Reviewed by: Jarrod Blaker
Our Tour guide Travis was extremely knowledgeable on all things Hawaii (also quite humorous). He was super informative on the history, culture, geology and botany, and that was just on the ride to the summit. It is cold at the top, minus 2 deg Celsius when we were there. However warm jackets and gloves are provided. We took a beanie too which was a good idea.
The sunset is amazing on top of the clouds. We then drove down to 12,000 ft for the stargazing, which was incredible. Travis explained everything very well, and never rushed you. It was probably the best 8 hrs we have spent in Hawaii. Can’t recommend this tour any more highly. Thank you.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/03/12 |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/10 |
Reviewed by: Anonymous
The tour guides were wonderful and knowledgeable. They made sure of everone's comfort levels and helped those who were inexperienced. The area is beautiful and the horses were gentle.
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Packages: | 2.5 Hour Horse Riding Tour |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2022/03/06 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/07 |
Reviewed by: Joline
Incredible experience. Was concerned about the cost but definitely well worth it. They went above and beyond to make the to her accessible for my daughter who has cerebral palsy and challenges walking. The pilot was phenomenal with his knowledge base and engaging us in answering questions. Doing the early morning tour was also great as we did not have a whole lot of clouds and the weather was great.
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Packages: | Big Island Spectacular (1 hr 45 mins) |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/02/28 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/21 |
Reviewed by: Deneen
Our tour guide Gage was both informative and very pleasant. The entire tour was amazing, with incredibly gorgeous views of both the sunset above the clouds and the star filled sky. Gage was very knowledgeable and pointed out many stars and constellations as well as providing many interesting facts. Please heed the advice about bringing layers of clothing. They provide the parka but I also recommend bringing a hat and gloves if possible. The food was also good but make sure to bring water.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/02/28 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/26 |
Reviewed by: Rocky
I was not sure about spending so much time in the van. Travis was educational and fun. We had clouds, rain, sun and stars. It really was a wonderful experience. The food was fine. I appreciated the larger telescope and good star viewing.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/02/20 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/18 |
Reviewed by: Doug/Sherri Elinson
Maka was a great guide. Extremely knowledgeable about geology, vulcanology, astronomy and Hawaiian history. The views were spectacular.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/02/12 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/08 |
Reviewed by: Mary
It was an awesome experience & beautiful views of natures.Hoping to flight again with our kids to enjoy the beauty of Big Island Hawaii.Thanks to our pilot Shane for the smooth & excellent flight.
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Packages: | Big Island Spectacular (1 hr 45 mins) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/02/12 |
Activity Date: | 2022/01/17 |
Reviewed by: Mike
No doubt the ride itself was amazing! We were able to see a ton of the Big Island and our pilot was great.
However, the interaction at the desk was a little shady. When we arrived we had four in our party plus another passenger who was also assigned to our group. As we checked in the receptionist asked if we wanted to upgrade as the two front seats were still available. First off, that seems strange since there are only four seats across the back - obviously someone in a group of five would need a front seat. The problem came when one in my group wanted to upgrade to the front. They charged the full amount for both front seats. Then the receptionist pulled the single passenger to the side, giving her a "free" upgrade to the other front seat... great for her! If it would have been explained that the full price for both seats would be charged then another from my group would have taken the other front rather than give it away. I understand they have to distribute weight, etc. but the way it was handled was less than desirable. It's unfortunate that a shady sales experience soured an otherwise great day.
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Packages: | Big Island Spectacular with Oceanfront Waterfall Landing (2 hours 5 mins) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/02/12 |
Activity Date: | 2022/01/21 |
Reviewed by: Barbara florey
I would highly recommend this experience for everyone ! I learned so much about Hawaii and got to see the volcano with the red lava down in it . The amazing north coast , waterfalls watching whales from up there. Best thing ever . Very good pilot and guide! Friendly helpful !! Beautiful views you can only get from a helicopter
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Packages: | Big Island Spectacular with Oceanfront Waterfall Landing (2 hours 5 mins) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/02/11 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/08 |
Reviewed by: Teresa
We loved this tour - being on the summit was amazing. You can always tell when your guide is excellent and passionate about what they are speaking about. Maka was amazing and knowledgeable not only of Mauna Kea and the surrounding areas but you could tell he loved astronomy. Highly recommend this and I’d we come back again we will try to time it in the summer on a new moon to see even more.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/01/22 |
Activity Date: | 2022/01/18 |
Reviewed by: Flora
Our guide was warm, informative and great with the telescope. We experienced a magnificent sunset at 14000 feet. We saw the rings of Saturn and moons of Jupiter, several high points. It was a perfect evening.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/01/11 |
Activity Date: | 2022/01/09 |
Reviewed by: SarahB
Our guide was informative and personable, and made the best of a bad situation as we arrived to the visitor station to find the road closed due to bad weather, then had to wait for an accident to be cleared on our way back down.
We are being refunded, no complaints!
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/01/03 |
Activity Date: | 2022/01/01 |
Reviewed by: Jon
The trip was simply fantastic .
We enjoyed the the sites very much.
When we come back to Hawaii, we will do the trip again.
It was a great ride!
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Packages: | Kohala Coast Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/01/01 |
Activity Date: | 2021/12/08 |
Reviewed by: Linda Sioux
We loved this excursion. We came prepared and had plenty of clothes, hats and gloves. The dinner was yummy. The snow was hysterical- we live in CO and had to go to HI for snow- our guide was over the edge with enthusiasm and knowledge - loved our stargazing- don't delay-book today! This was not an easy one to book!!!
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/01/01 |
Activity Date: | 2021/12/09 |
Reviewed by: Kevin S
Nicely done and very interesting. The scenery was fantastic. The guides were knowledgeable and accommodating. The veggie lasagna dinner was better than expected. It was a memorable lifetime experience. The snow that had fallen recently was an added bonus.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/12/21 |
Activity Date: | 2021/12/11 |
Reviewed by: Mark, Audrey & Jarod
Travis was fantastic during our trip up Mauna Kea. His knowledge and presentation made it interesting and insightful. He personally took the extra time to make sure the adventure was complete. We even had snow, something unexpected for travelers to Hawaii.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/12/18 |
Activity Date: | 2021/12/16 |
Reviewed by: Adventure Grandma
This tour was Amazing! We have traveled to many fabulous places around the globe with lots of adventure & this tour was right up there with the best! Our guide, Gage, was fun, informative, patient, and an all-round delightful young man! Having to reschedule due to the Kona Low & Mauna Kea blizzard was easy & ultimately a better tour due to lots of beautiful snow at the summit! Our guide prepared us well for the seriously high altitude and checked on everyone frequently! Be sure to pack hats & gloves and the tour provided parkas were plenty warm. A couple e of things to keep in mind before going: bring a refillable water bottle, remember to nose in & slow pursed lip breathing out, bring your camera or cell phone for pictures, visit the restroom at the visitor center so you won’t have to go at very high elevation, and eat before the tour begins (the provided dinner is pretty simple). Just pack a smile and enjoy the “high”! The stargazing with the telescope was extra special! Who knows, we saw a Jedi, a snowman, & a crazy snowboarder so maybe you will too! Thanks for a great memory!
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/12/11 |
Activity Date: | 2021/12/09 |
Reviewed by: Sanidhya
Very unique. Views of a lifetime!
The host was amazing. Very informative and helpful. Really enjoyed my time on this tour. Will definitely recommend!
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour (Dinner not included) |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2021/11/09 |
Activity Date: | 2021/11/07 |
Reviewed by: Jacqueline Lorah
Ok, this is honestly one of the best tours I have ever taken. The van was super comfy, and our guide Arthur was informative, friendly, and honestly just plain fun! Obvious he LOVES this tour.
Words just cannot describe the beauty of this tour. From the drive up, to the spectacular sunset, to the jaw dropping star gazing......endless beauty. Plus, Arthur made sure we stayed safe, and kept us informed about what we should do and what to expect. I felt comfortable and at ease.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this amazing experience. If you do one thing on the Big Island......do this.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/10/06 |
Activity Date: | 2021/10/04 |
Reviewed by: Gabriella
This was such an awesome experience! The sunset was beautiful being that high up and the stargazing was amazing. It was our favorite experience on the island. Our guide Gage was so great! He was so knowledgeable on the island, the history there and the stargazing. He also helped us feel comfortable and safe on the drive up and back down. We highly recommend this experience!
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour (Dinner not included) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/10/02 |
Activity Date: | 2021/09/24 |
Reviewed by: Art Goldberg
The coastal tour was perfect. The staff was all very friendly and helpful. Marco our pilot made everyone very comfortable and was a great tour guide and pilot. I highly recommend Blue Hawaiian Helicopters!
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Packages: | Kohala Coast Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/10/02 |
Activity Date: | 2021/09/30 |
Reviewed by: H. Shoenfield
Tour Guide was an enthusiast, patient, native who shared culture, history, science, jokes and Hawaiian myths and songs. You can't ask for more from a guide. Try to book for a moonless night for best view of stars. They use an automated 11 inch telescope. The food was surprisingly very good (vegetable lasagna), the brownie decadent and the hot chocolate and biscotti at the end a nice touch. Had an issue finding the pick up spot, but a phone call resolved this since we were close. If you miss the sign for the international market (if that's your pick up spot), look for the 76 gas station, enter there and drive to the back. Dress warmly and bring a refillable drink. Cold (but not terribly) even with the given parka and gloves. A very enjoyable 8 hour afternoon & evening l
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/09/30 |
Activity Date: | 2021/09/28 |
Reviewed by: Pat from Houston
Pilot, Kai, was knowledgeable, friendly and great. Learned a lot!
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Packages: | Big Island Spectacular (1 hr 45 mins) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/09/17 |
Activity Date: | 2021/09/14 |
Reviewed by: Christine
My 9 year old son was skeptical about riding (his first time) but one of the guides said she would personally lead him. So thankful for that - my son and I walked away with great memories.
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Packages: | 1.5 Hour Horse Riding Tour |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/08/29 |
Activity Date: | 2021/08/04 |
Reviewed by: Kasandra
Toshi was PHENOMENAL! He was very engaging and made us feel so comfortable. You could tell he has such a warm spirit. The flight itself was nothing short of amazing, and I actually cried while flying through the valley because of how beautiful it is, later to find out Toshi made the playlist and it hit perfectly. There are no scenic roads to take you to where this helicopter goes, the helicopter ride is the only way to see these parts of Hawaii 1,000% worth it.
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Packages: | Big Island Spectacular (1 hr 45 mins) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/08/16 |
Activity Date: | 2021/08/14 |
Reviewed by: Bridget D
Lovely evening and views with informative narration and entertainment and great food.
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Packages: | Dinner Cruise |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/08/13 |
Activity Date: | 2021/08/07 |
Reviewed by: V&M N.
My husband and I got to experience this activity five years ago for the first time and we knew we had to bring our kids this time. Our kids liked the food and the family enjoyed the entertainment. It was great seeing Derek again (the musician/singer). He sang pearly shell again per our request :)
Aloha V&M N, Thanks for joining us again! We appreciate that you took the time to share your experience and rated us five stars! We wish you all the best!
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Packages: | Dinner Cruise |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/08/10 |
Activity Date: | 2021/08/08 |
Reviewed by: Heather
We had a great time viewing the sunset with our amazing guides Kekoa and Travis. There are a lot of companies that run these tours, but our guides made this one the best of them all. They were both very knowledgeable with a great sense of humor. Most of all, however, Kekoa and Travis have big smiles and even bigger hearts. They brought the spirit of Mauna Kea and o'hana into this experience. The sunset from the summit was miraculous, the lasagna and brownie absolutely delicious and the star gazing was out of this world!
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/08/06 |
Activity Date: | 2021/08/04 |
Reviewed by: S. Rowland
Great pilot and staff - very warm and made us feel comfortable for our first helicopter ride. Loved all the sites, learning about the Island and seeing the transitions of the landscapes - so beautiful. We would definitely recommend Blue Hawaiian!
A couple thoughts:
- Can you add another bathroom to have the lines more manageable?
- You mentioned in the notes it can get chilly on the helicopter (thus I thought there might be open windows!). In fact I found it a little too warm. I relaxed and got comfortable, but found that info slightly misleading.
Thanks,
S. Rowland
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Packages: | Big Island Spectacular (1 hr 45 mins) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/07/15 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/07 |
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.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/07/13 |
Activity Date: | 2021/06/21 |
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Thank you so much for joining us! We appreciate the time you took to leave us a five star review! Mahalo! We hope to see you again some day!