(All Reviews) Page 4) Mauna Kea (Top Hawaii Attractions), Big Island tours & activities, fun things to do in Big Island | HawaiiActivities.com

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All Reviews for Mauna Kea in Big Island

Overall Rating

4.78 4.78 / 5

Reviews

548 reviews

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Absolutely THE best land excursion!

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

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/02/09
Activity Date: 2023/02/07

Big Island Spectacular Circle Island Helicopter Flight with Landing Option

Spectacular

Reviewed by: Anne

We had driven around the island before taking our helicopter fight. What an amazing perspective to see it from above. This should be on everyone's list.

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Rating:
Packages: Big Island Spectacular (1 hr 45 mins)
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/02/04
Activity Date: 2022/03/23

Big Island Spectacular Circle Island Helicopter Flight with Landing Option

Stunning scenery

Reviewed by: Jim

Wow, wow, wow. There is no better way to see the Big Island than from a helicopter. We felt like we were floating in the air and taking in unbelievable sights. The waterfall landing was the perfect ending to an amazing day.

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Rating:
Packages: Big Island Spectacular with Oceanfront Waterfall Landing (2 hours 5 mins)
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/02/03
Activity Date: 2022/11/04

Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour Experience with Free Professional Photos - Epic Tours

Starstruck!!

Reviewed by: Jason

My family included two children and two seniors; thus reserved this trip as it was less strenuous (lower altitude, shorter time). Thought we'd see some stars and hear some stories, and was worried whether my family members would find it interesting.
Actual experience threw my expectations out the window. We usually see stars in pictures, in a way that makes them feel abstract and unreal. The way James showed us the stars made them feel so real and close. And it was totally awesome not just for me, but for everyone! We did quite a few activities on the island, and this was easily the most memorable.
One piece of advice; it is very very cold up there. I wore my pajamas under my pants and the thick down jacket James gave me, but was still shivering after about an hour. Dress very warmly, cuz this is worth it!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Stargazing Tour - Starting times between 07:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/01/25
Activity Date: 2023/01/15

Twilight Volcano Tour with Stargazing, Black Sand Beach & Coffee Farm

Fun and Convenient Volcano Tour

Reviewed by: Katherine Y.

This trip was such a convenient way to see Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. I think it can be a bit daunting when planning trips to the different islands for the first time especially considering location of places, terrain, the type of vehicle you may need, parking, and the length of the trip. So I would say this is a great way to get a taste for a bunch of different activities to do on the big island.

It will take about 13 hours to complete the whole trip and the temp will be warm during the day and cold at night so be prepared. Luckily the company does provide windbreakers and fleece jackets for the cooler temperatures. Our tour guide Aaron was great! He was very friendly and helpful. He is very knowledgeable about the history, environment, landscape, and so much more! Thanks so much for touring us around, Aaron. We appreciate it so much.

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Tour
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/01/12
Activity Date: 2023/01/10

Twilight Volcano Tour with Stargazing, Black Sand Beach & Coffee Farm

Amazingly jaw dropping views of the volcanic eruption with a very knowledgeable and patient guide

Reviewed by: Gitika

Todd was great, he went out of his way to make it a great experience for us. He set up his own telescope for the group to get a good look at the stars and moon. He was very knowledgeable and extremely patient. We were also lucky enough to catch the eruption making the trip really great

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Tour
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/01/07
Activity Date: 2023/01/06

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Unforgettable Experience

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.

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/01/07
Activity Date: 2023/01/04

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Outstanding Star Hazing!

Reviewed by: Jen & Dion

Travis was phenomenal. Knew so much about the island as well as space facts. Definitely worth the price and time.

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/12/25
Activity Date: 2022/12/23

Mauna Kea Evening Stargazing & Daytime Solar Viewing Tour with Dinner

Clouds and storms ruined it

Reviewed by: Fiona

We had hoped the weather would clear, but, unfortunately, despite our tour guide’s best efforts to find some clearing, we were beaten by the weather. Our guide, Hunter, was extremely knowledgeable and tried really hard to wait for some sign of being able to observe anything, but had to cancel with no luck. I can imagine it would have been spectacular to see and hear the wealth of information he would have been able to provide if we could have seen it.

  • The falls and lava tube were lovely. Too much cloud at the top though.

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Rating:
Packages: From Hilo - Rainbow Falls, Kaumana Caves, Solar Viewing & Stargazing with Dinner
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2022/12/20
Activity Date: 2022/12/18

Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour Experience with Free Professional Photos - Epic Tours

BEST STARGAZING TOUR!!! The professional photo with this great tour gives you awesome lasting memories!!

Reviewed by: Deborah

You should definitely do this tour. This is the best stargazing tour! I was trying to book the other tours but because of our location it would of required us to drive across the island to meet up and then gather with others to ride together to stargaze. It was like a 7 or 8 hour tour. I chose this tour because we could pick a time slot and just meet and stargaze and the tour was only 2 hours AND with a photo. On our way it was pouring rain. We thought the tour would be canceled. But James sent us a new location. There was no rain and perfect place to be in awe of all of the stars we would be able to see. His knowledge of astronomy and his professional photography made the experience more memorable. I didn't think that much of the photo we would receive. But after getting the photo was was in awe!! We was not only able to learn so much about astronomy, but we was able to have the best souvenir of our experience!

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Rating:
Packages: Stargazing Tour - Starting times between 07:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/12/17
Activity Date: 2022/11/21

Hawaii Horseback Riding Tour with Waterfall Swim at Umauma Falls

Horseback Tour was awesome

Reviewed by: Andrew

The team did a great job with everything, including the introduction to the horses, how to ride, the tour itself, all of the above.

It was a beautiful activity for riders of all levels of experience. Would highly recommend to all interested.

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: 1:00 PM Afternoon Ride
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/12/07
Activity Date: 2022/12/05

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Outstanding experience!

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.

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2022/11/29
Activity Date: 2022/11/25

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Nice trip but operational mistakes

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.

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/11/24
Activity Date: 2022/11/21

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Worth it!

Reviewed by: Kara

Gorgeous stars holy goodness!!!! It is cold but they have some bundling clothes

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2022/11/22
Activity Date: 2022/11/10

キラウエア火山 ヘリコプター遊覧　水～土曜日10:30限定で日本語パイロットのリクエスト可能＜フライト100分／英語パイロット／ワイコロアヘリポート＞

溶岩と滝

Reviewed by: Kaz

ドライブでは見られないキラウェアの溶岩や海岸の絶壁にある滝等、圧巻の景色を見ることができました。バイリンガルのパイロット兼ガイドの知識も豊富で想定以上に楽しむことができました。

Helpful
Translate
Rating:
Packages: 滝への着陸付きプラン
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/11/21
Activity Date: 2022/11/19

Hawaii Horseback Riding Tour with Waterfall Swim at Umauma Falls

Beautiful Day

Reviewed by: Kara

Double win when you get to ride horses and hit a waterfall!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: 9:00 AM Morning Ride
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2022/11/21
Activity Date: 2022/11/15

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Thanfkul for this experience

Reviewed by: Kara

Awesome evening all guided, pick up and drop off back near the hotel, very awesome tour

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/11/21
Activity Date: 2022/11/12

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Easily the best tour guided experience we've ever done!

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?!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/11/21
Activity Date: 2022/11/12

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

My wife and I summit in Hawaii

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.

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/11/19
Activity Date: 2022/10/30

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Well worth it

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.

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2022/11/15
Activity Date: 2022/11/13

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Stefan Was Amazing

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.

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/11/10
Activity Date: 2022/10/31

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Highly recommended!

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!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/11/08
Activity Date: 2022/11/06

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Great experience, highly recommend.

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.

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/11/07
Activity Date: 2022/10/31

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Book with other tour group

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.

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/11/03
Activity Date: 2022/11/01

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

beautiful clear night for magnificent sunset and breathtaking star gazing

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.

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/10/25
Activity Date: 2022/10/14

Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour Experience with Free Professional Photos - Epic Tours

Oh my Heavens!

Reviewed by: Greg

This experience is beyond human words to describe. We had an absolutely perfect night with a crescent moon that set shortly after we got set up. The Milky Way was more spectacular than we could have imagined. James’ knowledge of what we were looking at was top notch. There were a couple of personal disappointments and cons but they do not diminish the rating of the experience.

I had expected some serious telescopes that would be used. James had a top end mount and camera with some powerful lenses but when it came to looking at Jupiter and Saturn, I get bigger and better images with my homemade 6” reflector. I was really wondering if he was using his equipment to show us Andromeda and what I think he said was the Dumbbell nebula or if he was showing us stock photos. He homed in on those two objects very quickly for a setup that was merely put down and “kinda” leveled.

The other comment is about the cost. James is an expert and one expects to pay for expertise. But for an adventure that does not include pickup except for about a mile from the destination and has no major equipment like a submarine that the Atlantis has to maintain, the price seems high. Especially since the included photos are about worthless, you are forced to purchase the full resolution package if you want to share your photos with anything other than your phone.

That being said, experiencing God’s creation like that was amazing!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Stargazing Tour - Starting times between 07:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/10/23
Activity Date: 2022/09/28

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

A stunning moment - a must have lifetime experience

Reviewed by: Faye

The guide is friendly and informative. He can speak fluent English and Japanese. He provided the needed equipment for the trip and took nice photos for us. We’ve had unique and amazing lifetime experience by standing on the top of the world (count elevation from the seabed) and watching the stunning sunset and moonrise. Unfortunately, the full moon was so bright and we couldn’t clearly see the Milky Way. Overall a must have one and I will recommend do it with a guide as first time as some unexpected situations could happen if you are not fully prepared.

Warning: some people might feel faint and uncomfortable or fall asleep due to elevation

  • Sunset

  • The shadow of the earth

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/10/01
Activity Date: 2022/09/09

Twilight Volcano Tour with Stargazing, Black Sand Beach & Coffee Farm

Jammed Packed with Goodness

Reviewed by: Saunders 2022

This tour was jammed packed with fantastic activities and good information. Todd was our guide, and he was filled with lots of good information on the area and language. He is definitely the one you want around for star gazing as he has a formal education in astronomy. One word of caution--bring warm clothes and jacket! You are going to a higher elevation with trade winds, and it gets cold!! (even on the van)

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Tour
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/09/30
Activity Date: 2022/09/28

Hawaii Horseback Riding Tour with Waterfall Swim at Umauma Falls

Loved the ride!

Reviewed by: Peter

Great staff, gentle horses, and a fun adventure. We had our 9 year old granddaughter who had never ridden but they went out of their way to make sure she was comfortable and with a horse that she could ride safely.
I have lots of riding experience and was able to enjoy the ride as well; they shared much information about the plants and animals and Hawaiian history. Btw, the swim at the half way point was very refreshing.

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: 1:00 PM Afternoon Ride
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Posted on: 2022/09/28
Activity Date: 2022/09/26

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Would recommend this tour!

Reviewed by: Dan Ohio

Awesome tour! Stephan was amazing. Very knowledgeable about the island, Mauna Kea and the stars. We would definitely recommend. Everything was as advertised and even more!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/09/22
Activity Date: 2022/09/20
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