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 Stuart W, February 2013
Doing what: Fire and Falls Helicopter Adventure from Hilo
Once in a lifetime experience. We were able to see lava flowing from the volcano from the crack on top of the rocks and into the ocean. It was beautiful and scary at the same time.
Review by Carl S, February 2013
Doing what: Fire and Falls Helicopter Adventure from Hilo
This was an excellent tour. The pilot and other crew members were knowledgable and concerned with giving the passengers a positive experience.
Our only criticism was that the seating diagrams for the helicopter need to be updated and explained better.
Review by Itchie, February 2013
Doing what: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small Group Adventure Tour
yet another wonderful tour. food and guide were almost as delightful as the mountains, the sunset, and the stars. Also a great guided tour of most of the island as a bonus.
Review by Bill B, February 2013
Doing what: 2-Hour Big Island Helicopter Flight from Kona
The pilot did a great job but you could not understand much of what he said. I asked for a good seat to take many pictures but had to fly backward and try to take pictures through a small window bu twisting sideways. Not easy! Good thing that I did not have to pay extra for that seat! I was unhappy!
Review by Dorothy L, February 2013
Doing what: Fire and Falls Helicopter Adventure from Hilo
If I did it again it would have to be with the doors on.
Review by Cathy P, January 2013
Doing what: Fire and Falls Helicopter Adventure from Hilo
I was nervous about the helicopter ride but within seconds I thought it was incredible and I was not at all nervous during the entire ride. Our pilot was very informative and friendly. I would do it again sometime when the volcano is more active.
Review by LORI A H, January 2013
Doing what: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small Group Adventure Tour
It was quite an experience getting bused to the top of the mountain. 13000+ ft in Hawaii? A dinner was provided with beverage that was very good. We were given jackets for the chill and we were glad to have them at the 30 or so degrees we experienced. The view and sunset was unbeatable! Must Do!
Review by Gael M, December 2012
Doing what: Fire and Falls Helicopter Adventure from Hilo
Wow! What a great trip. The pilot was careful but made sure we all got a good view of the area. The ground staff were very helpful too. The volcanic action was less than expected, not really in your control. However I took off a star because I didn't see the huge lava flow into the sea.
Review by diane l, November 2012
Doing what: Fire and Falls Helicopter Adventure from Hilo
thanks for the wonderful helicopter tour ..we took the tour with male pilot that day..sorry don't remember his name ...but he was great...the sights were awesome...would do it again....
Diane and Leo Laframboise ...sudbury ontario canada
Review by Tom L, October 2012
Doing what: Fire and Falls Helicopter Adventure from Hilo
outstanding
Review by Fernando R, October 2012
Doing what: Fire and Falls Helicopter Adventure from Hilo
Very good the pilot did a great job flighting very close the volcano in a safe position.
Review by Steven D, October 2012
Doing what: Fire and Falls Helicopter Adventure from Hilo
Fantastic, weather was awesome, sights were spectacular, our pilot was great. What else can I say...PERFECT!
Review by steven g, October 2012
Doing what: Fire and Falls Helicopter Adventure from Hilo
Had a great trip my son and I both loved this trip. The pilot was great and had load of knowledge to share with us. If we ever go back to Hawaii we will do this trip again. Thanks to all
Review by D M R, October 2012
Doing what: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small Group Adventure Tour
Breathtaking views on top of Mauna Kea, disappointing Star Party. Full moon was blamed for washing out fainter objects, though there is ample interesting points to see on the moon for most people. Telescope used was not fit for purpose, needing lots of TLC and wasn't complete either. Being an astronomer myself, I found the info given by the tour guide to be misleading and happily corrected this information to my wife. The road up to the top is long and very bumpy. Stopping at the visitor centre for a brief time allowed to acclimatise to the upper heights and lack of air on Mauna Kea, where you could quite easily feel less certain on your feet - I did!!
For me, this trip is the only reason I wanted to go to big island of Hawaii, I feel quite let down, by a poor presentation. Looking around the outside of the observatories though, that was interesting. The sunset was OK, not as good as I hoped, being so high in altitude mind.
If I were to return to Big Island in the future, I would not go on this trip, rather rent an appropriate vehicle myself. My Nokia Lumia 800 had the full Hawaii road maps on it which I downloaded in UK, so navigating the island was so easy, even down to shops, restaurants and points of interest!
For the cost of this trip, I don't think it was good value, against what was delivered, it could have been a whole lot better without much more effort. Added to this, no hotel pick up from Kona, you have to make your own way to the meet point and back.
Review by Christine H, September 2012
Doing what: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small Group Adventure Tour
It was awesome!
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