STARGAZING TOURS ON BIG ISLAND OF HAWAI'I
Viewing the stars from the clear skies of Mauna Kea on the Big Island will leave you in awe. The dark sky policy here ensures the views are unmatched. Professional and amateur gazers alike leave with a heightened understanding of the vastness of our universe.
Available only on the Big Island, stargazing from here is incomparable to any other experience on the other islands of Hawaiʻi. There’s a reason why some of the world’s most prestigious observatories are set up near the summit of Mauna Kea - the lack of light pollution and the mountain’s high elevation are key advantages for examining the night sky. While we won't be heading to the summit itself, our stargazing experience will take place at a lower elevation, where the dark skies and breathtaking views still offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore the wonders of the universe.
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$230 USD
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5 yrs+
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7-hour
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Hilo, Big Island, Hawaii
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$252 USD
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5 yrs+
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6-hour
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Kona, Big Island, Hawaii
Deluxe Big Island Of Hawai’i Stargazing Tour Features
See the Night Sky Like Never Before
The Big Island of Hawaiʻi Stargazing Tour is a unique experience that offers visitors unparalleled views of the stars. On a clear night, the Milky Way is visible in all its glory, and the vast array of stars and planets is on display. The tour also provides a fascinating introduction to the science of stargazing, making it a perfect activity for families and groups of all ages.
Learn About History, Culture, and Geology from a Knowledgeable Guide
Your guide will be able to answer any questions you have about the stars and planets you are seeing. They will also be able to share stories about the history and culture of the Big Island. This is a great activity for families and groups of all ages.
Take in Stunning Views of the Big Island
Regardless of which side of the island you start from, you will see beautiful views of the Big Island as you go. You will have the opportunity to view the sun through a solar telescope and enjoy the views of the coastline and mountains. Hilo side includes caves and waterfall stops. Kona side includes stops for big views of the landscape and sunset.
Deluxe Big Island Of Hawai'i Stargazing Tour Details
Highlights
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Stargazing Through An Incredible 10″ Telescope
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See Celestial Objects Like Never Before
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Sun Gazing Through a Solar Telescope
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View Sunspots, Solar Flares and More
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Go Up To A Dark Sky Site (between Mauna Kea & Mauna Loa)
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Kona, Kohala and Hilo Area Pickups
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Deli-Style Dinner, Hot Chocolate, Tea, and Coffee Included
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Small Group Tours With A Professional Guide
Description
We pick guests up at hotels in Kona and Kohala or historic Hilo town. We will stop at various areas of interest on the way up the mountain and stop for dinner and breathtaking views of the night sky through our telescopes.
The tour starting from Kona is definitely unique. We start off the day with a drive up to a great overlook location. We can view the sun through the solar telescope, enjoy the coastal and mountain views as well as enjoy some coffee and other warm drinks. We can take time to enjoy our deli-style lunch as the colors in the sky and on the mountain provide an inspiring scene. We travel further up Saddle Road from this location to enjoy a phenomenal stargazing experience. Afterward, warm up with coffee, hot chocolate, and a dessert before returning to Kona.
Hilo tours start at about 3:15 pm with a drive through the historic waterfront to scenic Rainbow Falls. View it from multiple perspectives and spot the colors that give this waterfall its name. From here, we travel a bit further up the road following the Wailuku River. We stop to explore the Kaumana Caves and take time to have a picnic-style dinner of sandwiches or salads. We catch the last glimpses of the sun and view it through the solar telescope. Traveling up into the saddle, the land between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, your guide will point out sights across Kona. After sunset, we venture out to find a great night sky view to see galaxies, clusters, nebulas, and so much more. Enjoy a warming drink and a bit of dessert before heading back down to Hilo.
Whether you plan to visit Kona or Hilo town, this stargazing tour is an experience you won’t forget!
*While the summit of Mauna Kea is home to some of the world's most prestigious observatories, our stargazing experience will take place at a lower elevation, where the dark skies and breathtaking views still offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore the night sky.
Price & Availability
7-Hour Stargazing Tour With Dinner From Hilo Hotels
AdultsAges 13 yrs+ | $230.00 |
ChildrenAges 5-12 yrs | $224.00 |
6-Hour Stargazing Tour With Dinner From Kona Resorts
AdultsAges 13 yrs+ | $252.00 |
ChildrenAges 5-12 yrs | $246.00 |
Included
On the slopes of Mauna Kea, we will enjoy a picnic-style lunch at a location with incredible views of the sunset.
More hot beverage choices like hot chocolate and Kona coffee will be offered with your locally-baked dessert as you stargaze.
All food and beverage are included.
Itinerary
- Leave From Hilo at 3:30 pm
- Leave from Kona at 3 pm
* Pickup and return times will vary greatly over the year. Your guide will be in touch prior to the tour.
Instructions
Dress for cold temperatures and bring a jacket or sweater as the mountain top drops into the 40s each night. Additional warm jackets are provided.
You are welcome to bring your own binoculars; however, state-of-the-art telescope viewing is included.
Cancellation
There is a 72-hour cancellation policy on these stargazing tours. Please contact us before that time for a full refund. No refunds for no-shows.
There are no refunds due to weather or change in location for stargazing portions of the tour. We will do our best to provide great conditions as high up on the mountain as we can go. We can not guarantee that mother nature will not interfere with the weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stargazing & Sightseeing Tours On Big Island
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