Mauna Kea Observatory Star Tour Information?

[silvercrikhix]

We are interested in taking the Night Tour at the Mauna Kea Observatory on the Big Island, post-cruise.

Does anybody have any experience with this that they would share?

It looks really cool & educational...woot, a two-fer!

Edited April 24, 2014 by silvercrikhix

[Susan-M]

We drove to the Visitor's Centre (VIS) to participate in the star gazing program, but didn't go to the summit. Here's a link to info on going to the summit.

 

Hawaii Forest and Trail is highly recommended on the TA forum if you are looking for a tour company to go with.

 

Driving on your own from the VIS to the summit is risky, plus you would need to rent a vehicle from Harper's as the regular car rental companies don't allow their vehicles past the VIS.

[sharke]

We did this tour through Hawaii Forest & Trail several years ago. It remains one of our very favorite tours. The whole time seemed so surreal - starting out the day playing on the beach in 80 degree weather & then experiencing snow at the summit! Our guide & driver were both so interesting, a wealth of information. The drive on Saddle road gave us a different feel for the island. We stopped half way to acclimate a little to the elevation & had lovely picnic dinner & walk about. The summit is breath taking. Well worth the price. We'd do it again in a minute.

[silvercrikhix]

More good info SusanM!

Thanks for sharing your experience, sharke!