Overview
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Maunakea Visitor Information Station, 177 Makaala St, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720Enjoy a hot picnic style dinner before making your way to the summitDuration: 45 minutesStop At: Mauna Kea Summit, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HIEnjoy a sunset from above the clouds while overlooking the Pacific Ocean atop Maunakea. After the sunset, travel to a more comfortable elevation and let our guides reveal the night sky with our 11" Celestron telescopes. Duration: 30 minutes
Supplier Name
Hawaii Forest and Trail
Additional Information
Confirmation will be received at time of booking,Minimum age is 16 years,Due to the high altitude; this tour is not suitable for those with respiratory, heart or circulatory conditions, poor health, or pregnancy,Scuba divers should be aware of altitude dangers,**IMPORTANT - Please note, guests meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel must meet at least 15 MINUTES PRIOR to the tour's departure time.**,Guests are required to wear closed-toe walking shoes or hiking boots, long pants. We recommend bringing a light sweatshirt or jacket,Guests must bring their own water bottles. Tour operator will provide filtered water refills.,Please advise your parka size (small, medium, large, x-large or xx-large) and choice of meal at time of booking. If you do not indicate this at the time of booking, you will be required to call and advise them of this information directly.,There is minimal walking on this tour, the maximum being about 150 yards,Not wheelchair accessible,Not recommended for travelers with back problems,Not recommended for pregnant travelers,No heart problems or other serious medical conditions,The access road to Mauna Kea is four-wheel drive only, so it can be bumpy. The custom off-road transit vans will get you to the top and back in safety and comfort. The transit vans can carry a maximum of 14 passengers,Most travelers can participate,Snow is seasonal at Mauna Kea, with the heaviest snowfall occurring during the winter months,This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund,This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund,This tour/activity will have a maximum of 9 travelers,Face masks required for travelers in public areas,Face masks required for guides in public areas,Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff,Social distancing enforced throughout experience,Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas,Gear/equipment sanitized between use,Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized,Guides required to regularly wash hands,We have developed an approach that introduces a new standard of cleanliness and disinfection to ensure our guests enjoy an even cleaner and safer experience. Implementing strict protocols and using the latest disinfection technology, updated continuously to current State and Federal Guidelines.
Inclusions:
Guide,Hooded parkas and gloves,Hot picnic dinner,Hot cocoa and cookies,Private star show with telescope,Local taxes,Central Meeting Locations for Pick-up & Drop off,Entry/Admission - Maunakea Visitor Information Station,Entry/Admission - Mauna Kea Summit
Exclusions:
Gratuities
This tour exceeded every expectation I had - and I expected a lot! Jeff was fantastic. On the way up he shared fascinating information about Hawaii history, geology and mythology. Unfortunately, when we got to the summit, mother nature wasn’t cooperative that night. Instead of seeing a beautiful Hawaii sunset, it was snowing and cloudy. But how many people can say they got into a snowball fight in Hawaii?!! I thought our trip was going to be a bust. Jeff then drove us to a spot on the mountain where the sky was much clearer. He set up two telescopes – one digital and one optical - and proceeded to share amazing images and information about the stars and planets. He was so knowledgeable, and his passion for the subject was obvious, and infectious. The hot cocoa was an added bonus! All in all, this is a trip worth taking. Probably the highlight of our vacation in Hawaii.
Reviewed by: Dsilberm, 12/19/2021 12:00:00 AM
Was a bit apprehensive about going to the 14,000 foot summit but I was surprised it went without a hitch other than lots of snow falling and not being able to see the sunset which would have been great. Our guide, Jeffrey, was fantastic. Very informative and entertaining and answered lots of questions. He found a great place to Stargaze in the way down the summit and were able to see lots of planets, a nebula, andromeda and a dying star. I would highly recommend this tour.
Reviewed by: A9206OJpatrickb, 12/19/2021 12:00:00 AM
Journeying to the summit of Mauna Kea with its amazing views and group of huge telescopes was remarkable, especially at sunset. The stargazing at the station somewhat below through the high-quality telescope was also excellent. We had an exceptional guide, Jason, who brought the whole experience to life. He was very knowledgeable about a whole range of applicable subjects and a really nice guy too. Before departing we were sent by email the photos of the astronomical objects we had just observed. Well done and so enjoyable!
Reviewed by: David_S, 12/15/2021 12:00:00 AM
An excellent adventure. Our guide was entertaining and very informative. He clearly was passionate about Hawai'i and taking care of his guests. He brought two of his own telescopes for improved star-gazing, including seeing distant galaxies. It was chilly on the mountaintop and while star-gazing, but the company supplied heavy parkas and gloves. Definitely bring warm clothing and winter hats.
Reviewed by: 80mattz, 12/15/2021 12:00:00 AM
Jason was an amazing guide. Showed us a great time. Learned lots about the stars!! The view on top of the mountain was breathtaking. Also learned a lot about Hawaii! I would come back just because of Jason.
Reviewed by: vickimY2619SQ, 12/14/2021 12:00:00 AM
