Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Adventure

"Top 10 Unforgettable Experiences", Fodors 2006

Join us for a provocative journey through space and time. From sea level to the high alpine witness the dramatic diversity of our island's landscape. After a hot, picnic-style dinner we make our way to the summit of Hawaii's most sacred mountain for a sensational sunset amidst the largest collection of telescopes on earth. As daylight fades we descend to a lower elevation where your Interpretive Guide will reveal the wonders of our Hawaiian night skies.

Schedule: Afternoon trips depart daily from Hawaii Forest and Trail Headquarters, Waikoloa Kings' Shops, and the Junction of Highways 190 and 200. 7 - 8 hours round trip.

Rated: Easy to Moderate; ages 16 and over.

Included in the Tour: Picnic style dinner (your choice of chicken, fish or vegetarian; served with wild rice medley and grilled vegetables), assorted teas, hot chocolate.

Gear Provided: Hooded parkas and warm gloves.

Prices: Adult: $169.00, plus tax.

Group Size: Tour limited to a maximum of 12 guests.

Restrictions: Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. We sometimes encounter cool, wet or muddy conditions. Because of high altitude this tour is not advised for those with respiratory, circulatory or heart conditions, pregnancy or poor health. Scuba divers should be aware of altitude dangers. No children under 16. Other tour restrictions may apply.

What to Bring & Wear: Closed toe shoes, long pants, a sweatshirt/sweater.

The location: The drive to the summit of Mauna Kea is one you'll never forget. It's hard to believe you're in Hawaii as you climb to 13,796' elevation above sea level. Once at the summit we are afforded spectacular views of the horizon, Haleakala on Maui, Mauna Loa and Hualalai, and Mauna Kea's world-class array of telescopes. Mauna Kea is the world's tallest mountain, rising over 32,000 feet from the ocean floor to its summit, which is considered by many Hawaiians to be the most sacred place in all the islands. In your hooded parka you'll stand in awe at both nature's sublime creation and man's astonishing technological achievements.

The drive: A half hour from HFT Headquarters to Kings' Shops. Kings' Shops to Parker Ranch dinner stop: 1 hour and 15 minutes. Dinner spot to summit: 45 minutes. As your make your way up, you'll be fascinated by your Naturalist Guide's interpretation of Hawaii's remarkable natural, cultural, and geologic history.

The hike: After sunset we descend to the Visitor's Information Station at 9000' elevation. Here we set up our own telescope and have a star gazing party. Wrapped warm in Arctic parkas, enjoying hot beverages and chocolate macadamia nut cookies, you will marvel at the brilliance of the Hawaiian night sky. Your Interpretive Guide will share with you stories of the world of the observable universe, and offer you a personal and educational look at the heavens.

  • Pickups: Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters, Waikoloa Kings' Shops, 190/200 Junction
  • Destination: Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Adventure
  • Route: HFT HQ North on 19 to Waikoloa Rd (runs between 19 and 190 at Waikoloa), 190 to 190/200 junction, 200 East to Summit Road turn-off, Summit road to Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Adventure

FAQs

  1. Are guests allowed to go into the observatories? The observatories are open to the public daily, until 4 PM. As we arrive after this, the observatories will be closed.
  2. How cold is it at the summit of Mauna Kea? Average mean temperature is freezing.
  3. Is the vehicle ride bumpy and windy? The access road to the summit of Mauna Kea is four-wheel drive only, so it can be bumpy. Our custom off-road motor coaches will get you to the top and back in safety and comfort.
  4. What kind of telescope is used for star gazing? We utilize an 8" Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope.
  5. What is the guide to guest ratio? Our maximum guide to guest ratio is 1:12.
  6. How many guests do take up per night? Our permit allows for a maximum of 24 guests per night. Our vans carry a maximum of 12 passengers.
  7. Do we go up to Mauna Kea summit every night? We go every night, weather permitting.
  8. Are children allowed on this tour? Children under 16 are not permitted on this tour due to altitude.
  9. Is there much walking / hiking on this tour? There is minimal walking on this tour, the maximum being about 150 yards.
  10. I would like to see a specific astronomical event from the summit. How can I arrange this? Check out www.space.com/nightsky for upcoming astronomical events, and whether they will be observable in the Hawaiian sky.
  11. Will there be snow on our trip? Snow is seasonal at Mauna Kea, with the heaviest snowfall occurring during the winter months.
  12. What if it's cloudy on Mauna Kea? The summit of Mauna Kea is normally above the clouds. If the weather (clouds, snow, ice or high winds) cause us to cancel the tour, there is no charge, of course.