Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail
Highlights
The MOST AMAZING Tour ever - once in a life time
Overview
Big Island
5 - 9 hour(s) incl. transportation
Available Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat
Pick-up available
Dinner
What to expect
- How cold is it at the summit of Mauna Kea? The average temperature at Mauna Kea is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 Celsius.
- How many guests do you take up per night? Hawaii Forest & Trail permit allows for a maximum of 2 vehicles per night, and our vehicles carry a maximum of 12 passengers each.
- What kind of telescope is used for stargazing? Hawaii Forest & Trail utilizes an 11” Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope.
- Are children allowed on this tour? Children under 13 are not permitted on this tour due to altitude.
- Are guests allowed to go into the observatories? There are currently no observatories open to the public.
- Will there be snow on our trip? Snow is seasonal at Mauna Kea, with the heaviest snowfall occurring during the winter months.
- Can I join the tour from Hilo? No. This tour only departs from Kona & Waikoloa; If you are staying in Hilo, you can meet Hawaii Forest & Trail at the Maunakea Visitor Information Center.
• Witness a sunset at the summit of Mauna Kea: The most dramatic spectacle in Hawaii!
• Descend to a lower elevation after the sun sets and enjoy guided stargazing with lasers and an 11” Celestron telescope at Mauna Kea Visitor Center
• Duration: 7 - 8 hours
• Dinner menu (your choice of): a Southwest Style Chicken Stew or a Vegetarian Chili (gluten-free, vegan), served with a dinner roll.
Overview
Schedule
Pick-up from Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa & Maunakea Visitor Information Center
Enjoy a warm picnic dinner and learn about Hawaiian star navigation. The dinner location is either Gilbert Kahele Recreational Park or at the Maunakea Visitor Center area.

Ascend 13,800 feet above sea level for a sunset view unlike any other. Along the way you can see the many cone shaped craters that once spewed lava when Mauna Kea was last active, 4,500 years ago.

Delight in an awe-inspiring sunset at the top of Mauna Kea, the highest peak in the Pacific. At the heart of Big Island's observatories, above the clouds and surrounded by giant telescopes and volcanic craters, you'll feel like you're standing on top of the world.

Descend to 9,000 feet above sea level and watch the sky light up as the stars come out.

Sip hot drinks during your private star show at 9,000 feet elevation with an 11” Celestron telescope. Your personal guide will point out constellations and other celestial bodies.
Check-out & Drop-off
Pick-up from Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa & Maunakea Visitor Information Center
Enjoy a warm picnic dinner and learn about Hawaiian star navigation. The dinner location is either Gilbert Kahele Recreational Park or at the Maunakea Visitor Center area.

Ascend 13,800 feet above sea level for a sunset view unlike any other. Along the way you can see the many cone shaped craters that once spewed lava when Mauna Kea was last active, 4,500 years ago.

Delight in an awe-inspiring sunset at the top of Mauna Kea, the highest peak in the Pacific. At the heart of Big Island's observatories, above the clouds and surrounded by giant telescopes and volcanic craters, you'll feel like you're standing on top of the world.

Descend to 9,000 feet above sea level and watch the sky light up as the stars come out.

Sip hot drinks during your private star show at 9,000 feet elevation with an 11” Celestron telescope. Your personal guide will point out constellations and other celestial bodies.
Check-out & Drop-off
Pick-up from Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa & Maunakea Visitor Information Center
Enjoy a warm picnic dinner and learn about Hawaiian star navigation. The dinner location is either Gilbert Kahele Recreational Park or at the Maunakea Visitor Center area.

Ascend 13,800 feet above sea level for a sunset view unlike any other. Along the way you can see the many cone shaped craters that once spewed lava when Mauna Kea was last active, 4,500 years ago.

Delight in an awe-inspiring sunset at the top of Mauna Kea, the highest peak in the Pacific. At the heart of Big Island's observatories, above the clouds and surrounded by giant telescopes and volcanic craters, you'll feel like you're standing on top of the world.

Descend to 9,000 feet above sea level and watch the sky light up as the stars come out.

Sip hot drinks during your private star show at 9,000 feet elevation with an 11” Celestron telescope. Your personal guide will point out constellations and other celestial bodies.
Check-out & Drop-off
Pick-up from Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa & Maunakea Visitor Information Center
Enjoy a warm picnic dinner and learn about Hawaiian star navigation. The dinner location is either Gilbert Kahele Recreational Park or at the Maunakea Visitor Center area.

Ascend 13,800 feet above sea level for a sunset view unlike any other. Along the way you can see the many cone shaped craters that once spewed lava when Mauna Kea was last active, 4,500 years ago.

Delight in an awe-inspiring sunset at the top of Mauna Kea, the highest peak in the Pacific. At the heart of Big Island's observatories, above the clouds and surrounded by giant telescopes and volcanic craters, you'll feel like you're standing on top of the world.

Descend to 9,000 feet above sea level and watch the sky light up as the stars come out.

Sip hot drinks during your private star show at 9,000 feet elevation with an 11” Celestron telescope. Your personal guide will point out constellations and other celestial bodies.
Check-out & Drop-off
Pick-up from Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa & Maunakea Visitor Information Center
Enjoy a warm picnic dinner and learn about Hawaiian star navigation. The dinner location is either Gilbert Kahele Recreational Park or at the Maunakea Visitor Center area.

Ascend 13,800 feet above sea level for a sunset view unlike any other. Along the way you can see the many cone shaped craters that once spewed lava when Mauna Kea was last active, 4,500 years ago.

Delight in an awe-inspiring sunset at the top of Mauna Kea, the highest peak in the Pacific. At the heart of Big Island's observatories, above the clouds and surrounded by giant telescopes and volcanic craters, you'll feel like you're standing on top of the world.

Descend to 9,000 feet above sea level and watch the sky light up as the stars come out.

Sip hot drinks during your private star show at 9,000 feet elevation with an 11” Celestron telescope. Your personal guide will point out constellations and other celestial bodies.
Check-out & Drop-off
Pick-up from Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa & Maunakea Visitor Information Center
Enjoy a warm picnic dinner and learn about Hawaiian star navigation. The dinner location is either Gilbert Kahele Recreational Park or at the Maunakea Visitor Center area.

Ascend 13,800 feet above sea level for a sunset view unlike any other. Along the way you can see the many cone shaped craters that once spewed lava when Mauna Kea was last active, 4,500 years ago.

Delight in an awe-inspiring sunset at the top of Mauna Kea, the highest peak in the Pacific. At the heart of Big Island's observatories, above the clouds and surrounded by giant telescopes and volcanic craters, you'll feel like you're standing on top of the world.

Descend to 9,000 feet above sea level and watch the sky light up as the stars come out.

Sip hot drinks during your private star show at 9,000 feet elevation with an 11” Celestron telescope. Your personal guide will point out constellations and other celestial bodies.
Check-out & Drop-off
Pick-up from Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa & Maunakea Visitor Information Center
Enjoy a warm picnic dinner and learn about Hawaiian star navigation. The dinner location is either Gilbert Kahele Recreational Park or at the Maunakea Visitor Center area.

Ascend 13,800 feet above sea level for a sunset view unlike any other. Along the way you can see the many cone shaped craters that once spewed lava when Mauna Kea was last active, 4,500 years ago.

Delight in an awe-inspiring sunset at the top of Mauna Kea, the highest peak in the Pacific. At the heart of Big Island's observatories, above the clouds and surrounded by giant telescopes and volcanic craters, you'll feel like you're standing on top of the world.

Descend to 9,000 feet above sea level and watch the sky light up as the stars come out.

Sip hot drinks during your private star show at 9,000 feet elevation with an 11” Celestron telescope. Your personal guide will point out constellations and other celestial bodies.
Check-out & Drop-off
Transportation add-ons
Location
Pick-up/Check-in Time & Location
Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location
Location
Start time :

13:15-14:15
- Front Entrance

13:15-14:15
- Wait at the benches near the parking lot & parking guard shack (not at the hotel entrance)

13:15-14:15
- Front Entrance

13:15-14:15

13:15-14:15
- In front of Charlie's Thai Restaurant

13:15-14:15
- Park near Rocko's Country Cookin' Restaurant & meet the guide at the curbside by the vacant lot

13:30-14:30
- Front Entrance

13:30-14:30
- Wait at the benches near the parking lot & parking guard shack (not at the hotel entrance)

13:30-14:30
- Front Entrance

13:30-14:30

13:30-14:30
- In front of Charlie's Thai Restaurant

13:30-14:30
- Park near Rocko's Country Cookin' Restaurant & meet the guide at the curbside by the vacant lot

13:45-14:45
- Front Entrance

13:45-14:45
- Wait at the benches near the parking lot & parking guard shack (not at the hotel entrance)

13:45-14:45
- Front Entrance

13:45-14:45

13:45-14:45
- In front of Charlie's Thai Restaurant

13:45-14:45
- Park near Rocko's Country Cookin' Restaurant & meet the guide at the curbside by the vacant lot

14:00-15:00
- Front Entrance

14:00-15:00
- Wait at the benches near the parking lot & parking guard shack (not at the hotel entrance)

14:00-15:00
- Front Entrance

14:00-15:00

14:00-15:00
- In front of Charlie's Thai Restaurant

14:00-15:00
- Park near Rocko's Country Cookin' Restaurant & meet the guide at the curbside by the vacant lot

14:15-15:15
- Front Entrance

14:15-15:15
- Wait at the benches near the parking lot & parking guard shack (not at the hotel entrance)

14:15-15:15
- Front Entrance

14:15-15:15

14:15-15:15
- In front of Charlie's Thai Restaurant

14:15-15:15
- Park near Rocko's Country Cookin' Restaurant & meet the guide at the curbside by the vacant lot

14:30-15:30
- Front Entrance

14:30-15:30
- Wait at the benches near the parking lot & parking guard shack (not at the hotel entrance)

14:30-15:30
- Front Entrance

14:30-15:30

14:30-15:30
- In front of Charlie's Thai Restaurant

14:30-15:30
- Park near Rocko's Country Cookin' Restaurant & meet the guide at the curbside by the vacant lot

14:45-15:45
- Front Entrance

14:45-15:45
- Wait at the benches near the parking lot & parking guard shack (not at the hotel entrance)

14:45-15:45
- Front Entrance

14:45-15:45

14:45-15:45
- In front of Charlie's Thai Restaurant

14:45-15:45
- Park near Rocko's Country Cookin' Restaurant & meet the guide at the curbside by the vacant lot
Location, direction and description
-
If you would like to be picked up from the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, please meet us at the benches nearest the parking lot & parking guard shack (not at the hotel entrance) and allow a 15 minute window for your driver to arrive. Please be on time as these pick ups determine when we start our tours. Your guide will provide your $5.00 parking validation at pick-up. The parking fee is to be paid directly to the hotel when you retrieve your vehicle at the end of tour. Mahalo!
Start time :

19:00-22:00
- Front Entrance

19:00-22:00
- Wait at the benches near the parking lot & parking guard shack (not at the hotel entrance)

19:00-22:00
- Front Entrance

19:00-22:00

19:00-22:00
- In front of Charlie's Thai Restaurant

19:00-22:00
- Park near Rocko's Country Cookin' Restaurant & meet the guide at the curbside by the vacant lot

19:15-22:15
- Front Entrance

19:15-22:15
- Wait at the benches near the parking lot & parking guard shack (not at the hotel entrance)

19:15-22:15
- Front Entrance

19:15-22:15

19:15-22:15
- In front of Charlie's Thai Restaurant

19:15-22:15
- Park near Rocko's Country Cookin' Restaurant & meet the guide at the curbside by the vacant lot

19:30-22:30
- Front Entrance

19:30-22:30
- Wait at the benches near the parking lot & parking guard shack (not at the hotel entrance)

19:30-22:30
- Front Entrance

19:30-22:30

19:30-22:30
- In front of Charlie's Thai Restaurant

19:30-22:30
- Park near Rocko's Country Cookin' Restaurant & meet the guide at the curbside by the vacant lot

19:45-22:45
- Front Entrance

19:45-22:45
- Wait at the benches near the parking lot & parking guard shack (not at the hotel entrance)

19:45-22:45
- Front Entrance

19:45-22:45

19:45-22:45
- In front of Charlie's Thai Restaurant

19:45-22:45
- Park near Rocko's Country Cookin' Restaurant & meet the guide at the curbside by the vacant lot

20:00-23:00
- Front Entrance

20:00-23:00
- Wait at the benches near the parking lot & parking guard shack (not at the hotel entrance)

20:00-23:00
- Front Entrance

20:00-23:00

20:00-23:00
- In front of Charlie's Thai Restaurant

20:00-23:00
- Park near Rocko's Country Cookin' Restaurant & meet the guide at the curbside by the vacant lot

20:15-23:15
- Front Entrance

20:15-23:15
- Wait at the benches near the parking lot & parking guard shack (not at the hotel entrance)

20:15-23:15
- Front Entrance

20:15-23:15

20:15-23:15
- In front of Charlie's Thai Restaurant

20:15-23:15
- Park near Rocko's Country Cookin' Restaurant & meet the guide at the curbside by the vacant lot

20:30-23:30
- Front Entrance

20:30-23:30
- Wait at the benches near the parking lot & parking guard shack (not at the hotel entrance)

20:30-23:30
- Front Entrance

20:30-23:30

20:30-23:30
- In front of Charlie's Thai Restaurant

20:30-23:30
- Park near Rocko's Country Cookin' Restaurant & meet the guide at the curbside by the vacant lot
Important activity information
Important activity information
Restrictions
- If less than 4 participants are booked, the activity may not operate.
- Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. You will sometimes encounter cool, wet or muddy conditions.
- Because of high altitude this tour is not advised for those with respiratory, circulatory or heart conditions, pregnancy or poor health.
- Children under 13 years are NOT allowed on this tour.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Tour van is not equipped with a lift or room for wheelchairs so some mobility with assistance is necessary to enter and exit the vehicle. Some terrains visited may not be paved, so wheelchair access is limited.
- You may not participate within twenty-four (24) hours of scuba diving due to the high risk of decompression sickness.
Other requirements
- Please call the activity provider the day before to reconfirm your booking. Your voucher has the necessary contact information listed.
Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)
- You can book a maximum of 12.
Required items to bring & attire
- Closed toe shoes
- Long pants
- Jackets
Additional notes
- The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
- The menu is subject to change without notice.
- Gratuity is not included in the price.
Important activity information
- If less than 4 participants are booked, the activity may not operate.
- Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. You will sometimes encounter cool, wet or muddy conditions.
- Because of high altitude this tour is not advised for those with respiratory, circulatory or heart conditions, pregnancy or poor health.
- Children under 13 years are NOT allowed on this tour.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Tour van is not equipped with a lift or room for wheelchairs so some mobility with assistance is necessary to enter and exit the vehicle. Some terrains visited may not be paved, so wheelchair access is limited.
- You may not participate within twenty-four (24) hours of scuba diving due to the high risk of decompression sickness.
- Closed toe shoes
- Long pants
- Jackets
- Please call the activity provider the day before to reconfirm your booking. Your voucher has the necessary contact information listed.
- The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
- The menu is subject to change without notice.
- Gratuity is not included in the price.
- You can book a maximum of 12.
Important activity information
- If less than 4 participants are booked, the activity may not operate.
- Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. You will sometimes encounter cool, wet or muddy conditions.
- Because of high altitude this tour is not advised for those with respiratory, circulatory or heart conditions, pregnancy or poor health.
- Children under 13 years are NOT allowed on this tour.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Tour van is not equipped with a lift or room for wheelchairs so some mobility with assistance is necessary to enter and exit the vehicle. Some terrains visited may not be paved, so wheelchair access is limited.
- You may not participate within twenty-four (24) hours of scuba diving due to the high risk of decompression sickness.
- Closed toe shoes
- Long pants
- Jackets
- Please call the activity provider the day before to reconfirm your booking. Your voucher has the necessary contact information listed.
- The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
- The menu is subject to change without notice.
- Gratuity is not included in the price.
- You can book a maximum of 12.
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Activity Provider Hawaii Forest & Trail (Big Island)
Activity Provider
FAQ
Payment / Cancellation Policy
- Credit card payment
-
- Any cancellations made after 15:00 local time, 3 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
- Any changes made after 15:00 local time, 3 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. This includes, but not limited to, change of the activity date/ time, package, the number of participants, etc.
- Everyday
Payment / Cancellation Policy
Payment Methods
- Credit card payment
Cancellation Policy
- Any cancellations made after 15:00 local time, 3 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
Change Policy
- Any changes made after 15:00 local time, 3 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. This includes, but not limited to, change of the activity date/ time, package, the number of participants, etc.
FAQ
Will we get to look through the big telescopes on Mauna Kea?
No one is allowed into the observatory. But you will watch the sunset in front of the observatory. Star gazing is done with telescopes that we bring along.
Will there be any health risks linked to going up Mauna Kea?
Yes, there are a few health risks since you will be at 14,000-foot altitude and at that height there are low oxygen levels and the possibility of altitude sickness. Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to the summit.
What will we see on this tour?
This tour includes the picture perfect Hawaiian sunset, amazing stargazing opportunities, and even a possibility of seeing snow in sunny Hawaii!
How far in advance should I book this activity?
We recommend booking at least 3 weeks in advance. If you have very specific schedule requirements and are not flexible, please book sooner. Last-minute bookings are often possible, but availability is limited.
How cold does it get on Mauna Kea?
Average temperatures can reach 32° Fahrenheit or 0° Celsius.
Does volcanic activity from Kilauea affect visibility?
No. Mauna Kea is so high up that visibility is rarely affected. At the summit of Mauna Kea, you'll even be above most cloud formations.
Please visit VELTRA Support page to send an inquiry about this activity.
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Please reduce items in the list.
- If less than 4 participants are booked, the activity may not operate.
- Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. You will sometimes encounter cool, wet or muddy conditions.
- Because of high altitude this tour is not advised for those with respiratory, circulatory or heart conditions, pregnancy or poor health.
- Children under 13 years are NOT allowed on this tour.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Tour van is not equipped with a lift or room for wheelchairs so some mobility with assistance is necessary to enter and exit the vehicle. Some terrains visited may not be paved, so wheelchair access is limited.
- You may not participate within twenty-four (24) hours of scuba diving due to the high risk of decompression sickness.
- Closed toe shoes
- Long pants
- Jackets
- Please call the activity provider the day before to reconfirm your booking. Your voucher has the necessary contact information listed.
- The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
- The menu is subject to change without notice.
- Gratuity is not included in the price.
- You can book a maximum of 12.
Activity date *
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Quantity *
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STEP 1Book one (1) select tour or activity
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STEP 2Receive a coupon upon confirmation
- STEP 3Book another activity, and use the coupon for a discount!
Coupon Participation Period:
- Valid for one (1) booking per account during the designated promotional period.
- Cannot be used on the same activity on the same date and time as the first activity, or applied to activities that have already been booked.