Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Embark on an unforgettable journey and go stargazing at the top of Mauna Kea with the expert guides from Nature School and Hawaiian Eyes Tour. Your evening starts with a convenient pick-up from Target in Kona or Queens’ Market Place in Waikoloa. Sit back and relax on a scenic drive in comfortable vans, stopping at Mauna Kea Visitor Center for a picnic-style dinner to acclimate to the altitude. Then, venture to the summit to witness the Mauna Kea observatories and the impressive telescope structures up close. Marvel at a breathtaking sunset before your expert guide treats you to a captivating stargazing session at an altitude of 3,600-3,700 m using astronomical telescopes and a laser pen.

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Why do travelers choose this tour?

Mauna Kea is one of Hawaii's top attractions, considered sacred Hawaiian grounds. Few people worldwide will ever have the special chance to visit the tallest mountain on the planet. Visiting Mauna Kea is one of the top things to do in Hawaii! Only few people in the world will ever have the special chance to visit the tallest mountain on the planet. 

Planning a trip to Mauna Kea on your own can take time and a lot of research. The drive up to the summit is challenging and requires an experienced driver and a suitable 4x4 vehicle to navigate through rough terrain and switchbacks. Booking a guided tour takes away the hassle of driving, giving you the chance to unwind, soak in the storytelling, and delve into Hawaiian culture and heritage on these sacred lands.

Mauna Kea is renowned as one of the most spectacular spots on Earth for stargazing. As the sun sets and the sky turns into a dark canvas, get ready to be captivated by the shining stars that light up the night sky. Also, you can gaze through powerful telescopes from an elevation of over 3,600-3,700 meters above sea level!

The tour includes all you will need to enjoy your evening:

• Transportation from central locations in Kona and Waikoloa
• Comfortable tour vans with ample space
• English speaking guide
• Snow jackets, pants and gloves
• Bottled water and Hot Drinks
• BLT or Veggie sandwich
• Oxygen cylinder (Emergency use only)
• Astronomical telescope and guided stargazing
• Admission fee for Maunakea summit

How does it work?

• Pick-up: Get picked-up from Target in Kona or Queens’ Market Place in Waikoloa and drive to Mauna Kea.
• Stop at Visitor Information Station - Onizuka Center The first stop is at the Onizuka Visitor Center, located at an altitude of 2,800m. Guests will enjoy a light meal (BLT or Veggie sandwich) while acclimate to the elevation. You will have the chance to use the restroom and change to winter clothes during the stop.
• Mauna Kea Summit & Sunset (60 minutes): The 13,000 feet (4,200m) high summit of Mauna Kea is one of the most sacred places in Big Island Hawaii. It is also the tallest volcano in the world and provides the perfect spot for watching the sunset in Hawaii. Your guide will capture photos of you during the sunset.
• The Mauna Kea Observatories are located on the summit with the world's largest observatory with 13 telescopes operated by 11 different countries. Since there is less light and dust pollution way up at the top of the world, the air clarity and other favorable conditions make Mauna Kea Summit the best location for stargazing in the world!
• Stargazing experience at Mauna KeaGaze at the stars, constellations, and planets from an altitude of 3,600-3,700 m (or 2,800 m based on weather conditions). The guide will unravel the mysteries of the night sky using a reflective telescope and laser pen. Sip on a hot drink as you soak in the cosmic wonders. And to cap off the stargazing adventure, they will capture a memorable photo of you under the starlit sky!

Local expert tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes. Long pants, a heavy sweater or jacket is highly recommended as the weather is extremely cold at night at the summit and temperatures can drop below freezing at any time of year with the wind chill factor.
• Depending on the weather, you may not be able to reach the summit of Mauna Kea. If the gate is closed due to bad weather during the tour, you will watch the sunset at the foot of Mauna Kea (around 2000m) or the beach, and observe the starry sky at the foot of Mauna Kea (around 2000m)
• Participants must be older than 16 years old or younger than 70 years old.
• No scuba diving within 24 hours before your tour date to avoid decompression sickness.
• Not recommended for expectant mothers or guests with heart or respiratory problems.