Ocean
Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Float above lit ocean water after dark as Kona's resident manta rays somersault inches beneath you, the Big Island's single most unforgettable hour.
Land
Mauna Kea Summit & Stargazing
Journey to the 13,803-foot peak of Mauna Kea for sunset above the clouds, then some of the clearest night skies on Earth.
Touring Mauna Kea’s summit is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have on Hawai’i Island. Every mile climbs into a different world, palm trees give way to pastureland, then rust-colored cinder cones and observatory domes glowing against the evening sky.
Once darkness settles, the stars take over. With minimal light pollution and famously stable air, guides set up telescopes and point out constellations from both Western and Polynesian traditions. Respect for the mountain matters: Mauna Kea is sacred in Native Hawaiian culture, and good operators honor that in how they visit.
Good to know
Do we need a 4WD vehicle?
The summit road above the Visitor Center requires 4WD, one more reason we recommend a guided tour, which handles the driving, acclimatization stops, warm parkas, and telescopes.
Can children come along?
Most operators require guests to be 13 or older for the summit due to altitude. Younger stargazers can enjoy the Visitor Center at 9,200 feet.
What should we wear and bring?
Dress for near-freezing summit temperatures even in summer, with warm layers, a hat, gloves, and closed-toe shoes. Guided tours provide parkas, and it is smart to bring water and any regular medications.
How long does the evening take?
Plan on a full outing, typically about seven to eight hours door to door, leaving in mid-afternoon to catch sunset and returning late after stargazing. We can have a light meal or hot drinks ready in your suite for your return.
When are the stars best?
The darkest skies fall around the new moon, when there is no bright moonlight to wash out the Milky Way. Tell our concierge your dates and we will time your tour for the clearest, darkest night we can.
More ways to spend the day
Culture
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge)
A sacred place of forgiveness on a lava point of carved ki'i, royal fishponds, and swaying palms. One of Hawaii's most powerful cultural sites, and its best preserved.
Ocean
Kealakekua Bay Kayak & Snorkel
Paddle a glassy marine sanctuary to the Captain Cook Monument, where spinner dolphins pass and the reef drops into some of Hawaii's clearest water.