Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation
Overall Rating
4.83
Awesome - everything
Reviewed by: David B, 2024/01/01We had the best time
Tour guide was so knowledgeable and friendly
We learned so much about Hawaii and the big Island and astronomy
On the way we learned so much
Tour guide was exceptional
- always told us what was coming
- very organised
- everything was like clockwork
Everything was high quality and expert in every way
I can think of nothing to improve
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2023/12/30 |
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Great afternoon trip
Reviewed by: Steve S, 2023/10/19We had a group of 4 and had an excellent afternoon. Our guide was very knowledgeable and warm and friendly. The van was comfy and had big windows for viewing scenery along the drive. The starts were amazing as was the sunset.
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/16 |
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ABSOLUTE RECOMMENDATION!
Reviewed by: Annet & Jeroen; NL, 2023/09/17Excellent 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!!!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/15 |
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this tour is a MUST do,AMAZING
Reviewed by: ivan , 2023/06/11OMG 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
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2023/06/05 |
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Wonderful experiences with great hospitality
Reviewed by: Nobu, 2023/05/04I 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.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2023/05/02 |
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Best thing we did in Hawaii!
Reviewed by: Daniel, 2023/04/27The 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.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2023/04/25 |
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Gage/Gaige!? Who cares sir you are one AWESOME guide!
Reviewed by: Max family , 2023/03/13This 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!
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2023/02/22 |
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Absolutely THE best land excursion!
Reviewed by: Analiese Kennedy , 2023/02/09I 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
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2023/02/07 |
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Outstanding Star Hazing!
Reviewed by: Jen & Dion, 2022/12/25Travis was phenomenal. Knew so much about the island as well as space facts. Definitely worth the price and time.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2022/12/23 |
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My wife and I summit in Hawaii
Reviewed by: Greg, 2022/11/19The tour was everything we hoped for. Fernando was a fantastic guide, knowledgeable about Hawaiian history, religious significance of Mauna Kea and stargazing.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2022/10/30 |
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Really great experience
Reviewed by: Steph, 2022/07/24Great knowledgeable guide, Fernando made the long drive up to the summit with a bunch of volcano facts and stories about the Hawaiian history. Absolutely breathtaking views at sunset in the summit. Followed by stargazing, we were told about and shown all the constellations, saw some shooting stars, the Milky Way and Saturn
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2022/07/22 |
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Amazing!
Reviewed by: Linda, 2022/04/27This tour was magical. We highly recommend using Mauna Kea stargazing Tour and Sunset Adventure. The entire experience was incredible from start to finish. Our tour guide, Gage, was excellent, very knowledgable and had great energy. We learned all about Hawaii's history, landscape, and culture, this was much more than just watching an amazing sunset at the summit of Mauna Kea and stargazing. This tour should definitely make your list of things to do while visiting the Big Island!
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2022/04/25 |
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Knowledgeable and exciting
Reviewed by: Teresa, 2022/01/22We loved this tour - being on the summit was amazing. You can always tell when your guide is excellent and passionate about what they are speaking about. Maka was amazing and knowledgeable not only of Mauna Kea and the surrounding areas but you could tell he loved astronomy. Highly recommend this and I’d we come back again we will try to time it in the summer on a new moon to see even more.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2022/01/18 |
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We had a fabulous time!
Reviewed by: Linda Sioux, 2022/01/01We loved this excursion. We came prepared and had plenty of clothes, hats and gloves. The dinner was yummy. The snow was hysterical- we live in CO and had to go to HI for snow- our guide was over the edge with enthusiasm and knowledge - loved our stargazing- don't delay-book today! This was not an easy one to book!!!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2021/12/09 |
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Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour (with Dinner)
Reviewed by: Kevin S, 2021/12/21Nicely done and very interesting. The scenery was fantastic. The guides were knowledgeable and accommodating. The veggie lasagna dinner was better than expected. It was a memorable lifetime experience. The snow that had fallen recently was an added bonus.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2021/12/11 |
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Don’t miss this adventure
Reviewed by: Mark, Audrey & Jarod, 2021/12/18Travis was fantastic during our trip up Mauna Kea. His knowledge and presentation made it interesting and insightful. He personally took the extra time to make sure the adventure was complete. We even had snow, something unexpected for travelers to Hawaii.
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2021/12/16 |
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“STAR”gazing!
Reviewed by: Adventure Grandma, 2021/12/11This tour was Amazing! We have traveled to many fabulous places around the globe with lots of adventure & this tour was right up there with the best! Our guide, Gage, was fun, informative, patient, and an all-round delightful young man! Having to reschedule due to the Kona Low & Mauna Kea blizzard was easy & ultimately a better tour due to lots of beautiful snow at the summit! Our guide prepared us well for the seriously high altitude and checked on everyone frequently! Be sure to pack hats & gloves and the tour provided parkas were plenty warm. A couple e of things to keep in mind before going: bring a refillable water bottle, remember to nose in & slow pursed lip breathing out, bring your camera or cell phone for pictures, visit the restroom at the visitor center so you won’t have to go at very high elevation, and eat before the tour begins (the provided dinner is pretty simple). Just pack a smile and enjoy the “high”! The stargazing with the telescope was extra special! Who knows, we saw a Jedi, a snowman, & a crazy snowboarder so maybe you will too! Thanks for a great memory!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2021/12/09 |
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Lovely experience.
Reviewed by: Sanidhya, 2021/11/09Very unique. Views of a lifetime!
The host was amazing. Very informative and helpful. Really enjoyed my time on this tour. Will definitely recommend!
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Activity Date: | 2021/11/07 |
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Very Very Entertaining.
Reviewed by: H. Shoenfield, 2021/09/30Tour Guide was an enthusiast, patient, native who shared culture, history, science, jokes and Hawaiian myths and songs. You can't ask for more from a guide. Try to book for a moonless night for best view of stars. They use an automated 11 inch telescope. The food was surprisingly very good (vegetable lasagna), the brownie decadent and the hot chocolate and biscotti at the end a nice touch. Had an issue finding the pick up spot, but a phone call resolved this since we were close. If you miss the sign for the international market (if that's your pick up spot), look for the 76 gas station, enter there and drive to the back. Dress warmly and bring a refillable drink. Cold (but not terribly) even with the given parka and gloves. A very enjoyable 8 hour afternoon & evening l
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2021/09/28 |
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A wonderful experience!
Reviewed by: Heather, 2021/08/06We had a great time viewing the sunset with our amazing guides Kekoa and Travis. There are a lot of companies that run these tours, but our guides made this one the best of them all. They were both very knowledgeable with a great sense of humor. Most of all, however, Kekoa and Travis have big smiles and even bigger hearts. They brought the spirit of Mauna Kea and o'hana into this experience. The sunset from the summit was miraculous, the lasagna and brownie absolutely delicious and the star gazing was out of this world!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2021/08/04 |
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Great way to see the sunset atop Mauna Kea and stargaze next to the welcome center!
Reviewed by: Nicole W, 2021/06/13Gabe, our tour guide, was funny, patient and very knowledgeable! It’s a long drive there picking up all attendees and up the mountain. He did a great job sharing interesting facts and keeping us engaged throughout the tour! Plus he was a very safe driver given the rough terrain (4-wheel drive required to get to the top). At the very top Mauna Kea looks like Mars since no life can survive and was a surreal experience for this reason. Plus viewing the sunset over the clouds at the very top was breathtaking! Note we did not stargaze at the very top, since the altitude is too high and actually prohibits ideal stargazing because of prolonged altitude sickness and the fact it’s insanely cold after sundown (FYI it’s windy and cold up there, so wear layers - you’ll thank me!!). Instead we stargazed near the welcome center enjoying hot coco or hot coffee! We learned about the different constellations, etc. Overall it was a great tour and we’re glad to we did it!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2021/05/19 |
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Unique and wonderful experience!!
Reviewed by: Debbie, 2021/05/24The Mauna Kea summit tour was a definite highlight of our trip to Hawaii. The ride up the mountain in the van was beautiful and rugged. Our guide was very thorough and attentive to the needs of the group. He was exceptionally knowledgeable of the history and cultural significance of this mountain. The view from the summit was amazing. The telescopes look like something out of Star wars. It is a most unique and unusual place. The star gazing was just phenomenal. We had a beautiful clear night with an awesome view of the moon from the telescope, as well as many other unique stars and constellations and night sky features. We were able to see the Southern Cross which I am told is very rare. On a negative note I was very unimpressed with the lasagna meal. Mine was not very hot, and the noodles were slightly dry and crusty on the bottom. However the hot chocolate and snack during the stargazing was a very nice touch. All in all the entire experience will stay with us forever. It is one of those things you will talk about for years to come.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2021/05/17 |
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Honeymoon Highlight!
Reviewed by: MsTravelGal, 2020/02/11I wouldn't give this tour five stars...I give it as many stars as there are in the Mauna Kea sky! This tour was easily the highlight of our trip on the Big Island! We enjoyed every minute of it. The sunset was absolutely gorgeous, and to see it from such a high elevation was quite remarkable. I was glad that we had plenty of time before and after the sunset to walk around, take in the view, and get some good pictures.
The dinner was very good but if you don't like lasagna there's a microwave at VIS if you want to bring your own food.
The road to the summit is a bit bumpy, but that's to be expected since it's a volcano. So take motion sickness meds if you're prone to carsickness. And if you get cold easily, definitely bring layers! They provide parkas and gloves but you might also want to bring a hat or scarf and thick socks.
Throughout the tour, the guide provided a very entertaining and educational narrative. It's obvious that he's passionate about Mauna Kea and Hawaii. He's basically a walking encyclopedia of Hawaii and provided all kinds of interesting information about Mauna Kea's geology and history, and also talked about Hawaiian culture and why Mauna Kea is a sacred place. He also did an excellent job of guiding the stargazing and pointing out constellations, star clusters, and planets, most of which we got to see through a telescope. I think my favorite part of the stargazing was getting to see the Andromeda galaxy through the telescope.
If you're going to the Big Island, this tour is a must!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
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Highlight of my Big Island trip. Must do!
Reviewed by: Michael, 2020/02/11This Mauana Kea summit and stargazing tour was phenomenal. The first stop is at the visitor center around 9k feet elevation. Here you can look through a couple telescopes, walk through the museum, and you will be served your hot dinner (we had veggie lasagna and it was good). While you are here it is good to eat and drink alot of water so your body can acclimate to the higher altitudes ahead. Next stop is the summit up to almost 14k feet! The Vans they take up are heavy duty and they need to be because of the rocky road leading up the mountain. I would not reccomend taking a rental/personal vehicle up this mountain. The road is rocky, thin, and windy. The guides for this tour have been doing it for years and know the road well. On the way up the guides will give you some commentary about the mountain which is a cool little history lesson. At the top it is cold and the oxygen is thin, so be ready! They provide you with a winter coat and gloves but I recommend bringing your own hat. The views from the summit are outstanding. Watching the sun set from up there is really remarkable, and you can walk around to the 12 massive telescopes up there to take pictures. After the summit you will descend a couple thousand feet to the star gazing location. With no light pollution and at the high altitude it provides for the star gazing experience of a lifetime. I have never seen the sky lit up so brightly with constellations. The guides will break out a couple of heavy duty telescopes from the vans so you can get an even closer look. They will educate you about the constellations and give alot of really good information. Overall this is an impeccable tour and a must do if you are going to the Big Island!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
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Gratitude and respect! Blessed to have been able to experience sunset on Mauna Kea and the beauty of our night sky!
Reviewed by: Hoomaikaiana, 2020/01/01This was truly a ‘bucket list’ experience.
Our guide Travis shared his encyclopedic knowledge of the mountain and the importance to the Hawai’ian people. The history of the observatories and their research potential was enlightening. Our other guide, Jim knew more about constellations and the night sky than many astronomers. His ability to discuss the constellations from both a euro-centric and Polynesian perspective was novel!
A truly magnificent (although really really cold) adventure.
The hooded jackets and gloves are great - but bring two layers for your both your lower body and upper body as well as warm socks/shoes.
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2019/12/29 |
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Amazing!!
Reviewed by: Irina, 2019/01/13Mauna Kea star-gazing tour was a must on our recent trip to Hawai’i. Our tour guide, Jim, was very knowledgeable and made sure that everyone in our group had the best experience possible. Absolutely incredible views, unforgettable sunset above the clouds, gorgeous Milky Way!!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2019/01/10 |
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Awesome tour
Reviewed by: Jason, 2018/09/14Our guide, Gordon, made sure the shuttle ride was comfortable and enjoyable. the stargazing and sunset views were amazing! It is well recommended to take this tour.
Lasagna was a bit salty for asian taste in my opinion. Browny, cookies and drinks were nice. Jumpers and gloves were provided but it was still cold, so it would be better if you brought more warm clothings.
One thing, i came on this tour with my wife (newly weds) but the seats were limited, so we had to sit separately :( it would be nice if there were seating plans or notice beforehand.
Nonetheless, i would take this tour again if I do ever come back to the big island!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2018/09/10 |
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Excellent tour
Reviewed by: Steven, 2018/05/20Tour actually worked out better than expected. The tour vans are nice and new, the guides are nice and knowledgeable. You go right to the telescope summit and watch the sunrise followed by a great star gazing experience.
The lasagna ain't great but bring snacks and you'll have a great time
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2018/05/17 |
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Great change-up experience in Hawaii!
Reviewed by: Greg, 2018/01/15This trip was a really fun experience as a contrast to the normal beach and ocean explorations that a visit to Hawaii normally includes.
The guide was very informative and the trip was planned well. The van was very comfortable (big Mercedes).
Climbing above the clouds made it feel like we were going to another world. The sunset from the top amongst all the observatory domes was incredibly colorful and the photography was cool with the domes.
The second part when we went down the mountain and set up the telescopes was fun too. The guide had an excellent presentation and mastery of the topics.
I highly recommend-it was out of the ordinary and visually spectacular.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2018/01/12 |
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This Was The Highlight of Our Hawaii Trip
Reviewed by: Sop, 2018/01/09Our 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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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2018/01/03 |
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