Adult vacations in Hawaii can be an excellent way for everyone to relax while enjoying the sun & beaches of the beautiful islands. All the worries from back home are forgotten amidst the luxuries of all inclusive travel as you dine on fine cuisine & take in the spectacular scenery the islands provide. But when the sun sets, the Big Island of Hawaii offers an opportunity travelers can't experience anywhere else: stargazing. At the top of Mauna Kea mountain, which reaches 13,796 feet, is a gathering of some of the most powerful telescopes in the world, representing 13 different countries, according to Hawaii Info Guide.
Explore the universe on your vacation On a guided tour, vacationers have the chance to listen to experts talk about the history of the island & why the geography of the Mauna Kea summit is so conducive to stargazing. Because of the high altitude, the air is much clearer compared to many other places on Earth. That, coupled with the lack of light pollution, makes conditions for viewing the sky perfect.
Those who get there early enough will have the chance to see an incredible sunset before the stars come out.
The tour includes transportation up the mountain in an all-terrain vehicle with spacious seating & large windows for your viewing pleasure. You can also enjoy countless picture opportunities with unbroken views of stretching clouds & the night sky, plus receive help from experts on finding stars, constellations & other astronomical sights.
You don't have to worry about being unprepared during the tour because everything you'll need is provided. Keep warm at the cold high elevation in an Arctic style parka & enjoy warm meals & beverages during your downtime. There are pick-up points all along the path, according to Mauna Kea Summit Adventures, & these spots offer couples the possibility for a romantic night under the stars.
What to be ready for Ascending such a tall mountain is not without its challenges. If you're planning on driving up it yourself, you have to be ready for the paved road to end & turn into one of complete gravel. Whatever vehicle you're driving has to be capable of handling the incline on uneven ground or risk getting stuck. It's also important to take the journey slow to ensure no one gets altitude sickness since at the top of Mauna Kea there is 40 percent less oxygen than at sea level.
As always the case with stargazing, weather is a key factor to the outcome of excursions. Tours only run if the weather allows it.
The next time you're on vacation in Hawaii, check out the 11 observatories that sit atop one of the tallest points in the world, in an environment that does nothing but help amateur & avid stargazers alike see the universe. Look through the same lenses as the scientists that usher in new discoveries to uncover truths of your own. The setting offers travelers the chance for some quiet alone time that may lead to deep conversations that will immortalize the experience as you stare up into the sky.
A trip to the summit will guarantee your trip to Hawaii will be remembered long after you leave. When you're back home & you look up at the stars, you'll think back to your vacation when you truly saw them for the first time.
