained guide. From there, travel across Saddle Road between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa to the special nighttime stargazing location. Look into deep space using a Dobsonian telescope and spot celestial bodies such as galaxies, nebulas, star clusters and planets.

Child (Age 0-12)

USD 234.55

Overview

Afternoon, Evening

6 - 7 hour(s)

Available Sun, Tue, Thu, Sat

With pick-up

Lunch

Not Accessible

Inclusions: Beverages / Coffee / Lunch / Expert guide / Hot chocolate & sweet treats / Warm jacket / Coffee farm visit / Solar telescope / Stargazing at a secret location

Schedule

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16:00-17:00

Pick-up & Check-in

17:15

Sun Observation with a Solar Telescope (30 mins)

Hawaii_Big Island_Kapohokine_Mauna Kea_1057755827

17:45

Travel through Saddle Road (45 min)

00:00

Stargazing at a secret location (2 hrs)

Hawaii_Big Island_Kapohokine_Mauna Kea Stargazing

Sweet Treats & Hot Chocolate

23:00

Check-out & Drop-off

Read reviews

Transportation add-ons

Round-trip from Kona / Waikoloa

free x per person

Location

Pick-up/Check-in Time & Location

16:00-17:00

Kailua-Kona - TBA

Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location

23:00

Kailua-Kona - Specific hotel

Notes

Restrictions

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.

Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)

You can book a maximum of 13.

Additional notes

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.
In response to COVID-19, this activity provider is implementing the following safety & sanitation measures:
1. Limited capacity to 10 guest on each tour
2. Fully sanitized vehicles / disinfection throughout the day
3. Safe check-in: sign digital waiver by email
4. Daily staff temperature checks
5. Each guest is issued their own bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer in custom bottles to use throughout the tour and to take home.
6. Custom washable facemasks are issued to each guest for required use throughout the tour and to take home.
The guests are required to follow the COVID-19 safety guidelines below:
1. Wear face mask when inside or within 6 ft distance of others
2. Practice social distancing
3. Complete digital waiver form prior to check in
4. Pass mandatory health screening upon arrival
5. Pass temperature check upon arrival

Currently selected

From Hilo - Rainbow Falls, Lava Tube, Picnic Dinner, Solar Viewing & Stargazing

Adult (Age 13 & over)

USD 218.84

Adult (Age 13 & over)

USD 218.84

Child (Age 0-12)

USD 213.61

Depart from Hilo on a 7.5 hour stellar explorer adventure. Visit Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots. Explore the Kaumana Lava Tube cave before traveling across Saddle Road. View the sun with a solar telescope with the aid of a specially trained guide. Stargaze from a secret location. Look into deep space using a Dobsonian telescope to spot celestial bodies such as galaxies, star clusters and planets.

Child (Age 0-12)

USD 213.61

Overview

Afternoon

7.5 hour(s)

Available Sun, Tue, Thu, Sat

With pick-up

Lunch

Not Accessible

Inclusions: Beverages / Coffee / Lunch / Expert guide / Hot chocolate & sweet treats / Warm jacket / Lava tube cave visit / Solar telescope / Stargazing at a secret location

Schedule

View All