For an out-of-this-world experience, check out Maunakea Stellar Explorer from KapohoKine Adventures. This thrilling adventure is the only Big Island star tour to feature nighttime astronomical observing AND safe daytime solar viewing with all ages welcome! Our in-house stellar explorers are the best and most experienced in Hawaii with one having created the Mauna Kea Visitor’s Center and operated it for a decade. Others on staff have written noted articles and reviews for well-known astronomy magazines and have worked at world-class observatories.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Hotel pickup and drop-off
✔ Bottled water
✔ Driver/guide
✔ Dinner
✔ Jackets
✖ Gratuities
Pickup Locations
1. Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
2. Volcano House
3. Kohala Coast Collection
4. Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings' Land Waikoloa
5. Lava Lodge at Volcano Village
6. Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa
7. Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kohala Suites Waikoloa
8. Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
9. Keahole Airport
10. Kailua Village Resort
11. Uncle Billy's Kona Bay Hotel
12. Manago Hotel
13. Kona Oceanfront Home
14. Royal Kona Resort
15. Kona
16. Chalet Kilauea
17. Kona Tiki Hotel
18. Waikoloa Honu and Gecko Condominiums
19. The Sea Village
20. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Additional Info: Please call the phone number on your ticket/voucher for your pick up time and schedule.
Itinerary
1
Kailua-Kona
The adventure starts with dinner.
Duration: 1.5 hours
2
Saddle Road
Next, you’ll travel across Saddle Road between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, two of the tallest and most massive volcanoes on Earth. Your National Park Service trained guide will discuss the volcanology, geology, and history of these monstrous wonders, as well as providing in-depth narration on the various lava flows and flora and fauna that you’ll be passing by. Lastly, your guide will take you to one of our preferred locations on Mauna Kea for nighttime stargazing.
Duration: 60 minutes
3
Mauna Kea
You’ll observe deep sky and planetary objects through a large aperture Dobsonian telescope under one of the darkest and most pristine skies on planet Earth! Our Dobsonian telescopes are a true purist’s experience to view the night sky. Their fast focal ratio enables you to see sprawling wide field views of objects that simply aren’t possible with the types of telescopes used by other tours. Depending on what is visible in the current sky and weather permitting, you’ll observe galaxies, nebula, star clusters, planets, double star systems, the moon, and much more; all the highlights and showpiece objects like you’ve never seen before! Afterwards, warm up with Kona coffee and hot chocolate before returning to your resort. Warm jackets provided. This tour does not visit Maunakea’s summit out of deference to Native Hawaiian concerns.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Additional info
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
