Quick Details
Travel by starlight to the dormant Mauna Kea volcano in Hawai’i! With our stargazer guarantee, we make sure to take you out on the nights with the most amazing shows, led by our Pro Astro-Photographer James.
- Stargazing At Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa
- Guided By Former Analog Astronaut
- Stargazing Guarantee
Mauna Kea: Stargazing Experience
Journey to a remote stargazing location, far away from the touristy spots to truly enjoy the dark skies of Hawaii. Celestial objects and constellations will be pointed out with a powerful green laser pointer. Hear about James’ time spent as an Analog-Astronaut, ancient Polynesian navigation and more. Being a Pro Astro-Photographer on the Island of Hawaiʻi and spending eight years as a guide, James knows the best spots and angles to take a few stellar photos of you with the Milky Way.
View live details of deep space using the most sophisticated, light-sensitive camera/scope out of any company in Hawai’i. Take in awe-inspiring views of deep space objects like Galaxies and Nebulas that you didn’t know were possible! Epic Tours is the only stargazing adventure in Hawai’i that doesn’t do stargazing tours when the moon is brighter than 30% and they give a full refund if it’s too cloudy.
All of the time slots are hand-selected for optimal stargazing views. Epic Tours go to touristy or culturally sensitive locations, which gives you the best stargazing experience possible.
Epic Tours offers a stargazing guarantee. See the stars or get a full refund.
Tour Highlights
- Led by an Analog Astronaut/Astro-Photographer
- Your Photo-Guides will take epic photos of you
- Look at Galaxies, Nebulas and Star clusters through an Astro-Cam.
- Photos from your trip are given complimentary (upgrades are available)
- Only Mauna Kea stargazing tour company that avoids the bright moon
Included In Your Tour
- Comfy Parka Jackets with pockets and a hood
- Complimentary photos available for download within five days after the experience
About Your Guide
- James Ward is the owner/guide and astrophotographer for Epic Tours, a company he started in 2013 on the Island of Hawaiʻi.
- Currently assisting as Mission Support for simulated moon and Mars missions at the HI-SEAS Habitat.
- Formerly an Analog Astronaut and Vice Commander for the Sensoria M3 Moon Mission directed by the International MoonBase Alliance in collaboration with NASA.
What To Bring
- In the winter and spring months the temperatures can be around 40°F. In summer and fall months, it can be just over 45°F. That doesn’t sound too bad unless you’re standing outside for over an hour and a half. So it’s recommended to dress accordingly. They also have parka jackets that have pockets and a hood to help keep you warmer.
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- Since the tour will not be going to extreme altitudes, any age can join. The 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 the tours.
- In the winter and spring months the temperatures can be around 40°F. In summer and fall months, it can be just over 45°F. That doesn’t sound too bad unless you’re standing outside for over an hour and a half. 🙂 So it’s recommended to dress accordingly. We also have parka jackets that have pockets and a hood to help keep you warmer.Some brave individuals wear red dresses because they look pretty awesome in photos and they will wear a big coat over the dress during the stargazing portion of the tour to keep warm.
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PLEASE NOTIFY HAWAII ADVENTURE CENTER IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE AN ACTIVITY.
You can do so by calling (888) 207-0722 or contact us online.
- No refunds for cancellations within 48 hours of activity
- For groups of 6+ there are no refunds for cancellations within 72 hours of activity
- We will gladly reschedule your activity at no extra cost if changes are made prior to the 48 or 72 hour cancellation period
- Cancellations from date of booking to 48 hours before activity or for larger groups 72 hours before activity are subject to a 10% service charge
- If for some reason we are unable to confirm your reservation with the activity operator due to oversold seats or other unforeseen reasons, a full refund will be provided and you will be notified immediately to discuss alternative dates and activities
If a tour operator cancels any trip due to weather, mechanical failure, unsafe conditions, or insufficient reservations, a full refund will be provided.