Mauna Kea astronomical tour from Kona

The adventure starts with setting up a state-of-the-art solar telescope for your viewing pleasure, your specially trained guide will let you safely watch the sun come alive in true color with vibrant solar flares, sunspots, prominences and any other current activity weather permitting.Next, you’ll travel across Saddle Road between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, two of the tallest and most massive volcanoes on Earth. Your National Park Service-trained guide will discuss the volcanology, geology, and history of these monstrous wonders, as well as providing in-depth narration on the various lava flows and flora and fauna that you’ll be passing by.After this, your guide will take you to one of the best spots on Mauna Kea for nighttime stargazing. You’ll observe deep-sky and planetary objects through a large aperture Dobsonian telescope under one of the darkest and most pristine skies on planet Earth! The Dobsonian telescopes are a true purist’s experience to view the night sky, their fast focal ratio enables you to see sprawling wide-field views of objects. Depending on what is visible in the current sky and weather permitting, you’ll observe galaxies, nebula, star clusters, planets, double star systems, the moon, and much more!Lastly, warm up with 100% Kona coffee, hot chocolate, and a delicious dessert from a local artisan baker before returning to your resort.