Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Adventure
Please note: Tour participants must be at least 13 years old.
See the stars like you have never seen
them before – from one of the highest points on earth - on this
afternoon and evening nature adventure. You'll first travel across a
striking and surreal mountain landscape that reveals Hawaii's past, and
learn about the remarkable evolution and changes the island's natural
world has experienced. Then you’ll dine, local bento-style, at a
historic ranch outpost. Later you'll stand in awe at the top of the
world's tallest volcano, amidst the largest collection of telescopes on
earth, and experience some of the most dramatic scenery you'll ever
witness. And then, after a breathtaking sunset, the wonders and
world-class clarity of the Hawaiian night skies opens up to you as you
stargaze like you never have before.
Tour Highlights:
- Visit the summit of Mauna Kea – elevation 13,796 feet (4,205 m)
- Enjoy amazing sunset views from the summit
- Peak through a telescope
- Excellent stargazing location
- Expert tour guide will share interesting facts about the Big Island, Mauna Kea and the night sky
- Enjoy a warm picnic dinner on the beautiful mountain
- Stand on top of the world and see world’s largest collection of research telescopes
Map
- Where and When:
- Afternoon departure, between 1:30 pm and 3 pm. The exact departure time depends on the season and will be specified on your voucher.
Tour departs from the following locations:
Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters, 73-5593A Olowalu St., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 View Map
Please meet us across the street from Home Depot at our Kona Headquarters. This is a departure point for many Hawaii Forest & Trail Tours. This location also has a 900 sq. ft. retail store that includes outdoor gear and apparel, books, maps and gift items.
Queen's Marketplace, 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa, HI 96738 (near Charlie's Thai Cuisine) View Map
The backside of this popular shopping area serves as a pickup location for many Hawaii Forest & Trail tours. Look for Charlie's Thai Cuisine, and HF&T will be at the curb!
- Requirements:
- Please bring your own water bottle for use on tour. Water bottles are available for purchase at Hawaii Forest and Trail and a jug will be available for refills.
- Restrictions:
- Mauna Kea summit tours are not recommended for those with respiratory, circulatory or heart conditions (no pacemakers), pregnant women and those who have conditions not conducive to high altitude or physical activity.
Children under 13 are not permitted on this tour due to altitude.
The tour is also not recommended for people who have been scuba diving in the past 24 hours.
Participants will be required to sign a waiver of liability.
Participants should be able to hike on rocky or uneven terrain.
- Special Notes:
- Be prepared to encounter muddy, wet or cool conditions. The average mean temperature at the summit is freezing.
- Operation Days:
- Daily
- Duration:
- 7-8 hours
- Vendor:
- Hawaii Forest and Trail
- Island:
- Big Island
- Capacity:
- Max. of 14 guests per tour
- Equipment:
- Hooded parkas and warm gloves are provided. We utilize an 11 Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope for stargazing.