The original Sunset and Stargazing Adventure

2008

Details and Prices

The trip begins mid-afternoon with a pick-up at one of our central locations in Kailua Kona or at the Kings Shops (Waikoloa) or at the Jct. of Hwy 190 and 200. As we drive up the mountain, we learn about island geography, geology and natural history.

While acclimatizing at the Onizuka visitors center (9,000 ft.), find out why the world's largest telescopes are located here and a bit about the lives of astronomers. We also serve our hearty supper at the visitors center. Before leaving the visitors center we issue parkas and gloves (the warmest available) and shift into four wheel drive for the steep 1/2 hour drive to the top.

On the summit, your guide will point out the observatories as they begin to open and rotate into position. You'll learn about famous observatories such as Keck, Subaru and Gemini. There is plenty of time for photos while the sunset transforms the area into a beautiful and quite unearthly spectacle. When the best of the color has past, we descend to mid-mountain, where the sky is equally clear but the climate is always much more comfortable for stargazing.

Whenever possible, we explore the night sky using a large portable telescope, taking time to diagram the constellations with lasers and to learn some basic astronomy*. Our guides are famous for their ability to locate the treasures of the night sky and interpret them in a way that everyone can understand. Our clientele can be very international so don't be surprised to hear us narrating in several different languages. To warm you up a bit we serve hot drinks during the star party. The tour is 7-8 hours in duration and the times are adjusted seasonally for the sunset.

*Stargazing depends on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed. More than 90% of our trips have fine stargazing conditions.

THE TRIP INCLUDES

· Extremely informative narration from our highly trained guides

· Convenient central pick-up points in Kailua Kona , Waikoloa or at the highway 190/200 junction

· New! Van Terra 4x4 micro-coaches- more comfort, more space and panoramic views

· Superb scenery and photo opportunities with Sunset on the summit

· Arctic style hooded parkas and gloves

· New! Delicious meal choices: Kho chu Jang Beef ribs, Teriyaki Chicken or Veggie Tofu wrap served at the Onizuka Visitors Center

· New! 11" Celestron CPC 1100 telescopes (90%more powerful than scopes carried by other companies on Mauna Kea)

· Stargazing program* with our powerful telescope (weather permitting)

Duration 7 to 8.25 hours (depending on your pick-up point)

*natural weather conditions permitting

Price:

2008- $189.12 plus tax ($197)

includes the new hot food menu, even bigger scopes and some major enhancements in 2008

Our 4x 9 Inch Color rack card in PDF format Click here foe a low graphics version of this page

Make your reservation online at least two weeks in advance and save 15%.

*The Climate: Mauna Kea enjoys an average of 325 clear nights per year. Most of the poor nights are predictable. When we expect poor conditions, we cancel or postpone our trips. Of course should it be necessary to cancel your trip we will refund your deposit. Occasionally a trip will be affected by unexpected clouds or inclement weather but rest assured, we do everything possible to avoid operating in poor conditions. The average temperature is 30F. and wind is common so, please wear pants and closed shoes and bring any layering garments you may have. We will supply warm hooded parkas and gloves.

Health Warning Persons in, but not limited to, the following risk groups should not take this trip. Those with heart conditions, respiratory problems, SCUBA or SNUBA divers, weak, sick or obese persons, pregnant women or children under 13 years.