Maunakea Stellar Explorer from KONA

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.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Mamalahoa Kona Heritage Corridor, Holualoa, Island of Hawaii, HI

The adventure starts with an afternoon journey to Mauka Meadows Coffee Farm, home to the biggest name in coffee in Japan, Doutor. Learn all about the 100% estate grown Kona Coffee produced on this beautiful 130 acre farm. You’ll then have a delicious Hawaiian-style BBQ dinner at our private farm location with sweeping views of Kailua Bay below. Then sample coffee, honey, and teas in front of the largest infiniti pool in Hawaii with the blue Pacific Ocean shimmering beyond. While you’re taking in the breathtaking terrestrial views, your guide will prepare some heavenly views just as stunning. Setting up a state of the art solar telescope for your viewing pleasure, your specially trained guide will let you safely watch the sun come alive in true color with vibrant solar flares, sunspots, prominences and any other current activity weather permitting.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Saddle Road, Hawaii Highway 200, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI

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.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Mauna Kea, Island of Hawaii, HI

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 Mauka Meadows Kona coffee, hot chocolate, and a delicious dessert from our local artisan baker before returning to your resort. Warm jackets provided. This tour does not visit Maunakea’s summit out of deference to Native Hawaiian concerns.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes