Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail
Coupon
4.59
81 reviews
Highlights
Delight in the awe-inspiring Hawaiian sunset at Mauna Kea summit
After a picnic-style dinner, enjoy a narrated stargazing at the Mauna Kea Visitor Center
Learn about Hawaiian star navigation and historical accounts of early travelers
Sells out fast! Advanced reservations are highly recommended
Convenient pick-up locations from Kona, Waikoloa & Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station
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The MOST AMAZING Tour ever - once in a life time
2025/01/20
Couples
Bob and Rita
I would not change one thing about this tour. It exceeded our expectations. the communication before the experience was excellent. Jason was an exceptional guide - so attentive! He is an expert in astronomy and Hawaiian history which we greatly enjoyed. He had a great telescope and a cool machine that takes pictures of celestial objects in the sky that he EVEN EMAILED TO US LATER! Just wow! The chicken stew was delicious too! An overall amazing, once in a lifetime experience. Thank you! Rita and Bob
Overview
Big Island
5 - 9 hour(s) incl. transportation
Available Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat
Pick-up available
Dinner
15783
50107
Coupons
What to expect
Explore Big Island's number one attraction, the Mauna Kea summit for sunset. After a beautiful sunset descend to a lower elevation more suitable for a narrated stargazing tour and prepare to be amazed as the night sky lights up with glittering stars.
Check availability
Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure
Total:
Price per Adult/Child :
Adult/Child (Age 13 & over)
USD 313.09
Total:
Adult/Child (Age 13 & over)
USD 313.09
Price per Adult/Child :
• 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
Afternoon
5 - 9 hour(s)
Available Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat
With pick-up
Dinner
Inclusions: Dinner / Warm clothing / Hooded parkas / Warm gloves / Guide / Water / Hot Tea
Schedule
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Start time :
13:15-14:15
Pick-up from Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa & Maunakea Visitor Information Center
Dinner (1 hr)
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.
Drive to Summit of Mauna Kea (45 mins)
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.
Sunset Viewing (30 mins)
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 Visitor's Station (30 mins)
Descend to 9,000 feet above sea level and watch the sky light up as the stars come out.
Stargazing on Mauna Kea (45 mins)
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.
Free time at Visitor Center (15 mins)
19:00-22:00
Check-out & Drop-off
Location
Pick-up/Check-in Time & Location
Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location
Location
Start time :
Pick-up time & location
13:15-14:15
Four Seasons Resort Hawaii At Hualalai
- Front Entrance
13:15-14:15
King Kamehameha Courtyard Marriott Hotel
- Wait at the benches near the parking lot & parking guard shack (not at the hotel entrance)
13:15-14:15
Kona Village Resort
- Front Entrance
13:15-14:15
Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station
13:15-14:15
Queens Marketplace - Waikoloa
- In front of Charlie's Thai Restaurant
13:15-14:15
Waikoloa Plaza Shopping Center
- 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 :
Drop-off time & location
19:00-22:00
Four Seasons Resort Hawaii At Hualalai
- Front Entrance
19:00-22:00
King Kamehameha Courtyard Marriott Hotel
- Wait at the benches near the parking lot & parking guard shack (not at the hotel entrance)
19:00-22:00
Kona Village Resort
- Front Entrance
19:00-22:00
Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station
19:00-22:00
Queens Marketplace - Waikoloa
- In front of Charlie's Thai Restaurant
19:00-22:00
Waikoloa Plaza Shopping Center
- Park near Rocko's Country Cookin' Restaurant & meet the guide at the curbside by the vacant lot
Important activity information
To ensure the best experience, please read the restrictions and requirements before booking.
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.
Traveler's photos
See all (37)Reviews
Activity Provider Hawaii Forest & Trail (Big Island)
Activity Provider
FAQ
Q. Will we get to look through the big telescopes on Mauna Kea?
A. 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.
Q. Will there be any health risks linked to going up Mauna Kea?
A. 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.
Q. What will we see on this tour?
A. This tour includes the picture perfect Hawaiian sunset, amazing stargazing opportunities, and even a possibility of seeing snow in sunny Hawaii!
Q. How far in advance should I book this activity?
A. 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.
Q. How cold does it get on Mauna Kea?
A. Average temperatures can reach 32° Fahrenheit or 0° Celsius.
Q. Does volcanic activity from Kilauea affect visibility?
A. 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.
Payment / Cancellation Policy
Payment Methods
- Credit card payment
-
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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.
Operation days
- Everyday
Payment / Cancellation Policy
Payment Methods
- Credit card payment
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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.
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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.
Required items to bring & attire
- Closed toe shoes
- Long pants
- Jackets
Other requirements
- Please call the activity provider the day before to reconfirm your booking. Your voucher has the necessary contact information listed.
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.
Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)
- You can book a maximum of 12.
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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Hawaii Forest & Trail
Explore Big Island's number one attraction, the Mauna Kea summit for sunset. After a beautiful sunset descend to a lower elevation more suitable for a narrated stargazing tour and prepare to be amazed as the night sky lights up with glittering stars.
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