A Journey through Space & Time…The summit of Mauna Kea is renowned as the world's greatest astronomical observing site. It is also one of Hawaii's most sacred cultural sites. Travel through space and time as we transport you across striking and surreal landscape that reveals Hawaii's past. Learn about the remarkable evolution and changes our island's natural world has experienced. Stand in awe at the top of the world's tallest volcano amidst the largest collection of telescopes on earth and some of the most dramatic scenery you'll ever witness. And then, after a sensational sunset, let our Naturalist Guide reveal the wonders and world-class clarity of our Hawaiian night skies.
	MAUNA KEA SUMMIT & STARS ADVENTURE

	TIMES/LENGTH:		Approximately 3:00 PM departure from Kona, 3:30 Departure from King’s shops in Waikoloa. Times vary throughout the year based on sunset time. Tour lasts approximately 8 Hours.
	COMPANY NAME:		Hawaii Forrest & Trail
	INCLUDING:		Transportation, Expert Naturalist Guide, Arctic Parkas, Picnic Dinner, Private Star show with telescope, snack of hot beverages and chocolate macadamia cookies
	RESTRICTIONS:		Not advised for those with respiratory or heart conditions, pregnancy, or in poor health. Scuba divers please note that summit altitude is over 13,000 feet (4000 meters.) Must be 16 years or older.
	CANCELLATION:		24 Hours

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	THE DRIVE: King's Shop to Parker Ranch dinner stop is 1hour and 15 minutes. Dinner spot to summit is 35 minutes. Don't worry about the drive time, you'll be amazed at the constantly changing scenery and fascinated by your Naturalist Guide's interpretation of Hawaii’s remarkable natural, cultural, and geologic history.
	YOUR DINNER: Our guests can't decide what they like best about the Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Adventure picnic dinner--the setting or the food. You'll be eating a hot meal at a private, secluded, and historic Parker Ranch outpost at the base of the mountain. Entrée choices include: BBQ Ribs with Mashed Potatoes, Macadamia Nut Crusted Fresh Fish with White Rice, Veggie Stir Fry over Rice, or Chicken Breast stuffed with Artichoke Heart and Spinach Cheese served on Rice Pilaf. Your dinner also includes tossed salad with papaya seed dressing and hot vegetable soup. Don't eat a late lunch on the day of your tour, because we do eat an early dinner about an hour and a half before sunset.
	THE SUMMIT & THE SUNSET: The drive to the summit of Mauna Kea is one you'll never forget. It's hard to believe you're in Hawaii as you climb to 13,500 elevation above sea level. Once at the summit we are afforded spectacular views of the horizon, Haleakala on Maui, Mauna Kea's world-class array of telescopes and the famous Mauna Kea sunset. At the summit you'll stand on top of the world's tallest mountain which rises from the ocean floor to over 31,000 feet high.
	THE STARSHOW: After sunset we descend back down to the 9000’ elevation next to the Visitor's Information Station. Here we set up our own telescope and have a sky party. Wrapped warm in Arctic parkas, with hot beverages and chocolate macadamia nut cookies, you will marvel at the brilliance of the Hawaiian sky. Enjoy as your Naturalist Guide's entertaining talk story of the infinite world of the observable universe offers you a personal and educational look at the heavens.
	DRESS CODE: It's cold up there! Usually at the summit the temperature gets into the mid to low 30's before we descend. Wear sturdy closed-toed shoes and long pants. You'll be cold if you come in shorts. Guests are provided hooded parkas but should also bring a light jacket or sweatshirt.
	WEATHER CONDITIONS: The summit area is high altitude with cold temperatures and sometimes high winds. Weather can change quickly. The summit road can be closed on short notice affecting the tour. We do everything we can to monitor the weather and will cancel tours up until an hour before scheduled departure on tour day if we believe conditions are unsafe or definitely poor visibility. However, often the weather is impossible to predict. We do not guarantee either a sunset view or clear night sky conditions.
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