Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

This Was The Highlight of Our Hawaii Trip

Reviewed by: Sop

Our guides were Arthur and Justin. Both are funny and knowledgeable. This tour surprised us in so many ways. It is crazy that you can go from beach weather to freezing winds in a matter of hours. The parkas definitely help. I would recommend some layers of clothes, jeans, and good shoes. Bring a scarf or beanie. For those who live in the country, you do not realize how fortunate you are to not have light pollution. The stars that we saw were amazing. Your eyes adjust and focus so well on all the bright twinkles because there's no surrounding light. It's hard to explain but you feel like a child who's just seen something new and cool. Light pollution is real. On a good night in the city, I can probably see maybe 10 stars. Here, the volume is overwhelming. The location of Hawaii lets you see a lot more. Not only do you see the stars, but you can see distant galaxies as well our own milky way. Primitive, primal, natural are some other ways to describe experience.

The sunset on Mauna Kea was also a fantastic experience. Arthur and Justin are safe and excellent drivers. You see rental cars driving up the volcano on unpaved roads when they shouldn't. It's better to have the experts take you to the summit.

We attended this tour January 3, 2018. This gave us the rare opportunity to see the wolf moon and all the stars. I never knew how much light the moon provided at night.

I would do this again and recommend it to anybody who visits the Big Island.

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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail

Fantastic experience

Reviewed by: Christine S.

Our original trip was postponed due to snow on the summit of Mauna Kea but we rescheduled and had an unforgettable experience. Our guide Hank was great. As well as his astronomy expertise, he provided lots of information on Hawaiian culture. The views on the way up to the summit were spectacular. Great photographic opportunities of the sunset, views and night sky.
I would thoroughly recommend this trip.

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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail

Excellent narration, food and drive

Reviewed by: Richard V.

This was my second trip up to the summit of Mauna Kea for the Sunset & Stargazing Adventure. The drive up this time was smoother than the first, thankfully, and our guide was excellent. You could tell he was well-informed on all the topics he discussed. The catered Hawaiian dinner was very tasty, and in sufficient quantity to satisfy a good appetite. The only drawback this time was that the clock-drive on the telescope was not working, which took away from our ability to look at celestial objects at high magnification. I recommend this trip, and also that the tour company repair their clock drives!

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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail

Wow!!

Reviewed by: Curt

This was one of the best tours ever! The high lite was the star gazing, holy cow was it fantastic!

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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail

Awesome trip

Reviewed by: Brad

We had a great time in our trip. Our guide jeff was fantastic and took the time to make sure everyone had a great night. Highly recommend this trip.

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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail

Almost Heaven

Reviewed by: Ralphg

If you have the opportunity to visit Hawaii and the big island is on your agenda, the tour to the top of Mauna Kea is a must do !! The journey up and down the mountain is exhilarating, the views on the way up, stunning and the views from the top at sunset - unforgettable!!!!
Of course the weather gods can have their say and you could be unlucky.
Very impressed by the capability of our driver Joe who also made our star gazing even more memorable with his explanations and knowledge. You will leave with an impression of how “special” it is to visit the top of Mauna Kea and with an understanding of why the Hawaiian people see it as a place to be treated with respect

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Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Great tour~

Reviewed by: Yang

Its was a great tour as advertised, Pick up was on time. and Gordon is a good driver, friendly, take good cares of everyone. He and his buddy provided a great service for the entire tour. This is a great tour to take if you are just visiting big island for vacation. We were traveling light, dont want to prepare winter cloth. the tour provides what we need on the mountain. It was one of the best tour we took in big island. definitely will do again~~

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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail

Mauna Kea, awesome!!

Reviewed by: Andrea

Excellent, just do it, unforgettable experience!! Thanks to Hawaii Forest and Trail group, make sure your tour is through them, in fact make sure all your Big Island tours are through them, they are AWESOME!!

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マウナケア山頂 サンセット＆星空観測ツアー ＜午後／天体望遠鏡／夕食付／英語ガイド＞ by ハワイフォレスト＆トレイル

Such a wonderful experience... こんなに素敵な体験は...

Reviewed by: クリスピー

I had been interested in the sunset at the summit of Mauna Kea, which I had seen on TV for a long time! Additionally, we got to do some stargazing, making it the best day ever! We participated as a couple on our honeymoon.

Initially, I was planning to sign up for a tour with a Japanese guide, but it was already fully booked, so I signed up for this tour instead. I was a bit worried since I don't speak much English, but despite the tour being almost 100% in English, thanks to the tour guide's consideration and a Japanese family who happened to join us, I was able to enjoy it very much!

I also observed other tours with Japanese guides and felt that the content and quality of this tour, along with the consideration for customers and the very free-flowing nature of the proceedings, made me truly glad that I participated in this tour.

The hot chocolate and brownies during stargazing were unforgettable. It was truly the best tour! Thank you very much!

以前からテレビで見て気になっていたマウナケア山頂でのサンセット！さらに天体観測もさせてもらえて最高の1日でした！
新婚旅行で夫婦で参加しました。
当初、日本語ガイドのツアーを申し込もうと思っていたところ、既に一杯だったためこちらのツアーに申し込みました。
英語がほぼ出来ないため、多少心配していましたが、ツアーの最中はほぼ100%英語だったにもかかわらず、ツアーガイドさんのお気遣いと、偶然一緒に参加した日本人の家族の方のおかげで、とても楽しむ事ができました！
他の日本語ガイドのツアーの方々もいらっしゃって様子を拝見致しましたが、ツアーの内容や質、お客様への配慮やとても自由な感じでの進行など、このツアーに参加出来てよかったと改めて感じています。
天体観測中のホットチョコレートとブラウニー、あのおいしさはわすれられません。
本当に最高のツアーでした！ありがとうございました！

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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail

What an amazing experience!!

Reviewed by: Karen from MO

This trip was the highlight of our trip to the Big Island. We had a great time and enjoyed the experience immensely. I was a little disappointed when they called me that morning and told us the road to the summit was closed and we might not be able to go to the top. Since we were on a limited time schedule we decided to go anyway. Nate was our guide and picked us up in Kona. On the ride to Mauna Kea, he explained about the different kinds of lava flows and some of the myths about Pele. When we got to the sheep station, Nate set up our meal for us and explained about life as a sheep rancher on the island. He promised that if we didn't get to go to the summit, he would make sure we at least saw the sunset from another spot. Supper was very good and it was fun getting to know the other tourists with us. After we ate, we got the good news that the road had opened and we were able to go to the top. What a gorgeous sight!! We saw the sun set on one side and turned around and saw the full moon coming up on the other. After watching the sunset, we went back down to visitor center and did some stargazing. Nate was very knowledgeable about the constellations. We were able to see the rings around Saturn and other constellations that night. The hot chocolate and warm brownies tasted good after being up on the summit where it was pretty chilly! I would definitely recommend this adventure for anyone visiting the Big Island, If we are fortunate enough to return, we will be doing this again!! Thank you Nate for a great evening.

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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail

Joe!

Reviewed by: Nay

Joe was amazing!!! His passion for astronomy was so refreshing and we loved his poem at the end.

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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail

Mauna kea

Reviewed by: EdL

All good. Hank was great. Zzzzxzzzzzzxxzxzzzzzzzzzzzzz

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Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Experience of a Lifetime!

Reviewed by: Beachin' Besties

If you have to choose one paid activity/tour to do on the Big Island, my friends and I definitely recommend the Mauna Kea Summit and Stargazing tour! It was an experience of a lifetime! From the AMAZING views from sunset to stargazing to the amazing, informative and friendly staff, I would definitely do this tour again, if only for the views!

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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail

Spectacular scenery, stars and experience

Reviewed by: RBP

The sights were amazing and unique. The guide was amazing and knowledgeable. I have traveled all over the world and this would be one of my top 20 experiences. Tour arrangements were excellent.

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Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Awesome tour!

Reviewed by: Shannon

We learned so much about the island volcanos on this tour. The views are amazing and star gazing is outstanding. Believe the advice to be prepared for the cold. It was 37 at the top (in July)! We were fortunate to see the glow of the lava from the volcano. Apparently an unusual occurance.

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Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Tiur to Mauna Kea was a highlight of my vacation

Reviewed by: Alex K.

I had a star gazing tour to Mauna Kea and have to admit this was a real STAR of my 2-week travel across Big Island. Our tour guide Maka had deep extensive knowledge in geology, volcanology, astronomy, ethnography, history of Hawaii and was just a very nice guy and interesting interlocutor. Maka was so kind to call me about my precious photo filters I left behind in the tour bus ad help me get them back. Thank you, Maka!

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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail

Sunset and Stargazing at Mauna Kea

Reviewed by: JJ & Kathy

This tour was the highlight of our activities on the big island.

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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail

Great way to see the top of Mauna Kea

Reviewed by: Marianna

Our guide Joe was very knowledgeable about astronomy. It was cool to see the top of Mauna Kea and observatories. We went during a half moon and the star visibility was still very good. The mountain is above the vog, so you should be able to see the stars even if the vog is a problem.

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マウナケア山頂 サンセット＆星空観測ツアー ＜午後／天体望遠鏡／夕食付／英語ガイド＞ by ハワイフォレスト＆トレイル

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset マウナケア山頂サンセット

Reviewed by: taromama

This time there was only an English guide, so I participated in English, but everyone was American... and the guide spoke entirely in English, as expected.
Please be careful, everyone. It's really cold. The down coat provided is thin and not warm at all. It's essential to wear something warm like a fleece underneath. Also, I think it's better not to expect too much from dinner, haha. The guide did their best to explain everything.
Good luck!

今回は英語ガイドしかなくて、英語に参加しましたがやはり全員アメリカ人でした・・・そしてガイドも全部英語でした。当然ですが。
皆さん気を付けてください。本当に寒いです。貸出されたダウンコートがペラペラで、全然暖かくないのです。ご自分でフリースなど暖かいものを中に着ること必須です。それに夕飯はあまり期待しない方がよいと思われます笑 ガイドさんは一生懸命説明してくださいました
Good Luck　！

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Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Amazing

Reviewed by: Minnesota2017

I had a great time, over the clouds and under the stars. This is a must see in Hawaii.

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Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Amazing views and breathtaking!

Reviewed by: Cheryl

From the top of Mauna Kea you truly see forever. However, be prepared! At these heights it is also breath taking... that is, there is less air up there!! The guides were great and prepared you for the trip in every way. The dinner was good and the star gazing after coming half way back down was amazing.

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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail

Mauna kea summit trip

Reviewed by: Linda & Scott Cherry

Great trip. Unfortunately the summit was closed due to high winds when we reached visitor center. Our guide, Joe was great. He took us on a hike to see the sunset which was amazing and then to an area where he set up a huge telescope for star gazing. He was very knowledgeable and made what could have been a disappointing trip into a great one. We had an amazing experience. I would highly recommend it. Good good too!

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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail

Cold Calgarians

Reviewed by: Elizabeth

Our guide, Hank, made the tour worth every penny. Not only was he totally organized and pleasant, his knowledge sharing was priceless. Geology, geography, astronomy, Hawaiian culture, history: so interesting! Thank you for a great day!

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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail

This tour was PERFECT !!! I'm gonna give it 10 stars :)

Reviewed by: Elaine

This tour was perfect, reply promptly when I had question.
The sunset and the starry night are stunning, wanna go again.
The guide is super nice, I joined 12/22, but forget the guide's name (sorry)
He was really professional and full of knowledge with the stars and thanks him gave us a ride to hotel, we are really appreciated !! Wanna say thanks again :)
If I have the chance, I'll go again !

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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail

Beautiful Views

Reviewed by: NLKTravel

Pros: Our guide was very knowledgeable and I learned a lot. You go from sea level to about 13,800 feet, so remember to drink water. The views at 13,803 feet were beautiful. The observatories are interesting to see (from the outside). You observe stars with an 11" telescope at the visiter center parking lot. The guide points out stars/planets that everyone gets a chance to see. They give you jackets with gloves available.

Cons: It is a bumpy ride and some of the road is dirt. The "hot" meal was more of a box lunch. Bathroom breaks are limited. You do climb to 14,000', be prepared for the climate and altitude change. I was under the impression we could see more of the observatories, you only see them from the outside and are not allowed in.

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マウナケア山頂 サンセット＆星空観測ツアー ＜午後／天体望遠鏡／夕食付／英語ガイド＞ by ハワイフォレスト＆トレイル

Great tour! Great tour!

Reviewed by: yukiman

The sunset and stars were really beautiful.

You better bring an extra layer to go up to the top of Mauna Kea. It was much colder than we expected. But still worth going to see!

The sunset and stars were really beautiful.

You better bring an extra layer to go up to the top of Mauna Kea.
It was much colder than we expected. But still worth to go and see!

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Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

I finally see the milky way!!!!!!!!!

Reviewed by: Trina Sung

Our guide is David and he was very kind and informative. He provided a lot of island guide and knowledge of astronomy and geography. Everything in the tour were just fine. We had all things we needed. I loved the parka very much. Without the parka and the gloves, I would be freezed at the height of 4000m. When I saw the milky way in the sky, I was very very touched. It's incredible!!!!

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Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Unbelievable Adventure

Reviewed by: Andrew

Gordon, our Driver / Guide was very knowledgable of the Island and was a great guide of the cosmos. I will definitely be returning and have already shared some of the pictures i took, and people still dont believe how great the stars you can see with the naked eye. I couldn't believe how great it looked almost fake it was that Great of an experience. Thanks for the Dinner and Hot Drink selection at the end of our star gazing tour.

#Returning2017

Andrew.

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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail

Srargazing 2016

Reviewed by: CGTUR

Great tour, the guide was very knowlegable answering all questions put. The trip was worth every penny. The sunset seen from the summit was truly spiritual.

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Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Amazing!!

Reviewed by: ris

Its a must go, when visiting Big Island. Sunset view is breathtaking.

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