Mauna Kea: Stargazing Experience With Free Photos

The Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience promises to transport stargazers to the wonders of the cosmos. Led by a NASA-associated guide, this 2-hour adventure immerses participants in some of the darkest skies on Earth, allowing them to identify constellations and planets with the help of a green laser. Complemented by complimentary photos, the tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to escape light pollution and connect with the beauty of the night sky. But the true allure of this experience lies in what awaits beyond the stars.

Key Points

• A 2-hour stargazing tour on Mauna Kea costs $299 per person, with free hotel pickup, parka jackets, and gratuities included.
• The tour is suitable for all ages and provides access to some of the darkest skies on the planet.
• Participants receive 2-3 medium-resolution astro-photos as part of the experience, with options to upgrade to higher resolutions.
• The knowledgeable guide, James, associated with NASA, is praised for his professionalism and clear communication during weather-related cancellations.
• Participants must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and be mindful of any medical conditions that may restrict their participation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The stargazing experience at Mauna Kea offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of the night sky in a remote and pristine location.

The 2-hour tour costs $299 per person, with no upfront payment required. Guests can reserve their spot and pay later. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The 2-hour tour costs $299 per person, with no upfront payment required. Guests can reserve their spot and pay later. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, use of parka jackets, and gratuities. Photo upgrades are available for an additional fee.

However, the tour may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or those exceeding 264 lbs.

Experience Highlights

Guests can enjoy a stargazing tour suitable for all ages, with access to some of the darkest skies on the planet.

The guide uses a green laser to identify constellations, planets, and shooting stars, making the experience interactive and engaging.

Visitors can pose for astro-photos with the stars as a backdrop, which they’ll receive as 2-3 medium-resolution images edited at no extra cost.

This stargazing adventure offers a unique opportunity to take in the wonder of the night sky, away from light pollution and urban distractions.

Guide and Reviews

James, the knowledgeable and experienced guide associated with NASA, leads the stargazing tours at Mauna Kea.

Reviews highlight his intelligence, kindness, and ability to enhance the overall experience. Guests praise his:

• Professionalism and clear communication, even during weather-related cancellations

• In-depth knowledge that brings the night sky to life

• Engaging personality that makes the tour both educational and enjoyable

With an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 27 reviews, James consistently delivers an exceptional stargazing experience at one of the darkest locations on the planet.

Inclusions and Restrictions

The stargazing tour at Mauna Kea includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the use of parka jackets, and gratuities.

However, there are some restrictions. Photo upgrades are available at additional costs – $99 for high resolution and $199 for ultra-high resolution.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, including mobility impairments, and those over 264 lbs (120 kg).

Participants must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes; shorts aren’t allowed. Following these guidelines ensures a safe and comfortable stargazing experience under Mauna Kea’s awe-inspiring night sky.

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Preparation and Meeting Point

Participants will meet at a designated location near an Epic Tour 4×4 van. The meeting point may change based on weather and crowds, so it’s important to check the details prior to the tour.

To prepare for the stargazing experience, guests should:

Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Bring a warm jacket, as temperatures can get chilly at high elevation.

• Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Shorts aren’t allowed.

• Bring a warm jacket, as the temperatures can get chilly at the high elevation.

• Be mindful of any medical conditions that may restrict participation, as this tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or those over 264 lbs (120 kg).

Capturing the Magic

Once the stargazing tour commences, guests can eagerly anticipate capturing the magic of the night sky.

The knowledgeable guide, James, uses a green laser to point out constellations, planets, and shooting stars, allowing for unique photo opportunities. Guests can pose for astro-photos with the impressive celestial backdrop.

Post-trip, they’ll receive 2-3 medium-resolution photos, edited at no extra cost. For those seeking higher-quality images, photo upgrades are available for $99 (high resolution) or $199 (ultra-high resolution).

This stargazing experience promises unforgettable memories, with the added convenience of complimentary photos to cherish long after the tour.

Choosing Photo Upgrades

For those seeking higher-quality images to commemorate their stargazing experience, Epic Tour offers two photo upgrade options.

The $99 "high resolution" upgrade provides large, digital files perfect for printing or sharing on social media. The $199 "ultra high resolution" option takes it a step further, delivering 4K-quality images that capture every stunning detail of the night sky.

The high resolution upgrade offers large digital files perfect for printing or sharing, while the ultra high resolution captures every stunning night sky detail in 4K.

• Stunning, high-quality photos

• Ideal for printing and sharing

• 4K resolution for unparalleled detail

These upgrades allow guests to elevate their Mauna Kea stargazing memories and make the most of their unforgettable experience.

Accessibility and Safety Considerations

Although the stargazing experience at Mauna Kea is suitable for most age groups, the tour has some accessibility and safety considerations guests should be aware of. Individuals with certain medical conditions, including mobility impairments, are not recommended to join the tour. Plus, guests over 264 lbs (120 kg) may be excluded. To ensure everyone’s safety, the tour requires long pants and closed-toe shoes. Shorts are not allowed. The meeting point may change based on weather and crowds, so guests should be prepared for a flexible schedule.

| Accessibility Considerations | Safety Considerations |

|——————————|———————-|

| Not suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions | Long pants and closed-toe shoes required |

| Mobility impairments not recommended | Shorts not allowed |

| Guests over 264 lbs (120 kg) may be excluded | Meeting point may change based on weather and crowds |

Ask Away

Is This Tour Available Year-Round?

The tour is available year-round, subject to weather conditions. Stargazing opportunities may be limited during certain seasons due to factors like cloud cover, moon phases, and optimal observing times.

Can I Bring My Own Telescope or Binoculars?

Visitors can’t bring their own telescopes or binoculars on this tour. The tour provides access to one of the darkest skies on the planet and the guide uses specialized equipment to enhance the stargazing experience.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?

The tours typically have small group sizes, usually around 10-15 people, allowing for a more personalized and intimate stargazing experience. The guide can provide more attention to each guest and ensure everyone has a clear view of the night sky.

What Time of Day Does the Tour Take Place?

The tour takes place at night, offering visitors a chance to gaze at the stars in one of the darkest skies on the planet. The exact start time may vary based on factors like weather and crowds.

Can I Request a Specific Guide for My Tour?

Customers can’t request a specific guide for the tour. The tour company assigns guides based on availability, but reviews indicate the guide James is knowledgeable and experienced, enhancing the stargazing experience.

Final Words

The Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience offers a breathtaking adventure for astronomy enthusiasts. With a NASA-associated guide, guests can explore the cosmos under dark skies, identify celestial objects, and capture the magic in complimentary photos. This immersive tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to experience the wonders of the night sky, making it a must-do activity for visitors to the Big Island.

You can check availability for your dates here: