Maunakea Stellar Explorer from Kona

95 Reviews 4.15 out of 5 stars Based on 95 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and TripAdvisor | Big Island of Hawaii, USA

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 17 (7) days in advance.

6 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

For an out-of-this-world experience, check out Maunakea Stellar Explorer from KapohoKine Adventures. This thrilling adventure is the only Big Island star tour to feature nighttime astronomical observing AND safe daytime solar viewing with all ages welcome! Our in-house stellar explorers are the best and most experienced in Hawaii with one having created the Mauna Kea Visitor’s Center and operated it for a decade. Others on staff have written noted articles and reviews for well-known astronomy magazines and have worked at world-class observatories.
This tour does not visit Maunakea’s summit or Visitor Center out of deference to Native Hawaiian concerns.

What's Included

  • Dinner
  • Bottled water
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
See 2 moreSee 1 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Please call the phone number on your ticket/voucher for your pick up time and schedule.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your activity begins.
Read more

Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Kailua-Kona

The adventure starts with dinner.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 2 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 26 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Maunakea Stellar Explorer from Kona?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the activity start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the activity start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the activity local time (HST).This activity requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5413P26

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.15
95 reviews

Average 4.15 out of 5 stars based on 95 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
57
4 stars
18
3 stars
8
2 stars
1
1 star
11

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 17 (7) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

E Bike Volcanoes National Park Tour

An Exclusive E-Bike Journey Through Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Discover the raw beauty and power of Hawai‘i Island on a luxury e-bike tour through the...

3 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation
3 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation
3 to 5 hours • Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$279

Big Island: Atlantis Submarine from Kona Beach
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Discover our world beneath the waves with Atlantis Submarines Kona! Our battery-powered vessels are the world’s most technologically advanced passenger submarines. A special added bonus...

1 hourFree Cancellation
1 hourFree Cancellation
1 hour • Free Cancellation
4.7 (723)
from
$160.41

Secret Tide Pool Hike - Jungle & Coast - Private

This tide pool is a local secret. It's off the beaten path. A miracle of nature. We'll use a jungle/lava rock coastal trail. Each way...

2 hours 30 minutes
2 hours 30 minutes
2 hours 30 minutes
4.8 (92)
from
$65

Private Charter: Customizable Big Island Boat Adventure

Are you looking to relax with your family or friends? Our modern powered catamaran is designed for open ocean conditions that will allow our passengers...

4 hoursFree Cancellation
4 hoursFree Cancellation
4 hours • Free Cancellation
5.0 (23)
from
$1,882

Travelers Who Bought This Activity Also Bought

Hawaiian Salt Farm Tour in Kona
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Hawai‘i Island’s only working salt farm, featured on Guy Fieri’s “Guy Hawaiian Style,” is located on a scenic 7-acre oceanfront site in the Hawai‘i Ocean...

1 hourFree Cancellation
1 hourFree Cancellation
1 hour • Free Cancellation
4.9 (884)
from
$27

Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour: Guaranteed or come again free

Why Choose Us for Your Manta Ray Night Snorkel? The strongest light power out of any operator…! Choose us if you want the most manta...

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.8 (2,405)
from
$95

Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

A must do while in Hawaii! It's a lifetime opportunity to see up close manta rays feeding and interacting with other ocean creatures under the...

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
2 hours 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.9 (6,055)
from
$94

Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves

Captain Cook Snorkel Tour ! What Makes Our Daytime Snorkel to Kealakekua Bay / Captain Cook monument Unique Fast, agile Zodiac RIB boat (used by...

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
2 hours 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.8 (1,485)
from
$55.20

What's Included

Activity name

  • Dinner
  • Bottled water
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Jackets
  • Driver/guide
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 26 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name

Language
Currency

Site Settings

Activity name

Currency

Activity name

Activity name

Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the activity start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the activity start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the activity local time (HST).
  • This activity requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Activity name

Cool Hawaii wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool Hawaii over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.