Maunakea Stellar Explorer from KONA
Overview
Inclusions
- Bottled water
- Driver/guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Jackets
- Dinner
- Entry/Admission - Saddle Road
What to expect
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Kailua-Kona, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, Hawaii
The adventure starts with dinner.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Saddle Road, Hawaii Highway 200, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI
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: 1 hour
Stop At: Mauna Kea, Island of Hawaii, HI
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 hour 30 minutes
Additional information
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- 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 26 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
Cancellation
Marcus, our guide, was passionate about astronomy. He had good knowledge base and took time to explain various stars and why their positions change at various times and months. In spite of some clouds he showed us several stars and galaxies using his large mirror telescope. Hot cocoa and jackets ...
Marcus, our guide, was passionate about astronomy. He had good knowledge base and took time to explain various stars and why their positions change at various times and months. In spite of some clouds he showed us several stars and galaxies using his large mirror telescope. Hot cocoa and jackets were provided at the right time. It was a small group. I believe everyone enjoyed the experience. If you are remotely interested in Astronomy or space science, you will enjoy this your.Richard was very nice and knowledgeable. The stars were awesome. Thank you to Richard for this great trip
Richard was very nice and knowledgeable. The stars were awesome. Thank you to Richard for this great tripTrip was worth about $20 in my eyes our tour guide Marcus was amazing he should have got the $240 not the company providing the service
Trip was worth about $20 in my eyes our tour guide Marcus was amazing he should have got the $240 not the company providing the serviceYour guide was great but the dinner provided was pathetic . With the price of the tour, you should provide a descent dinner in a descent restaurant and at least some drinks (soda , coffee, etc.)
Your guide was great but the dinner provided was pathetic . With the price of the tour, you should provide a descent dinner in a descent restaurant and at least some drinks (soda , coffee, etc.)Marcus, our guide, made our experience educational and most enjoyable. The telescope was very nice and he was patient and made sure everyone got to see everything. I especially liked his laser pointing out the constellations. We had a small moon and that made the sky dark for excellent viewing...
Marcus, our guide, made our experience educational and most enjoyable. The telescope was very nice and he was patient and made sure everyone got to see everything. I especially liked his laser pointing out the constellations. We had a small moon and that made the sky dark for excellent viewing. His insights into Hawaiian culture were enlightening and respectful.Absolutely AMAZING! Marcus was a fantastic guide. Very knowledgeable, friendly and personable. The shuttle was comfortable, food was good and stars were fantastic! Thank you! One suggestion... We appreciated the jackets, snacks and hot cocoa but maybe bring some beach chairs for guests too? ...
Absolutely AMAZING! Marcus was a fantastic guide. Very knowledgeable, friendly and personable. The shuttle was comfortable, food was good and stars were fantastic! Thank you! One suggestion... We appreciated the jackets, snacks and hot cocoa but maybe bring some beach chairs for guests too? Several hours of looking up and standing can be tiresome and potentially disorienting.