Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Adventure [Big Island]

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Travel through space and time as we transport you across striking and surreal landscape that reveals Hawaii's past. Learn about the remarkable evolution and changes our island's natural world has experienced.  Dine with us, local bento-style, at a historic ranch outpost. Stand in awe at the top of the world's tallest volcano amidst the largest collection of telescopes on earth and some of the most dramatic scenery you'll ever witness. And then, after a sensational sunset, let our Naturalist Guide reveal the wonders and world-class clarity of our Hawaiian night skies.

Includes: Hooded winter parka, picnic dinner at private location, private star show with telescope, and hot dinner.

Tour Time: Tour time changes seasonally with sunset times. (1:55p – 3:30p)  The Drive: Half hour from HFT Headquarters to King's Shops. King's Shop to Parker Ranch dinner stop is 1hour and 15 minutes. Dinner spot to summit is 35 minutes. Don't worry about the drive time, you'll be amazed at the constantly changing scenery and fascinated by your Naturalist Guide's interpretation of Hawaii’s remarkable natural, cultural, and geologic history.

Menu: Choice of Paniolo Beef Stew or Hearty Vegetable Stew (vegetarian), served with freshly baked corn bread.  A gluten-free version of both stews is available for guests with wheat allergies.  Delicious chocolate-macadamia nut cookies, hot chocolate, and tea will be served during the Interpretive Star Show later in the evening.

The Summit & Sunset: 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 13,500 feet elevation above sea level. Once at the summit we are afforded spectacular views of the horizon, Haleakala on Maui, Mauna Kea's world-class array of telescopes and the famous Mauna Kea sunset. At the summit, you'll experience the spiritual energy of what many Hawaiians believe to be the most sacred place in all the islands. At the summit you'll stand on top of the world's tallest mountain that rises from the ocean floor to over 31,000 feet high. In your hooded parka you'll stand in awe at both nature’s sublime creation and man's astonishing technological achievements.

The Star Show: After sunset we descend back down to the 9000’ elevation next to the Visitor's Information Station. Here we set up our own telescope and have a sky party. Wrapped warm in Arctic parkas, with hot beverages and chocolate macadamia nut cookies, you will marvel at the brilliance of the Hawaiian sky. Enjoy as your Naturalist Guide's entertaining talk story of the infinite world of the observable universe offers you a personal and educational look at the heavens.

Dress Code: Guests are provided hooded parkas, but should bring a light sweater or jacket, wear long pants and covered walking shoes.

Weather Conditions: The summit area is high altitude with cold temperatures and sometimes high winds. Weather can change quickly. The summit road can be closed on short notice affecting the tour. We do everything we can to monitor the weather and will cancel tours up until an hour before scheduled departure on tour day if we believe conditions are unsafe or definitely poor visibility. However, often the weather is impossible to predict. We do not guarantee either a sunset view or clear night sky conditions.

Restrictions: Those with respiratory or heart conditions, pregnant women, or those in poor health should not access the summit. Scuba divers please note that summit altitude is over 13,000 feet (4000 meters.) Must be 16 years or older-Children under 16 not allowed on this tour.