Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos
Epic Tours
4.8
carolsW1584IK
5 days ago
We had scheduled our stargazing tour with James. He was quick to respond with texts and very informative and accommodating. He informed us that weather might be an issue but that we would be reimbursed 100%.The weather did not permit us to do the tour. It was a pleasure dealing with James.
Led by both an astronomer and an astro-photographer, we’re the only stargazing tour that combines expert guidance with astrophotography, offers two-hour experiences, avoids bright crowds, and has a stargazing guarantee. Part 1 – All ages welcome. We meet at our dark-sky location on the safe, comfortable slopes of Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa—away from city lights. Relax in a reclining folding chair, sip hot chocolate, enjoy the cool mountain air, and watch the stars appear. Part 2 – Using our Celestron Origin smart telescope, we bring the universe to you—no eyepiece required. Controlled by an iPad or smartphone, it produces stunning live images on-screen. See galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters in real time while your astronomer explains each object and answers your questions. Part 3 – While you enjoy the view, our astro-photographer captures epic images of you and your group under the Milky Way. Medium-size digital files are included, with high-resolution upgrades available.
Departure Point
- Text us 6 hours prior to your tour for an updated meeting location, we meet at other locations on Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa. If you have an international phone number, please send us a local contact number once you have it.Send us your email address if you want the photos after the tour.
- Text us 6 hours prior to your tour for an updated meeting location, we meet at other locations on Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa. If you have an international phone number, please send us a local contact number once you have it.Send us your email address if you want the photos after the tour.
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Onizuka Astronomy ComplexMauna Kea Access Rd, HawaiiLed by an astronomer and astro-photographer, our tours avoid the crowded Onizuka Visitor Center and take place at quiet, remote locations on Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa. Time slots are handpicked to avoid bright moonlight and maximize your view of the night sky. Each 2-hour experience includes: • A guided star talk by our astronomer using a Celestron Origin smart telescope • Close-up telescope views of deep sky objects like nebulas, star clusters, and galaxies • Complimentary portraits taken by our astro-photographer with the Milky Way as your backdrop • Medium-resolution photos included at no extra cost • A stargazing guarantee — if the stars don’t show, the tour is freeDuration: 2 hoursAdditional Information
- Service animals allowed
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Dress code: Wear pants and closed-toed shoes
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Weather can reach 30F. We have parka jackets that have pockets and a hood, although that may not be enough for some
- Not recommended for travelers with any mobility/ambulatory restrictions, back, heart and hearing problems or other serious medical conditions
- Pregnant Travelers should discuss with their doctor before hand.
- Not suitable for some senior citizens
- Not recommended for chronic complainers ;)
- Parka Jackets
- Professional photographer guide
- All activities
- Complimentary Medium Resolution Photos
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Optional Photo Upgrades Available
Led by both an astronomer and an astro-photographer, we’re the only stargazing tour that combines expert guidance with astrophotography, offers two-hour experiences, avoids bright crowds, and has a stargazing guarantee. Part 1 – All ages welcome. We meet at our dark-sky location on the safe, comfortable slopes of Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa—away from city lights. Relax in a reclining folding chair, sip hot chocolate, enjoy the cool mountain air, and watch the stars appear. Part 2 – Using our Celestron Origin smart telescope, we bring the universe to you—no eyepiece required. Controlled by an iPad or smartphone, it produces stunning live images on-screen. See galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters in real time while your astronomer explains each object and answers your questions. Part 3 – While you enjoy the view, our astro-photographer captures epic images of you and your group under the Milky Way. Medium-size digital files are included, with high-resolution upgrades available.
Departure Point
- Text us 6 hours prior to your tour for an updated meeting location, we meet at other locations on Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa. If you have an international phone number, please send us a local contact number once you have it.Send us your email address if you want the photos after the tour.
- Text us 6 hours prior to your tour for an updated meeting location, we meet at other locations on Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa. If you have an international phone number, please send us a local contact number once you have it.Send us your email address if you want the photos after the tour.
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Onizuka Astronomy ComplexMauna Kea Access Rd, HawaiiLed by an astronomer and astro-photographer, our tours avoid the crowded Onizuka Visitor Center and take place at quiet, remote locations on Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa. Time slots are handpicked to avoid bright moonlight and maximize your view of the night sky. Each 2-hour experience includes: • A guided star talk by our astronomer using a Celestron Origin smart telescope • Close-up telescope views of deep sky objects like nebulas, star clusters, and galaxies • Complimentary portraits taken by our astro-photographer with the Milky Way as your backdrop • Medium-resolution photos included at no extra cost • A stargazing guarantee — if the stars don’t show, the tour is freeDuration: 2 hoursAdditional Information
- Service animals allowed
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Dress code: Wear pants and closed-toed shoes
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Weather can reach 30F. We have parka jackets that have pockets and a hood, although that may not be enough for some
- Not recommended for travelers with any mobility/ambulatory restrictions, back, heart and hearing problems or other serious medical conditions
- Pregnant Travelers should discuss with their doctor before hand.
- Not suitable for some senior citizens
- Not recommended for chronic complainers ;)
- Parka Jackets
- Professional photographer guide
- All activities
- Complimentary Medium Resolution Photos
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Optional Photo Upgrades Available
Need To Know Info
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
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4.8
based on Groupon 250 reviews
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carolsW1584IK
We had scheduled our stargazing tour with James. He was quick to respond with texts and very informative and accommodating. He informed us that weather might be an issue but that we would be reimbursed 100%.The weather did not permit us to do the tour. It was a pleasure dealing with James.
bigcj102
Dylan and Malia led a phenomenal experience last weekend on Mauna Kea. The experience started a bit later than advertised, but that allowed us to get a better, more complete show. Dylan is super enthusiastic about space and the stars. He was a little corny, but I'd rather have someone super enthusiastic about their profession than someone just going through the motions. We thoroughly enjoyed his enthusiasm. Malia also did a phenomenal job arranging and taking amazing photographs, as well as the setup and the general event support. She was super nice and made sure everyone was comfortable and enjoying themselves. It's not a cheap experience, but I very highly recommend it.
J2050UIjonp
Absolutely spectacular - highly recommend. We went as a family of 4, children 12 & 15. Both kids loved it as much as my wife & I - stunning views of the Milky Way and the night sky as we’d never seen it before, anywhere in the world. The evening was expertly guided by Dylan, whose love of astronomy made for a fascinating and entertaining evening. Malia is an incredibly talented astrophotographer and we have a priceless photo of our family in front of the Milky Way. A wonderful evening.
Jane C
We had an absolutely unforgettable stargazing experience with Epic Tours on the Big Island. James led the tour with great care, making sure everything was smooth and well organized. Dylan was so engaged and excited to share his knowledge about the stars—it made the night feel even more magical. Malia, our photographer, was incredibly kind and helpful, making us feel comfortable while capturing the most beautiful photos. The pictures turned out gorgeous and truly captured the wonder of the night.
Seeing the Milky Way and countless stars blanketing the sky was awe-inspiring—definitely one of those bucket list moments. The entire experience was more than worth it, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Big Island.
130ginaf
Our star gazing experience was nothing short of phenomenal. It felt like we were in outer space. Our guide, Dillon, was very engaging, knowledgeable and funny. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience seeing stars, the Milky Way and even a huge shooting star. My only criticism was in the lack of clear instructions as to how to access the viewing site which turned out to be on Mauna Loa, not Mauna Kea, that evening. While at first we received a text stating that the evening's session might be canceled due to weather, we never received a follow-up message as promised. So we gambled that it was on and later, about halfway to our destination, they finally got back to us. The instructions as to how to get there could have been much clearer and therefore we went the wrong way which caused us to be about 30 minutes late. However, the program itself was so rewarding that we soon forgot about the difficult drive. Also the photos came out great and serve as one-of-a-kind souvenirs. That's why the five star rating.