Hualalai Off Road Trekking Adventure
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Hawaiian Rainforest Birdwatch
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Big Island Star Gazing Tour
Tour ID: BHFT-33
Duration: 7-8 hours
Location: Waikoloa, Big Island
Leaves from: Hawaii Forest and Trail Headquarters, Waikoloa Kings' Shops, and the Junction of Highways 190 and 200.
Come on this stargazing journey from sea level to the high alpine mountains. You will have the chance to see the dramatic diversity of our island™s landscape. After a hot, picnic-style dinner, we'll travel up Hawaii's most sacred mountains and explore one of the largest collection of telescopes on earth. As the daylight dies we will descend to lower elevation where your Interpretive Guide will answer any questions about the breath-taking Hawaiian night skies.
The Location:
The drive to the summit of Mauna Kea is an forgettable drive as you climb to 13, 796™ above sea level. Once at the summit, we will be treated to the spectacular views of the horizon, Haleakala on Maui, Mauna Loa and Hualalai, and Mauna Kea™s world-class array of telescopes. Mauna Kea is the world™s tallest mountain, rising over 32, 000 feet from the ocean floor to where you will be. Many Hawaiians consider this summit to be the most sacred place in all the islands. In your hooded parka, you will stand in awe at both nature™s beauty and man™s technological achievements.
The Drive:
The total drive accounts for two and a half hours when you count in the thirty minute drive from the HFT headquarters to Kings™ Shops, the 75 minute drive from Kings™ Shops to Parker Ranch dinner stop, and the 45 minutes from the dinner spot to the summit. Although the drive is somewhat lengthy, the views are worth the wait. You will be fascinated by your Naturalist Guide™s interpretation of Hawaii™s natural, cultural, and geologic history.
The Hike:
After sunset, we will descend to the Visitor™s Information Station at 9, 0000™ elevation. Once at the visitor™s station we will set up our own telescope and you can gaze upon the stars. Marvel at the brilliant Hawaiian night sky while being treated to hot beverages and chocolate macadamia nut cookies. Your Interpretive Guide will offer you a personal and educational look at the heavens and share their stories of the observable universe.
Schedule: Afternoon trips depart daily from Hawaii Forest and Trail Headquarters, Waikoloa Kings' Shops, and the Junction of Highways 190 and 200. 7 - 8 hours round trip.
Rated: Easy to Moderate; ages 16 and over.
Included in the Tour: Picnic style dinner (your choice of hearty vegetable or beef stew and cornbread muffins), assorted teas, hot chocolate, and dessert.
Gear Provided: Hooded parkas and warm gloves.
Group Size: Tour limited to a maximum of 12 guests.
Restrictions: Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. We sometimes encounter cool, wet or muddy conditions. Because of high altitude this tour is not advised for those with respiratory, circulatory or heart conditions, pregnancy or poor health. Scuba divers should be aware of altitude dangers. No children under 16. Other tour restrictions may apply.
What to Bring & Wear: Closed toe shoes, long pants, a sweatshirt/sweater.
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