Epic Tours - Mauna Kea Stargazing

100 percent, this is a must-do experience for Big Island and one of our most memorable moments on this island... with pictures that captured the magic of this night too!

We had an amazing time on the Stargazing Experience on Mauna Kea, from learning about the night sky, to hearing about the Analog Astronaut Mars Missions taking place near our star-gazing spot, to starring (pun intended) in beautiful night photos that James uses his special equipment to take so thoughtfully and patiently. Meeting up was exactly as described with his excellent instructions, and immediately we knew it was going to be a great time from James' warm, awesome, positive vibe. As a former analog astronaut and current scientist, James knows the best spots for stargazing including access to some spots on private property where you can't normally go, as well as a fabulous depth of knowledge regarding the science behind it all. He weaved cool stories about the constellations, pointing them out with his nifty laser and answered our many questions thoroughly. After stargazing, he pulled out his night-time photography equipment (which track the stars and move with them as our planet turns so that the stars do not blur in the long exposure night photos!!! wow!!!) and took us over to one of his favorite night time spots that perfectly captures the Milky Way in the background. He so patiently took photos of us and another couple on the trip, working with us both to personalize the photos. He also took photos of constellations and planets and galaxies that he pointed out earlier in the tour as well for our memories. These photos are truly stunning art and are wonderful mementos of this experience and our trip to Big Island. And he uploaded him so quickly for us to download not even 24 hours later! We thank James so much for a really unique, educational, fun and personable time - bravo - and are recommending this to all of our friends and family... and YOU!

Tip: wear your warmest clothes! It does get quite cold at night, so you'll be a lot more...

This is a MUST do if on the Big Island. Hawaii is an incredible place for many reasons, and stargazing is a big draw for visitors. Because of this, there are many companies that offer star tours. Don't be fooled by the others, this is the best of the best. An absolutely surreal experience as you climb to a secret viewing location above the clouds. As a resident here on the Big Island, I have visited the summit of Mauna Kea many times and have gone on several star tours. This one blows them all away. For starters, the location is one I had never seen before and we had it all to ourselves. In a tourism hot spot, this is priceless!! With access to an area that the general public, and even other tour companies do not have, you truly get a one of a kind experience. Then you have the guides who were incredible. Fun, knowledgeable, and prepared. The trifecta when looking for a great guide. Sitting comfortably as we gazed at the MilkyWay with such clarity it almost felt like we were standing on the edge of the galaxy. I personally saw at least 30 shooting stars and the entire time you are educated on all of the amazing things you are seeing. From our neighboring planets, to stars and nebulas lightyears away. With the special equipment they have you get to view our galaxy in a way most people can only dream of. This really helps bring everything together as this is quite literally almost overwhelming, it's so incredible. You owe it to yourself to do this. Life is all about one of a kind experiences and this is one of those things. I couldn't have asked for anything more and will cherish this forever. The complimentary pictures that come along with it are epic. They are truly the only way to accurately describe the experience to someone who doesn't see it with their own eyes. We have all wanted to be astronauts at one point, this is...

This was everything I thought it would be…and more! A few things to note: communication is amazing! James kept us informed of weather patterns and let us know if the tour would need to be rescheduled due to limited visibility. He would rather cancel tours and lose money by refunding you than give anyone a subpar experience- which is amazing! Directions were so so easy to follow and the driving path was always a paved road with reflectors. DO IT

The tour is led by James- an astrological photographer who works with NASA. This guy KNOWS HIS STUFF and you can tell this is beyond work for him- this is a fun hobby and is passionate about spending his time educating others. You start at a meeting point and then James will help drive you further to the best start gazing spot. Once there he provides you with parkas if needed and blankets. DO NOT underestimate how cold it will be on top of this volcano. Idk if he’s even aware, but James is very funny (I think standup would be a secondary career option). He explains star patterns, volcanoes, Hawaiian history, and all things astrology in a very simple, funny, knowledgeable way that makes it impossible to not have an enjoyable time.

Now…the photos. James’ equipment is top notch and he has perfected how to manipulate the camera, lighting, and timing of the stars to get you the perfect shot. These photos are so beautiful I’m having a hard time convincing people they are real…but real they are!

The tour ended just in time to hop in our car and go watch the sun rise over Mauna Kea.

10000000% recommend this tour. It is so worth and truly a once in a...