Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Adventure

Highlights / General details

We travel across Saddle Road towards Mauna Kea, renowned as the world's greatest astronomical observing site and one of Hawaii's most sacred cultural sites. Learn about the remarkable evolution and changes our island's natural world has experienced.

Our first stop will be our private dinner location at Humuula Sheep Station. Amidst rustic buildings and cypress trees, enjoy a hearty Paniolo-style dinner before heading up to the summit of Mauna Kea for a panoramic sunset amongst the largest telescopes on earth. As darkness descends, we'll set up our own 11" Celestron telescope at the 9,000' elevation and your Interpretive Guide will reveal the wonders and world-class clarity of our Hawaiian night skies.

Inclusion

Roundtrip transportation from Hawaii Forest and Trail headquarters and from selected North Kohala resorts; Use of hooded parkas & mittens; Dinner at a private location; Filtered water in a souvenir bottle, assorted tea, and hot cocoa; Private star show with telescope; Interpretive guide; Access fees and State tax.

SAMPLE Dinner Selections: Warm mango BBQ chicken served with vegetable quinoa or chilled tofu veggie wrap served with vegetable quinoa both served with a chocolate brownie dessert.

Exclusion

Guide gratuity is not included, and is at the guest’s own discretion and expense.

Hours of operation

Available: Daily; Departs Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters in Kailua-Kona between 1:25pm - 3:00pm, Departs select North Kohala resorts between 2:00pm – 3:45pm. Tour time changes seasonally with sunset times.

Duration

Approximately 7½ hours.

Participant restrictions

Must be 16 years or older. Children under the age of 16 are not allowed on summit tours. They may remain with a parent or guardian at the Visitor Information Station. Although walking is very light on this tour, guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. Not advised for those with respiratory or heart conditions, pregnancy, or in poor health. Scuba divers please note that summit altitude is over 13,000 feet (4000 meters). Guests are not allowed into the observatories.

Additional Information Although guests are provided hooded parkas, they should bring a light sweater or sweatshirt, wear long pants and good walking shoes. Public restrooms available during tour.

Additional Information

Although guests are provided hooded parkas, they should bring a light sweater or sweatshirt, wear long pants and good walking shoes. Public restrooms available during tour.

Policies Sunset & Star viewing subject to weather conditions. Menu subject to change without notice. State permit allows no more than 2 vans per day. Due to the rising cost of fuel, prices may be subject to fuel surcharges at any time. Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.

All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation