Maunakea Stellar Explorer HILO
Description
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. This tour does not visit Maunakea’s summit or Visitor Center out of deference to Native Hawaiian concerns.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Start your adventure in quaint Hilo town where you’ll drive along the historic waterfront before arriving at Rainbow Falls. This iconic waterfall right off a postcard features an 80 foot tall twin waterfall system. Look for the rainbow effect that gives the waterfall its name!
Continue traveling up the Wailuku River to Boiling Pots. Impressive photo opportunities are often found here when the river “boils” through depressions in the rocks.
Explore Kaumana Caves, part of the lava tube system that brought lava 1.5 miles from Hilo-town in 1881. Take a peek inside the cathedral-like space before tucking into a quick picnic-style lunch atop the caves.
Your guide will take you to one of our preferred locations on Mauna Kea for nighttime stargazing. 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!
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. While you’re taking in the breathtaking terrestrial views, your guide will prepare some heavenly views just as stunning. Setting up a state of the art solar telescope for your viewing pleasure, your specially trained guide will let you safely watch the sun come alive in true color with vibrant solar flares, sunspots, prominences and any other current activity weather permitting.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We pick up at all major hotels, please contact us at 808-964-1000 for more information.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(101)
Tori and Sass were amazing guides. Tori was very knowledgeable with all the stars and geology of the area. Sass was great listening to our 13yr old son talk her ear off and knew a lot of the history in Hawaii. We had a clear night with all the stars out and Tori had her telescope that really enhanced the experience.
I'm a little disappointed with this trick. We did not mount Maunakea as described in the description. We put 3 stars for the guide, Sam, who still put stars in our heads.
Knowledgeable and friendly guide. Trip includes some interesting site in town and then took us to star gazing site. He knew a LOT about stars. We had a good site to see sky
Great tour. Rich was an amazing guide. Very nice and knowledgeable. Rainbow falls and boiling pots was nice, it was raining heavily at these 2 locations which kind of added to the appeal for me (bring a poncho and good non slippery shoes for such a rainy day). We did not do solar gazing, just stargazing. We saw stars, the moon, Saturn, Jupiter, star clusters, Orion Nebula and andromeda galaxy with the telescope. It was great. The location of the stargazing was amazing too.
A great experience to see the night skies high above mountain with minimal lights around. Presenter through explaining the stars.
ERIC IS AMAZING. STELLAR (pun intended) he was soooooo knowledgeable and was extremely patient. We had the most wonderful clear night (not in his control but a bonus!). We really enjoyed conversing with him around astronomy and Hawaiian culture. I would 1000% recommend a tour with him!
Amazing experience. Rich was great as our guide. Very knowledgeable. Kept us entertained the whole time. Whole tour was great but seeing the stars was breath-taking. Rich pointed out many constellations and showed us nebula and galaxies. I would highly appreciate
Guide was nice but I think it’s way over priced, they should also make it clear in the listing that they won’t be taking us to summit but will go to below the visitor center. It’s an easy drive of 45 min from Hilo and if you have rental car you can just drive there
The most magical and unreal experience! We had the best guide, Henry, who was super knowledgeable, friendly, and a great guide. He made extra time to go to lots of stops along the way up to the viewing point and we had the best spot for viewing. We went on a full moon and still saws hundreds of stars and constellations! Henry did amazing at getting us the best views both with and without the telescope and even got us some stunning pictures of the full moon through the telescope! The parkas, snacks, and hot drinks were all an extra bonus! Would 1000000% do again!
It was great! Beautiful site seeing on the way to the mountains. Very entertaining and kind tourguide for kids and adults alike. Interesting facts and stories about the area and the night sky.
