Maunakea Stellar Explorer HILO

Kapohokine Adventures
4.4
Select Option:
Cancellation Policy
Up to 24 hours before your scheduled admission.
Robert_Y
92 days ago
A great experience to see the night skies high above mountain with minimal lights around. Presenter through explaining the stars.

For an out-of-this-world experience, check out Maunakea Stellar Explorer from KapohoKine Adventures. This thrilling adventure is the only Big Island star tour to feature nighttime astronomical observing AND safe daytime solar viewing with all ages welcome! Our in-house stellar explorers are the best and most experienced in Hawaii with one having created the Mauna Kea Visitor’s Center and operated it for a decade. Others on staff have written noted articles and reviews for well-known astronomy magazines and have worked at world-class observatories.

Duration7 hoursLanguages Available

  • Human tour guide - English

Points of Interest

Stop At: Rainbow FallsRainbow Drive, , Hilo, HawaiiStart your adventure in quaint Hilo town where you’ll drive along the historic waterfront before arriving at Rainbow Falls. This iconic waterfall right off a postcard features an 80 foot tall twin waterfall system. Look for the rainbow effect that gives the waterfall its name! Duration: 20 minutesStop At: Boiling PotsWailuku River State Park, Off Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, HawaiiContinue traveling up the Wailuku River to Boiling Pots. Impressive photo opportunities are often found here when the river “boils” through depressions in the rocks. Duration: 20 minutesStop At: Kaumana Caves ParkKaumana Drive, Mile Marker 4, Hilo, HawaiiExplore Kaumana Caves, part of the lava tube system that brought lava 1.5 miles from Hilo-town in 1881. Take a peek inside the cathedral-like space before tucking into a quick picnic-style lunch atop the caves. Duration: 1 hourStop At: Mauna KeaMauna Kea Access Rd, University Of Hawaii 2.2 Meter Telescope, HawaiiYour guide will take you to one of our preferred locations on Mauna Kea for nighttime stargazing. You’ll observe deep sky and planetary objects through a large aperture Dobsonian telescope under one of the darkest and most pristine skies on planet Earth! Our Dobsonian telescopes are a true purist’s experience to view the night sky. Their fast focal ratio enables you to see sprawling wide field views of objects that simply aren’t possible with the types of telescopes used by other tours. Depending on what is visible in the current sky and weather permitting, you’ll observe galaxies, nebula, star clusters, planets, double star systems, the moon, and much more; all the highlights and showpiece objects like you’ve never seen before!Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutesStop At: Saddle RoadHawaiiNext, you’ll travel across Saddle Road between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, two of the tallest and most massive volcanoes on Earth. Your National Park Service trained guide will discuss the volcanology, geology, and history of these monstrous wonders, as well as providing in-depth narration on the various lava flows and flora and fauna that you’ll be passing by. While you’re taking in the breathtaking terrestrial views, your guide will prepare some heavenly views just as stunning. Setting up a state of the art solar telescope for your viewing pleasure, your specially trained guide will let you safely watch the sun come alive in true color with vibrant solar flares, sunspots, prominences and any other current activity weather permitting. Duration: 1 hour

Additional Information

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Inclusions
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Professional guide
  • Driver/guide
  • Beverages
Redemption Instructions• Must wear Closed toe shoes, wear warm clothes and bring a jacket • Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditionsTraveler Pickup InformationWe pick up at all major hotels, please contact us at 808-964-1000 for more information. 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 Kapohokine Adventures 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

4.4
based on Groupon 97 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
Robert_Y
A great experience to see the night skies high above mountain with minimal lights around. Presenter through explaining the stars.
Lindsey_J
ERIC IS AMAZING. STELLAR (pun intended) he was soooooo knowledgeable and was extremely patient. We had the most wonderful clear night (not in his control but a bonus!). We really enjoyed conversing with him around astronomy and Hawaiian culture. I would 1000% recommend a tour with him!
Patrick_K
Amazing experience. Rich was great as our guide. Very knowledgeable. Kept us entertained the whole time. Whole tour was great but seeing the stars was breath-taking. Rich pointed out many constellations and showed us nebula and galaxies. I would highly appreciate
ketand699
Guide was nice but I think it’s way over priced, they should also make it clear in the listing that they won’t be taking us to summit but will go to below the visitor center. It’s an easy drive of 45 min from Hilo and if you have rental car you can just drive there
Devin_C
The most magical and unreal experience! We had the best guide, Henry, who was super knowledgeable, friendly, and a great guide. He made extra time to go to lots of stops along the way up to the viewing point and we had the best spot for viewing. We went on a full moon and still saws hundreds of stars and constellations! Henry did amazing at getting us the best views both with and without the telescope and even got us some stunning pictures of the full moon through the telescope! The parkas, snacks, and hot drinks were all an extra bonus! Would 1000000% do again!

Explore more