Big Island: Maunakea Summit & Stars

The Maunakea Summit & Stars tour on Hawaii’s Big Island promises an unforgettable adventure. Guests will soar from sea level to the summit’s breathtaking 14,000 feet, taking in stunning sunsets and starry skies. With insights into Hawaiian navigation and cultural significance, this small-group experience offers an immersive journey into the island’s natural wonders. Whether seeking an awe-inspiring sunset or a deeper connection with the cosmos, this tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the captivating landscapes and celestial phenomena that make the Big Island so remarkable.

Key Points

• An 8-hour immersive adventure that takes visitors from sea level to the 14,000-foot summit of Maunakea on the Big Island, featuring sunset and stargazing experiences.
• The tour includes a picnic dinner, cultural and scientific insights at the Maunakea Visitor Information Station, and exploration of the night sky through high-powered telescopes.
• The small-group format, with a maximum of 12 participants, ensures a personalized experience led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.
• Convenient pickup and drop-off locations across the Big Island, including Kona, Waikoloa, and near the Maunakea summit, provide easy access to the tour.
• Certain age and medical restrictions apply, and the itinerary may be subject to changes due to weather conditions, road closures, or celestial events.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The Maunakea Summit & Stars activity offers an immersive adventure, priced from $308.90 per person for an 8-hour experience with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Travelers can reserve their spot and pay nothing today, allowing them to secure their place on this unforgettable journey.

The tour provides a unique opportunity to journey from sea level to the 14,000-foot summit of Maunakea, where they’ll witness a stunning sunset and engage in stargazing.

With convenient pickup and drop-off locations across the Big Island, this small-group tour ensures a personalized and memorable experience.

Itinerary and Experience

Participants embark on a captivating journey, venturing from sea level to the majestic 14,000-foot summit of Maunakea.

The tour offers five convenient pickup locations across the Big Island, ensuring accessibility for travelers.

At the Maunakea Visitor Information Station, guests spend two hours immersed in the site’s rich cultural and scientific significance before enjoying a dinner picnic during the 45-minute sunset experience at the summit.

After taking in the breathtaking views, the group indulges in dessert and scenic vistas for an additional hour before the return trip.

The small-group tour, limited to 12 participants, is led by a knowledgeable guide who provides insights throughout the excursion.

Tour Highlights

Visitors can marvel at the awe-inspiring sunset from Maunakea’s summit, where they’ll gaze upon the celestial wonders through provided telescopes. Guests will also learn about the significance of Hawaiian star navigation during this immersive experience. The tour highlights include:

Feature	Description
Sunset Viewing	Witness the breathtaking sunset from the summit of Maunakea.
Stargazing	Explore the night sky through high-powered telescopes and learn about the stars.
Star Navigation	Discover the ancient Hawaiian art of wayfinding using the stars.
Picnic Meal	Enjoy a delicious picnic dinner as you take in the stunning views.

This unforgettable tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Big Island.

Group Size and Guide

This small-group tour limits participation to just 12 individuals, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience. A live English-speaking guide accompanies the group, providing in-depth commentary and insights throughout the journey.

The tour includes the following features:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off at one of five convenient locations across the Big Island

• Knowledgeable guide who shares their expertise on Hawaiian star navigation and the unique environment of Maunakea

• Personalized attention and ample opportunities to ask questions, ensuring you get the most out of the experience

• Seamless transportation logistics, allowing you to sit back, relax, and learn about the stunning natural surroundings.

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Cancellation and Booking

You can cancel your reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility should your plans change.

Alternatively, you can reserve your spot now and pay nothing until the day of the tour, making it easy to secure your place without an immediate financial commitment.

This gives you the freedom to book the tour now and finalize your payment later, ensuring you don’t miss out on this incredible experience.

With a convenient reserve now, pay later option, as well as a generous cancellation policy, this Maunakea Summit & Stars tour is designed to accommodate your needs and provide a stress-free booking process.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The tour offers pickup and drop-off at five convenient locations across the Big Island, ensuring easy access for participants. These locations include:

1. Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel

2. Waikoloa Plaza

3. Queens Marketplace

4. Maunakea Visitor Information Station

5. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Whether you’re staying in Kona, Waikoloa, or near the Maunakea summit, the tour provides a hassle-free transportation solution to and from the stargazing experience.

This flexibility allows visitors to easily join the tour and enjoy the stunning views and educational components without the worry of navigating the winding roads to the summit on their own.

Age Restrictions and Exclusions

Certain age restrictions and exclusions apply for the Maunakea Summit & Stars tour. The activity isn’t suitable for children under 13 years of age, ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants.

This age limit is in place to provide an optimal experience for the tour, which involves navigating steep terrain and high elevations. Plus, the tour may not be appropriate for individuals with certain medical conditions or physical limitations.

Guests are advised to carefully review the tour details and any restrictions before booking to ensure the Maunakea Summit & Stars adventure is a good fit. The tour operator is committed to providing a memorable and safe experience for all guests.

Itinerary Changes

While the Maunakea Summit & Stars tour generally follows a consistent itinerary, the program may be subject to occasional adjustments due to various factors beyond the tour operator’s control.

These potential changes could include:

1. Weather conditions: If inclement weather, such as high winds or heavy cloud cover, affects the summit, the tour may need to adjust its schedule or route to ensure guest safety and optimal viewing experiences.

2. Road closures: Unexpected road closures or construction on the access roads to Maunakea could necessitate rerouting or rescheduling portions of the tour.

3. Visitor center availability: The Maunakea Visitor Information Station, a key stop on the itinerary, may have temporary closures or limited hours, requiring the tour to adapt accordingly.

4. Celestial events: The tour’s scheduling may be influenced by the timing of specific celestial events, such as meteor showers or planetary alignments, which could prompt slight modifications to maximize viewing opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Telescope to the Summit?

While personal telescopes are not explicitly prohibited, the tour company recommends using the high-powered telescopes provided for optimal stargazing. Bringing your own telescope may be impractical due to the high altitude and limited space on the tour.

What Is the Best Time of Year to See the Stars?

The best time to see the stars at Maunakea is during the summer months, when the skies are clearest and the weather is most favorable. The dry, stable atmosphere provides excellent viewing conditions for stargazing.

Are There Restroom Facilities at the Summit?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available at the Maunakea summit. The tour ensures participants have access to these facilities during the visit, allowing for a comfortable and convenient stargazing experience at the high-altitude location.

Can I Take Photos During the Stargazing Session?

Yes, participants are encouraged to take photos during the stargazing session. The tour guide will provide tips on optimizing camera settings to capture the stunning night sky views at the Maunakea summit.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Physical Disabilities?

The tour is not well-suited for people with physical disabilities. The high-altitude summit and moderate hiking required could be challenging. However, the tour operator may be able to accommodate certain needs – prospective guests should inquire about accessibility options.

Recap

The Maunakea Summit & Stars tour on the Big Island offers an unparalleled adventure.

Guests can witness the breathtaking sunset, stargaze through high-powered telescopes, and gain insights into Hawaiian navigation and culture.

With a flexible cancellation policy and convenient pickup locations, this small-group experience promises an immersive and unforgettable journey into Hawaii’s natural beauty.

You can check if your dates are available here: