Big Island: Maunakea Summit & Stars

Hawaii’s Maunakea is a sight to behold. As the highest peak in the state, this dormant volcano offers a truly captivating experience for visitors. Embark on an 8-hour tour that’ll take you to the stunning summit, where you’ll witness the breathtaking sunset and learn about the wonders of the night sky. But there’s more to this journey than meets the eye. Explore the mountain’s rich cultural and scientific significance, and uncover the secrets of its lunar landscapes. With knowledgeable guides, hearty meals, and unforgettable vistas, this tour promises an adventure you won’t soon forget.

Key Points

Tour includes a captivating journey to the summit of Maunakea and an immersive stargazing experience under the wonders of the Hawaii night sky.
Itinerary includes stops at the Maunakea Visitor Information Station and the summit, allowing guests to learn about the mountain’s significance.
Convenient pickup and drop-off services from multiple locations across the Kona and Waikoloa areas, ensuring accessibility for guests.
Highlights include breathtaking sunset views from the summit and a delightful picnic meal with hot chocolate.
Tour inclusions such as warm winter parkas, small group size, and a knowledgeable guide enhance the overall experience.

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Tour Overview

This tour takes visitors on a captivating journey from the coast to the majestic summit of Maunakea, a towering 14,000-foot volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Guests will have the chance to witness the breathtaking sunset from the summit and then enjoy the wonders of the Hawaii night sky during an unforgettable stargazing experience.

Over the course of 8 hours, you will be transported by van to various viewing locations, including the renowned Maunakea Visitor Information Station.

Along the way, a knowledgeable guide will provide live commentary, enhancing the experience.

With a small group size limited to 12, this tour offers an intimate and personalized adventure unlike any other on the island.

Itinerary

The tour kicks off with pick-ups from five convenient locations across the Kona and Waikoloa areas, ensuring easy access for participants.

After the 2-hour van ride, the group will spend 45 minutes at the Maunakea Visitor Information Station, learning about the mountain’s rich cultural and scientific significance.

Then, it’s a 35-minute drive up to the summit, where they’ll have 35 minutes to soak in the breathtaking views and prepare for the stargazing experience.

On the way back, there’s another stop at the Visitor Information Station for a hearty 1-hour break, before the final 2-hour journey back to the drop-off points.

It’s a well-paced itinerary that allows for a complete Maunakea adventure.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The tour conveniently offers pickup and drop-off services from five locations across the Kona and Waikoloa areas, ensuring easy access for participants. Whether you’re staying at the Courtyard by Marriott, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, or the Waikoloa Plaza, the tour has you covered. You can also choose to start or end your adventure at the Queens Marketplace or the Maunakea Visitor Information Station.

This wide range of options makes it simple to fit the tour into your Big Island itinerary. With this level of convenience, you can sit back, relax, and learn about the stunning beauty of Maunakea without worrying about transportation.

Accessibility for guests across Kona and Waikoloa

Flexibility to accommodate various hotel and resort stays

Hassle-free transportation to and from the tour

Highlights

Gazing upon the breathtaking sunset from the peak of Maunakea, visitors are treated to a visual spectacle that few can claim to have witnessed firsthand.

Stargazing through the high-powered telescopes on the summit offers a rare and mesmerizing glimpse into the celestial wonders of the Hawaiian night sky.

Capping off the experience, participants can indulge in a delightful picnic meal and warm themselves with soothing hot chocolate, making for an unforgettable and well-rounded adventure.

This tour offers the opportunity to see the stunning Maunakea landscape in a way that’s both educational and immersive, leaving guests with memories that will last a lifetime.

Inclusions

This unforgettable journey includes a convenient hotel pickup and drop-off service, ensuring a seamless start and end to the adventure. Guests can enjoy a delectable picnic meal as well as sip on soothing hot chocolate, adding an extra touch of comfort and nourishment to the experience.

The tour’s inclusions are designed with the utmost care, considering the unique needs of its participants. Among the highlights are:

Warm clothing provided, including winter parkas and gloves, to ensure comfort in the chilly summit environment.
A small group size, limited to 12 participants, guaranteeing a more personalized and intimate experience.
The presence of a knowledgeable live tour guide, enriching the journey with their expertise and insights.

Restrictions

While this awe-inspiring Maunakea summit and stargazing tour promises an unforgettable experience, certain age and equipment restrictions apply to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.

This tour isn’t suitable for children under 13 years old, as the high altitude and cold temperatures can be challenging for younger adventurers. However, the tour company provides warm winter parkas and gloves to help everyone stay cozy.

Guests are also encouraged to bring their own warm clothing, such as closed-toe shoes, warm socks and leggings, and a sweatshirt or sweater. By following these simple guidelines, you can focus on soaking up the stunning views and stargazing without any discomfort.

Get set for an epic journey to the top of Maunakea!

What to Bring

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience on the Maunakea summit and stargazing tour, guests should bring along a few key items. Warm clothing is a must, as the high elevation and nighttime temperatures can be quite chilly. Layering up with items like closed-toe shoes, warm socks and leggings, and a cozy sweatshirt or sweater will help keep the cold at bay.

A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.

A camera or smartphone to capture the breathtaking views and starry night sky.

Snacks or a small meal to refuel during the tour’s picnic break.

With the right gear and preparation, you’ll be ready to fully learn about the magic of Maunakea.

Experience Maunakea

Soaring high above the island of Hawaii, Maunakea offers visitors a truly extraordinary experience that transcends the limits of typical sightseeing. Reaching an astounding height of over 13,796 feet, this iconic dormant volcano beckons adventurers to embark on a journey through diverse ecosystems and unparalleled natural beauty.

Along the way, guests marvel at the otherworldly lunar landscapes and stop at the Maunakea Visitor Information Station to learn about the mountain’s rich cultural and scientific significance.

The true highlight, though, is the awe-inspiring sunset at the summit, followed by an evening of stargazing through powerful telescopes. It’s an unforgettable adventure that immerses visitors in the grandeur of this magnificent natural wonder.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Weather Like at the Summit?

The weather at Maunakea’s summit can be quite chilly, with temperatures often below freezing. Winds can also be strong, so it’s important to dress warmly in layers. However, the stunning views and stargazing opportunities make braving the cold conditions well worth it.

Can I Bring My DSLR Camera?

Yes, you can definitely bring your DSLR camera on the Maunakea summit tour. It’s the perfect opportunity to capture breathtaking photos of the sunset and night sky. Just be sure to dress warmly as the temperatures can get quite chilly at the high elevation.

Is This Tour Suitable for People With Health Conditions?

The tour may not be suitable for everyone with health conditions. Travelers should consult with their doctor and the tour operator to ensure they can safely participate in the high-altitude hike and star-gazing activities. The operator provides advice on appropriate clothing and gear.

Are There Restrooms Available During the Tour?

Yes, there are restrooms available at the Maunakea Visitor Information Station, which is visited twice during the tour. Participants can use the restrooms before and after the summit portion of the experience.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour has a flexible cancellation policy – customers can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. They’ll appreciate this policy’s flexibility, allowing them to easily adjust their plans if needed.

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