Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small Group Adventure Tour

Location: Kona, Hawaii

Duration: 8 hours

Head to the Mauna Kea Observatory, nestled high in the mountains of the Big Island, and experience an intriguing and provocative journey through space and time. Discover Hawaii from the top of the island’s tallest peak, Mauna Kea, also known as ‘White Mountain,’ located 13,796 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level. Limited to 12 people, this small-group star-watching tour ensures a personalized and unique experience at the enchanting Mauna Kea summit.

View a spectacular sunset from the top of Mauna Kea and enjoy a unique stargazing experience on this Big Island adventure tour. After pickup from a central location in Kona, you’ll travel through Hawaii’s historical Parker Ranch in a 4×4 luxury van to Mauna Kea summit.

Enjoy a hot, picnic-style dinner (see sample menu below) at a Hawaiian ranch where you’re provided with a warm, hooded parka. Then prepare to make the climb to the top of Mauna Kea, learning about the Big Island’s cultural, natural and ecological history from your naturalist guide en route to Mauna Kea Observatory.

From the summit, enjoy views of Mauna Loa and see Maui’s volcano, Haleakala, along with other special points of interest. Stand among some of the earth’s most powerful telescopes at the Mauna Kea Observatory as you enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime sunset view.

After sunset, travel to the Mauna Kea Visitor Station at 9,000 feet (2,743 meters), where your guide sets up a telescope for a personal, entertaining and educational star party. Learn how Mauna Kea’s unique geography draws scientists from all over the world to study the heavens, and also allows for incredible nighttime views of the stars.

Enjoy hot beverages and chocolate macadamia nut cookies as your guide gives a personal astronomy lesson before your return to Kona.

Picnic Dinner Menu (please specify at booking):

Hot Entrée Option
Barbecue chicken with mild Korean BBQ chili sauce (served hot)

Warm homemade cornbread
Cole slaw with blond raisins

Cold Vegetarian Entrée Option
Vegetarian Spinach Wrap (served cold)
(Wrap includes: hummus, lettuce, tofu, cucumber, tomato, carrot, avocado, bell peppers and tomatoes served with a side of sesame soy dressing)