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.
Family
Mauna Kea Visitor Center Stargazing
You don't need the summit to see the stars. At 9,200 feet the visitor station offers some of the clearest, kid-friendly night skies on Earth, no 4WD required.
The summit of Mauna Kea has an age limit and needs a 4WD, but the Visitor Information Station at 9,200 feet has neither, and the stargazing there is extraordinary. Away from any city light and high above the clouds, the sky fills with more stars than most people have ever seen.
You can drive up in a regular car, bundle up, and simply look, or book a guided tour that brings telescopes and hot cocoa. Our concierge tells you exactly what to pack, because the cold catches families off guard.
Good to know
Is this suitable for children?
Yes. The Visitor Station at 9,200 feet welcomes all ages, unlike the summit, which has an age limit. Bring warm layers and a red flashlight; it is genuinely cold up there, even in summer.
What should we bring or wear?
Dress in warm layers with a hat and gloves, and bring a red flashlight so your eyes stay adjusted to the dark. Nighttime temperatures often drop near freezing, so pack more warmth than you think you need.
Do we need a four-wheel drive?
No, a regular car reaches the Visitor Station just fine on a paved road. Only the summit beyond it requires four-wheel drive, and that is a separate, more demanding trip.
When is the best time to go?
Arrive before dark to settle in, then stay for full night once the sky deepens. A night around the new moon is darkest and best for seeing the most stars.
Should we worry about the altitude?
The Visitor Station at 9,200 feet is comfortable for most people, though some feel a little short of breath, so take it slowly. We recommend eating and hydrating beforehand, and our concierge can advise on timing and stops along the way.
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.