Maunakea Stellar Explorer van KONA

It was good stargazing (the best view of sirius and the moon I've ever had), and our guide was knowledgable about astronomy, and good at keeping up an educational dialogue through the trip, and helpful/ensuring everyone's comfort. However, the description on Viator says that there are two stops going up Muanakea, and I think this is misleading. All we did was cross the street, and it was a location I had already been to on the island (across from a popular rest stop), so it doesn't seem that exceptional. The good news is that you have an easy bathroom opportunity. I thought we would be going higher up the mountain (although I knew this was not a summit tour). I would also like the company to incorporate more Hawaiian/indigenous stellar history/stories. For example, the constellations we learned about came largely from a western/European perspective. Since this tour mentions not going to the summit our of respect for Hawaiian concerns, it would be nice to incorporate more of their history/beliefs/culture into this tour.

Marcus is informative and an excellent guide. Clouds limited the experience And viator suggested the worst pick up location

You need to be able to see the stars. We had a not great experience because it was rainy with dense clouds and there were no stars or planets to see. The food is not great and they shorted us one meal. On the positive the tour guide was very knowledgeable and kept trying her best to find us a place to see the stars. It wasn’t her fault.

I was under the mistaken impression that this experience/tour went all the way to the top of Mana Kea, not a grass strip at 7,000ft ASL. It wasn’t until our guide Marcus, who was great by the way, mentioned we were going up to only 7,000ft that it became apparent this wasn’t a stargazing trip to the top of the mountain, nor even to the Visitors Center at 9,000ft. That needs to be stated in the description up front, not as the last sentence. Marcus was great, and made the best of the situation. He was very knowledgeable in astronomy.

Marcus, our guide, was passionate about astronomy. He had good knowledge base and took time to explain various stars and why their positions change at various times and months. In spite of some clouds he showed us several stars and galaxies using his large mirror telescope. Hot cocoa and jackets were provided at the right time. It was a small group. I believe everyone enjoyed the experience. If you are remotely interested in Astronomy or space science, you will enjoy this your.

Richard was very nice and knowledgeable. The stars were awesome. Thank you to Richard for this great trip

Trip was worth about $20 in my eyes our tour guide Marcus was amazing he should have got the $240 not the company providing the service

Your guide was great but the dinner provided was pathetic . With the price of the tour, you should provide a descent dinner in a descent restaurant and at least some drinks (soda , coffee, etc.)

Absolutely AMAZING! Marcus was a fantastic guide. Very knowledgeable, friendly and personable. The shuttle was comfortable, food was good and stars were fantastic! Thank you! One suggestion... We appreciated the jackets, snacks and hot cocoa but maybe bring some beach chairs for guests too? Several hours of looking up and standing can be tiresome and potentially disorienting.

Stars and planets were cool. Guide was very knowledgeable and helpful throughout the experience. Yeah!