The Big Island is practically synonymous with volcanoes. Although best known for Kilauea, the volcano that made international news when it erupted in 2018, the island is actually home to five volcanoes, two of which are still active today. This constant flow of lava increases already large island Hawai’i every day.
Stargazing on Mauna Kea
There can be no Hawaiian experience more magical than on the observation of the highest mountain of the sea stars in the world, Mauna Kea. Once there, you can not be blamed for forgetting where they are; between the rocky landscape of this ancient active volcano, the freezing temperatures and the proximity of the stars, Mauna Kea feels more like space than Earth much less Hawai’i!
The mountain offers two ideal places for stargazing: halfway the volcano to the docking station or through telescopes actual summit. Although it is possible to get to the dock with a personal vehicle, the road to the top is steep, winding and rocky. For this reason, visitors will find much easier and pleasant to the Mauna Kea experience through an organized tour. Besides the ease of access, our visits also provide visitors with additional benefits like a star show private planetarium Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo, a virtual tour of a koa forest in a state of preservation, and lunch deli Free.
A crossroads of ancient Hawaiian culture (Mauna Kea is considered sacred in the Hawaiian community and culture) and technological exploration of our universe, a visit to Mauna Kea allows visitors to connect two worlds at once, for a unique experience, you won “t miss!
An introduction to Hawaii’s volcanoes
That said, no trip to Hawaii is complete without a visit to Madame Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire revered said to reside in the Halemaumau crater of Kilauea Caldera in Volcanoes National Park. The park can be experienced in a myriad of ways including guided tours, a visit to historic Jaggar Museum and dinner at the volcano cellar. Hiking sterile black lava fields is a must-do for visitors, especially when the lava viewing areas are open. (It is important to note that the lava can not be guaranteed at all times or at any visit, but that is specific which makes finding a thrill!)