Difficulty Rating
Easy to Moderate
Minimum Age
Ages 13 and up
Minimum Age
Ages 13 and up
4.8
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Overview
Visit the summit of Mauna Kea, the highest peak in Hawaii, for a sunset above the clouds. Then head to a more secluded spot for an evening of stargazing and storytelling. Dress warm and prepare to be amazed!
Highlights
Watch the sunset from the Mauna Kea summit, the highest point in the Pacific
Peer into deep space through powerful telescopes
Tour the Hawaiian night sky with an expert guide
Learn about early Hawaiian celestial navigation
Personalized, small group tour (12-person max.)
Start Time
1:30 PM
Tour Duration
8-9 hours
What's Included
Round-trip transportation from Kona & Waikoloa in a 4-wheel drive vehicle
Keepsake digital photos that you can share with friends & family
Insightful commentary from an experienced interpretive guide
Cold weather gear: cozy hooded parkas & gloves to borrow
Warm picnic dinner and hot beverages while you stargaze
Description
Mauna Kea Stargazing – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
Embark on the Mauna Kea Summit and Stars tour for an unforgettable journey to the summit of Hawaii’s highest peak to witness a breathtaking sunset and experience world-class stargazing. This Mauna Kea stargazing tour offers the perfect blend of adventure, science, and natural beauty.
Your Journey on the Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour
Your adventure begins mid-afternoon with a convenient pick-up from Kailua-Kona or Waikoloa. Then enjoy a scenic drive along the Saddle Road towards Mauna Kea volcano. As you make your way to the mountain, an expert guide will 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, then prepare for your ascent to the summit by putting on the provided parkas and gloves.
Sunset at the Mauna Kea Summit
With four-wheel drive engaged, your tour vehicle will climb to the summit at 13,796 feet, where you will witness one of the most awe-inspiring sunsets on Earth. The sky ignites in brilliant hues above the clouds, creating a surreal landscape. While at the summit, your Mauna Kea stargazing tour will pass by world-renowned observatories, such as Keck, Subaru, and Gemini, as they begin their nightly exploration of the cosmos.
Mauna Kea Stargazing
Following the sunset, your tour group will descend to a lower elevation. Here, the air is warmer, but the sky remains crystal clear. It will only take your guide a few minutes to set up the telescopes, and your stargazing experience will begin.
Using both an 11-inch Celestron optical telescope and a powerful Stellina digital telescope (to view deep space objects), your knowledgeable guide will lead you through a celestial journey, pointing out planets, galaxies, and constellations with high-powered green lasers.
You'll learn all about how the ancient Hawaiians used the stars to navigate, the many modern-day practical applications of astronomy, and how modern astronomy enriches our understanding of the universe.
Winter in Hawaii
Mauna Kea can receive snow in the winter months. Even in the summer, it gets cold on the summit when the sun goes down. Your guide will provide you with hot beverages and sweet treats to keep you warm as you take in the wonders above. Click here to read more about Mauna Kea and the Big Island's four other volcanoes!
Experience the magic of the best Mauna Kea stargazing tour and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Book your Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour today!
Videos
Know Before You Book
It gets very cold at night on the Mauna Kea stargazing tour. 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.
- Loaner parka and gloves are provided. Please wear close-toed shoes, warm socks, long pants, and long-sleeved 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 Mauna Kea 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 leggings or long pants, and a sweatshirt or sweater. Winter parkas and gloves are available to borrow.
Are any young children allowed on the tour?
No, children under 13 are not allowed on this tour.
Due to the high altitude, the Mauna Kea stargazing tour is not advised for those with respiratory, circulatory, or heart conditions, poor health, pregnant people, children under the age of 13, or any person who 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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