Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Free Photos
Stargazing Guarantee! • All Ages • 2 Hours
Overview
Activity details
Guided by a seasoned astronomer armed with a green laser pointer and a Unistellar EV 2 telescope, you’ll embark on a journey through space and time, uncovering the secrets of the cosmos with an interactive star talk. Meanwhile, our skilled astro-photographer will capture stunning images of you and your group against the breathtaking backdrop of the Milky Way—because some moments in the universe are simply too extraordinary to go unrecorded. Complimentary photos are included, with options to enhance your celestial keepsakes.
We operate our tours only when the Moon’s brightness is below 30%. Why? Because excessive moonlight washes out the deep cosmic tapestry of the night sky, dimming the very stars we’ve traveled to see.
Epic Tours also offers a Stargazing Guarantee: If you don’t see the stars, your tour is free. Group size vary.
What's included
• Group portrait photos with the Milky Way.
• Deep space camera and telescope images from the tour.
• Parka Jackets
• Reclining beach chairs
• Hot chocolate and chocolates
• Binoculars
• Night Vision scope (upon request)
What's not included
Transportation
- A rental car or a pre-arranged round-trip taxi service is essential. Ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft are unreliable for returning to your rental, so plan accordingly to ensure a smooth journey.
Itinerary
- Gather at the base of the mountain.
- Ascend to our designated stargazing location.
- Settle in with reclining beach chairs and cozy parka jackets.
- Enjoy a captivating star talk from our astronomer, featuring the Unistellar EV2 telescope.
- Capture unforgettable memories as our astro-photographer snaps photos of each group with the Milky Way as a stunning backdrop.
- Savor hot chocolate while exploring the night sky through binoculars or a night vision scope, or take additional photos.
- Experience a total of two hours immersed in the cosmos.
- Conclude the journey with a drive back down the mountain.
Highlights
- Stargazing Guarantee – A breathtaking celestial experience is assured.
- Duration: 2 hours of cosmic exploration.
- Open to All Ages – Everyone is welcome to marvel at the night sky.
- Expert Guidance – Led by a professional astronomer and astro-photographer.
Additional information
Check-in details
Arrive at least 10 minutes early, because the universe waits for no one, and neither does our stargazing experience.
What to bring
Temperatures can drop to a brisk 30-40°F, depending on the season. We’ll provide everyone with parka jackets, ensuring you remain comfortably warm as you explore the universe above.
We recommend wearing close-toed shoes, jeans, and your favorite sweatshirt or jacket.
Special requirements
Children under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (of the galaxy)
Restrictions
- Open to all ages – Everyone is welcome to join the experience.
- Safe Elevation – We stargaze at approximately 7,000 to 9,000 feet, an altitude considered safe for most participants.
- Pregnancy Advisory – Generally suitable for most pregnancies, but we recommend consulting your doctor beforehand.
- Health Considerations – Not recommended for individuals with respiratory, circulatory, or heart conditions, or those in poor health.
- Scuba Diving Restriction – For safety reasons, participants should avoid scuba diving within 24 hours prior to the tour.
Extras
Complimentary Photos
- Every guest receives a few professional photos at no extra cost, perfect for sharing on social media (approximately 1MB each).
$99 – High-Resolution Photo Upgrade
- Upgrade from the complimentary 1MB images to high-resolution photos (up to 20MB).
- Enjoy stunning clarity and receive your digital images within 24 hours.
$199 – Intelligent Noise Reduction + High-Resolution Upgrade
- Cutting-Edge Technology – In addition to high-resolution images, this upgrade utilizes advanced noise reduction to enhance detail and clarity.
- Achieve exceptional image quality, minimizing noise while preserving fine details for breathtaking long-exposure night photography.
Disclaimers
- The Mauna Kea summit closes after sunset, so our stargazing adventure takes place at lower elevations.
- These lower elevations provide a superior stargazing experience, offering clearer skies and optimal viewing conditions.
- We carefully select a secluded location on Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa, ensuring minimal crowds and the best possible night sky visibility.
FAQs
What ages can join?
- Since our tours won’t be going to extreme altitudes, any age can join. Our max altitude is around 9k feet. Doctors recommend staying below that altitude to minimize any potential altitude sickness. It is extremely rare that anyone ever feels sick on our tours.
Do you use a telescope?
- We use a Unistellar EV2 telescope and/or a deep space star-tracker camera set-up that takes long-exposure, tracked photos of galaxies, star clusters and nebulae.
This tour comes with free photos?
- Yes! Everyone gets a few epic photos of them with the night sky taken complimentary by an astro-photographer. This will be part of a standard photo package. The photos will work for social media posts. We will also take photos of galaxies, nebulae and star clusters. Those photos are also included in the price of the tour. Upgrades are available if guests want to have high resolution photos.
Does this tour visit the summit?
Our tours do not, that area is closed after sunset and only telescope operators/rangers and cultural practitioners are allowed at the summit. All tour companies and private individuals drive down to lower elevations after sunset and stargaze primarily near the visitors center.
We avoid those crowds and head to another stargazing area.
Do we watch sunset?
Our tours start at least an hour after sunset to make sure you get the best stargazing experience possible. Guests can watch the sunset on their own and join us afterwards.
Tip: Hike and watch sunset from sunset hill at the Onizuka Center for Astronomy.
Can Epic Tours pick up in town?
Not typically. Our guides drive up the mountains a few hours before the tour start time and check for the best possible location to stargaze from to avoid the clouds and crowds. If the clouds don’t seem to disappear in time for the tour, our team will text guests 90 minutes before the start time if the tour needs to be cancelled or postponed. That way guests don’t have to drive up the mountains and waste valuable vacation time.
Guests receive a 100% refund if we need to cancel because of weather.
Most nights the clouds start to clear up after sunset. It’s difficult to give more than a 90 minute notification about weather conditions.
When should we book?
- Any time slot available through the online calendar will be an epic time to do the tour. The dates and times are hand-selected to avoid a full moon. Booking early in your trip will give you the best chances to see the stars. If we have bad weather, we can attempt to reschedule guests.
Can we upgrade to the high resolution photos after the tour?
- Upgrades can be placed before the tour or anytime afterwards. The high-resolution files will be saved, indefinitely.
What happens if it’s too cloudy?
- 100% refund.
How far is it?
- Click the Google link on your email confirmation for accurate times. However, it’s roughly 40 minutes from Hilo, 55 minutes from Waikoloa and 70 minutes from Kona.
How long is the tour?
- The tour lasts approx. two hours. Guests will have the flexibility to leave anytime towards the end of the tour. Some guests choose to leave on time while others prefer to stay after the tour to stargaze, take bonus photos or ask Astronomy questions.
Is there free parking?
- Yes, there is free parking in the gravel parking lot.
How do we find our guide?
- One of your guides will typically be there 20 minutes prior to the tour start time. The team will be setting up chairs and passing out parka jackets. When you arrive, one of them will walk over to your vehicle to check you in.
Nearest restrooms?
- At the Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area, 15 minutes west of the meeting spot. No restroom stops on the tour.
What's the drive like?
- The highway is smooth and well-lit with reflectors for better nighttime visibility, although thick clouds may be encountered en route to the meeting point.
Will it be cold?
- Temperatures range from 30°F – 50°F, depending on the time of year and wind. Dress accordingly. We have parka jackets that are available for use during the tours. They have pockets and a hood. Some prefer to bring their own.
Do you provide jackets?
- We will bring parka jackets for you to use. They have pockets and a hood.
What to bring?
- For comfort, we suggest dressing in layers, including close-toed shoes, jeans, and your favorite sweatshirt or jacket. During the tour, parka jackets are provided to help you stay warm in temperatures ranging from 30°F to 50°F.
Gas stations nearby?
- To be safe, make sure you have at least half a tank of gas since there are no nearby gas stations.
What are the photo upgrades?
- Follow this link for more info: https://epicbigisland.com/photo-info/
How can finding the waivers?
- Follow this link for more info: https://epicbigisland.com/photo-info/
Where will we stargaze from?
- Depending on crowds and clouds, we stargaze below 9000 feet on either Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa or Volcanoes. The Mauna Kea summit is closed 45 minutes after sunset, our trips won’t be heading up there. We avoid culturally-sensitive/sacred and crowded stargazing locations to give the best stargazing experience possible.
Where do astronauts go for coffee?
- Starbucks
Recommended activities to do?
- Download a driving app to explore around the island(s) at https://tinyurl.com/4ShakaGuide Check out our list of other epic activities: https://epicbigisland.com/other-recommended-tours/
What is the best way to reach Epic Tours if we have another question?
- Instagram @EpicTours or text +1-808-747-1211.
Cancellations
24-Hour Cancellation Policy:
Customers are eligible for a full refund, credit, or rebooking up to 24 hours before the reservation time.
All bookings are final within 24 hours of the reservation start time.
A 50% rebooking fee will apply to rebookings made within 24 hours.
No refunds or credits will be issued within 24 hours (without Trip Protection).
Trip Protection Option:
Enhance your flexibility and peace of mind by adding Trip Protection at checkout. This option allows for last-minute cancellations up to 1 hour before your reservation for a full refund, rebooking, or credit.
To request a cancellation, please contact us via text or email.
Cancellations made within 1 hour of the reservation start time, as well as late arrivals or no-shows, are not eligible for refunds, rebooking, or credit.
In the event of a cloud delay exceeding 90 minutes, a full refund will be issued. Delays of less than 90 minutes, however, are not eligible for a refund.