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.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/05/24 |
Activity Date: | 2021/05/17 |
Reviewed by: Wade
Our family had a ton of fun gazing at the stars. Our guide Krystal was amazing. Her background in astronomy provided a unique experience. She provided so much information about Hawaii, the importance of the stars for Hawaiian navagation, and any other science questions our family had.
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Packages: | From Hilo - Rainbow Falls, Kaumana Caves, Solar Viewing & Stargazing with Dinner |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2021/03/27 |
Activity Date: | 2021/03/25 |
Reviewed by: JC1
Awesome experience. Our tour guide Justin was the best!!
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Packages: | Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/03/13 |
Activity Date: | 2021/02/19 |
Reviewed by: Carol
It was a unique experience. Rich, our tour guide was very informative. We learned a lot about the history of the island of Hawaii as he drove us to different must see locations like the cave, water falls, historic sites. We also learned about plants, volcanoes, fissures, and stars in a day! We saw nebula, galaxies, a couple of satellites, shooting stars and learned about so many other stars in our constellation! It was very educational! Really appreciated it a lot!
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Packages: | From Hilo - Rainbow Falls, Kaumana Caves, Solar Viewing & Stargazing with Dinner |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2021/01/15 |
Activity Date: | 2021/01/12 |
Reviewed by: Adam
Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly, and clearly had the same passion for astronomy we did. He took fantastic romantic photos with the galaxy in the background, while explaining what it is we were looking at. It felt like being on another planet up on Mauna Kea! Would definitely recommend, it’s an unforgettable experience.
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Packages: | Waterfalls, Lava Cave & Stargazing |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2020/03/14 |
Activity Date: | 2020/03/11 |
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!
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2020/02/11 |
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!
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2020/02/11 |
Reviewed by: Ping
Unforgettable experience. Amazing views. Excellent services.
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Packages: | From Kona & Waikoloa - Solar Viewing & Stargazing with Dinner |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2020/01/20 |
Activity Date: | 2019/12/27 |
Reviewed by: Guilietta Kim
It was very impressive that a tour guide has shared a lot of stories about cultures of Hawai'i during the entire tour program. The courses were absolutely nice. The view of a coffee farm was so beautiful and the dinner was much nicer than I expected. When it comes to stargazing tour, the tour guide moved the spot for better sightseeing and it was brilliant. Even though I am not a native speaker, I fully enjoyed this tour program and I highly recommend this one to everyone.
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Packages: | From Kona & Waikoloa - Solar Viewing & Stargazing with Dinner |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2020/01/01 |
Activity Date: | 2019/12/27 |
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.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2020/01/01 |
Activity Date: | 2019/12/29 |
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.
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Packages: | Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2019/11/09 |
Activity Date: | 2019/10/16 |
Reviewed by: Nicole
I decided on this tour/adventure package because it’s something that really interests me. From the coffee, to the excellent bbq picnic, the solar view of the sun setting, and of course the stars! Todd was our guide and he was so professional and was beyond knowledgeable in each area of the tour. He made everyone feel comfortable and was very engaging. I would HIGHLY recommend this to anyone wishing to do something that feels laid back, but covers a lot of ground.
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Packages: | From Kona & Waikoloa - Solar Viewing & Stargazing with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/06/14 |
Activity Date: | 2019/06/11 |
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!
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/06/07 |
Activity Date: | 2019/05/22 |
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.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/06/05 |
Activity Date: | 2019/06/01 |
Reviewed by: AJ89
Our tour guide was personable, knowledgeable and had incredible talent as a photographer. He has a great eye for nature’s beauty and is without a doubt a perfectionist. The tour covered a lot of ground in a relatively short amount of time without feeling rushed and I was happy to be taken to spots I wouldn’t have ever found on my own.
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Packages: | Waterfalls, Lava Cave & Stargazing |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/05/28 |
Activity Date: | 2019/05/25 |
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.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour (Dinner not included) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/05/24 |
Activity Date: | 2019/05/20 |
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.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2019/03/30 |
Activity Date: | 2019/03/19 |
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
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Packages: | Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/03/03 |
Activity Date: | 2019/02/28 |
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.
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Packages: | Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/03/03 |
Activity Date: | 2019/02/28 |
Reviewed by: Travelooza
We enjoyed it a lot. We wish we had gone earlier in our trip so we would’ve had the opportunity to build other activities around what we saw on this trip. James runs this business on his own and he does a lot of research and individualizes each trip to the current conditions of the atmosphere and weather. The photos he took of us were amazing. I could see couples booking this for engagement, honeymoon or anniversary photos. The star gazing was the highlight. We see stars from our house very well but it doesn’t even compare to the clarity of the sky at that altitude. I would definitely recommend this excursion.
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Packages: | Buy One, Get One FREE! |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/02/07 |
Activity Date: | 2019/01/26 |
Reviewed by: Atlanta Couple
Let me start off by saying I had a pretty low expectation for the meals when I saw they were included. The food was really great—chef made lunch and delicious beef ribs at dinner. I’m still dreaming about them. That alone provides so much value for the price.
Now, onto the tour—Keith was an amazing tour guide! He started off by learning and continually speaking to each of us individually by name. He had the greatest stories at AND between each tour stop. We really enjoyed the tour from start to finish and almost forgot how long of a day it was! And for the stargazing, we lucked out with a beautiful clear sky and Keith was knowledgeable about not only the stars we were seeing, but so much beyond that!
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Packages: | Twilight Volcano & Stargazing Tour |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/02/04 |
Activity Date: | 2019/02/01 |
Reviewed by: C D
James was a very knowledgeable and chill guide. He also takes amazing pictures! This is a really unique tour that you can't find elsewhere. Definitely recommend for those who visit the big island.
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Packages: | Waterfalls, Lava Cave & Stargazing |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/01/28 |
Activity Date: | 2019/01/25 |
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!!
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/01/13 |
Activity Date: | 2019/01/10 |
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!
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Packages: | Buy One, Get One FREE! Stargazing & Sunrise Tour |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2019/01/01 |
Activity Date: | 2018/09/02 |
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
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/12/26 |
Activity Date: | 2018/09/11 |
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
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Packages: | Buy One, Get One FREE! Stargazing & Sunrise Tour |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/12/14 |
Activity Date: | 2018/10/07 |
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
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Packages: | Buy One, Get One FREE! Stargazing & Sunrise Tour |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/12/14 |
Activity Date: | 2018/09/23 |
Reviewed by: Mara
Highly recommend this excursion. Great way to see the entire island from lava rock to waterfalls to Japanese gardens to a lave tube cave, it was all amazing. But the best part is the stargazing on Mauna Kea. Its like nothing you have experienced before. To see the sky in this way was simply inspirational. James from Epic Tours gave us a amazing tour and having pictures taken all along the way was the icing on the cake. Definitely a must do on the Big Island.
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Packages: | Buy One, Get One FREE! |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2018/12/02 |
Activity Date: | 2018/11/29 |
Reviewed by: YiQ
Tour was great, view was amazing and our tour guide Arthur was very friendly and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/11/28 |
Activity Date: | 2018/11/22 |
Reviewed by: Alice Chia-Hua Tsai
James was very knowledgeable and we did learn a lot about the big island. Walking in the lava cave was fun, don’t think you can do that elsewhere. The stargazing pictures he took was phenomenal! He even showed us how to take professional-looking pictures by just using iPhone! Definitely recommend this tour! You are gonna love it!
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Packages: | Buy One, Get One FREE! |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/11/28 |
Activity Date: | 2018/11/21 |
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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