Mauna Kea: A Stargazing Experience + Photos in waimea, HI

Blast off to a remote stargazing location on Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa—depending on clouds and crowds!

Join a 2-hour guided experience led by an expert astronomer and astro-photographer. Perfect for all ages and backed by a stargazing guarantee.

A powerful green laser pointer and a Unistellar EV 2 telescope will guide your eyes to celestial objects and constellations. Hear an epic "star talk" from a professional astronomer and marvel at awe-inspiring views of deep space wonders—galaxies, nebulae, and more you never imagined were visible!

All medium resolution photos taken throughout the trip of deep space objects and of your group are included in the price.

Epic Tours is the only stargazing adventure in Hawai’i that doesn’t do stargazing tours when the moon is brighter than 20–30% and they also don’t go to touristy or culturally sensitive locations, which gives you the best stargazing experience possible.

Tour Highlights:

• Led by an Analog Astronaut/Astro-photographer.
• Your photo-guides will take epic photos of you.
• Look at galaxies, nebulas and star clusters through an Astro-cam.
• Digital photos from your trip are provided complimentary (upgrades are available).
• Only Mauna Kea stargazing tour company that avoids the bright moon.

Meeting Location:

• Mauna Kea State Recreation Area.
• Stargaze from altitudes below 9,000 feet on Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa.
• Tour companies and private individuals are not permitted to stargaze at the summit. The operator has their own unique locations that you go to for epic stargazing. The summit is closed 45 minutes after sunset and solely for research and cultural practices.

About Your Guide:

• James Ward is the owner/guide and Astro photographer for Epic Tours.
• A company he started in 2013 on the Big Island of Hawaii.
• Astronomy Major at the University of Hawaii.
• Currently assisting as Mission Support for simulated moon and Mars missions at the HI-SEAS Habitat.
• Formerly an Analog Astronaut and Vice Commander for the Sensoria M3 Moon Mission directed by the International MoonBase Alliance in collaboration with NASA.