Difficulty Rating
Easy to Moderate
Minimum Age
Ages 13 and up
Minimum Age
Ages 13 and up
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Overview
Visit the highest summit in Hawaii for sunset and stargazing. Watch the observatories open then do some observing of you own. Dress warm and prepare to be amazed!
Highlights
Watch the sunset from 13,796 feet!
See the stars through a powerful telescope
Tour the night sky with expert guides
Personalized, small group tours
Start Time
1:30 PM
Tour Duration
8 hours
What's Included
A warm picnic dinner is provided, assorted teas, hot chocolate and dessert.
Learn about Hawaiian celestial navigation.
Pictures taken of the night sky shared with you by email.
Warm weather gear is included: hooded parka and gloves.
Round trip transportation from Kona and Waikoloa in our 4-wheel drive mini coach.
Description
Mauna Kea Summit and Stars – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
Join us for the Mauna Kea Summit and Stars tour, an unforgettable journey to Hawaii’s highest peak, where you witness a breathtaking sunset and experience world-class stargazing. This Mauna Kea Summit Tour offers the perfect blend of adventure, science, and natural beauty.
Your Journey to the Summit
Your adventure begins mid-afternoon with a convenient pick-up from Kailua-Kona or Waikoloa. As you make your way up the mountain, expert guides share fascinating stories about Hawaii’s culture, volcanic origins, and the natural wonders of Mauna Kea.
At the Maunakea Visitor Information Station, enjoy a warm meal and learn why this site is home to some of the world's most advanced observatories. Discover what life is like for the astronomers who work atop the mountain and prepare for the final ascent with provided parkas and gloves.
Sunset at the Mauna Kea Summit
With four-wheel drive engaged, we climb to the summit at 13,796 feet, where you witness one of the most awe-inspiring sunsets on Earth. The sky ignites in brilliant hues, creating a surreal landscape. Shortly after, world-renowned observatories, including Keck, Subaru, and Gemini, begin their nightly exploration of the cosmos.
Stargazing on Mauna Kea
Following the sunset, you descend to a lower elevation, where the air is warmer, but the sky remains crystal clear. Here, your stargazing experience begins. Using large portable telescopes, knowledgeable guides lead you through a celestial journey, pointing out planets, galaxies, and constellations with high-powered green lasers. Learn how the ancient Hawaiians used the stars to navigate.
Winter in Hawaii
Mauna Kea can receive snow in the winter months. Even in the summer, it get's cold on the summit when the sun goes down. Your guide prepares hot beverages and a sweet treats to keep you warm as you take in the wonders above.
Experience the magic of the best Mauna Kea Summit Tour and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Videos
Know Before You Book
It gets very cold at night on Mauna Kea. Please wear closed-toe shoes, warm socks, long pants and a sweater.
Children under 13 are not permitted on this tour due to altitude.
Due to the high altitude, this tour is not advised for those with respiratory, circulatory or heart conditions, pregnancy, or poor health.
If you plan to scuba dive, do not plan to go to the summit within 24 hours after you dive due to the altitude.
Weather changes can occur quickly, and the access road to the summit can close without warning; therefore we cannot guarantee access to the summit or favorable conditions.
The only way to join this tour from Hilo is to meet at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy (also referred to as the Maunakea Visitors Center).
Getting There
Afternoon trips depart from King Kamehameha Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Kailua-Kona, Queen’s Marketplace in Waikoloa Beach Resort, and the Waikoloa Plaza in the Waikoloa Village.
Tour FAQs
What is included?
- Warm picnic style dinner, assorted teas, hot chocolate, and dessert.
- Parka and gloves are provided. Please wear close-toed shoes, warm socks, long pants and long sleeve shirt(s).
- Round trip transportation from select areas in Kona and Waikoloa.
- Narration from knowledgeable guides
- Access to images taken by guides of the night sky through the telescope
How large is the tour?
Tours are limited to 12 guests per guide. The mini-coaches carry a maximum of 12 guests.
What happens if the sky is overcast?
The summit and visitor center areas of Maunakea are generally above the clouds. Due to high demand for this experience, we are often unable to reschedule guests when cancellations occur. Therefore, we try to avoid canceling tours if we can safely reach the visitor’s center and/or summit. Conditions constantly change on the mountain, and the weather is part of the adventure.
Can we join the tour from Hilo
This tour only departs from Kona/Waikoloa and there is no safe and legal place for you to leave your vehicle along the Saddle road late at night. The nearest meeting location for Hilo based guests is the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy (also referred to as the Maunakea Visitors Center) which is located on Mauankea itself. Please note, ride share options (Uber, Lyft) are NOT recommended due to the remote location.
What is your cancellation policy?
Customers will receive a full refund with 24 hours notice of cancellation.
Cancellations within the cancellation period and “no-shows” will be charged the FULL AMOUNT of the tour.
What should I wear?
Please wear closed-toe shoes, warm Socks and/or leggings, long pants, and a sweatshirt or sweater. Winter parkas and gloves are provided.
Are any young children allowed on the tour?
No, children under 13 are not allowed on this tour.
Due to the high altitude, this tour is not advised for those with respiratory, circulatory or heart conditions, poor health, pregnant people, children under the age of 13 and any person that has scuba dived within 24 hours of the tour.
Customers will receive a full refund with 24 hours notice of cancellation.
Cancellations within the cancellation period and “no-shows” will be charged the FULL AMOUNT of the tour.
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