Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos
Epic Tours
4.8
rpmiro
9 days ago
James, Dylan and the whole team were great. Very knowledgeble.
They figured out a way of finding a spot where we could see clear skies in a rainy night.
If you're planning to go, bring some snow socks, boots and hats to stay warm and focused through the cold night. Their parkas and blankets are enough for the upper body.
It worth every minute.
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 90 minute 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: 1 hour and 30 minutesAdditional 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 90 minute 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: 1 hour and 30 minutesAdditional 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.
Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and SavingsCustomer Reviews
4.8
based on Groupon 256 reviews
100% Verified Reviews
All Groupon reviews are from people who have redeemed deals with this merchant. Review requests are sent by email to customers who purchased the deal.
Reviewed on
rpmiro
James, Dylan and the whole team were great. Very knowledgeble.
They figured out a way of finding a spot where we could see clear skies in a rainy night.
If you're planning to go, bring some snow socks, boots and hats to stay warm and focused through the cold night. Their parkas and blankets are enough for the upper body.
It worth every minute.
B5275SEirfank
James was a wonderful tour guide. We enjoyed out expedition to Mauna Kea. The stars were amazing. Just be prepared for it to be cold up there (they provided coats, pants, and gloves for us)
Udayakumar_T
Not worth the money. Asking us to drive all the way and just providing jackets,blankets and chairs. Didn’t even offer hot cocoa as others said . Over charging
Faith_H
This was such a terrific evening! In order to get the best viewing, the location shifted to Moana Loa - - and communication about the change was timely and clear. When we arrived at the stargazing location, James, Shannon and Dylan had set up chairs, with parkas and blankets ready for all. Dylan ‘s
knowledge and enthusiasm about the universe, the traditional myths and the discoveries of contemporary astrophysics and astronomy were simply infectious! The photos (the ones Shannon took of us and the ones Dylan took of things like horse head and Orion nebulas, the Andromeda Galaxy, etc) were amazing. And just as we started to think “maybe it’s a bit too chilly out here” James brought out hot coffee, cocoa and tea. All in all, a really great evening!
Heather_O
The most amazing experience, especially on the night of the volcano eruption. Dillon was very knowledgeable and entertaining. I learned so much. James was a great communicator and we appreciate being away from the crowds. Ali was the best keeping us warm with jackets and hot cocoa.