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All Reviews for Mauna Kea Summit Adventures & Stars in Big Island
Overall Rating
Reviews
Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation
Sunset and Stargazing Tour
Reviewed by: ElizD318
My husband and I, our 4 adult children, and their significant others had a wonderful time on the Mauna Kea Stargazing and Summit Tour. Everyone even liked the dinner.
Maka was a great guide. He picked us up promptly and was very friendly on the ride to Mauna Kea. We learned a lot about the surrounding area and volcanoes.
The best part was the sunset. It was like being on another planet and the colors were vivid and amazing.
Unfortunately, the amazing sunset was due to the clouds and it made for poor stargazing.
We were able to see the craters of the moon through the telescope and hear about the local names for some of the stars, in spite of the clouds. And I was glad we did not have to drive that windy road ourselves.
I would suggest checking on the cycle of the moon before booking and do not go during a full moon.
We still had a wonderful time and will never forget the Sunset on the summit.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2021/07/13 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/06/21 |
Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation
Amazing!
Reviewed by: Shalini Banerjee
This was the perfect ending to our Hawaii trip. It was awesome and the trip exceeded all our expectations. New even got to see Saturn and the entire thing was on time and perfect.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2021/07/08 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/07/04 |
Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation
Great way to see the sunset atop Mauna Kea and stargaze next to the welcome center!
Reviewed by: Nicole W
Gabe, our tour guide, was funny, patient and very knowledgeable! It’s a long drive there picking up all attendees and up the mountain. He did a great job sharing interesting facts and keeping us engaged throughout the tour! Plus he was a very safe driver given the rough terrain (4-wheel drive required to get to the top). At the very top Mauna Kea looks like Mars since no life can survive and was a surreal experience for this reason. Plus viewing the sunset over the clouds at the very top was breathtaking! Note we did not stargaze at the very top, since the altitude is too high and actually prohibits ideal stargazing because of prolonged altitude sickness and the fact it’s insanely cold after sundown (FYI it’s windy and cold up there, so wear layers - you’ll thank me!!). Instead we stargazed near the welcome center enjoying hot coco or hot coffee! We learned about the different constellations, etc. Overall it was a great tour and we’re glad to we did it!
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2021/06/13 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/05/19 |
Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide
Amazing Experience!
Reviewed by: Dani
I highly recommend this tour! They picked us up right by our hotel. The tour guide was very informative on the drive up the mountain. He also took a lot of really cool photos for us and airdropped them before the end of the night. The sunset view and stargazing can not be beat. We really wanted to go to the summit and Hawaiian Eyes made the whole experience very easy and fun. Would definitely do it again.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Standard Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2021/06/04 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/05/29 |
Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation
Unique and wonderful experience!!
Reviewed by: Debbie
The Mauna Kea summit tour was a definite highlight of our trip to Hawaii. The ride up the mountain in the van was beautiful and rugged. Our guide was very thorough and attentive to the needs of the group. He was exceptionally knowledgeable of the history and cultural significance of this mountain. The view from the summit was amazing. The telescopes look like something out of Star wars. It is a most unique and unusual place. The star gazing was just phenomenal. We had a beautiful clear night with an awesome view of the moon from the telescope, as well as many other unique stars and constellations and night sky features. We were able to see the Southern Cross which I am told is very rare. On a negative note I was very unimpressed with the lasagna meal. Mine was not very hot, and the noodles were slightly dry and crusty on the bottom. However the hot chocolate and snack during the stargazing was a very nice touch. All in all the entire experience will stay with us forever. It is one of those things you will talk about for years to come.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2021/05/24 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/05/17 |
Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail
Totally worth it!
Reviewed by: JC1
Awesome experience. Our tour guide Justin was the best!!
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2021/03/13 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/02/19 |
Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation
Honeymoon Highlight!
Reviewed by: MsTravelGal
I wouldn't give this tour five stars...I give it as many stars as there are in the Mauna Kea sky! This tour was easily the highlight of our trip on the Big Island! We enjoyed every minute of it. The sunset was absolutely gorgeous, and to see it from such a high elevation was quite remarkable. I was glad that we had plenty of time before and after the sunset to walk around, take in the view, and get some good pictures.
The dinner was very good but if you don't like lasagna there's a microwave at VIS if you want to bring your own food.
The road to the summit is a bit bumpy, but that's to be expected since it's a volcano. So take motion sickness meds if you're prone to carsickness. And if you get cold easily, definitely bring layers! They provide parkas and gloves but you might also want to bring a hat or scarf and thick socks.
Throughout the tour, the guide provided a very entertaining and educational narrative. It's obvious that he's passionate about Mauna Kea and Hawaii. He's basically a walking encyclopedia of Hawaii and provided all kinds of interesting information about Mauna Kea's geology and history, and also talked about Hawaiian culture and why Mauna Kea is a sacred place. He also did an excellent job of guiding the stargazing and pointing out constellations, star clusters, and planets, most of which we got to see through a telescope. I think my favorite part of the stargazing was getting to see the Andromeda galaxy through the telescope.
If you're going to the Big Island, this tour is a must!
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Test Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/02/11 |
Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation
Highlight of my Big Island trip. Must do!
Reviewed by: Michael
This Mauana Kea summit and stargazing tour was phenomenal. The first stop is at the visitor center around 9k feet elevation. Here you can look through a couple telescopes, walk through the museum, and you will be served your hot dinner (we had veggie lasagna and it was good). While you are here it is good to eat and drink alot of water so your body can acclimate to the higher altitudes ahead. Next stop is the summit up to almost 14k feet! The Vans they take up are heavy duty and they need to be because of the rocky road leading up the mountain. I would not reccomend taking a rental/personal vehicle up this mountain. The road is rocky, thin, and windy. The guides for this tour have been doing it for years and know the road well. On the way up the guides will give you some commentary about the mountain which is a cool little history lesson. At the top it is cold and the oxygen is thin, so be ready! They provide you with a winter coat and gloves but I recommend bringing your own hat. The views from the summit are outstanding. Watching the sun set from up there is really remarkable, and you can walk around to the 12 massive telescopes up there to take pictures. After the summit you will descend a couple thousand feet to the star gazing location. With no light pollution and at the high altitude it provides for the star gazing experience of a lifetime. I have never seen the sky lit up so brightly with constellations. The guides will break out a couple of heavy duty telescopes from the vans so you can get an even closer look. They will educate you about the constellations and give alot of really good information. Overall this is an impeccable tour and a must do if you are going to the Big Island!
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Test Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/02/11 |
Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation
Gratitude and respect! Blessed to have been able to experience sunset on Mauna Kea and the beauty of our night sky!
Reviewed by: Hoomaikaiana
This was truly a ‘bucket list’ experience.
Our guide Travis shared his encyclopedic knowledge of the mountain and the importance to the Hawai’ian people. The history of the observatories and their research potential was enlightening. Our other guide, Jim knew more about constellations and the night sky than many astronomers. His ability to discuss the constellations from both a euro-centric and Polynesian perspective was novel!
A truly magnificent (although really really cold) adventure.
The hooded jackets and gloves are great - but bring two layers for your both your lower body and upper body as well as warm socks/shoes.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2020/01/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/12/29 |
Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail
Mauna Kea
Reviewed by: Andy P.
Although the road to the summit was blocked by protesters Jeff made the trip most of the way up awesome! Very informative and personable! I’ve never seen so many stars in my life! I’ll remember this trip for the rest of my life.
Andy P.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2019/11/09 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/10/16 |
Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation
Mauna Kea Tour was the best highlight of my 10-day Hawaii vacation
Reviewed by: Vadim
The tour to Mauna Kea summit was majestic, and we have to thank our tour guide/driver for that. Besides holding an astronomy degree and being very knowledgeable in answering our questions, he kept us amused about the stars we were watching through a telescope. Great company, very comfortable vehicles, knowledgeable and entertaining tour guides, five star trip!
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2019/06/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/05/22 |
Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation
Amazing
Reviewed by: H Harrington
We saw the north star in the same sky with the southern cross. Had never seen the southern cross before. That was worth the trip. The great professional authoritative guides, wonderful telescopes and celestial education were all icing on the cake.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2019/06/05 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/06/01 |
Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation
One of the best
Reviewed by: dolls
Guide was informative and friendly. On time performance and tour went well beyond what I thought was included in the days activities. Great to look at the stars through the telescope and have explanation of the skies (for a novice like me). Ride up and back to the summit of Mauna Kea was bumpy at times and a little daunting but not nearly as difficult as some made it out to be. Elevation did not bother me.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour (Dinner not included) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2019/05/24 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/05/20 |
Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation
A trip not to miss!
Reviewed by: Gordon
Our driver and tour guide was outstanding. We learned a great deal about volcanoes and stars.
There were so many highlights to this trip: excellent veggie lasagne, watched a beautiful sunset from above the clouds, and telescope star gazing. This was one of the highlights of our trip.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2019/03/30 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/03/19 |
Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail
Could have been Outstanding
Reviewed by: George
First off The Two outstanding parts to this tour was Jeff; The Tour Guide and The Stars. Tour Guide Jeff, detailed intellect to the stars was fun and educational without being obnoxious. Felt very fortunate to have him as our guide. Even though the clouds didn’t corporate fully that evening the Sunset was astounding even at nine thousand foot elevation.
The Rudeness of One Local Park Ranger that evening was disappointing to witness by all in the group. He made a big deal to our Tour Guide to move the company van by honking his horn repeatedly when all he had to do was ask politely Not Nice. The other disappointment was The Gift Shop closing very early and while they were closing the gift shop personnel Didn’t allow access to the Restroom for the many guess that were present at the time. Gift shop took about 15 minutes to close up shop and during that time could’ve allowed access to Restrooms. Thank You Jeff !!! for saving our visit
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2019/03/03 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/02/28 |
Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail
Out of this galaxy experience
Reviewed by: Gabe
First off, big thanks to Jeff for being an entertaining and super knowledgeable guide. Great customer service as well. They called us early on in the morning to let us know, to our dismay, that we wouldn’t be able to get up to the summit for our particular trip (due to many weather related circumstances that were out of their control). It was a huge bummer, but like I said, still 100% worth it to attend the abbreviated version of this excursion. I’m more of a street smarts kinda guy if you know what I mean, Jeff made everything so easy to understand and so interesting to everyone attending the trip. He was able to answer every single question we had. I swear the guys a living encyclopedia. Long story short there should be no hesitation on your part to take this once in a lifetime trip. Set aside the funds you need to experience this NO. MATTER. WHAT.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2019/03/03 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/02/28 |
Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation
Amazing!!
Reviewed by: Irina
Mauna Kea star-gazing tour was a must on our recent trip to Hawai’i. Our tour guide, Jim, was very knowledgeable and made sure that everyone in our group had the best experience possible. Absolutely incredible views, unforgettable sunset above the clouds, gorgeous Milky Way!!
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2019/01/13 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/01/10 |
Mauna Kea Summit Sunrise & Stargazing Tour
Breathtaking Views! A Once in a Lifetime Experience!
Reviewed by: Nichole B
My friend and I went on the stargazing and sunrise tour to the Summit of Mauna Kea yesterday. Todd was our tour guide and extremely personable. He was also a wealth of knowledge on constellations, and local landscape. The stargazing was outstanding, we saw satellites, shooting stars, and a ton of constellations not visible usually at home. The summit was breathtaking, watching the sun come up we could see the whole island and Maui from up there. It was like being on top of the world. I definitely recommend it!
Aloha, this is Sumire from NatureSchool.
Thank you very much for joining our sunrise tour and posting your review!
I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour.
Our company's tour guides have much knowledge about stars and Big Island.
We can see bunch of stars that are invisible in a town.
Thank you for choosing our tour.
We're looking forward to seeing you again.
Sincerely,
NatureSchool
Sumire
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Buy One, Get One FREE! Stargazing & Sunrise Tour |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2019/01/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/09/02 |
Mauna Kea Summit Sunrise & Stargazing Tour
First time close to the doors to haven:)
Reviewed by: Darko
I recommend this Sunrise tours especially to people who never conquers mountain peak higher then 3000 m.
Of course, I recommend it to everyone else, but for those who are for the first time on a higher elevation this is simply the must.
The flow of emotions I felt when I reached the peak was so overwhelming that I couldn't stop the tears.
It's almost impossible to express the feeling of inner fulfillment when you stand on the top of a high mountain watching the sunrise!
The Veltra crew did outstanding planning by set of small stops so our body can adapt to over 4000 m attitude.
First we stopped at 2000 to adapt to coldness of night and change in altitude. (They distributed parkas to all of us at that time)
Then we stopped at around 3000 m for unforgettable stargazing experience.
I saw shapes of Milky way, before but this was on completely different level.
I think the altitude of 3000 m makes substantial difference. There you don't have any light pollution but also the air is already thin enough to give you unforgettable experience of pure connection with the universe.
Then finally, just when you think that it can not get better then this, on the brink of dawn, we reached the summit and saw and felt unforgettable sunrise that will, at least in my case, stay forever in my memories.
I would like to use this opportunity to thank Veltra team and especially to our guide Stefan for allowing me to experience this unforgettable sunrise.
Sincerely.
Aloha,
Thank you very much for joining our sunrise tour and giving us your review.
We are happy to hear that you enjoyed the sunrise and stargazing.
Because we are a Japanese tour company, it was our challenge to combine customers who speak different language.
We are very careful about the altitude accommodation of our customers.
Sunrise from the summit and the sky filled with the stars at Mauna Kea is outstanding.
I will tell Stefan about your review and he would be happy.
Thank you for choosing our tour.
We're looking forward to seeing you on Big Island again!
NatureSchool
Sumire
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Standard Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/12/26 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/09/11 |
Mauna Kea Summit Sunrise & Stargazing Tour
Great Tour there is option of English or Japanese
Reviewed by: Andrew
We took the Japanese tour since the english tour was sold out. Fortunately we were bilingual so there were no issues for us. Mr. Aoki the tour coordinator was very helpful. There might be few things that you just have to laugh about.
Sadly we weren’t able to see the sunrise because of weather issues but we got to see the star gazing perfectly!!
FYI not being avle to see doesnt happen often because this tour is known for being able to see more than 300 days/year.
Still waiting for our pics from the tour guide since they took the pictures for us! Will post all the pics when we recieve them
Aloha Mr.Andrew,
Thank you for joining our Mauna Kea Sunrise& Stargazing tour.
We are glad that you enjoyed the stargazing. I'm sorry if you We apology for lacking of communication in English.
In winter season, there will be more possibility of rain; however, as you mentioned, it is so true that most of time in a year, the weather is clear on Mauna Kea summit.
If you have not receive the password for your pictures, we kindly appreciate if you could send us an Email, and we will reply to your Email ASAP.
We are looking forward to seeing you in the Big Island!
Sincerely,
NtureSchool
Rena
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Buy One, Get One FREE! Stargazing & Sunrise Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/12/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/10/07 |
Mauna Kea Summit Sunrise & Stargazing Tour
Once-in-a-life kind of experience
Reviewed by: Shin Taniguchi
Many people say sunset is better than sunrise, but sunrise is great, too.
Even though we were on the tour about two days before the full-moon (meaning moonlight is very bright and moon doesn't set until about 5 in the morning), we could enjoy the gorgeous stars in the sky with decent explanation of the stars.
Sunrise was also gorgeous. It was no doubt one of the most beautiful scenaries I have ever seen in my life. Although we were lucky enough to see both stars and sunrise in good weather and it is said that we mostly see clear sky at the peak of Mauna Kea, you may have to keep in mind weather is always a variable you can never tell.
Our guides were good, with a lot of experience and knowledge, trying to do their best to make the tour enjoyable.
If you are okay to go to bed early on the day before and can wake up at 1:30 in the morning, it will let you spend your time more wisely because you have a whole day even after you come back from the tour. (we came back to the hotel around 8:30 am)
Also be noted that the temperature up there is very low. Especially because the weater in Hawaii is hot and you need to face the near-freezing-point weather on the same day, make sure to prepare warm clothes yourself. The ski jackets and pants they lend you will not be enough.
Aloha, this is Sumire from NatureSchool.
Thank you for joining our tour and giving us your feedback.
I 'm glad to hear that you could enjoy the stars and sunrise with the clear sky.
As you said, it's very hard to expect the weather on the summit.
Even though the weather is not good, we try our best to make the customers enjoy the tour.
Our tour guides have much knowledge and many skills.
We would love to do more English tours in the future.
We are looking forward to seeing you again on Bigisland.
Thank you for joining our tour again!
NatureSchool
Sumire
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Buy One, Get One FREE! Stargazing & Sunrise Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/12/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/09/23 |
Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation
Amazing tour
Reviewed by: YiQ
Tour was great, view was amazing and our tour guide Arthur was very friendly and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/11/28 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/11/22 |
Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation
Amazing experience with friendly and really experienced tour guides
Reviewed by: Thivya
Must do in Big Island!!! Amazing sunset and stargazing experience. Never experienced anyth like this before.
Tour guides were really experienced, friendly and we felt absolutely safe during the entire tour. If I were ever in Big Island, would definitely book the same tour.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2018/11/18 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/11/07 |
Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail
Best trip.
Reviewed by: Gcw
One of the best trips we have been on. JEFF was excellent both in the way he described the Island, his humour and knowledge.
Overall this created a memory that will last a life time.
We should also say that this trip would never have existed without pele. It made us realise how much we owe to nature and how much we take it for granted.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/09/25 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/09/22 |
Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation
Awesome tour
Reviewed by: Jason
Our guide, Gordon, made sure the shuttle ride was comfortable and enjoyable. the stargazing and sunset views were amazing! It is well recommended to take this tour.
Lasagna was a bit salty for asian taste in my opinion. Browny, cookies and drinks were nice. Jumpers and gloves were provided but it was still cold, so it would be better if you brought more warm clothings.
One thing, i came on this tour with my wife (newly weds) but the seats were limited, so we had to sit separately :( it would be nice if there were seating plans or notice beforehand.
Nonetheless, i would take this tour again if I do ever come back to the big island!
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/09/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/09/10 |
Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail
Very few places could match this experience
Reviewed by: Darra
Very few places could match this experience. The location; the slow climb up the giant sloping mountain. We went through rain, sun, even through a cloud; through the lava landscape, ranch lands and very bumpy rocky last stretch of road to reach the top! And wow it was a view from the top.
Be warned; it is very very cold; not what you expect from your Hawaiian break! You get nice warm coats from the tour group though (and later a little hot cocoa and brownie to keep you going!)
As the sun sets; you can see the mountains shadow on the other side; a glimpse of Maui and the glint of the sun off the telescopes preparing for their nights work. You can see the odd bit of movement as they open up. As soon as the suns down; its all go though. We have to leave the area quickly as the lights from the cars interfere with the telescopes (so no, there is no looking around inside them; if that is what you're hoping for in this trip!).
We move down slope a little to a good spot to see the huge expanse of clear, cloudless sky and the abundance of stars.
It is slightly interrupted with the brightness of the moon (so depending how long your stay is in Hawaii, plan for a darker night, unless you love the moon!); but not enough to stop us seeing nebula, planets and stars - its a really interesting spot to see both the northern and southern skies.
We did also spot a bit of the glow from the erupting volcano
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/07/29 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/06/20 |
Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail
Cool Views from the Top of the World!
Reviewed by: Ned from New Jersey
Our guide Jeff picked us up from the Pu'u Huluhulu Cinder Cone parking lot, at the base of the road up to the summit. We had a very nice pre-packaged dinner at the base camp, then rode up to the visitor center and onward to the observatories. A bumpy and steep ride, I was very happy to have an experienced driver at the wheel!
At the top the weather was cool and clear and good for viewing a sunset, then we went down to a slightly lower lot to view stars and planets through a good quality Celestron scope.... the clear air and high altitude really added detail! First time I have been able to make out the rings of Saturn, and four of Jupiter's moons were posing really well for us! Some really excellent deep space views too! Check out a cool image of the moon from the Celestron scope....
Highly recommended, especially if you live somewhere with so much haze and light pollution you don't get to see that stars that well!
Mahalo!!
Helpful
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/07/28 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/07/25 |
Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail
Absolutely wonderful experience
Reviewed by: YOPPI
The tour guide Herald was very nice, friendly and knowledgeble on native hawaiian's culture, ecology and astronomy. We got to see a "natural planetarium" in the mountain including Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Venus. Coming from a big city we don't see stars in the sky, so the view was just breath taking and we were soooo glad we participated in the tour. I guess you can go to the summit and see stars on your own but I'd strongly recommend this tour. Because I think it will give you a whole new experience and view on the island and their culture.
Dinner was tasty too. I was expecting a lot less.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/07/21 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/07/13 |
Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail
Family Trip
Reviewed by: Jon Milesky
This company was professional and went out of their way to make sure that everything was in place to make our trip first class. From calling the day before to confirm with us on meeting location and time to hot brownies at the end of the tour. Everything was great and the guide took the time to get to know us so she could make our experience the best it could be.
I would highly recommend this company.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2018/07/16 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/07/11 |
Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail
Great Experience - Great tour
Reviewed by: Athan
the views from the top of Mauna Kea are breathtaking, despite the cold. Jeff, our host was the best tour guide, funny, friendly and veru knowledgeable of the the tour and the history of the sites. All along the tour he would explain the site you are crossing and the topography.
The star gazing experience is somehting cool for someone neer seen into space before.
Brownies and hot chocolate at the end of the tour is the epitpomy of a great evening.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/06/05 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/05/28 |
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Aloha, Dani.
Thank you for participating in our tour. I am very happy that the weather was nice and everybody enjoyed the spectacular view from the summit of Mauna Kea.
Please join us on our tour next time again !!
A hui hou !!
Hawaiian Eyes Tours