(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

4.72 4.72 / 5

Reviews

241 reviews

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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Twilight Volcano Tour with Stargazing, Black Sand Beach & Coffee Farm

Fun and Convenient Volcano Tour

Reviewed by: Katherine Y., 2023/01/12

This trip was such a convenient way to see Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. I think it can be a bit daunting when planning trips to the different islands for the first time especially considering location of places, terrain, the type of vehicle you may need, parking, and the length of the trip. So I would say this is a great way to get a taste for a bunch of different activities to do on the big island.

It will take about 13 hours to complete the whole trip and the temp will be warm during the day and cold at night so be prepared. Luckily the company does provide windbreakers and fleece jackets for the cooler temperatures. Our tour guide Aaron was great! He was very friendly and helpful. He is very knowledgeable about the history, environment, landscape, and so much more! Thanks so much for touring us around, Aaron. We appreciate it so much.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/01/10
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Twilight Volcano Tour with Stargazing, Black Sand Beach & Coffee Farm

Amazingly jaw dropping views of the volcanic eruption with a very knowledgeable and patient guide

Reviewed by: Gitika, 2023/01/07

Todd was great, he went out of his way to make it a great experience for us. He set up his own telescope for the group to get a good look at the stars and moon. He was very knowledgeable and extremely patient. We were also lucky enough to catch the eruption making the trip really great

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/01/06
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Outstanding Star Hazing!

Reviewed by: Jen & Dion, 2022/12/25

Travis was phenomenal. Knew so much about the island as well as space facts. Definitely worth the price and time.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2022/12/23
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Mauna Kea Evening Stargazing & Daytime Solar Viewing Tour with Dinner

Clouds and storms ruined it

Reviewed by: Fiona, 2022/12/20

We had hoped the weather would clear, but, unfortunately, despite our tour guide’s best efforts to find some clearing, we were beaten by the weather. Our guide, Hunter, was extremely knowledgeable and tried really hard to wait for some sign of being able to observe anything, but had to cancel with no luck. I can imagine it would have been spectacular to see and hear the wealth of information he would have been able to provide if we could have seen it.

  • The falls and lava tube were lovely. Too much cloud at the top though.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2022/12/18
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour Experience with Free Professional Photos - Epic Tours

BEST STARGAZING TOUR!!! The professional photo with this great tour gives you awesome lasting memories!!

Reviewed by: Deborah , 2022/12/17

You should definitely do this tour. This is the best stargazing tour! I was trying to book the other tours but because of our location it would of required us to drive across the island to meet up and then gather with others to ride together to stargaze. It was like a 7 or 8 hour tour. I chose this tour because we could pick a time slot and just meet and stargaze and the tour was only 2 hours AND with a photo. On our way it was pouring rain. We thought the tour would be canceled. But James sent us a new location. There was no rain and perfect place to be in awe of all of the stars we would be able to see. His knowledge of astronomy and his professional photography made the experience more memorable. I didn't think that much of the photo we would receive. But after getting the photo was was in awe!! We was not only able to learn so much about astronomy, but we was able to have the best souvenir of our experience!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2022/11/21
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Outstanding experience!

Reviewed by: GapC, 2022/11/29

Arthur gave us an incredible experience. With his knowledge of geology and astrology plus history of island we learned more than we expected. We felt we could not have asked for more in the planetarium and stargazing. The telescope was an exception experience. I will be recommending your company.

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2022/11/25
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Easily the best tour guided experience we've ever done!

Reviewed by: Samantha Creamer, 2022/11/21

This tour was AMAZING from start to end. Yes this is a pricer tour to book; however, you truly get a ton for your money. This is a long event; we got picked up at 2pm and back around 10pm. The pickup location was very convenient right in Kona Town. You are provided a solid dinner, dessert, and hot beverages while stargazing. You get to sit back and relax during the drive and enjoy the wealth of knowledge from the tour guide. Speaking of, our tour guide Art was absolutely outstanding! He was knowledgeable, approachable, and entertaining. Also the star-gazing area is private to tours and had a high level telescope for easy viewing. We were fortunate enough to see a really big shooting star during our viewing. We were also provided super warm parkas which was great because it is quite chilly at the summit. I could go on and on about this tour but I would 100% book this again and personally recommend this specific tour to family and friends.

P.S. Did we say how amazing Art was?!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2022/11/12
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

My wife and I summit in Hawaii

Reviewed by: Greg, 2022/11/19

The tour was everything we hoped for. Fernando was a fantastic guide, knowledgeable about Hawaiian history, religious significance of Mauna Kea and stargazing.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2022/10/30
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Well worth it

Reviewed by: Paul, 2022/11/15

Well worth the money since getting up to the site is nearly impossible logistically for a rental car. More importantly, our guide, Gage, was so exceptionally knowledgeable on everything from astronomy to Hawaii geography.

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2022/11/13
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Book with other tour group

Reviewed by: Hilohannah, 2022/11/03

Have done this tour 5 years ago with a different vendor. Was much better with other tour group but did not recall who it was when I booked this trip. Things I did not like about this tour:
1. Was not notified I could have been picked up in Kona. So we drove over an hour when we did not have to. Another couple drove all the way to the visitor center for the same reason 2. Dinner was marginal at best. 3. Star viewing from the visitor center parking lot?? Are you kidding me? Why? Light pollution, less clear skies..what a joke. I lay that blame on the tour guide, Maka. 4. Guide is not passionate about astronomy but he can be a good guide at times. Sadly, as the night wore on so did his personality. 5. Gloves were only proffered when a man complained. Hand them out with the coats.

Bottom line: do the tour but with a different group.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2022/11/01
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour Experience with Free Professional Photos - Epic Tours

Oh my Heavens!

Reviewed by: Greg , 2022/10/23

This experience is beyond human words to describe. We had an absolutely perfect night with a crescent moon that set shortly after we got set up. The Milky Way was more spectacular than we could have imagined. James’ knowledge of what we were looking at was top notch. There were a couple of personal disappointments and cons but they do not diminish the rating of the experience.

I had expected some serious telescopes that would be used. James had a top end mount and camera with some powerful lenses but when it came to looking at Jupiter and Saturn, I get bigger and better images with my homemade 6” reflector. I was really wondering if he was using his equipment to show us Andromeda and what I think he said was the Dumbbell nebula or if he was showing us stock photos. He homed in on those two objects very quickly for a setup that was merely put down and “kinda” leveled.

The other comment is about the cost. James is an expert and one expects to pay for expertise. But for an adventure that does not include pickup except for about a mile from the destination and has no major equipment like a submarine that the Atlantis has to maintain, the price seems high. Especially since the included photos are about worthless, you are forced to purchase the full resolution package if you want to share your photos with anything other than your phone.

That being said, experiencing God’s creation like that was amazing!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2022/09/28
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Twilight Volcano Tour with Stargazing, Black Sand Beach & Coffee Farm

Jammed Packed with Goodness

Reviewed by: Saunders 2022, 2022/09/30

This tour was jammed packed with fantastic activities and good information. Todd was our guide, and he was filled with lots of good information on the area and language. He is definitely the one you want around for star gazing as he has a formal education in astronomy. One word of caution--bring warm clothes and jacket! You are going to a higher elevation with trade winds, and it gets cold!! (even on the van)

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2022/09/28
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Big Island High Country Adventure - Mauna Loa Volcano & Stargazing Private Tour

One Incredible Night!

Reviewed by: Cindy W, 2022/09/18

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!

  • Lava Tubes

  • Family

  • Sunset

  • The Milky Way

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Cindy and Family, mahalo for the review and the kind words! I am very glad that you all had such a great time! I too enjoyed taking you all on our adventure and still get a big smile thinking about the laughs we had. Thanks again and looking forward to our next adventure together! A hui hou, Shawn

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2022/08/23
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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Amazing Experience

Reviewed by: Merritt Hillman, 2022/08/27

My wife and I did this tour on our honeymoon. We come from the Midwest US and have not ever really been able to see many stars hence our booking this trip. The pickup location was convenient, the tour guide friendly and informative, and the experience overall was enjoyable. Would recommend to anyone going to try and book this tour as it was fun and definitely worth it.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2022/08/05
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Mauna Kea Evening Stargazing & Daytime Solar Viewing Tour with Dinner

Nicht was wir erwartet haben

Reviewed by: Aimsport , 2022/08/25

Zuerst: der Tourguide war sehr freundlich, erfahren, zugänglich und hat sehr interessante Dinge erklärt!

Das stargazing - das eigentlich highlight - war aber WEIT vom Gipfel des Mauna Kea entfernt, nur 1300m hoch bei einem Campingplatz, direkt an der Straße, wo ständig Autos mit ihren Scheinwerfern vorbeifuhren und störten…
Wir sind dann am nächsten Abend selbst nochmal mit einem 4WD zum Gipfel hoch, die 200 Dollar hätte man sich sparen können…

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2022/08/18
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