Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour

Hawaii Forest &Trail
4.8
Select Option:
Cancellation Policy
Up to 24 hours before your scheduled admission.
561andrewjg
3 days ago
This tour offers several remarkable experiences in one -- sunset from above the clouds, stargazing under exceptionally clear skies, and cold weather on a tropical island. Don't let the altitude keep you away -- the tour offers a tried-and-true approach to allow your body time to adjust and to be as acclimated as possible when it's time to start stargazing. (Your experience might vary, of course, but after initially feeling pretty lethargic, by the time the stars were out I felt totally normal and at ease, and I live at sea level and just get a normal amount of exercise.) The food and beverages are light, but enough to satisfy you without making you extra tired or at extra risk of getting sick from the altitude. Our tour guide, Jeff, was very knowledgeable about Hawai'i in general, offered lots of helpful tips and suggestions for adjusting to the altitude, and, of course, made an excellent host for the "star party", even getting the equpment set up and taken down expeditiously. Because you don't need great gear to get a spectacular view under these skies, the telescopes and viewing agenda are thoughtfully selected to make the trip a pleasant and memorable one. Getting to see the many nearby observatories in action was also a nice bonus. This might seem like a long trip, but the extra time to get acquainted with the setting and the group, and then get used to the altitude, really pays off at the end.

Head to the Mauna Kea Observatory, nestled high in the mountains of the Big Island, and experience an intriguing and provocative journey through space and time. Discover Hawaii from the top of the island's tallest peak, Mauna Kea, also known as 'White Mountain,' located 13,796 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level. This small-group star-watching tour ensures a personalized and unique experience at the enchanting Mauna Kea summit.

Departure Point

  • Please park in the lower gravel lot & walk to the Visitors Ctr (aka Onizuka Ctr) to meet our guide by the picnic area. Arrive at least 15 mins prior to your pick-up time. PLEASE NOTE: Your pick-up time will be different than the displayed online tour start time. Contact us to verify the meeting time
  • Please park by the vacant lot adjacent to Domino's Pizza. Our guide will meet you on the curbside. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. PLEASE NOTE: Your pick-up time will be different than the displayed tour start time online. Please contact us to verify the meeting time.
  • Please park & meet us on the backside (south side) of this popular shopping center. We will pick you up by the long yellow curb with the two yellow umbrellas. PLEASE NOTE: Your pick-up time will be different than the tour start time displayed online. Please contact us to verify the meeting time.
  • Please meet us at the front entrance and allow a 15-minute window for your driver to arrive. PLEASE NOTE: Your pick-up time will be different than the tour start time displayed online. You may contact us to verify the meeting time.
  • **IMPORTANT - Please note that guests meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the tour's start time. ** ** Mahalo!**
Return Details
  • Please park in the lower gravel lot & walk to the Visitors Ctr (aka Onizuka Ctr) to meet our guide by the picnic area. Arrive at least 15 mins prior to your pick-up time. PLEASE NOTE: Your pick-up time will be different than the displayed online tour start time. Contact us to verify the meeting time
  • Please park by the vacant lot adjacent to Domino's Pizza. Our guide will meet you on the curbside. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. PLEASE NOTE: Your pick-up time will be different than the displayed tour start time online. Please contact us to verify the meeting time.
  • Please park & meet us on the backside (south side) of this popular shopping center. We will pick you up by the long yellow curb with the two yellow umbrellas. PLEASE NOTE: Your pick-up time will be different than the tour start time displayed online. Please contact us to verify the meeting time.
  • Please meet us at the front entrance and allow a 15-minute window for your driver to arrive. PLEASE NOTE: Your pick-up time will be different than the tour start time displayed online. You may contact us to verify the meeting time.
  • **IMPORTANT - Please note that guests meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the tour's start time. ** ** Mahalo!**
Duration8 hoursLanguages Available
  • Human tour guide - English

Points of Interest

Stop At: Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel75-5660 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740Travelers staying in Kailua Kona will meet the guide here. Your guide will meet you at the benches closest to the hotel's parking lot entrance at the curbside. **There may be additional meeting location stops along the way to Maunakea.**Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Maunakea Visitor Information Station177 Makaala St, , Hilo, HawaiiEnjoy a warm picnic dinner while you acclimate to a higher elevation and learn about Hawaiian star navigation before you head to the summit.Duration: 45 minutesStop At: Mauna Kea SummitKailua-Kona, HawaiiEnjoy a sunset from above the clouds while overlooking the Pacific Ocean atop Maunakea. After the sunset, travel to a more comfortable elevation and let our guides reveal the night sky with our 11" Celestron telescopes. Duration: 30 minutesStop At: Maunakea Visitor Information Station177 Makaala St, , Hilo, HawaiiDescend to a lower elevation after the sun sets and sip hot chocolate during a private star show with our 11” Celestron telescope. View deep space objects with our Stellina digital telescope and share captured images of the Hawaiian night sky with your friends & familyDuration: 1 hour

Additional Information

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Minimum age is 13 years - No children under 13.
  • Due to the high altitude; this tour is not suitable for those with respiratory, heart or circulatory conditions, poor health, or pregnancy
  • If you plan to scuba dive, do not plan to go to the summit within 24 hours after you dive due to the altitude.
  • Guests are required to wear closed-toed shoe and long pants. We recommend bringing a sweatshirt or sweater for layering.
  • Guests must bring their own water bottles. Tour operator will provide filtered water refills.
  • Please advise your parka size (small, medium, large, x-large or xx-large) and choice of meal at time of booking. If you do not indicate this at the time of booking, you will be required to call and advise them of this information directly.
  • There is minimal walking on this tour, the maximum being about 150 yards
  • The access road to Mauna Kea is four-wheel drive only, so it can be bumpy. The custom off-road transit vans will get you to the top and back in safety and comfort. The transit vans can carry a maximum of 12 passengers
  • Snow is seasonal at Maunakea, with the heaviest snowfall occurring during the winter months
  • Please note your scheduled pick-up time may differ from the tour start time displayed online. Contact us to confirm your meeting time & location.
  • No scuba diving within 24 hours
Inclusions
  • Private star show with telescope
  • Hooded parkas and gloves
  • Central Meeting Locations for Pick-up & Drop off
  • Hot cocoa and cookies
  • Local taxes
  • Guide
  • Hot picnic dinner
  • Pick-up & Dropoff from Central Meeting Locations
Redemption Instructions• Please note guests must be 13 years of age or older to attend this tour• Guests are required to wear closed-toe walking shoes or hiking boots, and long pants. We recommend guests bring a light sweatshirt or jacket. • Important: Please advise the following either through the Viator messaging portal, directly to Hawaii Forest and Trail (+1-808-331-8505) or info@hawaii-forest.com at the time of booking: 1. HOTEL NAME - needed to confirm the closest meeting location 2. PARKA SIZE, (small, medium, large, x-large or xx-large) 3. MEAL Voucher InfoMobile or paper ticket accepted

The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Hawaii Forest &Trail in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon. This offer is not eligible for promo codes.

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 Savings

Customer Reviews

4.8
based on Groupon 1,504 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
561andrewjg
This tour offers several remarkable experiences in one -- sunset from above the clouds, stargazing under exceptionally clear skies, and cold weather on a tropical island. Don't let the altitude keep you away -- the tour offers a tried-and-true approach to allow your body time to adjust and to be as acclimated as possible when it's time to start stargazing. (Your experience might vary, of course, but after initially feeling pretty lethargic, by the time the stars were out I felt totally normal and at ease, and I live at sea level and just get a normal amount of exercise.) The food and beverages are light, but enough to satisfy you without making you extra tired or at extra risk of getting sick from the altitude. Our tour guide, Jeff, was very knowledgeable about Hawai'i in general, offered lots of helpful tips and suggestions for adjusting to the altitude, and, of course, made an excellent host for the "star party", even getting the equpment set up and taken down expeditiously. Because you don't need great gear to get a spectacular view under these skies, the telescopes and viewing agenda are thoughtfully selected to make the trip a pleasant and memorable one. Getting to see the many nearby observatories in action was also a nice bonus. This might seem like a long trip, but the extra time to get acquainted with the setting and the group, and then get used to the altitude, really pays off at the end.
Lorine_S
Jeff was one of the best tour guides for this type of tour that we’ve ever had. Knowledgeable, informative and showed true care for the well being of the people on the tour.
Barbara_H
It was cold, misty rain and lots of fog and cloud cover. You can’t control the weather but what we saw was magical. Our driver was awesome explaining history and related facts while taking care of our needs. He pointed out star constellations each time the clouds lifted.
P6193VZjerryn
Great experience. Our guide John was a fount of knowledge and also very entertaining and helpful as well. The views were amazing and looking at the stars through his telescope was a real highlight. And as a bonus the meal provided although modest was real it good! Highly recommended!
karolinalM5018CJ
It was a great trip with a caring and well knowledged guide Jeff, who made our experience a memorable one. Initially my trip got cancelled due to poor weather conditions that day, but they called and rebooked me for the very next day and everything went smoothly. Although there were some clouds above the horizon, but the views from the summit were still really beautiful. We had a full moon rising which meant that stars wouldn't shine that bright, but with the provided telescope we were able to see all the main starts and planets which Jeff wished to show us.

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