Big Island Guide

Kona Coffee Guide & Tasting Tours

Big Island Guide — Sat, 17 May 2025 21:30:00 +0000

Kona Coffee Guide & Tasting Tour Overview

The tropical coastal town of Kailua-Kona isn’t just a beautiful retreat with sun-soaked coastline – it’s actually located in the heart of Hawaiian coffee country. More than 650 coffee farms of various sizes exist throughout the Big Island, with their specialties and production capabilities varying from farm to farm.

World-renowned for the quality and consistency of its beans, Kona Coffee is worth a trip to the Big Island alone. While it’s not difficult to find throughout the Big Island’s many restaurants and cafes, you won’t get the same experience as you may with a tour of a coffee farm to experience fresh-brewed coffee firsthand.

Kona Coffee Guide: Beware a Blend

If you want to invest in a great gift or treat for your return trip, you’ll want to do a bit of research with our Kona coffee guide before you purchase a bag of Kona Coffee. There are four common terms in the Hawaii coffee world that can be confusing for those unfamiliar with them:

Kona Roast
“Kona Roast” is unlikely to contain any degree of genuine Kona quality coffee beans. Unlike some of the other terms on this list, which are mandated by law to contain a certain amount of Kona Coffee, Kona Roast is not and is really just a marketing term.

Kona Style
“Kona Style” is another marketing term and, unless it is clearly stated on the bag, contains no Kona Coffee beans.

Kona Blend
Kona Blend-labelled coffees are mandated by law to contain at least 10% genuine Kona Coffee beans in every bag.

100% Kona Coffee
Purchasing a bag of 100% Kona Coffee is the only way to ensure you’re getting the real deal. If you visit a farm on a coffee tour, you may be able to purchase directly from the farm or learn what stores they’ve partnered with to ensure you get the right coffee.

Our Favorite Coffee Tours in Kona

Tours typically run from $20 – $50 depending on what is included. Check specific tours for pricing.

Hula Daddy Kona Coffee – One of the perennial members of the “best coffee in the world” lists, Hula Daddy’s Kona Coffee farm holds 45-minute to 1 Hour tours that start at various times between 9:45 AM to 12:30 PM, Monday-Friday. You start your tour by enjoying tasting two award winning coffees while overlooking 5 acres of beautiful coffee plantation, you visit the orchard and learn about the process of growing specialty coffee beans, then visit the roasting room and end with another delicious tasting session.

Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farm – Just above Kailua-Kona and the Kona Coast, the Holualoa area is a beautiful, natural destination for coffee lovers of every stripe. Tours are offered Monday through Saturday Every hour from 9 AM to 4 PM. Witness the labor of love that goes into each step of the coffee-making process, from hand-picking the ripest cherries to the delicate art of processing and roasting. Enjoy bottomless samples from their top rated coffees and visit the gift shop if you want to purchase some their delicious coffee to take home at the conclusion of the tour.

Kona Coffee Living Coffee Farm – The only living historical coffee farm in the United States, the small fee for this tour supports the Kona Historical Society, which operates the historical buildings preserved on the farm. Built in 1920 by a traditional Japanese family living on the island, the farmhouse and coffee drying facility are original constructions and offer unique insight into an agricultural lifestyle during the early 20th century.

Greenwell Farms – One of the longest running Hawaiian coffee farms, Greenwell was established in 1850 and has been winning awards worldwide ever since. Offering an on-demand, low pressure coffee tour that doesn’t require a reservation, Greenwell Farms takes you through the farm’s facilities and provides free samples of their various coffee varieties.

Kona Coffee Guide Map

Why’s it so Expensive?

Once most people have gotten their first taste of genuine Kona Coffee, their next question is usually, “Where can I get some to bring home?” with the common follow-up, “Why’s it so expensive?” It’s a valid question, as Kona Coffees can range between 3-5 times more expensive per pound than your supermarket or specialty coffee shop fare.

One reason is the labor-intensive nature of Kona coffee production. With the steep slopes of Mauna Loa and Hualālai mountains, the beans are picked by hand in a rotating cycle, as they reach their peak ripeness. When a farmer factors in the cost of farming a pound of beans alone can exceed $14-15 before they’ve come up out of the ground (not including labor, marketing, utilities, supplies, transportation, taxes, etc.). Once those are factored in, the $40-60 per pound cost of Kona Coffee is not surprising. Our Kona Coffee guide is here to help make sure you find a high quality 100% Kona Coffee that matches your particular taste, and the best way to do that is to go on a few coffee tasting tours.

DISCLAIMER
* This post may contain affiliate links which means we receive a small commission for each completed booking or purchase made through our site. This is done without any additional cost to you. By booking through our website you help us to provide free information to help you and others plan their perfect Big Island vacation. Thank you for your support! Please note that you are booking directly with the tour provider and will need to contact them directly for any booking related changes or questions.

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Go Stargazing at the top of Mauna Kea

Big Island Guide — Mon, 12 May 2025 22:37:00 +0000

Mauna Kea Stargazing

The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station (VIS) is open 9 am to 9 pm daily, these hours are subject to change, please
check the VIS website for updates or the Maunakea Stewardship website.

Visitors can stargaze from the area around the VIS, or drive to the summit for hiking and sunset views (a 4wd vehicle is a must, you will not be allowed beyond the VIS without 4wd). If you do not have a 4 wheel-drive vehicle or do not want to drive up the mountain yourself, many tours to the area are available that include both watching the sunset and stargazing. With many of the Mauna Kea tour companies provide telescope or camera assisted viewing as part of their experience, they are a pretty great option.

Book a Tour

Epic! Tours
This is one of our favorite Mauna Kea Stargazing experiences. If you are looking for stargazing, they know the best times and spots for dark skies. Please note: they do not go to the summit for sunset. Their tours start later so you can go up and see sunset on your own then meet up with them for stargazing. Tour lasts around 2 hours.

All About Mauna Kea Stargazing

Stargazing from Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s tallest volcano provides visitors an incredible opportunity to find the best views of the heavens above. If you are primarily interested in stargazing, then you will want to focus your trip around the Visitor Center area. The summit of Mauna Kea is open to visitors with a 4 wheel-drive vehicle during the day and for sunset, but is closed from 30 minutes after sunset, to 30 minutes before sunrise.

Those that make the journey to Mauna Kea are rewarded with world-class looks at the stars above, which quickly explains why so many countries have installed astronomical observatories at the Mauna Kea summit. Due to the dark skies, lack of artificial light pollution, and incredible visibility, more than 11 countries have established 13 observatories on the dormant volcano, measuring both visible and infrared light spectrums in addition to submillimeter and radio wavelengths.

Enjoy Stargazing at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station

Those who venture up the slopes of Mauna Kea are advised that a limited number of vehicles can be accommodated at any given time, so once the Visitor Center parking lots are full, late comers will be turned away. Kick off your evening with an informational documentary at the visitor center where you can learn about Mauna Kea, the history of the mountain, and the importance to both the scientific community and to Hawaiian culture. At the conclusion of the video, visitors can take a look at the heavens above around the VIS area. Once it gets dark enough, the stars become visible and you can enjoy an incredible view of the night sky. While there is no longer a formal program for nightly stargazing, the VIS staff are knowledgeable and can answer many of your astronomy questions and may even be able to point out constellations and planets when they have time.

The Mauna Kea stargazing program is now a reservation based viewing experience. You can apply for a reservation and if you get one, you will enjoy two hours of stargazing with knowledgeable VIS staff at a private stargazing location where telescopes are set up for the group to enjoy. This experience is free but has limited space and is only offered about once a month so plan ahead if you want to participate.

How to Prepare for a Mauna Kea Stargazing Trip

First things first: there are some safety concerns with visiting the Mauna Kea summit. Those under 13 years of age, those who have heart conditions, and those who are pregnant, or have recently been scuba diving are not advised to proceed up to the summit. Remember that the Mauna Kea Visitor Center elevation is 9,200 feet and that Mauna Kea’s summit elevation is 13,803 feet above sea level. Because of the elevation gain, the Mauna Kea visitor center recommends guests take a break for at least 30 minutes to acclimate themselves to the altitude change if they plan to proceed further. The dramatic change in altitude from sea level requires an acclimation period that should be made at any point beyond the halfway mark. If you start feeling dizzy or ill at any point, your best option is to head down the mountain immediately until you begin to feel better, altitude sickness can be very uncomfortable and potentially life threatening.

While the visitor’s center is often considered to be a natural resting spot, many guests proceeding up the mountain from sea level may need an earlier and potentially longer break before reaching the summit. With the renovation of the Mauna Kea Recreation Area on Saddle Road, you now have a great place to stop for a restroom break, stretch your legs and let the kids play at the park while you adapt to the higher elevation. This park is around 6,500 feet above sea level and a great addition if you want to make an extra stop on your way up. If you are driving to Mauna Kea from Kona you will pass right by this recreation area, so make a point to stop and enjoy the view and you’ll increase your chance of feeling good on the mountain.

If you plan to go beyond the VIS, please know that the drive to Mauna Kea summit is likely not covered by your rental car agency’s agreement. The road beyond the visitor center requires advanced driving skills and a four-wheel drive vehicle. Check with your rental agency before proceeding or you may incur fines. If you want to go all the way to the top, a tour may be your best option. Also, note that there is no gasoline available on Mauna Kea and the nearest gas stations are nearly 35 miles away. Please fuel up before heading up the mountain.

The temperature at Mauna Kea summit changes dramatically after dark and many guests don’t expect freezing temperatures on a Hawaiian vacation. Dressing warmly and bringing extra layers is highly recommended. I always wear pants, hiking shoes, a jacket with both wind and rain protection and a light hat and gloves. Of course, I like to be warm which is why I live in Hawaii. 😉

Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station and Summit Map

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Body Glove Cruises

Big Island Guide — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 02:29:00 +0000

Body Glove Cruises

Body Glove Cruises is a Tour Boat Company located at the north end of Alii Drive in historic downtown Kailua Kona. The company uses a 65-foot-long double decker Catamaran, called the Kanoa II for its boat tours. The Kanoa II is a state of the art vessel that includes cushioned seating, flat screen televisions, three bathrooms and a 20-foot-waterslide. There is also a 15-foot-high dive platform on board, two double swim platforms, a full-service bar and a top-quality entertainment system on the vessel. Cruises with the Body Glove are fun with a laid back party style vibe.

Body Glove Tours

Deluxe Snorkel and Dolphin Watch

This is a 4.5-hour cruise that begins at 8am in the morning.

Accessible only by boat, enjoy the crystal clear water of the protected marine sanctuaries of Red Hill which are home to more than 600 species of ocean wildlife. This tour includes continental breakfast, a barbecue lunch, snorkeling, possibility of dolphin sightings, and an available cash bar.

Whale Watch Cruise

This is a seasonal (Dec-Apr) 2.5-hour cruise that starts at 1pm in the afternoon.

Every year more than 8,000 Humpback whales journey over 3,500 miles to Hawaii where they congregate to breed, calf and nurse their young. This whale watching excursion offers you a rare opportunity to view and experience this phenomenon. A marine life naturalist will astound you with facts about these gentle giants as they play, court and teach their young. You’ll hear singing Humpback whales through underwater hydrophones, and you may also see Spinner Dolphins, Pilot and Sperm Whales, Manta Rays, Sea Turtles and more. This cruise includes light snacks, juices, sodas, premium Kona coffee and an assortment of teas. There is also a premium cash bar available.

Historical Dinner Cruise

This is a 3 hour guided historical cruise, departing at 4pm most days

Enjoy a historical cruise to Captain Cook’s monument and Kealakekua Bay, with a knowledgeable local guide on board to teach you about the interesting history of the region. This cruise also includes a Hawaiian style dinner, live entertainment and stunning sunset views on your way back. A percentage of proceeds from this cruise is donated to the Kona Historical Society.

Other Tours
Historic Lunch Cruise, 4th of July Fireworks Cruise, Super-Raft Whale Watching Experience

Directions and Parking
Free Parking available at our office at Illima Court Shopping Center
75-5629 Kuakini Hwy
Kailua Kona, HI 96740

*Cruises depart from Kailua Pier, a short walk from the parking area – boarding is 30 minutes prior to departure time.

Body Glove Contact Information
(800) 551-8911
Website

* This post may contain affiliate links which means we receive a small commission for each completed booking or purchase made through our site. This is done without any additional cost to you. By booking through our website you help us to provide free information to help you and others plan their perfect Big Island vacation. Thank you for your support! Please note that you are booking directly with the tour provider and will need to contact them directly for any booking related changes or questions.

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Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours

Big Island Guide — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 01:50:00 +0000

Home to the most stunning and iconic waterfalls in the world, the Big Island of Hawaii is among the finest settings for aerial sightseeing and photography. Nobody brings you closer than Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours. This unique and experienced aerial tour company provides incredible views of the Big Island at an affordable, easily-customizable cost.

Company Description
One of the newest and best-equipped helicopter tour experiences in Hawaii, Mauna Loa Helicopter tours offers professional pilots, cutting-edge technology, and expert insight into all the beauty and secrets the Big Island has to offer. Private and accommodating, Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours reserves the spaces in their helicopters exclusively for you and your party – no shared tours are available. This allows for incredible access to the best vantage points from the craft, offering the best opportunities for photos. For those seeking an aerial view of the Big Island’s plethora of natural wonders, Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours delivers.

Book a helicopter ride today!

Check Availability and Current Pricing

Private Big Island Experience
Fly over the most active volcano in the world, Kilauea, which has been continuously flowing for over 30 years and inspires awe every day. While on the East Side of the Island, you will be treated to views of Hawai’i Islands largest city, Hilo. Your Private journey continues along the Hamakua Coastline with wave-swept shorelines, tropical rainforest and hundreds of waterfalls. Upon reaching the Kohala Coast, there are several majestic and sacred valleys to explore. Deep in the back of the valleys, where only helicopters can reach, are over 2000’ waterfalls that you can hover right next to as you gaze at their power and beauty. As you cross over the Kohala Mountain, you will cruise over the Gold Coast.

Private Hawaii Waterfall Tour
Fly through the seven valleys of Kohala. Get a close up view of the Big Island’s diverse climate, waterfalls, the Gold Coast, and more. Book a helicopter ride today!

Private Sunset Coast Tour
Enjoy a romantic flight over the Kona coastline with an exclusive doors-off private experience during sunset. Get a birds-eye view of one of the most stunning landscapes and experience while they call it the Kona Gold Coast.

Private Kona Coast Tour
Enjoy a Kona Coast Helicopter Tour to get a birds eye view of one of the most stunning landscapes of the Big Island. See award winning beaches and learn about Hawaiian history.

Location
73 Uu St
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

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Hula Daddy Kona Coffee

Big Island Guide — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 22:33:00 +0000

The Beginning of Hula Daddy Coffee

Proprietors Lee and Karen Paterson purchased an 11-acre pasture in Kona, Hawaii in 2002 with the determination to create one of the ten best coffees in the world. After planting 7,000 coffee trees, their first crop had promise. When several accolades and positive reviews followed, they invested in a coffee expert and soil consultant which resulted in their Kona Sweet coffee labeled as one of the top six coffees in the world.

In 2008, Lee and Karen purchased an additional 20-acre parcel sloped along the Hualalai Volcano. The crops subsequently planted and harvested were hand-picked for their outstanding taste and variety awarding Hula Daddy Numerous Kona Coffee and Hawaii Coffee Cupping Competition wins. Implementing small batch roasting their coffee is guaranteed fresh roasted 100% Kona Coffee. They only sell coffee that they have grown, picked, processed, and roasted themselves. Additionally, Lee and Karen ensure that they use green farming techniques so that Hula Daddy coffee is an eco-friendly plantation.

Hula Daddy Tour Information

Recent winner of a variety of coffee competitions and awards, grab your travel buddy and go for a one hour tour of the Hula Daddy plantation and roasting room, offered Monday – Friday. Aside from a great cup of coffee, their genuine hospitality and friendly staff is a unique delight. In 2025 the tour runs $35 per person, well worth the price. *Pricing may change – please check current cost using the Book a Tour button below.

Location and Map
74-4944 Mamalahoa Highway
Holualoa, HI 96725
Website

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Buddha’s Cup

Big Island Guide — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 22:01:00 +0000

The Kona Coffee Growing Region has over 650 independent coffee farms in a small area, 22 miles long by 2 miles wide. Over 100 of these farms have their own label and on the average 50-60 farms enter the Kona Cupping Classic Competition at the annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.

Named after their 11 ½ pound newborn son Justin, Buddha’s Cup LLC., represents five coffee labels winning more awards than any other coffee company in the state of Hawaii: Buddha’s Cup, Imagine 100% Kona, Kona Kulana Farms, Kona Gold and Manny’s Brew. Ohana Brewmasters, Manny Ochoa and Chris Coleman have kept this classic cup o’ jo mellow with a sweet profile true to the classic Kona profile. As a repeat winner of the Kona Coffee cupping competition Buddha’s Cup is a local favorite, and has also been a recipient of the prestigious Gevalia Kona Cupping Contest.

Coffee Farm Tours

Buddha’s Cup offers a variety of Tours to fit your taste and budget. A tour to their farm on the edge of Hawaii’s ancient Kahaluu Forest Reserve allows the coffee connoisseur to visit multiple award-winning farms in one area and learn about the unique growing conditions these beans thrive in. Totaling over 26 acres each, the High Mountain Ohia forest surrounding the farm contributes to its fruity, well-balanced flavor with hints of cherry, chocolate and black tea. You can learn how Buddha’s coffee beans are hand selected then dried in the sun followed by a multi-step process creating a java masterpiece.

Express Tour
This 30 minute tour will explore four unique Kona Farms in a Polaris ATV. They will take you from the serene ancient Ohia forests of Buddha’s Cup to the cacao cove of Kona Gold, all while teaching you about coffee of course.

Deluxe Tour
This 60 minute leisure tour is packed with information to demystify your daily drink. They will teach you the science behind the flavors and show you the process of how an earthy red berry becomes the world-wide phenomenon that inspired a whole culture. The deluxe tour is mostly aboard a Polaris ATV, but be prepared to get some steps in.

Deluxe Tasting
Much like a wine tasting, knowledgeable baristas will guide you through a carefully curated gastric tour of award-winning specialty coffees. This one hour experience will include a taste from all five farms. Each course will be served with an assortment of delectable farm to table pairings. These tastings allow customers to experience coffee in a new, likely deeper, way, providing them a better understanding of the drink and forging allegiances to high-quality cups of coffee in the process.

VIP Owner Guided Tour
This is a biodynamic farming experience at its best! Spend an hour or more with Manny and Ohana talking story, picking fruit, playing with the animals and learning all the ins and outs of farm life in paradise. This tour is mostly aboard a Polaris ATV, but be ready for anything! In addition, tour includes Blu Gro, wet/dry mill, and or roasting experience depending on the seasonal process and weather.

Their gift shop also sells uniquely crafted handbags made from coffee sacks and repurposed Hawaiian fabric.

*Tour information was current when posted but is subject to change.

Farm Hours
Mon-Fri 10am-4pm
Sat 10am-2pm

Location
78-1377 Bishop Road
Holualoa, HI 96725
Website

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Botanical World Gardens and Adventures

Big Island Guide — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 03:24:48 +0000

Botanical World Gardens and Adventures Overview

Botanical World Gardens and Adventures is located on the Hamakua Coast in the town of Hakalau. It contains the Botanical World Gardens, Maze and Waterfalls as well as, Zip Isle Zip Line and Segway® Off Road Adventure Tours.

Hamakua is a 50 mile long coastal region on the northeast shore of the Big Island of Hawaii. It is the region between Hilo and the Waipi’o Valley (Valley of Kings). Because of the tropical trade winds prevalent in this region, the area receives extensive rainfall and contains steep erosional valleys and cliffs. You will find some of the most beautiful waterfalls and lush flora along this coast.

At the gardens, you will experience a 360-degree vista including Mauna Kea, views of the Pacific Ocean and cascading Kamae’e Falls waterfall. A unique feature of this garden is that you can zip above the rainforest canopy or ride through the gardens on a Segway Personal Transporter.

On the Rainforest Trail, hundreds of wild orchids embellish the trees and adorn the 260-foot-long Orchid Wall – a great opportunity for the photographer and garden lover to experience, touch and photograph thousands of exotics from around the world. If you are a hiker, follow the rainforest nature trails to see beautiful Hanapueo Stream and several waterfalls.

This is an excellent activity for the entire family. You can wander the trails and gardens at your own pace on a self guided tour, or take the two hour guided horticultural tour to learn more about the extensive botanical collection and even taste some of the locally grown fruits. The lower Botanical Garden is 30 acres of landscaped paths with an additional 400 acres of more natural rainforest trails. This is a true Hawaiian eco-adventure; a botanical bonanza and one of the best Big Island Botanical Gardens!

Book a Tour or Adventure

Climate Zone
Humid Tropical Continuously Wet (Af) Tropical, Continuously Wet to Tropical Monsoon (Am) Monsoon
Comparable Climates: Puyo, Ecuador; Cairns, Queensland, Australia; Miami, FL

Botanical World Gardens Info and Map

Hours: Open daily 8:30 a.m. -5:30 p.m.
Highway 19 (Mile Marker 16)
31-240 Old Mamalahoa Highway
Hakalau, Hawaii 96710
Website

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Ziplining on the Big Island: A Complete Overview

Big Island Guide — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 20:12:00 +0000

A family-friendly outdoor activity, ziplining is an adrenaline-filled way of seeing the natural wonders of Hawaii’s Big Island in a fun an exciting activity. Zipping through the lush, tropical rainforests of the Big Island, these ziplines are constructed above canyons, jungles, open meadows, and dense forested terrain. Only a zipline tour allows visitors to witness these natural features while soaring above them between 30-200 feet in the air. Like so many activities on the Big Island, it’s a fun and memorable experience that won’t be easily replicated elsewhere.

What’s a zipline tour like?
The term zipline tour begs the question: just how many ziplines could there be? Answer: plenty, and you’ll likely be ferried between multiple locations in order to experience the vastness of the Big Island from the air. That’s why you should review each zipline tour company and see what access they have to which areas of the island before making a decision.

Most zipline tours last multiple hours, with several scenic points being connected throughout the experience. You’ll see lush tropical rainforests on one zipline, waterfalls on the next, and deep, mountainous valleys to follow. Most tour operators promise between 5-8 different ziplines per tour and some include swimming at waterfalls or other optional activities.

Heights vary between 30 and 200 ft above ground, with speeds reaching up to 35 mph. Not for the faint of heart or those who fear heights, but each zipline company touts being licensed and insured with safety at the forefront of their tour packages.

How much does it cost?
Depending on the season and tour, prices for a zipline tour range between $200-$300 per person. Much of the cost variation depends on which package you choose and how many lines are included.

Available Zipline Tours on the Big Island
There are several zipline tour companies on the Big Island, so it’s a good idea to review each one before choosing who to go with. You’ll want to consider a few factors: location, accessibility, and price. While a zipline tour on the other side of the island may offer more variety in the environment, the cost and time spent traveling may turn you toward another option closer to where you’re staying. Most of the tours are on the Hamakua and Northern Kohala coasts.

Find out more about Hilo and Hamakua Zipline Tours

Umauma Experience Tours
Soar above waterfalls, marvel at the ocean views and enjoy an exciting adventure with over two miles of zip lines.
31-313 Old Mamalahoa Highway
Hakalau, Hawaii 96710

Zip Isle at Botanical World
31-240 Old Mamalahoa Highway
Hakalau, Hawaii 96710

Find out more about Kohala Zipline Tours

Kohala Zipline
Kohala Zipline Canopy Tour and the Kohala Zip and Dip Tour offer multiple ziplining experiences along the Big Islands rugged, geographically diverse northern region.
55-515 Hawi Road
Hawi, HI 96719

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Zip Isle At Botanical World

Big Island Guide — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:18:00 +0000

Zip Isle Zipline Tours

Located just North of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, Zip Isle At Botanical World loves to preserve and share the natural beauty of Hawaii. They offer exciting zip-line adventure tours led by trained, certified and informed local guides, focusing on creating a fun and safe adventure experience for all.

Zip Line At Botanical World Adventures is a fun and exciting zipline adventure including a 7 line zipline course. This stunning location offers views of volcanoes, waterfalls, whale sightings during the winter season, the rainforest, and incredible tropical scenery.

The tour includes a walk through lush tropical gardens, and the chance to experience Kamaee Falls! Zip Line tours are scheduled at intervals between 10 am and 3:30 pm. Special Night Zips, starting at sunset, are sometimes available throughout the year. Open 7 days a week, Zip Line At Botanical World Adventures is a family-fun adventure zipline tour, that is approximately 2.5 hours long.

Hours
Open from 9am-5:30pm
Tours are offered at spaced intervals, so make a reservation for a specific time

Info & Map
Highway 19 (Mile Marker 16)
31-240 Old Mamalahoa Highway
Hakalau, HI 96710
Website

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Introduction to the Observatories on Mauna Kea

Big Island Guide — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 14:34:00 +0000

The Big Island of Hawaii is known for many things: amazing waterfalls, stunning beaches, and outdoor adventures like you’ve never experienced. But atop the island’s highest mountain, leading scientists from around the world have been conducting crucial research into the stars, the origins of the universe, and tracking unknown objects in the night sky. More than 11 countries, non-profit institutions, and scientific cooperatives have established, funded, and maintained 13 telescopes atop Mauna Kea’s arid summit, which is uniquely suited for ground-based astronomy.

While visitors aren’t permitted to explore and experience the observatories, there are stargazing tours that can give you an incredible stargazing experience.

Book a Tour

Learn About Mauna Kea’s Telescopes

For those interested in the work these organizations are doing atop the Big Island’s crown, read on for more details on the observatories:

Optical/Infrared Telescopes

Used to detect celestial bodies within the visible and electromagnetic spectrums, optical and infrared telescopes observe objects throughout the universe that emit electromagnetic radiation. Infrared telescopes can measure objects falling between the infrared light spectrum (0.75-300 micrometers). Using mirrors and lenses to capture and view objects, these telescopes operate best at higher elevations and in dry places, which makes the arid environment of Mauna Kea’s 13,000-foot summit ideal for visible light observation. The following telescopes have been constructed over the last 50 years and continue to make advancements in tracking celestial objects in the starry skies above the Big Island and the world:

UH Hilo Educational Telescope
Operated by the University of Hawaii – Hilo
Established 2010

UH 2.2-m Telescope
Operated by the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy
Established 1970

NASA Infrared Telescope Facility
Operated by NASA
Established 1979

Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope
Operated by Canada, France, and the University of Hawaii
Established 1979

United Kingdom Infrared Telescope
Operated by the United Kingdom
Established 1979

W.M. Keck Observatory
Operated by Caltech, the University of California, California Association for Research in Astronomy
Established 1993

W.M. Keck Observatory II
Operated by Caltech, the University of California, California Association for Research in Astronomy
Established 1996

Subaru Telescope
Operated by Japan
Established 1999

Gemini Northern Telescope
Operated by the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile
Established 1999

Submillimeter Telescopes

A style of observational astronomy that focuses on submillimeter wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum, submillimeter telescopes observe distant objects in the solar system, interstellar gas, dust, and distant galaxies. The James Clerk Maxwell Telescope at Mauna Kea is the best established and most popular site for submillimeter observations from the ground, with the precipitable water vapor levels and equatorial latitude of the site make for ideal observation conditions.

Caltech Submillimeter Observatory
This Observatory was fully decommissioned in 2024, all buildings were removed from the mountain and the site was restored.
Previously Operated by Caltech, the National Science Foundation
Established 1987, Decommissioned 2024

James Clerk Maxwell Telescope
Operated by the East Asian Observatory
Established 1987

Submillimeter Array
Operated by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and ASIAA of Taiwan
Established 2002

Radio Telescopes

Measuring the radio frequency fields within the electromagnetic spectrum, these telescopes measure radio waves and communicate with satellites and space probes. Radio telescopes are also able to observe objects in space such as quasars and pulsars, imaging astronomical objects like galaxies, nebulae, and radio emissions from objects afar.

Very Long Baseline Array
Operated by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Associated Universities, Inc., the National Science Foundation
Established 1992

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