Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour
By Hawaii Forest and Trail
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About
Travel up Mauna Kea for a small-group sunset and stargazing tour by luxury 4WD van. Continue to the Big Island's tallest peak for sunset, then use powerful telescopes to observe constellations from Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station. Hear commentary from your guide, and keep warm with the provided jackets and hot chocolate.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 13-99, max of 12 per group
Duration: 8h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Small-group full-day Manua Kea sunset and stargazing tour
- Use the powerful telescope to view the stars from Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station
- Warm up with the provided hooded jacket, and a hot picnic dinner, cocoa, and dessert
- Guide
- Hooded parkas and gloves
- Hot picnic dinner
- Hot cocoa and cookies
- Private star show with telescope
- Local taxes
- Central Meeting Locations for Pick-up & Drop off
- Entry/Admission - Maunakea Visitor Information Station
- Entry/Admission - Mauna Kea Summit
- Entry/Admission - Maunakea Visitor Information Station
What's not included- Gratuities
- Entry/Admission - Island of Hawaii
- Meet your guide at a central location in Kailua-Kona or Waikoloa, then relax in the deluxe 4WD van as your small group heads to a ranch at the base of Mauna Kea. Enjoy a hot picnic-style dinner (sample menu under Itinerary below). After dinner, your guide provides a warm jacket with hood to help keep you warm at the Mauna Kea summit. Return to the van for the ascent to the summit, learning from your guide about the Big Island's natural and cultural history along the way. When you reach the summit, enjoy views of the sunset, Mauna Loa, the Haleakala volcano on Maui, and other landmarks. Then drive down to the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station at 9,000 feet (2,743 meters), home to more than a dozen international observatories that draw scientists from around the world. Your guide sets up a telescope and provides an astronomy lesson as you star gaze. Stay warm with hot drinks and dessert before returning to Kona at the end of your tour.
- Start:Multiple meeting point options.
- Option 1Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, 75-5660 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA**IMPORTANT - Please note, guests meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel must meet at least 15 MINUTES PRIOR to the tour's departure time. Mahalo!**
- Option 2Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, 72-100 Ka'upulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USAPlease meet us at the front entrance and allow a 15-minute window for your driver to arrive.
- Option 3Queens' Marketplace, 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, USAThe backside of this popular shopping serves as a pickup location for many of our Adventures. Look for Yoga Barre, and we’ll be at the curb!
- Option 4Waikōloa Plaza, 68-1820 Waikoloa Rd, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, USAPlease find an open parking space in front of the vacant lot adjacent to Domino's Pizza. Our guide and vehicle will meet you on the curbside. We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time.
- Option 5Halepōhaku - Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Astronomer's Mid-Level Facility, Mauna Kea Access Rd, Maunakea, HI 96822, USAPlease park your vehicle in the lower gravel parking lot. After parking, walk towards the Visitors Center (aka Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station). Meet your guide by the picnic area. We recommend you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2804MKS- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Minimum age is 13 years
- Due to the high altitude; this tour is not suitable for those with respiratory, heart or circulatory conditions, poor health, or pregnancy
- Scuba divers should be aware of altitude dangers
- **IMPORTANT - Please note, guests meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel must meet at least 15 MINUTES PRIOR to the tour's departure time.**
- Guests are required to wear closed-toe walking shoes or hiking boots, long pants. We recommend bringing a light sweatshirt or jacket
- Guests must bring their own water bottles. Tour operator will provide filtered water refills.
- Please advise your parka size (small, medium, large, x-large or xx-large) and choice of meal at time of booking. If you do not indicate this at the time of booking, you will be required to call and advise them of this information directly.
- There is minimal walking on this tour, the maximum being about 150 yards
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travellers can participate
- The access road to Mauna Kea is four-wheel drive only, so it can be bumpy. The custom off-road transit vans will get you to the top and back in safety and comfort. The transit vans can carry a maximum of 12 passengers
- Snow is seasonal at Mauna Kea, with the heaviest snowfall occurring during the winter months
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2804MKS
From
₹26,591.11
per adult
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Itinerary
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- elizabethpU7429GE0 contributionsWhat a great experience!We loved our Summit and Stars tour with Brett! He shared so much interesting information with us as we drove over. The experience of the sunset and the stars was amazing! I am so glad we didn't try to do this on our own but went with this excellent company!Written 7 October 2024
- Cora T0 contributionsStar Gazing TourWe did the star gazing tour and it was so fun and our guide was super informative and showed us a lot of different stars in the night sky! He also sent us pictures from a special telescope he had set up. I would recommend wearing WARM clothes! It was fairly cold up there. If you have a fear of heights or get sick in higher elevations I wouldn’t recommend this tour.Written 5 October 2024
- meganacollins0 contributionsBest part of our trip!We went on the sunset and stargazing tour with Jeff and it was absolutely spectacular. Jeff is an incredible guide and source of information. The sites on land and outside of earth were breathtaking. You will not be disappointed.Written 5 October 2024
- lisabill20 contributionsWonderful experienceOur guide was knowledgeable and nice. The hike was more strenuous than some of us could barely handle, so be aware of that. But, we all loved the waterfalls and the picnic location was Awesome at the endWritten 5 October 2024
- Brent N0 contributionsMaunaka Summit Sunset and StargazingOur Guide Jon was very knowledgeable of Hawaii features and especially with the stargazing. Just incredible. His concern for getting us to the summit was outstanding. He provided an over the top evening experience. Definitely have do this again. I highly recommend this. Thanks for the memories!Written 1 October 2024
- bourkenicole0 contributionsHighly recommend!This was my favorite day on the island. Mark was the most incredible tour guide. Personable, knowledgeable, passionate, and so so kind. He really treated all of us like family and was so informative on the land, culture, and people of Hawaii. The views are spectacular and can only be accessed through this company. Highly recommend!!!!Written 30 September 2024
- jkripas10 contributionsVolcanoes Unveiled was the best!My wife and I booked the volcanoes unveiled tour and our guide was Melanie. She was the best, incredibly knowledgeable on the land, plant and animal life, and culture of Hawai’i. We will definitely be booking with Hawai’i Forest and Trail again!Written 28 September 2024
- Philip_and_Anne0 contributionsEasy hike to secret waterfallsMy wife and I are frequent Big Island visitors , and we have always wanted to go on the Waterfall Adventure. Pick- up at the Queen's Marketplace next to our condo was very convenient. On our way there, our guide, Mel, gave us a fascinating talk on the terrain and how it changes as we approach Kohala Mountain. We stopped at the Kamehameha statue in Hawi, then onto a private dirt road up the Kohala slopes. We stopped at a trailhead where we were provided water, snacks, microfiber towels and walking sticks. The hike is a half mile loop and easy for most. My wife and I are a little older, so the hike was sometimes a little slippery and steep for us, but our guide helped us in some of the trickier spots. At the last waterfall, we had a chance to take a dip in the cool water under the falls, which was very refreshing after hiking as the temperature was getting warmer. Finally, we were treated to a picnic lunch at a site with a beautiful view of the northern Kohala coast On our way back, we got the story of how Kamehameha I was recued after he was born and eventually became king. We have visited many Big Island waterfalls before, but it was a huge treat to get to access these falls on private land that can only be visited on a Hawaii Forest and Trails tour.Written 26 September 2024
- U116YMjl0 contributionsGreat trip to a waterfallGreat trip, especially going into the falls themselves. Bring some water shoes because the ground around the falls is rocky. Our tour guide Mark did a great job of telling us about the area, and also about life in general in Hawaii.Written 23 September 2024
- AnaA99470 contributionsGreat time!GARY our tour guide was an MVP, he recommended places and things to do and was on point, his knowledge of the island and history was also 👍🏼, waterfall and hike were amazing!!!Written 22 September 2024
- cheath20160 contributionsKohala Waterfalls AdventureThis excursion was top notch, fun and well worth it. Our guide Mark was knowledgeable, passionate about Hawaii and very concerned about our safety and experience. We recommend this excursion 100% and look forward to more adventures with Hawaii Forest and Trail.Written 22 September 2024
- Suzmfults0 contributionsExcellent experienceWe thoroughly enjoyed the experience. So much to see and our guide Taro was very knowledgeable and shared fascinating facts and stories.Written 20 September 2024
- Jwash200 contributionsWaterfalls - what a timeWe did the waterfall tour with Debra yesterday and had an amazing time ! Shes a really great tour guide . Really knowledgeable and makes the experience really fun . The views were incredible , the swim was great , the waterfalls and the hike is a lot of fun too . Highly recommend this tour.Written 20 September 2024
- jackiecarpenter080 contributionsRain or shine you're going on an adventure!This adventure is for real.. Even if it didn't unusually have rain the whole time we were there, it would just be more amazing! Driving the last 10 miles is up and down on a rough pass, you could barely call a road. Our experienced guide handled it skillfully and carefully, we had no times of danger. The rainfall provided several waterfalls that we would've never seen driving up to that rainforest! We had a list of birds that could be seen there and we saw EVERY one of them! Actually right when the hike started we saw 3 endangered birds in one tree!! Be sure to wear waterproof boots you will be walking in high grass and there could be mud and puddles. The only thing I didn't like was the condition of the Portable toilet and the old wood shelter where we ate our lunch.. They both had not been cleaned, there were spiderwebs everywhere but never in danger. For the cost you would hope someone could put an actual table in the shelter and wipe down some webs.and wipe down the Johnny on the spot. But when I say it's remote, it is very remote and it's not easy to go there just to wipe a few things down. our guide made sure everybody saw the birds he had a light pointer to help us spot them. We saw the endangered birds several times! truly beautiful! There were couples and single birders as wellWritten 19 September 2024
- zzzman290 contributionsFantastic Volcano TourExtremely informative. Tour picked us up from our resort in the Waikoloa are. During initial drive to the Volcano National Park area, our tour guide Mel(anie) gave us the history of the 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. We then toured a lava cave on a piece of private property owned by the tour company, with a detailed explanation of how lava tubes are made and the ecosystem they become. We then went to the national park, got to see steam vents, a view of the crater of Kilauea from the rim, and hiked down into it to see the floor of the crater. During the entire trip, Mel provided nonstop fascinating information about the island. My daughters and I throughly enjoyed it!Written 13 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
888 reviews
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Sue V
Palatine, IL58 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Trip delivered against expectation and was spectacular. Justin was great and very attentive to our needs from providing water bottles to help us stay hydrated, coats/gloves/hats/blankets to stay warm on Mauna Kea and delicious brownies and hot chocolate after the sun set. Also got to choose our dinner which we had early in the tour do plan accordingly. Justin was very knowledgeable and a passionate star guide! The weather could be iffy but we had a great evening ... not too cold, limited wind and the view of the stars and even other galaxies is not to be missed. I have never seen such a night sky!!!
Breathing at the level can be challenging for some with problems but we followed Justin’s guidance without issue.
Truly a one of a kind tour!
Breathing at the level can be challenging for some with problems but we followed Justin’s guidance without issue.
Truly a one of a kind tour!
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allie I
Phoenix, AZ4 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
Really enjoyed this tour for the most part. Our guide/driver Jason provided a ton of information about Hawaii in general and Mauna Kea during our trip. I get anxious with other people driving me around, especially driving up a mountainside, but I felt safe. The drive to Mauna Kea was about 90 minutes but went by quickly. We stopped once at a park to use restrooms and stretch our legs. We stopped at the visitor center area of Mauna Kea to eat. The food was pretty good, we both had meat lasagna and hot tea. I would've expected something more Hawaiian but the lasagna was definitely good. Then we started the 20 minute drive to the summit. We saw several telescopes and watched the sunset. It was beautiful. However, it was literally FREEZING cold. I felt like we were not warned properly for how cold it was. We were provided a parka and mittens and were told to "wear long pants." I feel a better warning should have been provided about exactly how cold it was going to be and we would have packed some thermals, wore warmer layers, doubled up on the socks, etc. Our whole group was from Cali and Arizona so we were not used to the cold but 24 degrees with the windchill was much colder than we all anticipated. The only other downside was the night we went was a full moon and made the night sky very bright. We were still able to view mars, jupiter. Saturn, and the moon through the telescope. We had originally booked for 5 days earlier after reviewing stargazing charts for best viewing day and that trip was postponed due to it being cloudy. Overall though I'd highly recommend this tour, just come prepared so you can enjoy it more instead of needing to constantly hop back on the bus to try to warm up!
Written 4 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mccabe4447
Cazenovia, NY110 contributions
Jan 2020
second time we have been to Mauna Kea Summit. an excellent guide (Heraldo). nice discussion of Hawaii culture on trip. This tour does "dinner" at a Girl Scout camp on way up the mountain. this is nice in that there are no crowds or cramped spaces that happen if dinner is at the mountain welcome center. On the other hand, dinner is at 4:30pm, so be prepared. drive up the mountain was OK. it is a small group (14). the vehicle could use new shocks and suspension. our trip was cut short by bad weather......we reached summit just in time to be turned around by rangers due to wind and ice. So we were able to get out of vehicle only to use bathroom. didnt really see any sunset due to clouds and weather. the star gazing was at the 9,000 ft level at the visitor center parking lot....it is always a bit crowded here. our guide set up one telescope. he was knowledgeable and gave great info. (our prior tour with another company had two separate scopes set up.) luckily, not all 14 travelers were not all that interested in looking through the scope.
positives- great guide, sky is beautiful
negatives- weather, rough ride, limited scope, early dinner
positives- great guide, sky is beautiful
negatives- weather, rough ride, limited scope, early dinner
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CosmosMomLA
112 contributions
Sept 2022
My sister raved about her "Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Give Back Experience" tour that she did on 9/7/22 with Hawaii Forest & Trails. My husband & I wanted to also experience Mauna Kea so based on my sister's positive feedback, I booked the 9/21/22 "Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Give Back Experience" tour on 9/8/22 because all the Summit & Stars tours were sold out on-line. A week later, Ashley called and asked if I was willing to "down grade" to the "Mauna Kea Summit & Stars" Tour for 9/21/22. I said yes and she quickly issued a refund to my credit card.
The day of the tour, we were picked up at the Queen's Marketplace by tour guide, Jeff. He wanted to make sure that the 12 of us had Fun, were Safe, and saw the sunset and stars. Jeff was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of information during our drive to Mauna Kea. We made a bathroom stop & then a 45 minute stop at the Visitors Center to get acclimated to the attitude and have the provided dinner. The gravel road to the next stop was very bumpy and then we made it to the top to view the beautiful sunset and see the "Shadow" of Mauna Kea while wearing the provided parkas and gloves. After the sunset, we got back into the van and drove 1000 feet lower to a spot for star gazing. Because Jeff couldn't get one of the telescopes to connect to WiFi, he spent a longer time for us to view stars and planets (Saturn & Jupiter) on the 2nd telescope. Finally, it was time for us to head back to our hotels listening to Hawaiian music.
My husband and I absolutely loved this tour!
The day of the tour, we were picked up at the Queen's Marketplace by tour guide, Jeff. He wanted to make sure that the 12 of us had Fun, were Safe, and saw the sunset and stars. Jeff was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of information during our drive to Mauna Kea. We made a bathroom stop & then a 45 minute stop at the Visitors Center to get acclimated to the attitude and have the provided dinner. The gravel road to the next stop was very bumpy and then we made it to the top to view the beautiful sunset and see the "Shadow" of Mauna Kea while wearing the provided parkas and gloves. After the sunset, we got back into the van and drove 1000 feet lower to a spot for star gazing. Because Jeff couldn't get one of the telescopes to connect to WiFi, he spent a longer time for us to view stars and planets (Saturn & Jupiter) on the 2nd telescope. Finally, it was time for us to head back to our hotels listening to Hawaiian music.
My husband and I absolutely loved this tour!
Written 1 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad Wilson
Brookhaven, GA3 contributions
Aug 2021
My friend and I chose the Mauna Kea Sunset and Stargazing experience. Our guide/driver was Jeff Manzo. Between his story telling about Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, the delicious beef stew meal served for dinner, the indescribable beauty of sunset atop Mauna Kea, the eye-popping stargazing, and the hot chocolate - this whole trip blew my expectations away. I felt very safe vis a vis COVID. Everyone coming to the island has to either provide vaccination proof or a negative test. Hawaii Forest and Trail requires to see that proof, requires masks in their vans, and does temperature checks. LISTEN TO THE GUIDE! There are a couple of stops along the route to the top to get you acclimated to the altitude. Do what your guide says about breathing. I did and I still got a little light headed sometimes. If you can acclimate - it's an amazing experience. Treat the volcano with respect and it's beauty will reward you.
Written 2 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ontheroad24601
New York City, NY104 contributions
Mar 2021
FANTASTIC! Our guide, Jason was professional, courteous and full of knowledge. He drove us in a van designed for 16 but seating only 9. Dinner was beef stew with bread, perfect for a cool evening at altitude. Parka & mittens were provided, because it was about 20 degrees and a bit windy watching the sun set at 13,000 feet above sea level. Jason never stopped talking, which is a complement, because everything he said was relevant and engaging. After sunset, Jason pulled out the telescope. It was a full moon that night, so we were able to see it up close in perfect resolution.
Written 1 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C&DMcDonough
32 contributions
Oct 2021
This was a great tour to take on the Big Island. Jeff picked us up at Queen's Marketplace, checked our temperatures, and we headed up to Mauna Kea. He talked to us along the way about the four main mountains and volcanoes on the island, with one currently still active.
We stopped for our picnic dinner of hot beef stew at a state welcome center, not a ranch as the information said, but that was ok .By here the temperature was already starting to drop. From there he put the van in 4 wheel drive for a bumpy drive up the road to get above the clouds. Eventually the road turned back to blacktop so as to keep dust from hindering the different observatories countries and universities have at the top. Jeff told us to be sure to take pictures away from the sunset as well to get the color and shadows the sun made from the mountain .
By then parka and gloves were needed and the views looking in all directions were magnificent at 13,800 feet.
We then headed part way back down the mountain for stargazing. People are not allowed to stay near the observatories after sunset to keep down the light pollution.
Jeff set up two telescopes, one we could look through and another much more powerful run by an app that zeroed in on star systems many light years away then took pictures. Jeff sent us all , 7 in our small group, the pictures it took. Absolutely fantastic. He then got out the hot chocolate and cookies as we looked through the telescope at planets and stars. We could even see the orange glow from the volcano on the other side of the island that is currently erupting.
He fielded questions about the stars and planets from the group. There were other tours there as well, but we stayed the longest to our enjoyment.
Then we headed back down the mountain the rest of the way and back to drop off points. This is well worth the time and money.
We stopped for our picnic dinner of hot beef stew at a state welcome center, not a ranch as the information said, but that was ok .By here the temperature was already starting to drop. From there he put the van in 4 wheel drive for a bumpy drive up the road to get above the clouds. Eventually the road turned back to blacktop so as to keep dust from hindering the different observatories countries and universities have at the top. Jeff told us to be sure to take pictures away from the sunset as well to get the color and shadows the sun made from the mountain .
By then parka and gloves were needed and the views looking in all directions were magnificent at 13,800 feet.
We then headed part way back down the mountain for stargazing. People are not allowed to stay near the observatories after sunset to keep down the light pollution.
Jeff set up two telescopes, one we could look through and another much more powerful run by an app that zeroed in on star systems many light years away then took pictures. Jeff sent us all , 7 in our small group, the pictures it took. Absolutely fantastic. He then got out the hot chocolate and cookies as we looked through the telescope at planets and stars. We could even see the orange glow from the volcano on the other side of the island that is currently erupting.
He fielded questions about the stars and planets from the group. There were other tours there as well, but we stayed the longest to our enjoyment.
Then we headed back down the mountain the rest of the way and back to drop off points. This is well worth the time and money.
Written 4 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jonsutton121
5 contributions
Jan 2022
When deciding to go to the summit of Mauna Kea I did some research on the various companies that offer guided trips. They are somewhat similar and consider they all go to the top that isn't surprising. They all serve meals. You get to see the sun set, and stars on each.
So what sets Hawaii Forest and Trail apart? Let me break it down for you:
1. Experience. They have been doing these tours longer and more frequently than any other company.
2. Outstanding guides. Hawaii Forest and Trail ran two groups when I went on January 21. Our bus had Justin, who was professional, knowledgeable, personable, and entertaining. Talked to the driver of the other group briefly who was also very good. I'd say you can't go wrong, but if you have a choice, ask for Justin - you can tell he really loves his job, and is also knowledgeable about the stars, as well as offering great options on other tings to do on the island as well as places to eat.
3. Telescopes - not one, but TWO! Every person in the group had the opportunity to look at each sighting offered, and there were at least five. Justin checked the telescope after each person's viewing to ensure the next person also had a great view and that the lens had not been moved and as still in range of the object. We also got three photos from the second telescope that were what I consider outstanding and professional.
4. During the trip, Justin talked about the formation of the islands, some history, the different types of climates and lava on the big island, and more. He asked questions of each person on the trip to help get to know everyone, why they were on the trip, and what they wanted out of it. He remembered everyone's name, and I can't remember that was easy with 12 people sitting behind you. It also helped in that folks chatted with each other when eating, which did not seem to happen with other tour groups at the stop.
5. Customer Service. My expectations were exceeded here. It really felt like I was being taken on the trip by a really good friend who wanted me to have the experience of a lifetime. And that feeling didn't end after seeing the sunset or stargazing. It lasted until being dropped off and being told to have a safe drive back to where we were staying.
It is not the cheapest option. But if you are going for a grand experience is it worth saving $20 to have a less than stellar experience? I think not. Nothing felt scripted. I never felt rushed, or bored. Go have fun!
So what sets Hawaii Forest and Trail apart? Let me break it down for you:
1. Experience. They have been doing these tours longer and more frequently than any other company.
2. Outstanding guides. Hawaii Forest and Trail ran two groups when I went on January 21. Our bus had Justin, who was professional, knowledgeable, personable, and entertaining. Talked to the driver of the other group briefly who was also very good. I'd say you can't go wrong, but if you have a choice, ask for Justin - you can tell he really loves his job, and is also knowledgeable about the stars, as well as offering great options on other tings to do on the island as well as places to eat.
3. Telescopes - not one, but TWO! Every person in the group had the opportunity to look at each sighting offered, and there were at least five. Justin checked the telescope after each person's viewing to ensure the next person also had a great view and that the lens had not been moved and as still in range of the object. We also got three photos from the second telescope that were what I consider outstanding and professional.
4. During the trip, Justin talked about the formation of the islands, some history, the different types of climates and lava on the big island, and more. He asked questions of each person on the trip to help get to know everyone, why they were on the trip, and what they wanted out of it. He remembered everyone's name, and I can't remember that was easy with 12 people sitting behind you. It also helped in that folks chatted with each other when eating, which did not seem to happen with other tour groups at the stop.
5. Customer Service. My expectations were exceeded here. It really felt like I was being taken on the trip by a really good friend who wanted me to have the experience of a lifetime. And that feeling didn't end after seeing the sunset or stargazing. It lasted until being dropped off and being told to have a safe drive back to where we were staying.
It is not the cheapest option. But if you are going for a grand experience is it worth saving $20 to have a less than stellar experience? I think not. Nothing felt scripted. I never felt rushed, or bored. Go have fun!
Written 31 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AB Chase
4 contributions
Aug 2021
Fantastic tour. Justin was a highly knowledgeable and experienced guide, and was also so welcoming and friendly to all of the guests. He is extremely capable, and we definitely felt like we were in very safe hands even though the drive up/down the mountain is very difficult (we definitely would NOT want to be driving up there ourselves).
We got to see a ton of observatories, watch a beautiful sunset, and had an amazing stargazing experience. My husband and I have been on two other stargazing experiences in Hawaii, but this one easily tops the list in terms of our guide's skill and knowledge and the structure of the whole stargazing experience. Thanks for a wonderful time!
We are definitely booking all of our future tours with Hawaii Forest & Trail (we did another tour with a different company and were disappointed with them).
We got to see a ton of observatories, watch a beautiful sunset, and had an amazing stargazing experience. My husband and I have been on two other stargazing experiences in Hawaii, but this one easily tops the list in terms of our guide's skill and knowledge and the structure of the whole stargazing experience. Thanks for a wonderful time!
We are definitely booking all of our future tours with Hawaii Forest & Trail (we did another tour with a different company and were disappointed with them).
Written 16 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laurie G
Colleyville, TX47 contributions
Aug 2021
We took the wonderful summit & stars tour w/HF&T and could not have been happier! There are several tours to choose from and we were tempted to try the trip on our own as well. First off, take a tour! I don’t think any of them are crazy expensive-around $200pp-and the trip is LONG. We would have spent at least 1/2 as much in gas and food. Throw in the meal & snacks, the knowledge & history your tour guide will share, and the confidence you’ll make it up & back in one piece and it’s a bargain. Our tour guide was Jason and he was fabulous. The 7 other people on our tour were also awesome so we lucked out there. Your guide will pick you up at a central location and will drive you up Saddle Rd, stopping for a bathroom break and let you stretch your legs after a bit before continuing on to the Mauna Kea visitor center for dinner. This took about 90 minutes to get there. Dinner was a delicious hearty beef stew, my husband had the vegan chili, and they were both great. You acclimate & eat at the center for about 30 minutes. Then continue on to the summit. There is a road block there. You cannot continue on, on your own, until you prove to the Rangers you have a reliable 4 wheel drive vehicle and are competent enough to make it to the summit. The road after this point is not paved, very rocky, and very steep. We are pretty outdoorsy, prepared, & adventurous but my husband & I agreed, we most likely would have turned around if we were on our own. For sure if it was our first time going to the summit. We loved being able to take pictures and not be stressed about the journey. The view & sunset from the top is absolutely amazing! If you are not in awe and humbled by that sunset, I don’t think anything else could impress you! About 20 mins after the sun sets, you reboard and go down just a couple hundred of feet to park and view the stars. Cookies & hot chocolate are provided-both were delicious. Star watching was fabulous! You will get to see several constellations, planets, and even another galaxy through their telescopes. The constellations and night sky are in a very different location than you are used to seeing at home (unless you live in Hawaii) so it’s very informative and breathtaking. The drive down is long and pitch black. Most of us dozed off a bit as Jason drove the 90 minutes back (faster because we made not stops). I don’t know about other tours but this one was fabulous and I can’t think of anything they could have done a better job on. Book and enjoy!
Written 3 September 2021
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I’ll be driving into Kona for this tour, are we able to park for the day at Courtyard King Kamehameha or do we have to be a guest at that hotel to park there? What are their daily rates?
Written 19 March 2024
Sorry, unable to answer. We joined the tour in Waikoloa Village, so didn't have any experience with the Kona pick up/drop-off. Suggest you contact Hawaii Trail & Forest direct.
Written 27 March 2024
Is the hooked parka and gloves to keep or are they turned back in at the end?
Written 8 July 2023
How do I choose pick up location. I don't see places to choose during booking process. Also, how do I know if all the people in one time slot have the same pick up location? or do they drive and pass by all 6 pick up locations?
Written 15 June 2023
When we made our online booking, we were asked which hotel we were staying. Upon receipt of the confirmation email, we were notified of the meeting point and time. Since we stayed at Kona, we were picked up at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel. We were advised to meet near the entrance of the parking lot. The tour vehicle came punctually.
Written 16 June 2023
To people who have done this in early 2023, what did you tip?
Written 24 February 2023
We tipped 30 bucks for the two of us. Looking back , we probably should have tipped more bc it was such a great trip. Here’s a fun tip… when you pose for your pictures up there, make it look like you’re holding the sun in your hand!! Enjoy!
Written 26 February 2023
What is the maximum number of guests per tour?
Written 17 August 2022
I’m not sure, but unless your telescope is super good I don’t see a reason to do so. Best telescope I’ve ever looked through.
Written 16 August 2022
Why is this tour 3-4 hours longer than the other Mauna Kea Summit tours offered by other companies? I know it includes dinner but other than that I don't really see any differences when reading about the tours.
Written 23 June 2022
These folks are just the most professional in their caring, communicative and knowledge based informational delivery via great guides...did I say GREAT...!
Do you like good, slow cooking or McDonalds...?
Remember...you are what you eat...the choices you make...!
Tom T
Written 23 June 2022
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.