Mauna Kea Summit Adventures | Book Big Island Tours, Activities & Things to Do with HawaiiActivities.com
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Mauna Kea Summit Adventures & Stars

4.78
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.

Top-Rated Activities for Big Island

Latest reviews of Mauna Kea Summit Adventures & Stars

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Our Driver was 95 out of 100

2024/09/23 Families OSAMU M.

It was our 2nd time at the summit after 14 years with your company and we were more concerned about the summit weather due to last time it was so windy and cold to stay outside of the car.

But, the weather this time t... more

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

Unforgettable experience

2024/09/11 Couples David D

Todd, our guide, was great. Great driving up the steep dirt road. Great info about the geology, topography, observatories, constellations and more. Engaging, informative. All the other details too - nice sandwich, ho... more

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Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

AMAZING!!!

2024/09/06 Friends Leigh

God’s amazing creativity seen through volcanic activity and celestial bodies. Truly an experience you won’t forget. Maka was the best. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Be forewarned that if you have altitude problems, y... more

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

Nice experience

2024/09/03 Couples Rahul

Guide was very informative and friendly. I recommend this trip.

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Exceeded our wildest expectations

2024/08/26 Couples Martin

I'm embarrassed to say that I balked a little at first at the cost of this tour. Let me tell you, 15 minutes into the tour it felt like a total bargain.

The van was super comfortable and clean. We were running a lit... more

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Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Mauna Kea Summit Stargazing tour

2024/08/19 Couples Jana

Wow! What an amazing experience. We were so glad we took this tour instead of attempting this ourselves. It was beyond our wildest dreams, like leaving earth and visiting Mars. Just incredible. Our tour guide, Arthur, wa... 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.