Hawaii’s natural wonders aren’t only on land and in the sea—the Big Island is also a prime spot from which to admire the wonders of the solar system. This tour is the only one that includes both afternoon solar viewing and nighttime stargazing, accompanied by astronomy experts. Visit different destinations and use a state-of-the-art solar telescope and Dobsonian telescope to spot solar flares, galaxies, star clusters, and planets.
Spectacular solar and astronomical sightings through high-powered telescopes
Delicious Hawaiian-style dinner with a view over Kailua Bay
Learn more about astronomy from expert guides
Hassle-free hotel pickup and round-trip transport
What To Expect
Kailua-Kona
The adventure starts with dinner.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Saddle Road
Next, you’ll travel across Saddle Road between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, two of the tallest and most massive volcanoes on Earth. Your National Park Service trained guide will discuss the volcanology, geology, and history of these monstrous wonders, as well as providing in-depth narration on the various lava flows and flora and fauna that you’ll be passing by. Lastly, your guide will take you to one of our preferred locations on Mauna Kea for nighttime stargazing.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
Mauna Kea
You’ll observe deep sky and planetary objects through a large aperture Dobsonian telescope under one of the darkest and most pristine skies on planet Earth! Our Dobsonian telescopes are a true purist’s experience to view the night sky. Their fast focal ratio enables you to see sprawling wide field views of objects that simply aren’t possible with the types of telescopes used by other tours. Depending on what is visible in the current sky and weather permitting, you’ll observe galaxies, nebula, star clusters, planets, double star systems, the moon, and much more; all the highlights and showpiece objects like you’ve never seen before! Afterwards, warm up with Kona coffee and hot chocolate before returning to your resort. Warm jackets provided. This tour does not visit Maunakea’s summit out of deference to Native Hawaiian concerns.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Highlight
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 26 travelers
Include
Bottled water
Driver/guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Jackets
Dinner
Exclude
Gratuities