Common Questions

Click the Google link for accurate times. However, it’s roughly 40 minutes from Hilo, 55 minutes from Waikoloa and 70 minutes from Kona.

The tour lasts approx. two hours.

Guests will have the flexibility to leave anytime towards the end of the tour. Some guests choose to leave on time while others prefer to stay after the tour to stargaze, take bonus photos or ask Astronomy questions

From either side of the island, take the Saddle Road, Hwy. 200, to the Mauna Loa Observatory Road (not to be confused with the Mauna Kea access road nearby), between the 27 and 28 mile markers on the Saddle Road. Follow this one-lane paved road for 4.2 miles to the parking area for the tour.

Yes, there is free parking in the gravel parking lot.

When parking, make sure to have your tail lights facing where the chairs are being set up. This ensures bright car headlights won’t aim towards guests.

One of your guides will typically be there 20 minutes prior to the tour start time. The team will be setting up chairs and passing out parka jackets. When you arrive, one of them will walk over to your vehicle to check you in.

At the Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area, 15 minutes west of the meeting spot. No restroom stops on the tour.

The highway is smooth and well-lit with reflectors for better nighttime visibility, although thick clouds may be encountered en route to the meeting point.

The Mauna Loa Observatory Road is a narrow, paved road with a 20-mph speed limit, requiring slow and safe driving. When encountering oncoming traffic, numerous pull-offs are available on both sides of the road to yield.

Temperatures range from 30°F – 50°F, depending on the time of year and wind. Dress accordingly.

We have parka jackets that are available for use during the tours. They have pockets and a hood. Some prefer to bring their own.

We will bring parka jackets for you to use. They have pockets and a hood.

For comfort, we suggest dressing in layers, including close-toed shoes, jeans, and your favorite sweatshirt or jacket.

During the tour, parka jackets are provided to help you stay warm in temperatures ranging from 35°F to 50°F.

To be safe, make sure you have at least half a tank of gas since there are no nearby gas stations.

Depending on crowds and clouds, we stargaze below 9000 feet on either Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa or Volcanoes.

The Mauna Kea summit is closed 45 minutes after sunset, our trips won’t be heading up there.  We avoid culturally-sensitive/sacred and crowded stargazing locations to give the best stargazing experience possible.

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