Reviewed by: Dave T.
Our tour guide Addison was awesome. Excellent in setting tour expectations and safety guidelines from the start. His knowledge of Hawaiian history, culture, volcanology, and astronomy was impressive. VIP treatment. Don’t miss this tour on your visit to the Big Island.
Thanks Addison and team.
- Dave T.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/08/16 |
Activity Date: | 2023/08/14 |
Reviewed by: Vanessa V
Fernando was our tour guide and he was great. We had the perfect weather. Its was an amazing experience! Definitely need the parka even though it was August. It was 44 degrees at the top and got colder after the sun set.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/08/13 |
Activity Date: | 2023/08/11 |
Reviewed by: Stefan
We took the tour yesterday. It was a great experience which I can absolutely recommend. Worth mentioning is in particular the star gazing with the expert explanations of our guide.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2023/07/30 |
Activity Date: | 2023/07/28 |
Reviewed by: Heather P.
If you're looking for an experience where you are cared for, entertained, and learn more about this island, look no further. It was a day full of sight-seeing, history, and stimulation. This company has put time into thinking of everything from bathroom breaks, food, and health/safety. As one of the oldest tour companies on the island, there's perks they get that others do not.
Completely worth every penny to make the memories of this day!
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/07/29 |
Activity Date: | 2023/07/27 |
Reviewed by: Pete and Tara Hudson
This is our second trip up the mountain with Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Sunset Adventure. We were so awed in 2015, we wanted to take it all in again. Of course, we never expected it to be even better than our first experience. Our host/driver/guide, Kea, was excellent! His knowledge of the land, the people, and the culture was extensive and well-delivered. We wanted to listen to him for hours more! Kea's respect and request, in Hawaiian, to visit the mountain was moving. It reminded us we were guests, and to honor those before us and where we were. Stepping out of the van for stargazing took our breath away. The stars are so brilliant. Kea had so much information to share on each of the selections he chose to show us through the mighty telescope. We saw Polaris, the Southern Cross, and the Milky Way all in the same sky. Quit searching and choose Kea with Mauna Kea Stargazing! Best in Class!
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/07/01 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/06 |
Reviewed by: ivan
OMG not even sure how to translate to words the experience on this tour
everything went smooth since the pick up, the tour guide assigned to us has so much knowledge about the culture, and the places.
you get a meal which is delicious to start the day, the the views from the sunset never in my life had experience something like that
then the cherry on top the stars, this was a life experience like never before you can see even the space station crusing the skies.
do not hesitate on talking this tour you wont regret it
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/06/11 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/05 |
Reviewed by: NVGirls
Great experience. Amazing stars and view of the sunset.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2023/06/10 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/08 |
Reviewed by: LammyP
This was amazing! From our pick up point in Kona, our guide Kailikea (hope I spelled this right) was fantastic. He was so passionate about the trip and his home town it was so engaging. He's such a helpful, friendly and knowledgeable chap. I didn't expect to learn so much, but it was just the right level. 'Kea was clear about what to expect from the altitude and how to best manage it. We were lucky enough to see the Silversword plants by the visitor centre and then enjoyed our meal, included in the tour; veggie lasagne and chocolate brownie. It was a mixed journey up to the summit with some paved and some very bumpy roads but so worth the trip. We learned all about the different dishes and observatories and watched the beautiful sunset from the summit. We had to head lower for stargazing to avoid polluting the light by the observatories. We were awestruck by how many stars you could see, it was stunning. The powerful telescopes were set up and we were shown the visible planets and constellations/asterisms. Viewing the Edna carina nebula through the telescope was an incredible experience. I would 100% recommend this tour!
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/05/21 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/08 |
Reviewed by: Lisa
We had a great time on this trip. Our tour guide, Stefan, was excellent! He was friendly and informative the entire time. Even though we took the tour on an overcast night, there was so much to see and the views were unforgettable. Five stars, would book again!!
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/05/06 |
Activity Date: | 2023/04/27 |
Reviewed by: Nobu
I joined the tour with my wife, and we were a bit nervous as we worried about altitude sickness before we joined. However, we did not need to worry too much. The guide was so professional, and he made us relax in the large van of Mercedes-Benz. In addition, the distributed dinner, hot lasagna and chocolate cake helped us get adjusted in the rest area before we were elevated to the summit. In astronomical observation, I was able to see two shooting stars. I strongly recommend this amazing tour if you come to the big island.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/05/04 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/02 |
Reviewed by: Joe
This tour was worth every penny. We loved the ride to the summit, the star gazing, and the wealth of knowledge provided by our tour guide, Maka.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/04/29 |
Activity Date: | 2023/04/26 |
Reviewed by: Daniel
The tour guide was inviting and very knowledgeable. The food was actually quite decent. The views of the sunset from the top were sensational, and it was near seeing all the giant telescopes.
But the highlight for me by far was the stargazing after sunset. It was only 80% visibility and the moon was quite bright but I've never seen so many stars so clearly in my life. It was really a sight to behold. Maka (the tour guide) brought a telescope with him and we saw a number of cool things close up, such as a globular cluster, a star in portions
Orions belt, Venus, and the Moon.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/04/27 |
Activity Date: | 2023/04/25 |
Reviewed by: Lil
Fernando was a great guide for our tour! We really enjoyed his commentaries and learned a lot from this trip. The sunset was amazing. The night sky was impressive, but cold. Bring winter clothes and layers if you can! They do provide a very warm parka. The dinner was yummy. Highly recommended!
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/04/23 |
Activity Date: | 2023/04/21 |
Reviewed by: AngelaPK
We had a blast! A very unique experience, especially if you enjoy sunsets, heights, and amazing views.
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/04/23 |
Activity Date: | 2023/03/30 |
Reviewed by: Max family
This was one the best experiences ever! The guide was fantastic! (Gauge/Gage? My apologies if misspelling your name - he was super knowledgeable about the island and easy to talk to, he was also well organized and thought of everything. The entire journey was super easy to follow and we all got to see some amazing things. Hot chocolate and biscotti? Snow? Wild turkeys and sheep? Binary star system anyone? Gage will make it happen. We also had a great GREAT experience just chatting with you about the Big Island. Thank you Thank you!
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/03/13 |
Activity Date: | 2023/02/22 |
Reviewed by: Analiese Kennedy
I know, I know, everyone likes to use the words “best” “amazing” “trip of a lifetime” THIS excursion IS absolutely THE best trip you will book! It may seem a little pricey, but the time, care, and knowledge that our tour guide Travis invested in our group was top of the line!
First of all, do not underestimate the “cold” warnings. It was frigid, cold to the bone so, dress appropriately! If you have a beanie, bring it for this trip.
Secondly, be prepared for the potential that the actual road up to the summit may be closed. Our group (along with 15 others) was told the road was closed and we would not be able to drive to the summit. Travis was able to talk with another tour operator (friends are good) and together they got the rangers to open the road for us last minute!! Yay!
Okay, so let’s talk dinner for a second. They served a vegetarian lasagna that was to die for most of my family are hard core meat eaters, so i was surprised at how quickly they snarfed it all down and EVERYONE commented on how “great” it was Make sure to bring your own water bottle (there is fresh water at the first stop) or whatever you want to drink.
Once we hit the road to climb the summit, the road was definitely an “off road” experience. Lots of major bumps but totally fun . The drive up was spectacular, so have your camera ready. The view from the top will blow your mind. Take a lot of pics and enjoy!
Then on to stargazing. Totally over the top and way exceeded my expectations! Travis had his own telescope that was a high end piece of equipment to say the least! He has so much knowledge that he was eager to share. We even got to see the once in a lifetime “green” comet he spent at least an extra hour with us up there when all the other tour operators were leaving. It was truly the most memorable experiences of my life! Mahalo to the entire team that i know has to work hard behind the scenes for this…my entire family is so grateful for the experience
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/02/09 |
Activity Date: | 2023/02/07 |
Reviewed by: Jason
Bundle up and enjoy one of the most unique experiences in Hawaii. The tour ran in a very timely fashion starting with the pickup time and getting to all the sites on site. Our guide was very informative but didn't overwhelm us with information either. The view of the sunset and stargazing just speak for themselves. Nothing short of spectacular and definitely a worthwhile experience.
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/01/07 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/04 |
Reviewed by: Jen & Dion
Travis was phenomenal. Knew so much about the island as well as space facts. Definitely worth the price and time.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/12/25 |
Activity Date: | 2022/12/23 |
Reviewed by: GapC
Arthur gave us an incredible experience. With his knowledge of geology and astrology plus history of island we learned more than we expected. We felt we could not have asked for more in the planetarium and stargazing. The telescope was an exception experience. I will be recommending your company.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2022/11/29 |
Activity Date: | 2022/11/25 |
Reviewed by: TravelCouple
It was nice and cold at the summit, but the provided clothes helped a lot. Guide was informative although not nice. The bus to the top is very old and has a poor seating arrangement of mostly rows of three, so couples will be separated. Additionally, if you are separated on the way up, the guide will specifically force you to be separated on the way down in order to preserve your initial seats.
I have an egg allergy and specifically requested egg free food, yet the sandwich I was provided had mayonnaise and I was left with no other options.
The summit was a nice tour but I would recommend a different company. The other buses we saw were much nicer.
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/11/24 |
Activity Date: | 2022/11/21 |
Reviewed by: Kara
Gorgeous stars holy goodness!!!! It is cold but they have some bundling clothes
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2022/11/22 |
Activity Date: | 2022/11/10 |
Reviewed by: Kara
Awesome evening all guided, pick up and drop off back near the hotel, very awesome tour
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/11/21 |
Activity Date: | 2022/11/12 |
Reviewed by: Samantha Creamer
This tour was AMAZING from start to end. Yes this is a pricer tour to book; however, you truly get a ton for your money. This is a long event; we got picked up at 2pm and back around 10pm. The pickup location was very convenient right in Kona Town. You are provided a solid dinner, dessert, and hot beverages while stargazing. You get to sit back and relax during the drive and enjoy the wealth of knowledge from the tour guide. Speaking of, our tour guide Art was absolutely outstanding! He was knowledgeable, approachable, and entertaining. Also the star-gazing area is private to tours and had a high level telescope for easy viewing. We were fortunate enough to see a really big shooting star during our viewing. We were also provided super warm parkas which was great because it is quite chilly at the summit. I could go on and on about this tour but I would 100% book this again and personally recommend this specific tour to family and friends.
P.S. Did we say how amazing Art was?!
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/11/21 |
Activity Date: | 2022/11/12 |
Reviewed by: Greg
The tour was everything we hoped for. Fernando was a fantastic guide, knowledgeable about Hawaiian history, religious significance of Mauna Kea and stargazing.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/11/19 |
Activity Date: | 2022/10/30 |
Reviewed by: Paul
Well worth the money since getting up to the site is nearly impossible logistically for a rental car. More importantly, our guide, Gage, was so exceptionally knowledgeable on everything from astronomy to Hawaii geography.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2022/11/15 |
Activity Date: | 2022/11/13 |
Reviewed by: Kara
Stefan waited after others had left, and got us the most amazing photos and memories. Thank you to Stefan for caring for the guests.
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/11/10 |
Activity Date: | 2022/10/31 |
Reviewed by: Laura Simmons
It was a fantastic tour! From the ease of meeting the guide at a local pick up point, the his knowledge of the islands, the geography, and of course the telescopes and sky, to the use of parkas, pants and gloves... it was a wonderful experience! We went on an almost full moon night so only the brightest of stars were visible, but we were still able to see Saturn and Jupiter through their telescopes. Dress warm... and have a great time!
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/11/08 |
Activity Date: | 2022/11/06 |
Reviewed by: Jocelyn
Stefan was a great guide and we loved how he made a concerted effort to make sure that we got some amazing photos with the sunset and stars.
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/11/07 |
Activity Date: | 2022/10/31 |
Reviewed by: Hilohannah
Have done this tour 5 years ago with a different vendor. Was much better with other tour group but did not recall who it was when I booked this trip. Things I did not like about this tour:
1. Was not notified I could have been picked up in Kona. So we drove over an hour when we did not have to. Another couple drove all the way to the visitor center for the same reason 2. Dinner was marginal at best. 3. Star viewing from the visitor center parking lot?? Are you kidding me? Why? Light pollution, less clear skies..what a joke. I lay that blame on the tour guide, Maka. 4. Guide is not passionate about astronomy but he can be a good guide at times. Sadly, as the night wore on so did his personality. 5. Gloves were only proffered when a man complained. Hand them out with the coats.
Bottom line: do the tour but with a different group.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/11/03 |
Activity Date: | 2022/11/01 |
Reviewed by: Sharon
Had a wonderful experience at the top of Mauna Kea watching the sunset, followed by star gazing at a private location.
Very accommodating, lots of pics taken for us and very informative about the dormant volcano as well as Hawaii and the observatories. Coats and mitts were available when the temp dropped with the sunset.
The choice was ours to make as to pics we wanted taken, where and when to have our dinner snack and what we wanted to see in the night sky.
A few improvements would be to have a more comfortable van. This van was not comfortable to ride in for the trip to the top and back. Additionally, the photography equipment and additional telescope equipment should be added and improved.
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/10/25 |
Activity Date: | 2022/10/14 |
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