Common Questions

For precise travel times, click the Google Maps link. As a general guide, it’s about 45 minutes from Hilo, 30 minutes from Waikoloa, and 45 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

When traveling on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, turn onto Saddle Road, Highway 200, at mile marker 41.5. Continue for 1.1 miles, then turn right onto the gravel road. Drive 0.2 miles until you see the sign marked FB-1 on the right—this is the spot. (See photo above)

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.

About 0.2 miles away, at the entrance of the gravel trail you pulled onto.

Directions here

Road Conditions:

• Newer stretches (Saddle Road modern alignment) are smooth and well-marked.

• Approaching Kilohana, the road shifts to older alignment—expect narrower lanes, rough surfaces, and occasional one-lane structures.

Once You Arrive:

• Turn right and continue driving 0.2 miles past the Kilohana Hunter Station (often used by hunters).

• Watch for a small sign on the right marked “FB-1,” with our tour group just beyond it.

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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