Arnotts is a Rough place  - Place is kind of run down. Homeless people walking through the property and down the street. Room was small with a "summer camp" size bed and a shared common area... read more with other people. Rough part of town, we left.

  Amazing view over the clouds!  - This trip was incredible! Our guide was amazing - she gave us so many great tips about the area, really knew the history of the region and was just a... read more phenomenal trip leader. She was an excellent driver too and we felt super safe with her. The views were out of this world. We were nervous because the road was initially closed when we left for the trip, but they opened back up very quickly after we got to the visitor center. I would highly recommend this trip for everyone! It’s phenomenal!

  Amazing Mauna Kea Tour!!! Thank you to Guide Donna  - We just got back from our trip of a lifetime to visit Hawaii as a couple - long delayed honeymoon by many years A dream was to see the... read more observatories and so glad we found Arnott's Lodge & Hiking Adventure. I had lots of questions, plus we wanted to try a day tour which is less common and everyone who answered phone was super nice & patient with my many questions. We ended up being the only couple on the tour with a fabulous guide Donna who knew so much and gave us a great tour for hours. We started by visiting the rainbow falls - cloudy - drizzly - didn't matter - still gorgeous. Note: If blue skies are important to you, the weather in Hilo area unpredictable and often cloudy/rainy so plan accordingly . Then up Mauna Kea - broke through clouds & drizzle to blue skies - like being on another planet. We stopped at the different telescopes - yes, after reading & watching 3 Body Problem had to pose in front of the giant radio telescope. Donna was amazing not only gave tour but took lots of pictures of us and pointed out areas of interest and local recent history. Keck visitor gallery -small hall with photos - an actual bathroom (!!!) and glass wall for viewing telescope is open again limited hours. At first we were debating this due to cost but so glad we splurged and had the experience of a lifetime we will always treasure. Views stunning beyond belief. Donna, was a a rockstar tourguide and driver. Thank you Donna for your time & expertise & hospitality!!!

  Mauna Kea  - Weather this was an absolutely fabulous tour. Donna was very informative. We were lucky to have a beautifully clear night for stargazing. It is very cold so wear warm clothes... read more and most tours provide warm jackets. I wish I would have had gloves!