Maunakea Stellar Explorer Hilo

This tour from KapohoKine Adventures begins in Hilo and moves through several stops before heading up Mauna Kea for stargazing. Early in the day, the route passes Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots along the Wailuku River, then continues to Kaumana Caves, a lava tube system where guests can step inside before stopping for a picnic-style lunch. From there, the group crosses Saddle Road, the stretch of highway that runs between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, while a National Park Service trained guide covers volcanology, geology, and lava flow history along the way.

Before dark, a solar telescope is set up so guests can watch the sun in true color, including solar flares, sunspots, and prominences, weather permitting. After sunset, a large-aperture Dobsonian telescope is used for viewing galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, planets, and other objects from a dark location on Mauna Kea. The tour wraps up with hot drinks, including Kona coffee and hot chocolate, before the return trip. Warm jackets are provided.