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Mauna Kea Stellar Explorer Tour from Kona in Hilo, HI

KapohoKine Adventures • Grand Naniloa DoubleTree by Hilton Lobby • Hilo, HI 96720
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A person stands on a rock at night, silhouetted against a bright, star-filled sky featuring the Milky Way.
Outdoor dining area with white tables and umbrellas on green grass near an infinity pool, overlooking the ocean under a blue sky with clouds. Several people stand near a shaded patio.
A red van is parked under a clear night sky filled with stars and the Milky Way galaxy visible in the background.
Outdoor dining area with white tables and chairs overlooks an infinity pool and a clear blue ocean under a sunny sky, framed by palm trees.
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Total Price: $266.25 (USD)
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About Mauna Kea Stellar Explorer (Kona)

Overview

Reach for the stars with the Mauna Kea Stellar Explorer tour! This unique Big Island adventure blends daytime solar viewing and stargazing. Explore Hilo's natural wonders, learn about volcanology, and experience awe-inspiring views of the sun and night sky through expert-led excursions.

up to 6 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

  • A day of natural beauty and awe-inspiring astronomy, blending Hilo’s scenic sites with an evening of stargazing under one of the clearest skies on Earth.
  • Plan your trip so close to a new moon for better experience and you get to see the milky way band as well!
  • Learn about everything from Hawaii including culture, folk lore, geography, volcanoes, history, and astronomy!
  • Plan for an unforgettable 6 hour experience.
  • Round-trip transportation is included, so you can relax and focus on the experience.
  • Enjoy a warm Kona coffee or hot chocolate, and provided jackets to stay comfortable throughout the tour.
  • Wear long pants as it gets chilly after the sun sets.
  • Your guide is a seasoned astronomy professional with experience at Mauna Kea's Visitor Center and contributions to major astronomy publications.
  • This tour does not visit Maunakea’s summit out of deference to Native Hawaiian concerns.
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Promotional Images (8)
A small car is parked on the side of a paved road cutting through a vast, rocky volcanic landscape under a partly cloudy sky. A white van is parked under a clear night sky filled with stars and the Milky Way galaxy. A wide, arid landscape with brown hills and sparse vegetation under a partly cloudy sky, with a dirt road crossing the foreground.

Description

Experience the beauty of Hawaii’s night sky on the Mauna Kea Stellar Explorer Tour by KapohoKine Adventures. This exclusive excursion is the only Big Island tour that combines safe daytime solar viewing with nighttime stargazing, suitable for all ages. Led by expert guides—some of whom helped establish the Mauna Kea Visitor Center and have contributed to leading astronomy publications—this tour offers a truly immersive astronomical adventure.

The evening begins with dinner, followed by a live solar viewing session using a state-of-the-art telescope. Under the guidance of a trained astronomy expert, safely observe the sun in full color, spotting solar flares, sunspots, and prominences (weather permitting). The journey then continues across Saddle Road, a scenic route between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa—two of the largest volcanoes on Earth. Along the way, your National Park Service–trained guide shares insights into the island’s geology, volcanology, and native ecosystems.

As night falls, the group ascends to one of Mauna Kea’s prime stargazing sites. Using a large-aperture Dobsonian telescope, view deep-sky and planetary objects beneath some of the clearest, darkest skies in the world. Depending on the conditions, spot galaxies, nebulae, planets, double star systems, and more in extraordinary detail. Conclude the night with a warm beverage—fresh 100% Kona coffee or hot chocolate—before returning to Kona. Warm jackets are provided for comfort during the cooler mountain temperatures.

Please Note: This tour does not visit Maunakea’s summit or Visitor Center out of respect for Native Hawaiian concerns.
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Mauna Kea Stellar Explorer (Kona) is located at KapohoKine Adventures • Grand Naniloa DoubleTree by Hilton Lobby • Hilo, HI 96720
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Frequently Asked Questions about Mauna Kea Stellar Explorer (Kona)

Where do we meet for the Mauna Kea Stellar Explorer trip?

You can be picked up at your hotel for this stargazing Big Island Hawaii tour! Please confirm you pick up date and time via the number located on your e-ticket.

How long is the tour?

The tour is approximately 6 hours long from beginning to end.

Should I eat before the tour?

Beverages and dinner is included in your tour price and experience.

Will the tour operate in the case of rain?

This stellar explorer experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What health restrictions are in place?

No heart problems or other serious medical conditions. This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Are there other tour restrictions I should know about?

Yes. The following tour restrictions and regulations apply: (1) State law requires child safety seats for all guests under 4 years of age. (2) Booster seats required for all guests between ages 4 and 7 and under 4 feet 9 inches tall and 80 pounds weight. (3) Guests under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult. They are able to provide booster and safety seats for children who require them if given advance notice. Please note your request for a booster and/or safety seat when making your reservation, or by contacting the number located on your e-ticket.

What should I bring on the tour?

You must bring and present a government-issued ID. If desired, guests may bring a video camera/camera.

What is included in my tour?

You will get bottled water, driver and personal guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, dinner, and entry/admission to Saddle Road.

I have a food allergy or dietary restriction. Can this be accommodated?

Yes. Given advance notice, all food allergies and dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Please note this request when making your reservation and/or contact the number on your E-ticket.

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