Big Island High Country Adventure - Mauna Loa Volcano & Stargazing Private Tour
Highlights
Overview
Big Island
Available Weekday
Pick-up available
Not Accessible
What to expect
• Tour duration: 8 to 9 hours
• As a private tour, this activity can be adapted and customized to accommodate all ages and physical abilities
• Includes all park admission and a winter jacket to wear during the activity.
• Professionally shot and edited photos are included
• Dinner, snacks, and beverages are all included
Click [View details] for the full menus.
Overview
Schedule
Pick-up from Kona & Waikoloa

Travel on a road built through lava flows as you explore the northern flank of the largest volcano on earth, Mauna Loa. This incredible and other worldly landscape gives you a sense of being on Mars rather than on Earth, and you will have views that are rarely seen by both locals and visitors.

Take in the sights of Mauna Loa Observatory which has been recording atmospheric changes since the 1950s, and boasts the longest record of direct measurements of CO₂ in the atmosphere. The massive white structure stands at an elevation of 11,135 feet, and is an amazing sight to behold.

Explore the lesser known high elevation dry forest around the slopes of Mauna Kea volcano as you go on guided walk through this special forest reserve while learning all about the unique plants and animals found in the area. This unique forest covers 72,491 acres, and is the largest in Hawaii.

As you sit down for a delicious and hearty picnic dinner, enjoy the breathtaking views of both Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. It is a rare opportunity to be able to witness both of these towering volcanic mountains while having a yummy meal, and it is an opportunity of a life time!

After dinner, hop back in your 4x4 vehicle, and head to the last place on the planet where you can find the endangered and endemic Hawaiian Honeycreeper. Known as Palila (Loxioides bailleui) in Hawaiian, this is the last finch-billed honeycreeper that can be found in the main Hawaiian islands.

Search for endemic birds with your provided Nikon Prostaff binoculars, and witness other rare and endemic birds such as the Hawaii Amakihi, Apapane, Hawaiian Hawk and Hawaiian Short-eared Owl. The Big Island has some of the best birding opportunities in the world due to the evolution of the islands.

Once the sun has set, and the skies darken to a black velvet, take a look through a top of the line CPC Deluxe HD telescope and begin some of the best stargazing in all of Hawaii. The skies above Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are incredibly pristine, and you will be amazed at the views of the stars.
Drop-off
Location
Pick-up/Check-in Time & Location

Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location

Notes
Restrictions
- This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
- Children of all ages can participate in this activity.
- Guests must be able to walk on uneven or rocky terrain and navigate cool, wet, or muddy conditions.
- Guests should be able to walk at least one to two miles with some steps included.
Other requirements
- Participants are required to sign a liability waiver at the time of check-in.
- Minors are required to have a parent or guardian sign their liability waiver.
Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)
- You can book a minimum of 1 and maximum of 1.
Required items to bring & attire
- Comfortable clothing
- Long pants
- Sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
- Dress warmly and in layers due to the rapid changes in temperature depending on the elevation. Temperatures can easily range from 70°F to 40°F.
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.
Reviews
One Incredible Night!
One of the most fun nights! Shawn was an awesome host. We laughed, hung out in lava tubes and enjoyed the stars! So fun that it was just us... not a big group. We created a memory that we will have for a life time!
Activity Provider Big Island Backroad Adventures
Activity Provider
FAQ
Payment / Cancellation Policy
- Credit card payment
-
- Any cancellations made after 15:00 local time, 4 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
- Everyday
Top-Rated Activities for Big Island
Editor's Picks for Big Island
- This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
- Children of all ages can participate in this activity.
- Guests must be able to walk on uneven or rocky terrain and navigate cool, wet, or muddy conditions.
- Guests should be able to walk at least one to two miles with some steps included.
- Comfortable clothing
- Long pants
- Sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
- Dress warmly and in layers due to the rapid changes in temperature depending on the elevation. Temperatures can easily range from 70°F to 40°F.
- Participants are required to sign a liability waiver at the time of check-in.
- Minors are required to have a parent or guardian sign their liability waiver.
- 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.
- You can book a minimum of 1 and maximum of 1.