NCL Ratings and Reviews

Browse destinations at NCL
Hilo or
Choose a destination
Top Rated

Product Reviews

Mauna Kea: Pre-book And Save $10

Mauna Kea Volcano, the tallest mountain in the world, measures 32,000 feet from its base to its summit at 13,796 feet above sea level. This dormant volcano is also the most sought-after astronomical site, with 13 telescopes representing 12 countries. Mauna Kea houses the most powerful observatories and telescopes, including the Keck Twin Telescopes which have the world's largest mirrors. Your 'sea to sky' experience will start as you make your way through the historic town of Hilo northwest toward Mauna Kea. The view atop Mauna Kea can only be described as 'majestic,' with the clouds often far below you. This tour also includes a stop at the Onizuka Visitor Center. Note: Participants must be at least 16 years of age. Oxygen is carried for emergencies. This tour is not recommended for pregnant women, persons suffering from respiratory disorders or heart problems. Warm parkas are provided, as the temperatures at the summit may be cold. In rare cases where the summit is closed due to sudden storms, an alternate will be provided. A light lunch is included. Online price is inclusive of the Pre-book and Save offer.
Average:
4.25 out of 5
4.3
 out of 
5
(4 Reviews) 4
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Snapshot (4 reviews)
5 stars
1
4 stars
3
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
4 of 4(100%)customers would recommend this to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Mauna Kea: Pre-book And Save $10
Review 1 for Mauna Kea: Pre-book And Save $10
Overall: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Fun: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Adventurous: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Family Oriented: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Cultural/Educational: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
luv2fish
Location:Illinois (St. Louis Area)
Party size:2
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:January
Favorite activities:Adventure
I want to go here next:Bahamas and Florida
Date:January 28, 2013
Rough but Worth It
The ride to the top is long and rough, but the views are worth it. Our guide, Eldridge, was very knowledgable and did a great job getting us to the top and answering questions. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 2 for Mauna Kea: Pre-book And Save $10
Overall: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Fun: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Adventurous: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Family Oriented: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Cultural/Educational: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Yetti
Date:March 11, 2012
Mauna Kea
Daniel is the Best Ever!! He was so interesting and knowledgeable. He took us to a black sand beach where we saw a Monk Seal and Sea Turtles. He played his own music on the way back. It was sooo enjoyable..Thanks for the memories Daniel.
0 of 3 people found this review helpful.
Review 3 for Mauna Kea: Pre-book And Save $10
Overall: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Fun: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Adventurous: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Family Oriented: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Cultural/Educational: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
DaveN
Location:Atlanta
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:November
Cruise Date Year:2011
Date:November 16, 2011
Mauna Kea
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
The trip to the summit of Mauna Kea was well run and educational. We left the dock in a large 4 wheel drive van, about 10 passengers and a great driver. Only one van made the trip. Take water bottle, camera and warm clothes for the summit. Just as we left Hilo, we made a photo stop at Rainbow Falls. Lots of tour buses but we had plenty of time to snap up some good pictures and not be too rushed. Beautiful falls, especially following a rain upsteam. Ride up the volcano took a long time but it takes a while to climb up that high. Our driver did a good job explaining the change in vegatation and weather conditions with the change in altitude as well as point out the volcanic features along the way. The climb from Sea Level to 14,000 is dramatic change physiologically so all tours take 1/2 hour stop at Visitors Center to adjust to altitude at 9,000 feet level. We drank plenty of water to help prevent any altitude problems. Explore the gift shop and be sure to use the restroom before leaving for the summit. Drive from Visitors Center to about 12,000 feet is rough gravel road and requires the driver to engage 4wheel drive. You'll pass the only snow plow in Hawaii on way up. However, for the last couple thousand feet, the road is paved to cut down on the dust which can cloud the sky for the telescopes. Views from the summit are amazing with all the clouds down below. Observatories of all sizes from many nations spread across the summit. Only one open to the public, an inside visitor gallery at the Keck Observatories to view the huge mirrors and the telescopes. Most of the scientists sleep during the day so little chance to speak with them. Move slowly as you will probably feel a little light headed from the altitude but no other problems. Restrooms available. Summit sunny and cold but not too windy. To get to the actual highest point, take the dirt trail off to the right of the parking lot. Start hiking early on arrival so you don't have to walk too fast in the thin air. On the drive down, we stopped again at the Visitor Center where the driver gave us our lunch; a nice wrap with plenty of chips and cookies. We had packed fruit and snacks from the ship but didn't really need it. Good trip for those in mood for educational visual experience. If in a hurry, you will not enjoy the wait to get to the top.
13 of 13 people found this review helpful.
Review 4 for Mauna Kea: Pre-book And Save $10
Overall: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Fun: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Adventurous: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Family Oriented: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Cultural/Educational: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
PKanyuk
Location:New York, NY
Party size:2
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:August
Cruise Date Year:2010
Favorite activities:Adventure
Favorite port:Hilo, Hawaii
I want to go here next:Canada and New England
Date:June 14, 2011
A Super Adventure
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
Driving above tree line, and then above cloudline, you arrive at an almost lunar landscape with whistling winds and slight light headedness. There surrounding you at mountaintop are almost a dozen giant observatories of all shapes and purposes owned by many different countries. Our guide Robert knew more about astronomy than I've learned in 56 years. I just wish I could have been there after sunset!! Enjoy!!!
Video Review:
(click on the play button to start movie)
Top Of The World
10 of 12 people found this review helpful.