(All Reviews) Stargazing Tours (Outdoor Adventures), Big Island tours & activities, fun things to do in Big Island | HawaiiActivities.com

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All Reviews for Stargazing Tours in Big Island

Overall Rating

4.76 4.76 / 5

Reviews

254 reviews

Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

ABSOLUTE RECOMMENDATION!

Reviewed by: Annet & Jeroen; NL, 2023/09/17

Excellent tour with SUPER tour guide, Kailikea! Full service , including tasty meal, excellent transportation, LOTS of very interesting information on Hawaii, the stars at night, Hawaiian Culture and History. Absolute recommendation to book with MKSA!!!

  • Sunset at the summit

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/09/15
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Twilight Volcano Tour with Stargazing, Black Sand Beach & Coffee Farm

Great experience!

Reviewed by: Justin, 2023/09/04

Good tour! Aaron was our guide and he did a perfect job! I only wish the volcano was erupting so we could see more activity. The meals were good, the views were good and we learned a lot.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/09/02
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Twilight Volcano Tour with Stargazing, Black Sand Beach & Coffee Farm

A lovely day around the southern part of the Big Island

Reviewed by: Sandrine, 2023/08/27

My partner and I went on this tour with Aaron. He was a fantastic tour guide, with lots of interesting tidbits about the history of the island and plenty of jokes. He also offered to take plenty of photos of us at all the stops. A huge thank you to him for remaining so cheerful and helpful after such a long day. If it was a long day for us, I can't imagine how long it was for him.

The tour was exactly what's stated in the description. We chose to do the tour in part because we weren't certain how to navigate Volcano National Park, and the tour offered highlights of the Park. After the tour though, I wish we had had more time on the island so we could explore Volcano National Park ourselves. Two hours wasn't nearly enough. If you're lucky (we unfortunately weren't), there will be lava at the Park. But don't worry, the volcanoes on Hawaii won't kill you, but bad tour guide jokes will (thank you for that one Aaron!).

Another highlight was Punalu'u Bake Shop. Try the pineapple malasadas: you won't regret it! I was initally hesitant because I'm not a fan of pineapple not in its raw form/juice, but the pineapple malasada was the best of those we ordered. I wish we got more. The passionfruit (lilikoi) and apple ones were also delicious.

After the bakery, we went to Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. It's absolutely lovely and a nice chance to see the endangered Hawaiian sea turtles up close. It's also very picturesque. Just don't get too close to the waves or you'll get very wet.
We finished the tour with stargazing.

Overall, I highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants a quick, yet interesting and surprisingly thorough, tour of the southern part of the Big Island. If/when we go back, we would book with Wasabi Tours again.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/08/01
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Twilight Volcano Tour with Stargazing, Black Sand Beach & Coffee Farm

Aaron was outstanding!

Reviewed by: Diana P., 2023/08/26

This was a long tour, about 13 hours, and it was so informative and fun! Our guide Aaron was very safe, smart, and informative during our tour. We had a great time at the coffee plantation, black sands beach, a famous bakery, and at the volcano national park. Dinner was good and so was lunch they provided. We had a great and unforgettable time.

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2023/08/17
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Must do experience on Big Island!!!

Reviewed by: Dave T., 2023/08/16

Our tour guide Addison was awesome. Excellent in setting tour expectations and safety guidelines from the start. His knowledge of Hawaiian history, culture, volcanology, and astronomy was impressive. VIP treatment. Don’t miss this tour on your visit to the Big Island.

Thanks Addison and team.

- Dave T.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/08/14
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Mauna Kea Evening Stargazing & Daytime Solar Viewing Tour with Dinner

One of the best event I had in my life!!!

Reviewed by: GopiK, 2023/08/14

This whole event and trip was astonishing. I never had an opportunity to see the sky like this ever before. The trip was well organized and our guide Nate was so brilliant and he explained each and every part of the sky so beautifully in addition to having us watch different planets through the extraordinary telescope that he brought. The whole sky is so active in the night where we were able to see bunch of shooting stars, starlink satellites and other individual ones. I probably will do this again next time when I am in Big island!!

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2023/07/20
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Beautiful!

Reviewed by: Vanessa V, 2023/08/13

Fernando was our tour guide and he was great. We had the perfect weather. Its was an amazing experience! Definitely need the parka even though it was August. It was 44 degrees at the top and got colder after the sun set.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/08/11
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Mauna Kea Evening Stargazing & Daytime Solar Viewing Tour with Dinner

Don't Miss Out

Reviewed by: Kara, 2023/07/31

Breathtaking views, I wish I could sleep under this view nightly, great vent and wont forget!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/06/16
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour Experience with Free Professional Photos - Epic Tours

Loved this evening

Reviewed by: Kara, 2023/07/31

Our photos were nothing short of amazing. Thank you to the Epic team for this epic tour!!!!

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2023/06/16
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Great experience

Reviewed by: Stefan, 2023/07/30

We took the tour yesterday. It was a great experience which I can absolutely recommend. Worth mentioning is in particular the star gazing with the expert explanations of our guide.

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2023/07/28
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Educational and entertaining

Reviewed by: Heather P., 2023/07/29

If you're looking for an experience where you are cared for, entertained, and learn more about this island, look no further. It was a day full of sight-seeing, history, and stimulation. This company has put time into thinking of everything from bathroom breaks, food, and health/safety. As one of the oldest tour companies on the island, there's perks they get that others do not.

Completely worth every penny to make the memories of this day!

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/07/27
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Better than ever!

Reviewed by: Pete and Tara Hudson, 2023/07/01

This is our second trip up the mountain with Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Sunset Adventure. We were so awed in 2015, we wanted to take it all in again. Of course, we never expected it to be even better than our first experience. Our host/driver/guide, Kea, was excellent! His knowledge of the land, the people, and the culture was extensive and well-delivered. We wanted to listen to him for hours more! Kea's respect and request, in Hawaiian, to visit the mountain was moving. It reminded us we were guests, and to honor those before us and where we were. Stepping out of the van for stargazing took our breath away. The stars are so brilliant. Kea had so much information to share on each of the selections he chose to show us through the mighty telescope. We saw Polaris, the Southern Cross, and the Milky Way all in the same sky. Quit searching and choose Kea with Mauna Kea Stargazing! Best in Class!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/06/06
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Twilight Volcano Tour with Stargazing, Black Sand Beach & Coffee Farm

Island your with Aloha

Reviewed by: M & A, 2023/06/20

We booked this tour based on these reviews, it seems that these reviews were spot on. Our tour started when Tod picked us up on time and whisked us off to our island adventure. He was very knowledgeable and went out of his way to explain Hawaiian culture and pointed out things in our drive that were informative.

The stargazing portion of our tour was an incredibly unique and awe-inspiring experience. Tod was a knowledgeable guide and took us to a dark and remote location in Mauna Kea, perfect for stargazing. With the use of his personal high-quality telescope, binoculars and a powerful laser pointer, we were able to see constellations, planets, and even faint nebulae. Tod also shared interesting facts and stories about the night sky, making the experience both informative and enjoyable.

Tod even made the experience memorable by playing The Planets by Gustav Holst, its those little details, that made this tour the highlight of our Big Island Vacation.

Overall, this tour is a must-do for anyone who wants to see the stars in all their glory accompanied by our an amazing guide Tod.
Make sure to request him on your next stargazing adventure.

  • the adventure start when sun goes down

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/05/13
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

this tour is a MUST do,AMAZING

Reviewed by: ivan , 2023/06/11

OMG not even sure how to translate to words the experience on this tour

everything went smooth since the pick up, the tour guide assigned to us has so much knowledge about the culture, and the places.

you get a meal which is delicious to start the day, the the views from the sunset never in my life had experience something like that

then the cherry on top the stars, this was a life experience like never before you can see even the space station crusing the skies.

do not hesitate on talking this tour you wont regret it

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/06/05
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Outstanding guide, very informative and personable.

Reviewed by: NVGirls, 2023/06/10

Great experience. Amazing stars and view of the sunset.

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2023/06/08
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Incredible! Definitely recommended

Reviewed by: LammyP, 2023/05/21

This was amazing! From our pick up point in Kona, our guide Kailikea (hope I spelled this right) was fantastic. He was so passionate about the trip and his home town it was so engaging. He's such a helpful, friendly and knowledgeable chap. I didn't expect to learn so much, but it was just the right level. 'Kea was clear about what to expect from the altitude and how to best manage it. We were lucky enough to see the Silversword plants by the visitor centre and then enjoyed our meal, included in the tour; veggie lasagne and chocolate brownie. It was a mixed journey up to the summit with some paved and some very bumpy roads but so worth the trip. We learned all about the different dishes and observatories and watched the beautiful sunset from the summit. We had to head lower for stargazing to avoid polluting the light by the observatories. We were awestruck by how many stars you could see, it was stunning. The powerful telescopes were set up and we were shown the visible planets and constellations/asterisms. Viewing the Edna carina nebula through the telescope was an incredible experience. I would 100% recommend this tour!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/05/08
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Twilight Volcano Tour with Stargazing, Black Sand Beach & Coffee Farm

1st timers to the Big Island.

Reviewed by: Sherri , 2023/05/21

Tour was excellent, Aaron was a great host. Very informed, engaging. Had fun all along the way. We had plenty of time at all the stops to experience and enjoy. Made our 1st trip here an experience to remember. We are telling everyone if they come to the Island they need to take this tour.

In addition when we 1st booked, we were told that our location was around 90 minutes from the tour pickup. We chose to go ahead but very much appreciated the help and advice. Excellent service all around.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/04/27
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour Experience with Free Professional Photos - Epic Tours

Amazing experience!

Reviewed by: J&T Mather, 2023/05/13

This was an absolutely amazing experience. We booked this fantastic tour short notice and I'm so grateful there were a few time slots still available that worked with out schedule for us.

Our guide, James, is truly an expert astronomer and has a fantastic personality. To see first hand some of the astronomical wonders we've heard about and seen in books or online was breathtaking.

I would absolutely recommend the Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour Experience as a must do when on the Big Island. In fact, I would do it again because what you see one night will be different on another night!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/04/24
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Wonderful experiences with great hospitality

Reviewed by: Nobu, 2023/05/04

I joined the tour with my wife, and we were a bit nervous as we worried about altitude sickness before we joined. However, we did not need to worry too much. The guide was so professional, and he made us relax in the large van of Mercedes-Benz. In addition, the distributed dinner, hot lasagna and chocolate cake helped us get adjusted in the rest area before we were elevated to the summit. In astronomical observation, I was able to see two shooting stars. I strongly recommend this amazing tour if you come to the big island.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/05/02
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Truly fantastic tour!

Reviewed by: Joe, 2023/04/29

This tour was worth every penny. We loved the ride to the summit, the star gazing, and the wealth of knowledge provided by our tour guide, Maka.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/04/26
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Best thing we did in Hawaii!

Reviewed by: Daniel, 2023/04/27

The tour guide was inviting and very knowledgeable. The food was actually quite decent. The views of the sunset from the top were sensational, and it was near seeing all the giant telescopes.

But the highlight for me by far was the stargazing after sunset. It was only 80% visibility and the moon was quite bright but I've never seen so many stars so clearly in my life. It was really a sight to behold. Maka (the tour guide) brought a telescope with him and we saw a number of cool things close up, such as a globular cluster, a star in portions
Orions belt, Venus, and the Moon.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/04/25
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Wonderful experience going to Manua Kea summit stargazing

Reviewed by: Lil, 2023/04/23

Fernando was a great guide for our tour! We really enjoyed his commentaries and learned a lot from this trip. The sunset was amazing. The night sky was impressive, but cold. Bring winter clothes and layers if you can! They do provide a very warm parka. The dinner was yummy. Highly recommended!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/04/21
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour Experience with Free Professional Photos - Epic Tours

Best tour I did in Hawaii!

Reviewed by: Eric, 2023/04/01

Amazing guide! Super knowledgable and passionate! He knew places to go to have absolute privacy. It was a bit cloudy when I went so he offered for me to come again for free, and both times were stunning. I learned a lot and the pics are unlike anything else you'll ever get in your life.

We rented a car so it was great to have a tour where you just show up for the stargazing time, instead of spending hours driving around picking up other tourists.

Rating:
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Activity Date: 2023/03/12
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour Experience with Free Professional Photos - Epic Tours

Giddy!

Reviewed by: From Long Island NY, 2023/03/26

James was awesome! Our family had a summit tour booked with another company that canceled stated that road was closed, not sure that was true, as I’m scrambling to find an alternative other company said they were still going. Anyway, God‘s got a plan and I came upon epic tours. Even though this wasn’t a “summit” tour my son has a AAS in astronomy and was focused on star gazing and James delivered! James provided chairs to jackets if needed. And gave us a tour of the night sky! And we have a great picture to remember it!

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/03/24
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Twilight Volcano Tour with Stargazing, Black Sand Beach & Coffee Farm

This tour was the highlight of our week on the Big Island.

Reviewed by: Frances Morgan , 2023/03/25

Awesome day on the Big Island. A full day with a coffee farm, tour of the Volcanoes National Park, then stargazing on a clear night. Our Tour guide Aaron was the best. His knowledge of Hawaiian culture, the volcano, and then the night sky was awesome. He was so helpful and kind. This was a once in a lifetime experience. The volcano stopped erupting a few days after our tour. So, we felt so lucky to get to see an active volcano. Be sure to take a sweatshirt or jacket. It got cold in the evening. It is a full day, but so worth it.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/02/28
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Twilight Volcano Tour with Stargazing, Black Sand Beach & Coffee Farm

Wasabi Volcano Tour

Reviewed by: Julie, 2023/03/23

We really enjoyed our experience on this tour. Our tour guide, Aaron was very informative! I mean who better to have for a tour guide than a history teacher!! The only part that could use some improvement are the meals. We expected a meal with more substance.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/03/14
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Gage/Gaige!? Who cares sir you are one AWESOME guide!

Reviewed by: Max family , 2023/03/13

This was one the best experiences ever! The guide was fantastic! (Gauge/Gage? My apologies if misspelling your name - he was super knowledgeable about the island and easy to talk to, he was also well organized and thought of everything. The entire journey was super easy to follow and we all got to see some amazing things. Hot chocolate and biscotti? Snow? Wild turkeys and sheep? Binary star system anyone? Gage will make it happen. We also had a great GREAT experience just chatting with you about the Big Island. Thank you Thank you!

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/02/22
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Absolutely THE best land excursion!

Reviewed by: Analiese Kennedy , 2023/02/09

I know, I know, everyone likes to use the words “best” “amazing” “trip of a lifetime” THIS excursion IS absolutely THE best trip you will book! It may seem a little pricey, but the time, care, and knowledge that our tour guide Travis invested in our group was top of the line!

First of all, do not underestimate the “cold” warnings. It was frigid, cold to the bone so, dress appropriately! If you have a beanie, bring it for this trip.

Secondly, be prepared for the potential that the actual road up to the summit may be closed. Our group (along with 15 others) was told the road was closed and we would not be able to drive to the summit. Travis was able to talk with another tour operator (friends are good) and together they got the rangers to open the road for us last minute!! Yay!

Okay, so let’s talk dinner for a second. They served a vegetarian lasagna that was to die for most of my family are hard core meat eaters, so i was surprised at how quickly they snarfed it all down and EVERYONE commented on how “great” it was Make sure to bring your own water bottle (there is fresh water at the first stop) or whatever you want to drink.

Once we hit the road to climb the summit, the road was definitely an “off road” experience. Lots of major bumps but totally fun . The drive up was spectacular, so have your camera ready. The view from the top will blow your mind. Take a lot of pics and enjoy!

Then on to stargazing. Totally over the top and way exceeded my expectations! Travis had his own telescope that was a high end piece of equipment to say the least! He has so much knowledge that he was eager to share. We even got to see the once in a lifetime “green” comet he spent at least an extra hour with us up there when all the other tour operators were leaving. It was truly the most memorable experiences of my life! Mahalo to the entire team that i know has to work hard behind the scenes for this…my entire family is so grateful for the experience

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/02/07
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Big Island Private Tours - Kilauea Volcano & Mauna Kea Stargazing with Dinner

Long but amazing day

Reviewed by: Jim, 2023/02/03

We really enjoyed our full day tour filled with waterfalls, visiting volcanoes national park and capping it off with a stargazing tour at the end. Our guide was good but would have liked him to relate more of his stories to our grandaughter. When we did the stargazing, he was great. You could tell this was his passion.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2022/07/22
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour Experience with Free Professional Photos - Epic Tours

Starstruck!!

Reviewed by: Jason, 2023/01/25

My family included two children and two seniors; thus reserved this trip as it was less strenuous (lower altitude, shorter time). Thought we'd see some stars and hear some stories, and was worried whether my family members would find it interesting.
Actual experience threw my expectations out the window. We usually see stars in pictures, in a way that makes them feel abstract and unreal. The way James showed us the stars made them feel so real and close. And it was totally awesome not just for me, but for everyone! We did quite a few activities on the island, and this was easily the most memorable.
One piece of advice; it is very very cold up there. I wore my pajamas under my pants and the thick down jacket James gave me, but was still shivering after about an hour. Dress very warmly, cuz this is worth it!

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/01/15
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