Mauna Kea Summit Stargazing & Sunset Adventure with Picnic DinnerSALE
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Hawaii Forest and Trail's Mauna Kea stargazing
Spend an evening that begins with dinner at a Parker Ranch outpost, followed by an ascent to Mauna Kea summit, Hawaii's tallest point, for the best stargazing on Big Island - warm drinks and brownies included!
Experience one of the most sacred places in Hawaii, Mauna Kea! Enjoy a delicious, hot meal at a Parker Ranch outpost, and then you're off to ascend to the icy summit for a Mauna Kea observatory tour that will give you a great view of the world's leading astronomical research facility, as well as spectacular views of the horizon, vantage points of Haleakala on Maui, and the amazing Mauna Kea sunset. After basking in the evening glow, descend to the Mauna Kea Visitor's Station to marvel at the Hawaiian sky through telescope. Wrapped warm in arctic parkas, and armed with piping hot chocolate and brownies, your expert guide will offer you a personal and educational look at the Hawaiian heavens.
Pro Tip: Dress warmly. Parkas are provided, but you'll want the extra layer at the summit. Average temperatures remain around freezing. For other tips and suggestions, check out our FAQ section.
Pro Tip: To hear what others have to say about stargazing on Mauna Kea, check out our verified customer reviews.
Pro Tip: To hear what others have to say about stargazing on Mauna Kea, check out our verified customer reviews.
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Price
Sunset & Stargazing Adventure
GE Tax included
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Discover something scientists have known for years; the summit of Mauna Kea at night offers some of the clearest and most spectacular views of the night sky found anywhere on Earth. Marvel at a breathtaking canopy of stars while sipping a hot drink in good company.
- Duration (incl. transportation): 5 - 9 hour(s)
- Available: Daily
- Pick-up:
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Round-trip from Waikoloa free x per person
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Round-trip from Hawaii Forest & Trail Office (Kona) free x per person
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- Inclusion: Soft drinks / Juice / Dinner / Warm clothing / Hooded parkas / Warm gloves / Guide
- Schedule
- Pick-up
Time & Location - Drop-off
Time & Location
Starting time:
13:25 (Nov & Dec) -
14:55 (Jun & Jul)
(Show details)
Starting time:
13:25 (Nov & Dec)
13:40 (Dec, Jan, Oct & Nov)
13:55 (Jan, Sep & Oct)
14:10 (Feb, Mar & Sep)
14:25 (Mar, Apr, Aug & Sep)
14:40 (May, Jun, Jul & Aug)
14:55 (Jun & Jul)
(Hide details)
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13:15-14:15 Pick-up from Kailua-Kona / Waikoloa / Hapuna
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Dinner at Humu'ula Sheep Station (1 hr)
Enjoy a private picnic dinner at Historic Humuula Sheep Station, located at 7,000 feet elevation. This facility has a rich history you'll learn more about over dinner, and is now under ownership and operation of Parker Ranch.
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Drive to Summit of Mauna Kea (45 mins)
Ascend 13,500 feet above sea level where you'll have the chance to visit Mauna Kea Observatory. Note: Due to regulations, no one will be allowed inside the observatory itself, but the buildings and their positioning form one of our favorite Big Island attractions.
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Sunset Viewing (30 mins)
Delight in the awe-inspiring sunset at the top of Mauna Kea, the highest point in the Pacific. Mauna Kea tours offer the rare opportunity to watch the sunset from above the clouds.
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Descend to Visitor's Station (30 mins)
Descend to 9,000 feet above sea level with great views from Mauna Kea's slopes along the way.
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Stargazing on Mauna Kea (45 mins)
Sip hot chocolate during your private starshow at 9,000 feet elevation with an 11” Celestron telescope. Your personal guide will point out constellations and other celestial bodies.
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Free time at Visitor Center (15 mins)
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19:00-22:00 Check-out & Drop-off
Package detail / Schedule
Notes
Restriction(s)
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- Guests who are pregnant are not permitted to participate in this activity.
- This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
- If less than 4 participants are booked, the activity may not operate.
- People 16 years old and above can participate in this activity.
- Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. You will sometimes encounter cool, wet or muddy conditions.
- Because of high altitude this tour is not advised for those with respiratory, circulatory or heart conditions, pregnancy or poor health.
- Children under 16 years are NOT allowed on this tour.
- Wheel Chair Accessibility: Tour van is not equipped with a lift or room for wheelchairs so some mobility with assistance is necessary to enter and exit the vehicle. Some terrains visited may not be paved, so wheelchair access is limited.
- You may not participate within twenty-four (24) hours of scuba diving due to the high risk of decompression sickness.
Required Items to Bring & Attire
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- Closed toe shoes
- Long pants
Requirement(s) - Others
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- Please call the activity provider the day before to reconfirm your booking. Your voucher has the necessary contact information listed.
Additional Note(s)
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- 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.
Booking Requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)
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- You can book a maximum of 14.
FAQ
Will we get to look through the big telescopes on Mauna Kea?
- No one is allowed into the observatory. But you will watch the sunset in front of the observatory. Star gazing is done with telescopes that we bring along.
Will there be any health risks linked to going up Mauna Kea?
- Yes, there are a few health risks since you will be at 14,000-foot altitude and at that height there are low oxygen levels and the possibility of altitude sickness. Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to the summit.
What will we see on this tour?
- This tour includes the picture perfect Hawaiian sunset, amazing stargazing opportunities, and even a possibility of seeing snow in sunny Hawaii!
What is the dinner menu?
- Each guest will have their choice of one of the following dinner options:
Grilled Chicken with Special Sauce
Served with:
- Brown Rice
- Carrot
- Zucchini
- Bok Choy
- Yellow Squash with Garlic & White Wine Sauce
- Caramelized Pineapple
Boneless Beef Short Ribs
Served with:
- Brown Rice
- Carrot
- Zucchini
- Bok Choy
- Yellow Squash with Garlic & White Wine Sauce
- Caramelized Pineapple
- Teriyaki Sauce
Vegetarian Thai Curry (Gluten Free, Dairy Free & Vegan)
Served with:
- Brown Rice
- Red Bell Peppers
- Green Bell Peppers
- Portobello Mushrooms
- Sugar Snap Peas
- Green Beans
- Zucchini
- Yellow Squash
- Onion
- Bok Choy
- Thai Curry Sauce (Lemon Grass, Fresh Ginger, Fresh Garlic, Coconut Milk, Coriander, Paprika, Tomato Puree, Thai Curry Paste, Cumin & Gluten-free Soy Sauce)
*Please Note: All meals are prepared in facilities with nuts, oils & other potential allergens.
How far in advance should I book this activity?
- We recommend booking at least 3 weeks in advance. If you have very specific schedule requirements and are not flexible, please book sooner. Last-minute bookings are often possible, but availability is limited.
How cold does it get on Mauna Kea?
- Average temperatures can reach 32° Fahrenheit or 0° Celsius.
Does volcanic activity from Kilauea affect visibility?
- No. Mauna Kea is so high up that visibility is rarely affected. At the summit of Mauna Kea, you'll even be above most cloud formations.
Please click HERE to send an inquiry about this activity
Payment/Cancellation policy
Payment type
| Credit card payment |
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Cancellation Policy
- Any cancellations made after 16:00 local time, 3 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
USD 235.00
Taxes & fees included
1% Reward Points
| Pick-up | Available |
|---|---|
| Duration incl. transportation | 5 - 9 hour(s) |
| Availability | Daily |
| Meal | Dinner |
LATEST 5-STAR REVIEWS
by: Gcw
One of the best trips we have been on. JEFF was excellent both in the way he described the Island, his humour and knowledge.
Overall this created a memory that will last a life time.
We should also...more
Very few places could match this experience. The location; the slow climb up the giant sloping mountain. We went through rain, sun, even through a cloud; through the lava landscape, ranch lands and ve...more
by: Ned from New Jersey
Our guide Jeff picked us up from the Pu'u Huluhulu Cinder Cone parking lot, at the base of the road up to the summit. We had a very nice pre-packaged dinner at the base camp, then rode up to the visi...more
