Mauna Kea Summit & Observatoy
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Must-Do Experience,
Mountain
Mauna Kea Summit & Observatoy Reviews
We've found 70 Mauna Kea Summit & Observatoy reviews from Viator.com travelers and members: what they loved, what they liked and what they think could be improved. It's all here to help you make the most of your next trip.
Review by Annette C, USA, May 2013
Doing what: Fire and Falls Helicopter Adventure from Hilo
This was fantastic! we saw flowing lava and I have some great pics!! Well worth the money if you love volcanos.... and who doesn't
Review by Tanya H, April 2013
Doing what: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small Group Adventure Tour
Greatness! There is nothing like the sunset @ the top of the summit. The entire tour was wonderful. We left from the Kona location, our guide was Taj. He took great care of us! He taught us a lot about the Hawaiian culture, beliefs and about the BI in general. We learned more on this tour than we did in 2 weeks on the island. The food was surprisingly good (even the cornbread and we're from TX). The brownies and coco even better! The STARS - OMG, living in the city, it's easy 2 4get how many stars there r!!! Looking @ them thru a high powered telescope -whoa, spectacular! It's defiantly cold. Was wishing I had my long johns and UGG's, but worth braving the cold. We were there Feb/Mar so there was snow and crazy wind. Bathrooms along the way - not so great. But it's not like there's a gas station on every corner, so that is easily overlooked. This should be in the top 5 things 2 do while on the BI. If ur lucky enuff 2 get Taj, u have 2 ask him about "Andy's Star" and give him and Robert a big ole' "Hey Y'all" from T in TX!
Review by Jean A, April 2013
Doing what: Fire and Falls Helicopter Adventure from Hilo
Loved the music on board, the commentary was wonderful. Randy was laughing hysterically most of the time because he was having so much fun. Your people are all charming and considerate. Your desk guy even drew us a map to get to Saddle Road at the end of the tour. Nothing but good, professional work by all involved. We were well cared for from start to finish. The flight itself was AMAZING. Thank you!
Review by Gary F, April 2013
Doing what: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small Group Adventure Tour
We were impressed with the knowledge of our guide. We loved the personal attention and enjoyed every minute of our experience.
Review by SANJIV G, USA, April 2013
Doing what: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small Group Adventure Tour
Views were amazing and the guide knowledgeable. The stars filled the night sky as far and wide as the eye could see.
Couple of warnings - extremely cold at the top. We had come prepared with sweaters and gloves. The Parakas provided are inadequate. We saw other tour groups with full-length and what appeared to be more insulated parakas. Kimchi Chicken dinner was so, so.
Review by Jeff S, April 2013
Doing what: Fire and Falls Helicopter Adventure from Hilo
I would give customer service, and the entire staff, the highest possible rating. Our day should have been a disaster. Our hotel sent us to the wrong side of the Island, and my fiance broke her shoe, right before we were about to start our ride. Customer service saved our trip by switching us with another family so we had time to drive around the Island, and the receptionists lent my finance the sandles off her feet so my fiance could ride in the helicoptor. Every one from the pilot, to the ground crew, to customer service was extremely kind and helpful. My only complaint is that the lava flow shown in the advertising greatly exaggerates the amount of lava flow that is currently on the island.
Review by Gavin T, April 2013
Doing what: 2-Hour Big Island Helicopter Flight from Kona
This was a fun flight with amazing views. Seeing an active volcano from the air is incredible though the most beautiful parts were the lush sea cliffs and Waipio Valley. With current volcanic activity, this is the best way to see actual lava, especially going into the ocean. Alternative is to take a boat and the seas are apparently pretty choppy there though we didn’t take the boat. Note that 2 seats in the helicopter are rear facing so if you are prone to air sickness you may want to request not having those seats. I sat up front and had a great view but my fiance sat in a rear facing seat and didn’t feel terrific though she still enjoyed the views. 2 hours is a bit long all in one go. In hindsight I’d recommend paying a little more and doing the version that includes a stop midway at a secluded waterfall. Getting out to stretch would have been a nice break.
Review by Anonymous, April 2013
Doing what: 2-Hour Big Island Helicopter Flight from Kona
This helicopter tour is one of two ways to watch lava spew from active volcanoes and crash into the southeastern shore of the Big Island, creating magnificent plumes of white smoke. Truly an amazing view. This comprehensive aerial tour of the Big Island gives you the lay of the land while hovering over waterfalls, valleys, shorelines and (of course) Volcanoes National Park for plenty of picture-taking opportunities. This is a private tour that maxes out at 6 passengers, plus a pilot who points out the significant sites as he cruises along - sometimes as low as 1,500 feet. Tip: This is a two-hour long helicopter ride so if you prone to air-sickness, make sure to be prepared with medication before hand!
Review by Michael K, March 2013
Doing what: 2-Hour Big Island Helicopter Flight from Kona
Great trip! Smooth flight, lots to see and learn. Very knowledgable and professional pilot made this excursion a highlight of our first trip to Hawaii. I highly recommend Paradise Helicopters!
Review by Janet D, March 2013
Doing what: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small Group Adventure Tour
Really good trip, well organised and we saw so many stars you just don't see from England but gather from other guests comments from most places! Parkers provided lovely and warm, couldn't fault it.
Review by Tonia B, March 2013
Doing what: Fire and Falls Helicopter Adventure from Hilo
This helicopter flight was brilliant! These flights only take 4 passengers, ensuring everyone gets a great view, and you see so much of the coastline, and bubbling pools of lava from above that you could never see on foot.
It was overcast and misty when we flew, and initially I was disappointed, but it acctually assisted in seeing the vibrancy of the lava, and we used the mist as our ceiling, and got some great photos.
Going over farmland and the Rainbow Falls was a nice end to the tour, and our pilot was great, giving us insights here and there about the various sites.
I would recommend this to anyone who wants to see more of the Hilo end of the Big Island, truly fantastic!!
Review by Malcolm G, United Kingdom, March 2013
Doing what: Fire and Falls Helicopter Adventure from Hilo
very good
Review by Melvin O. D, March 2013
Doing what: Fire and Falls Helicopter Adventure from Hilo
Marco was a wonderful pilot and gave us a wonderful view on all sides of the helicopter. I was nervous about the helicopter ride, but he soon set me at ease and it was a wonderful experience. Can't wait to go again! Wanda Dodge
Review by Shirley Curry, March 2013
Doing what: Fire and Falls Helicopter Adventure from Hilo
Good flight to top with amazing sites of volcano erupting - then glowing into the ocean - and the emense falls ..
Beautiful
Crew very safety conscious
Pilot rearranged us to fit better
Good JOB
Review by James W, February 2013
Doing what: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small Group Adventure Tour
Great View!
Surprising how cold it is at that altitude,
but with the coats and mitts they give you well worth the trip.
