Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour – Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii is a beautiful destination that attracts many tourists all year round. One of the most popular activities in the area is the Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour. Here are some of the most common questions people ask about the tour:

What makes the Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour so special?

One of the things that makes this tour so special is the opportunity to see some of the most amazing stars in the world. The summit of Mauna Kea is a perfect location for stargazing, as its high altitude and clear skies create an ideal environment. The tour also includes a guide and a hooded parka to keep you warm.

What is included in the tour?

The tour includes a warm pre-trip picnic, proceeding with a ride in a 4×4 luxury van to the summit of the Big Island’s tallest peak. After admiring a sunset view, continue down to 9,000 feet (2,743 meters) for a stargazing session with 11″ Celestron telescopes, hot chocolate, and dessert. The tour also includes a guide and a hooded parka to keep you warm.

What can I expect on the tour?

The tour starts with a warm picnic style dinner before making your way to the summit where you can enjoy a sunset from above the clouds while overlooking the Pacific Ocean. After the sunset, you will travel to a more comfortable elevation and let our guides reveal the night sky with the 11″ Celestron telescopes. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the history, culture, and ecology of Hawaii and indulge in a warm picnic dinner.

What else do I need to know before booking the tour?

The tour is not suitable for those with respiratory, heart, or circulatory conditions, poor health, or pregnancy. Additionally, it is not recommended for travelers with back problems or pregnant travelers, and it is not wheelchair accessible. The minimum age for the tour is 13 years. If you want to cancel your booking, you can do so up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund or you can be offered a different date/experience.

What is the cancellation policy of the tour?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted. It is important to note that this experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How can I book the Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour?

You can book this tour through Viator.com. Viator is the leading website for booking tours and activities, and they offer a wide range of options to choose from. They have a great reputation for providing high-quality tours and excellent customer service.

In conclusion, the Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour is an incredible way to explore the Big Island of Hawaii. The tour provides a unique opportunity to see some of the most beautiful stars in the world, indulge in a hot picnic style dinner, and learn about Hawaii’s history, culture, and ecology. So, if you are planning a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, be sure to book this incredible tour and experience the adventure of a lifetime.

An Insider’s Guide to the Big Island of Hawaii

If you’re looking for an exotic destination to explore, look no further than the Big Island of Hawaii! This tropical paradise is the perfect blend of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique culinary experiences that will leave you craving for more. Here’s a guide to some of the top off-the-beaten-path suggestions, local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, and local history that only a true insider would know.

Local Attractions: Discover the Hidden Gems

While there’s no denying the allure of the island’s popular tourist destinations, like Mauna Kea Summit, there are plenty of other lesser-known spots that are worth exploring. Take a trip to the southern tip of the island, where you’ll find Ka Lae, or South Point, the southernmost point of the United States. Here you can explore ancient Hawaiian fishing villages and take a dip in the cool waters of Green Sand Beach. Another hidden gem is the Waipio Valley, an untouched valley surrounded by towering peaks.

Dining Spots: Where to Get Your Fill of Local Flavor

One of the best ways to experience the island’s local culture is through its cuisine. Start your day off right with some delicious locally grown coffee from one of the many coffee plantations in the area. For lunch, try the iconic dish of Hawaii, poke, a fresh and flavorful raw fish salad. When it comes to dinner, head to the town of Hilo to find some of the freshest sushi on the island. But the real star of the Hawaii cuisine is the Kona coffee, which you can enjoy at local cafes or in the form of a flavorful dessert.

Cultural Experiences: Get to Know the Island’s Traditions

The Big Island of Hawaii is steeped in rich culture and tradition, and there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in it. Attend a traditional Hawaiian luau and watch as hula dancers perform ancient stories through dance. Visit the Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park to learn about Ancient Hawaiian spiritual customs, like the Kapu System. Be sure to visit the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center to explore the history of Hawaiian astronomy.

Local History: Hear the Stories Behind the Sites

From the ancient times of Hawaii’s first settlers through the reign of King Kamehameha I, there’s a lot of fascinating history to discover on the Big Island. Stop by the Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site to learn about the temple King Kamehameha I built and its role in the unification of the island’s warring tribes. For a look at the island’s plantation past, take a trip to the Hawaii Plantation Museum – once a sugar processing plant. And you won’t want to miss a visit to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where you can witness the raw power and history of the active Kilauea Volcano.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unique Experiences You Won’t Forget

For a truly unique experience, consider taking a sunrise hike or a stargazing tour of the Mauna Kea Summit, featuring some of the world’s most advanced telescopes. For a more interactive adventure, sign up for a farm tour to learn about the island’s rich agricultural history and sample some exotic fruits and vegetables. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a scenic helicopter tour of the island that will take you over the rugged coastline, cascading waterfalls, and live volcanoes.

The Big Island of Hawaii is a paradise with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, the island is bound to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to this beautiful corner of the world now!