Ascend Maunakea, climbing over 9,000 feet to the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy. As you make your way up, marvel at the stunning landscapes of Mauna Kea, also known as the ‘White Mountain’ due to the snow that often coats its peak. Explore the Onizuka Center, where you’ll learn about the sacred significance of Maunakea, home to world-class telescopes. Discover rare endemic plants thriving in this high-altitude environment, while soaking in panoramic views that stretch across the island.
After this cultural and educational experience, continue to the enchanting Rainbow Falls. This 80-foot waterfall, cascading over a lava cave, is said to be the home of Hina, the Hawaiian moon goddess and the mother of the demigod Maui. Known as Waiānuenue, meaning “rainbow [seen in] water,” the falls are surrounded by lush greenery and a mango orchard. Watch as the sun catches the falling water, creating mesmerizing rainbows in the mist.
This small group tour, accommodating up to six guests per vehicle, ensures an intimate and personalized adventure. The tour is fully customizable, with options to add stops for a meal, coffee, or other attractions within your designated time. A perfect combination of science, culture, and natural beauty, this tour is ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Frequency:
- Tour Operates: Based on Ship Schedule
- Tour Duration: 4 hours including pickup & drop off. The amount of time spent at each stop within the 4-hour charter is customizable.
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- Maunakea*: A sacred dormant volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island boasts breathtaking landscapes and is one of the tallest mountains in the world when measured from its base on the ocean floor.
- Onizuka Center for International Astronomy: A key research center dedicated to exploring the stars, planets, and galaxies. Home to some of the most advanced telescopes in the world, it offers a fascinating look into the universe.
- Rainbow Falls: 80-foot fall, named after the rainbows, that are often formed in its mist.
* indicates a stop on the tour, not just a drive-by
- Maunakea*: A sacred dormant volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island boasts breathtaking landscapes and is one of the tallest mountains in the world when measured from its base on the ocean floor.
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Health altitude warning:
Maunakea Observatory is 9200 feet above sea level. Due to the elevation, please carefully review the health conditions before booking.Health Restrictions:
Due to the health risks associated with high altitude, the following individuals are not eligible for this tour:
• Heart Conditions
• Respiratory Conditions
• Pregnant individuals
• Participants must not have engaged in scuba diving within 24 hours of the tour. -
- Wear walking shoes, dress comfortably, and bring a jacket as the temperatures can drop at high elevations.
- High altitude can be dangerous to persons with heart and respiratory problems, children, obese individuals, pregnant women, and people who have SCUBA dived in the last 24 hours.
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- Due to limited availability, we require that ADA vehicle reservations be made a minimum of 48 hours prior to the date and time of service. We require wheelchairs to be collapsible and stored in the trunk of the SUV when on the road.
- Roberts will make all reasonable attempts to accommodate the needs of the disabled traveler.
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- To be fully refundable / non-billable, a notice of cancellation must be received via email at reservations@robertshawaii.com with a minimum notice requirement of forty-eight (48) hours prior to the scheduled activity date. Any cancellations made after this time will be charged the full rate.
- A 10% service fee is withheld for any canceled reservation paid by credit card.
- No-shows will incur full charges – No refund.
Please be advised that tour availability is based on the islands, dates and the ports cruise lines dock at.