Maunakea Summit & Stars Adventure
Our journey from sea level to the slopes of Maunakea reveals the wonders and world-class clarity of the Hawaiian night sky.
Highlights
- Enjoy a warm picnic dinner
- Your guide will share historical accounts of early travelers through the mountain lands
- Delight in the awe-inspiring sunset over the Pacific
- Sip hot chocolate during your private star show with an 11” Celestron telescope
- View deep space objects with our Stellina digital telescope and share captured images of the Hawaiian night sky with your friends & family
Duration
Around 7 to 8 hours.
Rated
Easy to Moderate.
Schedule
Afternoon trips depart daily from Kona King Kamehameha Courtyard Marriott, Queen’s Marketplace in Waikoloa Beach Resort, and the Waikoloa Plaza in Waikoloa Village.
Important
Please note that this tour has a late return time, be sure to have return transportation confirmed and scheduled from your designated pick-up location
What’s Included
Picnic-style dinner, assorted teas, hot chocolate, and dessert. Warm dinner selections of Southwest Stew or Vegetarian Chili (vegan, GF). Hot Chocolate and cookies are served for dessert.
Gear Provided
We provide warm wear including, hooded parkas and gloves.
What to Bring & Wear
Reusable water bottle, closed-toe shoes, long pants, and a sweatshirt or sweater.
Restrictions
Guests should be able to walk on uneven or rocky terrain. We sometimes encounter cool, wet, or muddy conditions. Because of altitude, this tour is not advised for those with respiratory, circulatory, or heart conditions, pregnancy, or poor health. Scuba divers should be aware of altitude dangers. No children under 13. Other tour restrictions may apply.
FAQs
What kind of telescope is used for star gazing?
We utilize an 11” Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. We also use a Stellina digital telescope to view & take photographs of deep space objects that will be emailed to you to keep & share.
What is the guide to guest ratio?
Our maximum guide-to-guest ratio is 1:12
How many guests do take up per night?
Our permit allows for a maximum of 2 vehicles per night
Do we operate the tour every night?
We go every night, weather permitting
Are children allowed on this tour?
Children under 13 are not permitted on this tour
Is there much walking/hiking on this tour?
There is approximately 150 yards of walking on this tour; rated as easy
Will I able to hike & explore the summit on my own?
Unfortunately, due to safety & permitting restrictions, guests are unable to explore the summit before sunset on their own. Our guests will need to stay near our guides & vehicles while on the tour
I would like to see a specific astronomical event from the summit. How can I arrange this?
Check out www.space.com for upcoming astronomical events, and whether they will be observable in the Hawaiian sky
Cancellation Policy
- Guests will receive a full refund with 24 hours’ notice of cancellation.
- Private tours: Customers will receive a full refund with 72 hours notice of cancellation.
Cancellations within the cancellation period and “no-shows” will be charged the FULL AMOUNT of the tour.