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Top 10 Best Things to Do Big Island

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures

4.79
(258)
The often snow-capped Mauna Kea stands as the tallest mountain in Hawaii and is considered the tallest mountain in the world when measured from the sea floor to summit. Traverse its cinder peaks for spectacular views and unparalleled stargazing opportunities. Stare deep into the expansive universe as you sip on delicious warming beverages and take in the crisp, sacred, and unforgettable surroundings of this spectacularly cold Hawaiian wonderland.
FAQs for Visiting Mauna Kea

Hours of Operation: Open daily from 9:00am - 10:00pm (Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station)
Due to renovations, the visitor center will close at 5:00pm starting December 9th. Construction is expected to last 6 months.

When should I go stargazing? - The best time for stargazing on Mauna Kea is on a clear and moonless night.
What else can I do on Mauna Kea? - Things to do at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station include watching videos, shopping at the First Light Bookstore, stopping by the silversword garden, picnicking, hiking to the top of Pu'u Kalepeamoa, and viewing the Sun through a solar telescope.
What are conditions like at the summit? - Bring a warm jacket! The average temperature at the summit of Mauna Kea is 30°F (-1°C) and high wind conditions are common.
Does the peak get crowded? - The busiest time to visit Mauna Kea is between 30 minutes before sunset to 1.5 hours after sunset. Parking and space at the visitor station during this time will be limited.
Can I drive myself up the mountain? - The access road to the summit, above the visitor center, is steep graded-gravel and will require a 4WD vehicle with low range.
Is it safe to climb to the summit? - The area is safe for any healthy adult, though some may be affected by altitude sickness. Due to high altitudes and low oxygen levels, pregnant women, children under 16 years of age, those with a history of respiratory or heart problems, high blood pressure, obese persons (40+ BMI), and those who have been scuba diving within 24 hours should not travel beyond the visitor center.

Tours visiting Mauna Kea depart from Kona, Waikoloa and Kohala areas. No Hilo area departures are currently available.

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Latest reviews of Mauna Kea Summit Adventures

Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

ABSOLUTE RECOMMENDATION!

2023/09/17 Couples Annet & Jeroen; NL

Excellent tour with SUPER tour guide, Kailikea! Full service , including tasty meal, excellent transportation, LOTS of very interesting information on Hawaii, the stars at night, Hawaiian Culture and History. Absolute re... more

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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Must do experience on Big Island!!!

2023/08/16 Families Dave T.

Our tour guide Addison was awesome. Excellent in setting tour expectations and safety guidelines from the start. His knowledge of Hawaiian history, culture, volcanology, and astronomy was impressive. VIP treatment. Don’t... more

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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Beautiful!

2023/08/13 Couples Vanessa V

Fernando was our tour guide and he was great. We had the perfect weather. Its was an amazing experience! Definitely need the parka even though it was August. It was 44 degrees at the top and got colder after the sun set... more

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Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour Experience with Free Professional Photos - Epic Tours

Loved this evening

2023/07/31 Friends Kara

Our photos were nothing short of amazing. Thank you to the Epic team for this epic tour!!!!

Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Great experience

2023/07/30 Families with Young Children Stefan

We took the tour yesterday. It was a great experience which I can absolutely recommend. Worth mentioning is in particular the star gazing with the expert explanations of our guide.

Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

Educational and entertaining

2023/07/29 Families Heather P.

If you're looking for an experience where you are cared for, entertained, and learn more about this island, look no further. It was a day full of sight-seeing, history, and stimulation. This company has put time into t... more

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Mauna Kea Summit Adventures | Book Big Island Tours, Activities & Things to Do with HawaiiActivities.com
The often snow-capped Mauna Kea stands as the tallest mountain in Hawaii and is considered the tallest mountain in the world when measured from the sea floor to summit. Traverse its cinder peaks for spectacular views and unparalleled stargazing opportunities. Stare deep into the expansive universe as you sip on delicious warming beverages and take in the crisp, sacred, and unforgettable surroundings of this spectacularly cold Hawaiian wonderland.