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 Jodi S, September 2012
Doing what: Fire and Falls Helicopter Adventure from Hilo
Simply brilliant. The pilot flew us over the volcano, flowing lava and waterfalls, ensuring that he circled both left and right so that people on both sides of the helicopter could take loads of photos. If you are lucky enough to sit in the front, you will either be sat next to the pilot or the door - which there isn't one! I would highly recommend taking this flight.
Review by Cheryl H, September 2012
Doing what: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small Group Adventure Tour
We enjoyed seeing the beauty of the island on the drive up to Mauna Kea. We saw quite a few different types of animals and birds. The view and sunset from the top was amazing. We were a little disappointed with the star gazing because it was a full moon so you couldn't see anything. The tour guide was very knowledgeable though and we were very happy that we took the tour. I would just recommend that you check on the moon status before you book it.
Review by Linda L, September 2012
Doing what: Fire and Falls Helicopter Adventure from Hilo
could not hear well on helo and did not get as much time over the waterfalls as I would have liked. I wish we could have landed at Akaka falls.
Review by Douglas D, September 2012
Doing what: Fire and Falls Helicopter Adventure from Hilo
Great pilot ! Showed us everything we hoped for along with providing great commentary. Glad we booked the flight.
Review by Suzette G, September 2012
Doing what: Fire and Falls Helicopter Adventure from Hilo
Flifgt was fantastic, got to see lava erupting in the crater a new lava flow away from the crater sensational exoerience, would like to have got a bit closer to the warefalls.
Wouild recomend to everyone.
John And Suzette Newcaswtle Australia
Review by Steven S, USA, August 2012
Doing what: 2-Hour Big Island Helicopter Flight from Kona
Got to see flowing Lava! Awaesome! Paradise Helicopters is great!!
Review by MARTIN L, August 2012
Doing what: Fire and Falls Helicopter Adventure from Hilo
amazing experience
Review by Thurman, August 2012
Doing what: 2-Hour Big Island Helicopter Flight from Kona
I'm SOOOOO glad I took this tour...ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL!
The Big Island is SOOO BIG and has something to offer EVERYONE! And, some of the island's most beautiful areas can only be experienced from above!
I only had 2-days to spend on the Big Island, so I decided to take this tour immediately upon arriving. I figured that based upon what I found interesting on the tour, I could determine where I'd like to spend the remainder of my time. This was a GREAT way to make the most of my time.
I'd HIGHLY recommend this tour...HIGHLY!
Review by Catherine C, August 2012
Doing what: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small Group Adventure Tour
The view is absolutely beautiful and our tour guide was very knowledgeable, but definitely cold- they weren't kidding about needing long pants!
Review by David H, August 2012
Doing what: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small Group Adventure Tour
Brilliant though the toilets on the way up left a lot to be desired. Very interesting and information packed tour. Well done.
Review by Steven M, August 2012
Doing what: Fire and Falls Helicopter Adventure from Hilo
Great time in the Helicopter! The folks up front had the doors off and we all had great views. Weather was lousy though, very rainy, visability only a couple of miles at best. Not their fault, just one of the risks. Saw lava, both at the crater and on the side flow (not reaching the sea then). If you do it with the doors off bring a rain coat or warm jacket, otherwise shorts are fine. Thanks for a fun time!
Review by Corrine B, Canada, August 2012
Doing what: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small Group Adventure Tour
For the most part this tour was very very good. The cost is probably a bit higher than it should be but I think it's still competitive with other companies.
1. I would NOT have taken my rental car up here so something like a tour is pretty much required if you're going up here.
2. Food was quite good even considering that it's all packed up and put out like a picnic - it's well put together.
3. We're Canadian so the idea of a parka was hilarious but I was still getting quite cold near the top
4. I did like that we had oxygen on board - the effects of altitude are such that I got quite loopy at the top and I felt more comfortable knowing somethign was there if I really had a major issue
5. our guide knew a ton about astronomy and the sky - the telescope lesson was very detailed. This is NOT my thing by my fiance is really really into it and ate it all up
6. the sunset was beautiful, we got unlucky it was cloudier than normal but it was still pretty aweinspiring.
Review by Donald K, July 2012
Doing what: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small Group Adventure Tour
A really enjoyable activity.
Review by Natalia D, July 2012
Doing what: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small Group Adventure Tour
This was the best excursion I have ever been on. Greg was our driver and he was very knowledgeable and experienced. I am glad that we went on this tour instead of driving up saddle road to the summit ourselves.
It was really nice to have someone who was experienced with the road and also able to talk about the history of the area, as well as identify the various types of plants and lava in the area.
The sunset on the summit was incredible, and something one would never likely see again. The stars afterwards were also magnificent.
I went with my parents who are in their mid sixties and fiance who has sickle cell trait. Everyone felt fine, though we all had taken Diamox prophylactically to prevent altitude sickness.
I highly recommend this tour to anyone going to the big island.
Review by Dawn B, July 2012
Doing what: Fire and Falls Helicopter Adventure from Hilo
Helicopter Adventure was the only way to see the red lava while we were visiting the Big Island. It was an amazing view. I would suggest that people plan to arrive early as the airport counter isn't the easiest to find and you do have to pay the $5 parking fee at the airport (which should be disclosed as part of the agreement as we had not bought our purses etc as we knew that you couldn't take them on the copter.) Overall, a great ride and a magnific view. Would have liked a little more narrative of what we were flewing over but I understand not everyone likes that much. The ground staff was very nice and greeted us cheerfully.
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