Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail / Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure
Very few places could match this experience
Posted on: 2018/07/29
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 very bumpy rocky last stretch of road to reach the top! And wow it was a view from the top.
Be warned; it is very very cold; not what you expect from your Hawaiian break! You get nice warm coats from the tour group though (and later a little hot cocoa and brownie to keep you going!)
As the sun sets; you can see the mountains shadow on the other side; a glimpse of Maui and the glint of the sun off the telescopes preparing for their nights work. You can see the odd bit of movement as they open up. As soon as the suns down; its all go though. We have to leave the area quickly as the lights from the cars interfere with the telescopes (so no, there is no looking around inside them; if that is what you're hoping for in this trip!).
We move down slope a little to a good spot to see the huge expanse of clear, cloudless sky and the abundance of stars.
It is slightly interrupted with the brightness of the moon (so depending how long your stay is in Hawaii, plan for a darker night, unless you love the moon!); but not enough to stop us seeing nebula, planets and stars - its a really interesting spot to see both the northern and southern skies.
We did also spot a bit of the glow from the erupting volcano
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| Attended as: | Couples | ||
| Activity Date: | 2018/06/20 | ||
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Grand Circle Island, Coffee Farm & Volcano Sightseeing Tour from Kona [Open Now] / Gold Package with Lunch
A really great way to see the whole island
Posted on: 2018/07/29
Loved our tour guide on this trip. He had brilliant recommendations for everywhere we went; and he took interest in what everyone's plans were for the rest of their trips so he could make good suggestions. Very honest and approachable.
I'm always interested in learning about the history and local knowledge of anywhere I visit and this trip definitely covered this.
The scenery of the island is so completely different as you travel round; if you enjoy taking photos;there are a lot of good opportunities for some unique photos.
The only slight disappointing part for myself wasn't anything within control of the tour operator and that was that the volcano national park wasn't safe to enter. Eruption still ongoing and unpredictable and experiencing earthquakes in the area!
I would say the highlight for me was seeing the sea turtles on the black sand beach.
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| Attended as: | Couples | ||
| Activity Date: | 2018/06/22 | ||
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Big Island Moonlight Manta Ray Snorkel Tour & Sunset Cruise from Kona / Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Equally awe-inspiring and nerve-wracking
Posted on: 2018/07/29
I only add the nerve wracking part as it was something I did with a little trepidation - the idea of swimming in the ocean, in the dark, in the cold with a little tube to breathe through... However, I like to do something that scares every once in a while as the fear usually is nothing when actually doing the activity and this one was definitely the case in this experience. The guides were excellent and talked everyone through and kept everyone relaxed. You had a half wet suit to help with the cold; the water was lit up (to attract the plankton and mantas); the snorkel you soon forgot once you were floating in pure amazement and smiles as these giants swooped below you and then treated to the bright white display of them underneath as they rolled to eat up the plankton. Complete gentle giants; and not at all scary but just delightful
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| Attended as: | Couples | ||
| Activity Date: | 2018/06/23 | ||
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