Maunakea Stellar Explorer HILO: A Multifaceted Space Exploration Tour in Hawaii

Embark on a thrilling space exploration tour in Hawaii with Maunakea Stellar Explorer HILO. Experience nighttime astronomical observing and safe daytime solar viewing with expert guides.

Duration: 7 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Rainbow Falls - Start your adventure in quaint Hilo town where you’ll drive along the historic waterfront before arriving at Rainbow Falls. This iconic waterfall right off a postcard features an 80 foot tall twin waterfall system. Look for the rainbow effect that gives the waterfall its name!
What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Professional guide
  • Bottled water
  • Dinner
  • Beverages
  • Tea and coffee
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

For an extraordinary adventure, explore the Maunakea Stellar Explorer with KapohoKine Adventures. This exciting journey is the only star tour on the Big Island that offers both nighttime astronomical observation and safe daytime solar viewing, welcoming guests of all ages! The team of stellar explorers is the most skilled and experienced in Hawaii, with…

Location
93 Banyan Dr
Banyan Drive
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.4
(100 Ratings)
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Frankp89
Jan 12, 2026
Very knowledgeable guide on town and especially the stars - Knowledgeable and friendly guide. Trip includes some interesting site in town and then took us to star gazing site. He knew a LOT about stars. We had a good site to see sky
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gourab_g
Dec 30, 2025
Great tour - Great tour. Rich was an amazing guide. Very nice and knowledgeable. Rainbow falls and boiling pots was nice, it was raining heavily at these 2 locations which kind of added to the appeal for me (bring a poncho and good non slippery shoes for such a rainy day). We did not do solar gazing, just stargazing. We saw stars, the moon, Saturn, Jupiter, star clusters, Orion Nebula and andromeda galaxy with the telescope. It was great. The location of the stargazing was amazing too.
Review provided by Viator
Robert_y
Sep 13, 2025
Stellar Experience with the stars - A great experience to see the night skies high above mountain with minimal lights around. Presenter through explaining the stars.
Review provided by Viator
Lindsey_j
Aug 2, 2025
Stellar stargazing experience! - ERIC IS AMAZING. STELLAR (pun intended) he was soooooo knowledgeable and was extremely patient. We had the most wonderful clear night (not in his control but a bonus!). We really enjoyed conversing with him around astronomy and Hawaiian culture. I would 1000% recommend a tour with him!
Review provided by Viator
Patrick_k
Jul 15, 2025
Amazing tour - Amazing experience. Rich was great as our guide. Very knowledgeable. Kept us entertained the whole time. Whole tour was great but seeing the stars was breath-taking. Rich pointed out many constellations and showed us nebula and galaxies. I would highly appreciate
Review provided by Viator
Devin_c
Jul 11, 2025
Breath taking viewing of a lifetime! - The most magical and unreal experience! We had the best guide, Henry, who was super knowledgeable, friendly, and a great guide. He made extra time to go to lots of stops along the way up to the viewing point and we had the best spot for viewing. We went on a full moon and still saws hundreds of stars and constellations! Henry did amazing at getting us the best views both with and without the telescope and even got us some stunning pictures of the full moon through the telescope! The parkas, snacks, and hot drinks were all an extra bonus! Would 1000000% do again!
Review provided by Viator
Melina_w
Jul 10, 2025
Wonderful experience - It was great! Beautiful site seeing on the way to the mountains. Very entertaining and kind tourguide for kids and adults alike. Interesting facts and stories about the area and the night sky.
Review provided by Viator
Robin_l
Jun 26, 2025
Starry Nights! - Eric was our guide for this adventure. We had a fantastic night seeing some sights around Hilo prior to exploring the stars. Eric was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. You can tell he truly has a passion for outer space. Eric did an outstanding job of pointing out many different planets and stars. This is a tour I highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Luana_m
Feb 23, 2026
A little disappointed - I'm a little disappointed with this trick. We did not mount Maunakea as described in the description. We put 3 stars for the guide, Sam, who still put stars in our heads.
Review provided by Viator
Ketand699
Jul 11, 2025
Good trip but way over priced - Guide was nice but I think it’s way over priced, they should also make it clear in the listing that they won’t be taking us to summit but will go to below the visitor center. It’s an easy drive of 45 min from Hilo and if you have rental car you can just drive there
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $189
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).