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Overview:

The trip begins mid-afternoon with a pick-up at one of our central locations in Kailua Kona, the Queen’s Marketplace (Waikoloa Resort) Waikoloa Village (Lava Java) or The Gilbert Kahele Recreation Park. As we drive up the mountain, we learn about island culture, geography, geology and natural history.

details_pic2While acclimatizing and dining at the Mauna Kea visitors center , you’ll find out why the world’s largest telescopes are located on this spot. And you’ll learn a bit about the lives of astronomers who work there. Before leaving the visitors center we issue parkas and gloves (the warmest available) and engage our four wheel drive for the steep 1/2 hour drive to the summit area.

On the summit, your guide will point out the observatories as they begin to open and rotate into position. You’ll learn about famous observatories such as Keck, Subaru and Gemini. There is plenty of time for photos while the sunset transforms the area into a beautiful and quite unearthly spectacle. When the best of the color has past, we descend to mid-mountain, where the sky is equally clear but the climate and air density is much more comfortable for stargazing.

IMG_8635wbAlmost every night we explore the night sky using our large portable telescopes*. Using high power green lasers our guides are famous for their ability to locate the treasures of the night sky and interpret them in a way that everyone can understand. Midway in the evening we serve hot drinks and biscotti to help take the chill off . The tour is 7-8 1/2 hours in duration depending on where you join it. The actual schedule of the trip varies throughout the year according to sunset times.

*The Stargazing component of our adventure depends on natural conditions. Although more than 90% of our trips have fine stargazing conditions; MKSA does not guarantee the weather in any way.

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 What the Trip Includes:

  • Extremely informative narration from our highly trained guides. Learn all about the cultural and natural aspects of the island.
  • Convenient central pick-up points in Kailua Kona, Waikoloa Beach, Waikoloa Village or at the Gilbert Kahele Recreation Park
  • Custom built, 4X4, Mercedes Sprinter vans – the best option available for safe transport to the summit, and panoramic views
  • Superb scenery and photo opportunities with Sunset on the summit. Our guides can advise on getting the best images
  • Arctic style hooded parkas and (one time use) gloves
  • Hearty, 3 cheese, lasagna supper served at the Visitors Center about 1.5 hours before sunset
  • 11″ Celestron CPC 1100 fully computerized telescopes with premium oculars operated by our expert guides
  • A complete Stargazing program with visual and telescopic observations hosted by our expert guides (conditions permitting)
  • Gourmet hot cocoa, coffee or tea accompanied with biscotti to ward off the chill while stargazing
  • Includes 

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In addition to being flavorful and healthy, this delicious menu also travels well on the tour and will warm you up.

  • A hearty portion of 3 Cheese vegetable lasagna served with a big homemade chocolate brownie.
  • Gourmet hot cocoa, coffees and teas accompanied with biscotti while stargazing

Bring your own beverages (no alcohol). We do provide filtered water during supper. There are beverages and snacks available at the Visitors Center when it is open.

Option: You may delete the meal (for a savings)and bring your own.

2022-2023 Price- $281.73 plus taxes and fees

(effective 6/11/22- 6/10/23)

 

 

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 An optional TIP of $5-10 per person for good service is customary in Hawaii and is very much appreciated by your guide.

Please ensure you read the policies stated in the Reservations page before booking your Mauna Kea adventure.

Brochure:

See and print our 4 x 9 Inch Color brochure in PDF format. Download Here

The Weather & Climate:

details_pic3Mauna Kea enjoys an average of 325 clear nights per year. Most of the inclement nights are easily predictable. We study the weather on daily basis and when we expect poor scenic conditions are likely; we cancel the trip and refund the payment. We average 25-35 weather cancellations per year. Like any high mountain there can be unpredictable and fast changing weather. We can also be wrong in our predictions just like anyone that attempts to predict weather. If the weather should be poor for sunset and stargazing we may have to change the plan a bit to make the most of the trip. Above all, this is a trip to one of the world’s greatest mountains and we take it as the mountain and nature allow.

We DO NOT guarantee the weather in any way but we do guarantee a professionally guided high mountain experience.

The Climate: The average temperature is 30F. (-2C.) and wind is common. Please wear pants and closed shoes and bring any layering garments you may have. We will supply warm, hooded parkas, and single use gloves.

For stargazing under 100% clear skies every day we recommend Imiloa Center in Hilo.

Cancellation Policy:
(# of Passengers)
1-4: 24 hours
5-7: 48 hours
8-10: 1 week
11+: 2 weeks

Call (888) 322-2366 • local and international (808) 322-2366 • Fax (866) 329-5650

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