The altitude is not the only thing that makes Mauna Kea such a perfect location for astronomers. He didnt rush and was attentive to his customers. The ride to the summit wasn't too long and the Wes did a great job explaining the many places and things we passed by. To get to the summit you either need to join a tour (see below) or drive a 4WD vehicle. Yes you can look through a telescope at Mauna Kea, however access to the telescopes is highly restricted and requires planning and reservations. Some car rental agencies on the Big Island of Hawaii allow their vehicles to be driven up to the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station. Then, learn why so many research telescopes are located here during a brilliant celestial show. Read more about the Kamaina Observatory Experience. Our MaunaKea guide is quite extensive so to save you time we have summarized the most frequently asked questions (with their answers) below: Yes, but not with any car and only during daylight hours. Found this one and happy we did, better value than others and great service. Big Island Experiences. Everest. The provided hot beverage were greatly appreciated and being able to use the telescope was neat. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! Made sure we understood safety measures while ensuring we had a great experience! At 9,200ft (2,800m) elevation the visitor center is a great place for stargazing, especially if you visit during the free weekly stargazing events (currently unavailable due to COVID restrictions). The best ways to experience Mauna Kea Summit & Observatory are: Now, it's time to add your favorite experiences to this list for eligibility. If not, shoyo will provide one for you as well. The guide also takes incredible photos of you with the starry skies in the background, which turn out like some sort of masterpiece! The night sky from Mauna Kea is one to not be missed. An optional TIP per person for good service is customary in Hawaii. Explore Big Island's number one attraction, the Mauna Kea summit for sunset. Great for first-time visitors. Robert is a content writer and editor at World Guides to Travel where he shares his love for the great outdoors. We will send a message about pick up time and location after the confirmation of your booking. Perhaps you like the idea of going to check out the magnificent luminous sky from the Mauna Kea summit, but dont want to spend that much time up there. Enjoy! Afterwards, do you go straight back to Waikoloa or through Kailua/Kona first? Winter temperatures range from 25 to 40F (-4 to 4C), but wind chill can make it seem even colder. At this point, youll start to notice it getting a bit colder, so you can change into your warmer clothes. Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii that last erupted approximately 4000 years ago. Because the volcanoes on the Big Island are so heavy and because large parts of them are under water, MaunaKea is actually higher than Mount Everest. As you travel towards Mauna Kea, your guide will get acquainted with everyone and begin telling you some interesting facts about the volcano and how it is considered a holy place of worship. This 8-hour tour starts off by you being picked up at your hotel, so theres no need to deal with organizing transportation to another meetup point. Free cancellation: up to 48 hours before tour. Joseph was fantastic. Explore remote Mars-like locations on Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa for a unique stargazing experience unlike any other. It is no coincidence that some of the worlds most advanced telescopes are built on the Big Island. According to the University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Hawaiian Language and following traditional Hawaiian values and the Hawaiian language, MaunaKea (one word) is the correct designation. You can visit the summit and see the telescopes during daytime and stay for up to 30 minutes after the sun has set. Free DSLR camera photo of sunset and stars with you in it! The air is thin and dry which makes for crystal clear skies and breathtaking views of the stars. Hear cool and fun stories along the way (and some corny joke's that might make you laugh), Shaka Guide's driving tour app works like a tour guide in your car! 2018 Mauna Kea Summit Adventures. Understandably so. It is a experience you should be part of, It was beautiful and the tour guide was exceptional, explained everything to us, just a great experience overall. Save time planning your trip because we have the best stops lined up Mauna Kea resort is a historical gemit was the first resort to ever be built on the Big Island. Maunakea Summit Sunrise Tour After enjoying the starry sky observation at the Onizuka Center with an altitude of 2,800 m before dawn, we will head to Mauna Kea summit 4,205m, the highest peak in the Pacific, where the world's observatories gather. Joseph and his crew were amazing. What makes Mauna Kea so special for star gazing is its location above the clouds. Shoyo (? The stargazing program is organized four nights per week between 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm. The tour does offer hotel pickup, so all you have to do is meet them in your hotel lobby ready with some comfortable walking shoes and clothing! 7 Duration: 7-8 hrs Rated: Easy to Moderate. Parking at the visitor center is limited and it gets busy here around sunset, so make sure to arrive early. Make your own tour. If its canceled due to poor weather, youll be offered a different date or a full refund. Once the parking lots are full, all vehicles will be turned away. If you plan to scuba dive, do not plan to go to the summit within 24 hours after you dive due to the altitude. Tour Details Book Sunset TourBook Sunrise TourBook Private Tour Please note; But take away the commotion and what remains is the mountain Native Hawaiians deem the most sacred site in their North Pacific archipelago. Once you arrive, youll all be able to take some time and relax! Learn more 7 hours (approx.) Mauna Kea Summit Tour Hilo, Hawaii. The entire trip was worth the experience that Wes had created for us, mahalo. Our tour guide Shoyo was very helpful, knowledgeable, and made the whole tour extra fun! we had a wondrous evening of star gazing! Star gazing was a bonus! Pickup offered Mobile ticket Depending on the tour you choose, dinner can also be included. skip to Main Content. It was named after the Hawaii-born astronaut Ellison Onizuka who died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. Scroll up for 8 tips on how to drive to the summit yourself. We will receive a small commission if you make a purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. The tour planner Yumiko was so wonderful as well, and she accommodated our dietary requests and kept us updated about everything until the day of the tour. The summit road is not paved so you need to have a four-wheel drive vehicle. We will send a message about pick up time and location after the confirmation of your booking. Please note that we do not take any responsibility or liability for any damage or loss caused through the parking, Not recommended for person weight more than 300lb, Not recommended for person having respiratory problem such as asthma, Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level, This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers. 73-5593 A Olowalu Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 | 2023 Hawaii Forest & Trail. We were able to pass quite a few cars in our tour van. We got to learn the history and culture, gave us great tips on beaches, educated us on past and present struggles the native Hawaiian population is facing which I think if extremely important as they are just trying to protect their way of life and history. The only stop we made was at a state park that's about 20 minutes before you make the turn onto the road that takes you to the observatory. These operators are guaranteed to employ knowledgeable guides and bring their own portable telescopes. View Live Cam Book your tour today Our guides take you out in small groups to insure you have the best experience. To get all the way to the summit you need a 4WD vehicle with good brakes to navigate the steep and winding gravel road to the summit. The highlight of the trip was the Star Gazing. This site contains affiliate links. At 9,200ft (2,800m) elevation the visitor center is a great place for stargazing, especially if you visit during the free weekly stargazing events (currently unavailable due to COVID restrictions). Ps. Map with telescopes on the summit of MaunaKea. The sunsets from MaunaKea are out of this world, making a trip to the summit even more attractive. During this experience, places you will visit include: How much is Best Mauna Kea Summit Tour (Free sunset and star photo!)? The MaunaKea summit at an elevation of 13,796 feet (4205 meters) is an extreme environment with an atmospheric pressure 40 percent lower compared to sea level. Harpers, however, is now closed, and Big Island Jeep Rental requires a 4 day minimum rental duration. You are viewing Virtual Experiences in Big Island of Hawaii. We had an amazing time watching the sunset, eating delicious sandwiches, and stargazing using the best telescope that the tour guides provided while enjoying hot chocolate that Shoyo made. Pick Up Time: 2:20pm ( October - February ). Due to our high demand for this experience and the constraints of our permit, we are often unable to reschedule guests when cancellations occur. Shaped by erosion and lava formations over time, it creates a pool of turbulent water that looks like its boiling. Everyone will get to use a Celestron telescope to check out the amazing star views! Su. Freedom to stop and go as you please, unlike a tour bus where you are confined to the pre-determined route (no fun!) Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). This adventure bundle includes five epic tour routes, covering all corners of the island and including the Volcanoes National Park, the Kohala Coast, the Kona Coast, and the Waipio Valley. A stargazing tour does not need to include a visit to the summit. If you want an action-packed Hawaiian adventure that encompasses a ton of different fascinating places this is it! This famous waterfall looks like something from a storybook! Enjoy a magnificent sunset from above the clouds while seeing the Pacific Ocean as well. It was great that they provided parkas and gloves. View an amazing sunset from the summit of Mauna Kea and learn about the stars and planets. If you do plan to drive a rental car to the Mauna Kea you need to check the rental agreement for any restrictions or additional fees that may apply. We will be on the island July 13-20 and I see there will be a full moon on the 13th. I took the opportunity to bring my own camera and tripod to take my own photos of the Milky Way. Yes, you can see the Milky Way from Mauna Kea. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Outside of those downfalls, we had an unforgettable time! Image credit: OMKM. also what covid precaution s are taken if everyone is rubbing their faces up next to same telescope? Can you see the Milky Way from Mauna Kea? The easiest and safest way to go to the summit is to join a tour. Good to know: a 1-hour stop at the visitor center halfway up the mountain will let your body acclimatize and greatly decreases the chance that youll experience altitude sickness while going to the summit. For both types of tours the stargazing itself happens at comparable elevation (so the quality of the night sky is the same), but tours that go to the summit must leave there within 30 minutes after sunset, and thus their stargazing always happens early in the night. cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. A hot dinner al fresco and cultural storytelling and lore is included. All Rights Reserved | Design and Powered by What to Do Media. Approximately 7 - 8 hours round trip. Then, enjoy a hot picnic dinner where youll chat further and just enjoy the view before heading to the summit. With a small group size maxing out at 12 travelers, you can ask them any questions you have. Extremely knowledgeable and do kind. Start to finish our knowledgable guide took amazing care of us. The complete list of permitted commercial tour companies is (last updated: January 2023 from source): You can compare several of the above tours to the Maunakea summit on the HawaiiActivites1 website. It was a spectacular tour! They do offer a warm parka, gloves, and a hot drink as well so you stay comfy and never too chilly. So by the time we had left the next day, he had gotten sick from the guide and had a cold for the next week. Once in a lifetime experiece. Wes and Shoyo were the perfect guideskind and considerate, thinking of the guests every need and ensuring we got the most out of the trip. Here, theyll share their 11 Celestron telescopes designed to see what seems like every star and planet in the sky! Go inside to experience the high, cathedral-like ceilings before resting to enjoy a picnic lunch on top of them! 808-331-8505. The Big Island is a fantastic place for looking at the stars and hosts some of the worlds best telescopes. Our tour guide Wes was very knowledgeable and entertaining. The sunset, snow,stars were spectacular They captured experience with wonderful puctures! Winter parkas and gloves are provided. A little about Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Parking at the VIS is available for up to 115-vehicles on a first-come, first-served basis. Directions from Kona (64 mi) and Hilo (43 mi) to the summit of MaunaKea. The Maunakea summit is in our opinion one of the best places to see the sunset on Hawaii, and considering the competition that says a lot! In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. Click the button below to check availability and learn more! Joseph, our driver, was pleasant. Wes did a great job pointing out constellations and planets for us to see as well as giving some backstory to each one. hi it says message us for other meal option other than veggie sandwich,, whatcha got other than veggie? The average temperature at the summit of Mauna Kea is 30F (-1C) and high wind conditions are common. Youll start off by meeting up with your guide, where theyll tell you about the area and what to expect. Book Public Tour! Lake Waiau is located on Mauna Kea, more than 13.000 ft above sea level. This tour only departs from Kona and there is no safe and legal place for you to leave your vehicle along the Saddle road late at night. Food was okay - the veggie option left something to be desired - and it was a long drive, but overall worth it! Would definitely recommend this to anyone visiting the big island! If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experiences start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Pickup and drop-off (select locations), s, ree DSLR night photos (sent via email), p. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. What to Bring & Wear: Reusable water bottle, Closed-toe shoes, Warm Socks and/or leggings, long pants, and a sweatshirt or sweater. Tours that dont go to the summit do not have the sunset constraint and can organize our tours late at night which is good because it helps to (A) see many interesting night sky objects and to (B) avoid almost all of the other tour companies, giving you a more private and unique experience. Why you need it: Our guide Joseph was superb! If you are experiencing any symptoms of altitude sickness you should stop and rest where you are to acclimatize to the altitude. cancellation policy? We loved that this tour includes a complimentary hotel pickup so you dont have to plan extra time and budget to get to your meetup spot. Make sure you bring comfortable clothes, and long pants that are flexible enough to move in easily. This tour lets you see the sunset among some of the world's best telescopes and then takes you for a private star show at 9000 ft. with an 11 Celestron telescope. Wes was a phenomenal tour guide. Shawn was not only a great tour guide but given the type of tour someone you end up trusting and he was great! I am a serious photographer and would like to know if I would have the opportunity and time to photograph the milky way in mid March? Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure 4.81 (106) 2 Packages Share (151) Highlights Watch the sunset from the summit of Mauna Kea Stargaze from the slopes of Mauna Kea using large portable telescopes and high power lasers We highly recommend the following 2-hour long small group tour that gets GREAT reviews from all of their customers. Unlike Mauna Kea, the base of Denali is situated on land. Our young guide was knowlegeable and made you feel very safe. We every wrote the description of this tour did a great job hyping this but it fell far short of expectations. Click here for more information on how the see the sunset from both locations. Next up, we bring you yet another highly-rated, 8-hour tour to the top of Mauna Kea. It was a sea of stars like Ive never seen before. Make a much-welcomed stop at the Onizuka Astronomy Complex, where youll check out their Visitor Center at an altitude of 9,000 feet. We invite you to experience what is quite possibly the most dramatic and stimulating scenery to be found anywhere. Robert is passionate about the environment and uses his writing to educate people about the advantages and importance of sustainable living. Book early in your trip as unsafe weather conditions can close access to the summit. The only negative (which the tour has no control over) was the light pollution from the moon. We provide warm wear including, hooded parkas and gloves. We have all the best stargazing summit tours at Mauna Kea right here for you, so dont go anywhere! On this tour drive along beautiful green coastlines, through tropical jungle roads, and go star gazing on the tallest mountain in the world. 2019/11/09 Solo Travelers Andy P. Although . By Masashi's Nature School 142 reviews Recommended by 92% of travelers from $280.00 per adult Check availability Lowest price guarantee Reserve now & pay laterFree cancellation Ages 16-70, max of 12 per group Duration: 8h Start time: Check availability Mobile ticket This limited the views of the Milky Way, which I've heard are incredible. Founded in 1983 MKSA was originally a go anywhere do just about anything guide service. The weather was bad but we were told we would drive above the clouds and be able to see the sunset but we didnt. Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews, Solid experience! im 6 ft 7" football player build got a 2xl jacket and pants or shall I bring my own? Discover and book Best Mauna Kea Summit Tour (Free sunset and star photo!) We were supplied with all the winter gear that we needed at that high altitude. All in all, was a great trip even though we didn't get to see the sunset we wanted. As dark sets in, enjoy a guided stargazing experience and marvel at the stars and planets using a refractor telescope and razor pointer. The following list contains all the telescopes that are currently in operation on the MaunaKea summit. Our guide Shawn was amazing, always doing his best to ensure the experience was the best possible, and his buddy Hiro was also great on the stargazing piece of the tour, taking us through the constellations and all of that. For us, guiding Mauna Kea isnt a sideline, or the greatest new Instagram spot. With unparalleled access island-wide and truly knowledgeable guides, we can craft your experience to make it uniquely memorable.