Page 16) Things to Do in Big Island in 2026 – Tours & Activities | HawaiiActivities.com

All Reviews for Waimea in Big Island

Overall Rating

4.66 4.66 / 5

Reviews

1349 reviews

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

Enchanting Evening!!

Reviewed by: Neena Samant

What an evening!
The whole experience from booking to drop off at was seamless. The guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic to share his knowledge. He also gave an idea of the Big Island’s topography.
The main attraction is worth the money and the time you will spend. We went in a clear day and the sunset was spectacular. The guide gave a fantastic guided tour of the telescopes, the sky, the stars and the constellations.
He patiently took pictures of all the tourists and I’m immediately airdropped them.
In all a must do trip. Big shout out to the guide.

  • Lovely Sundays!

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/08/13
Activity Date: 2022/07/19

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

Awe Inspiring

Reviewed by: Adam

This was a great trip, seeing the views from 13,000 feet, watching the sunset above the clouds, and the star gazing with a knowledgeable guide, all made for an awesome trip.

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/08/11
Activity Date: 2022/08/09

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

Manua Kea and star gazing

Reviewed by: Chris Fischer

Wes and his partner did an awesome job. Wes was very professional and gave alot of information about the tour and the history of Hawaii. His partner is an amazing photographer. I would highly recommend this tour company

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2022/07/26
Activity Date: 2022/07/24

マウナケア山頂夕陽と星空観測ツアー ガイド撮影の一眼カメラ写真を無料ご提供!<夕食付き/英語ガイド>by マサシネイチャースクール

I was moved by the incredibly beautiful starry sky that gave me goosebumps. 鳥肌が立つ程綺麗な星空に感動しました。

Reviewed by: さとりさ

This experience is hard to express in words. I definitely want you to see the sunset and the starry sky with your own eyes. The staff were great at explaining things, kind, funny, skilled at taking photos, and very helpful when I needed assistance. Thank you for a wonderful and enjoyable memory.

この感動は言葉ではなかなか言い表せません。是非サンセット&満天の星を自分の目で見てほしいです。そしてスタッフさんは説明が上手い、優しい、面白い、写真が上手い、困った時に親切に対応してくれる素敵な方々でした。とても楽しい思い出をありがとうございました。

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Rating:
Packages: 基本プラン ※2023年3月までのご参加
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2022/07/19
Activity Date: 2022/07/17

マウナケア山頂夕陽と星空観測ツアー ガイド撮影の一眼カメラ写真を無料ご提供!<夕食付き/英語ガイド>by マサシネイチャースクール

It was good. 良かったです

Reviewed by: 平成の文豪

The staff were really kind. It’s a tour that is friendly to Japanese people as well. I learned a lot about constellations. I would like to use this service again.

スタッフさんが本当に親切でした。日本人にも優しいツアーです。星座についてすごく詳しくなりました。また利用したいです。

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Rating:
Packages: 基本プラン ※2023年3月までのご参加
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/07/11
Activity Date: 2022/07/09

マウナケア山頂夕陽と星空観測ツアー ガイド撮影の一眼カメラ写真を無料ご提供!<夕食付き/英語ガイド>by マサシネイチャースクール

The best Mauna Kea tour. 最高のマウナケアツアー

Reviewed by: マウナケア

A 7-hour tour from 3 PM to 10 PM.
3:00 PM Pickup at the Target parking lot
Visitor Center
(Get your dinner sandwich at your own timing)
Telescopes from various countries
Sunset
Explanation of the night sky and constellations
10:00 PM End at the Target parking lot

A tour that allows you to fully enjoy your travel day to the Big Island.
Due to the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic, Japanese tourists stopped coming, and they switched to English tours in 2019. However, the guide was Japanese, so if you have any questions during the several breaks, you can ask in Japanese and they will kindly explain. The guide engages with you. I was able to properly learn about the constellations for the first time. It was fun.

15時から22時までの7時間のツアー。
15:00 ターゲットの駐車場でピックアップ
   ビジターセンター
   (夕食のサンドイッチを自分の
   タイミングでもらう)
   各国の望遠鏡
   サンセット
   星空と星座の説明
22:00ターゲットの駐車場で終了

ハワイ島への移動日をフルに楽しめるツアー
武漢コロナパンデミックで日本人が来なくなって、2019年に英語ツアーに変えたそうです。ただしガイドは日本人だったので、わからなかったところは途中休憩が数回あるので、その際に日本語で聞けば丁寧に教えてもらえます。ガイドが話しかけてくれる。星座の説明はじめてちゃんと教えてもらえた。楽しかった。

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Packages: 基本プラン ※2023年3月までのご参加
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/06/13
Activity Date: 2022/06/11

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

Go see the telescopes

Reviewed by: Polly

Stefan is a cool guide and got us safely up and down Mauna Kea. It was very cold so I appreciated the ski pants as I came with my own gear and it wasn't enough. The night we ascended was very cloudy so unfortunately no stargazing for us but I mainly wanted to see the telescopes and that was otherworldly. Stefan gave some interesting facts about the telescopes that was appreciated and we got lucky to speak with one of the NASA scientists while up there. There was no rush and we were allotted plenty of time to take pictures and take breaks as the altitude will creep up on you. We were told we'd be refunded $100 for the cloudy skies and I received the refund a couple days later. The sandwich wasn't the best but it was appreciated while up there.

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Posted on: 2022/05/29
Activity Date: 2022/05/18

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

Wonderful experience

Reviewed by: LJLW

This was a fantastic tour to the Summit. Stephan, tour guide, was very knowledgeable and accommodating. He even took pics for us on his own camera to share with us. This is not to be missed when you are on the Big Island. Highly recommend!

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/05/08
Activity Date: 2022/04/28

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

Outstanding!!

Reviewed by: Ibtihale

I had an incredible time discovering the beauty of Mauna Kea! Mr.Aoki and Wes were very nice and knowledgable. They made us feel so comfortable with the very warm jackets and their kind hospitality. I enjoyed seeing the stars ⭐️ and learning about the constellations and sipping on hot coco;) the best coco I’ve had♥️ Thank you!!!

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2022/04/28
Activity Date: 2022/04/11

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

Truly an out-of-this-world experience!

Reviewed by: Jaime

I’ll start off by saying our guide, Hiro, was excellent. From start to finish he showed that he was very knowledgeable about the subject at hand and proved to be very courteous towards everyone in the group. The veggie sandwiches that he brought along for us were surprisingly delicious.

The trip itself was amazing and truly a once in a lifetime experience. Naturally I was a little anxious at first considering the high altitude but our tour guide was sure to explain everything in detail and was very considerate. That helped ease my tension a bit.

The day that we left the weather proved to be in our favor and we managed to encapsulate all that this trip had set out to be from the start. The view from the summit was amazing and when we went down to s t a r g a z e once the sun fell the energy from the group was electric.

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Posted on: 2022/04/09
Activity Date: 2022/03/20

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

Mauna Kea summit

Reviewed by: RAJ

Great experience. Our tour guide Shoyo was amazing. The tour started and ended on time. It gets very cold at the summit and we were provided jackets and mittens. Hot cocoa and sandwiches were yum.

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Posted on: 2022/03/21
Activity Date: 2022/03/13

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

Amazing views!

Reviewed by: Jill & Shane

Shawn was our tour guide and he was amazing! Knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, and fun. He makes sure everyone is safe and gets the most out of the experience. I would highly recommend this company, and will definitely request Shawn for our next trip to the summit. The guides from the other group with your company were awesome too! You guys have a great bunch of people working for you.

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/03/10
Activity Date: 2022/03/08

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

Well worth it and would do again!

Reviewed by: Grace

Shawn was the best tour guide! It seemed like the entire 8 hours passed in a flash. From pickup onward, Shawn made sure that all guests were comfortable each time and told entertaining and engaging stories the entire time. The drive up the summit was super smooth, and I loved all of the photos! The stargazing took place at a secluded and clear location just below the summit and was accompanied by a funny, expert discussion on how and where to find all of the stars. Finally, loved all of the local food recommendations and super excited to try as many as possible this time as well as in future trips. The highlight of my trip this year!

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Posted on: 2022/03/03
Activity Date: 2022/03/01

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

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour - Amazing!!

Reviewed by: Jeremy

Not only did we go to the top of the mountain and see the observatories in a beautiful sunset, We also had an amazing stargazing tour with a very knowledgeable guide. I recommend this to her for anyone who's interested in the stars or a beautiful sunset. Go do it!!

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/03/02
Activity Date: 2022/02/28

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

Amazing experience!

Reviewed by: Adrienne F

This was the PERFECT way to experience Mauna Kea. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and made the experience so incredible. Can’t recommend enough!

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2022/02/23
Activity Date: 2022/02/17

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

Once in a lifetime tour

Reviewed by: Mconway

The view of the sunset was amazing, the history, information and stargazing that Hiro provided was a priceless. The drive up to Mauna Kea was pleasant and Hiro’s local tips on where to go and local places to eat was great. The journey up the dirt road was not stressful at all with Hiro’s safe and expert driving. Our time at the summit was amazing the photos Hiro took were both amazing and entertaining. On our way down we were provided with a stargazing lesson. Hiro showed his passion for teaching the stars even though there was a full moon that washed out some of the constellations. We would definitely recommend this tour over driving it yourself or other tour companies that don’t offer the same uniqueness that Hiro provided.

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/02/05
Activity Date: 2022/01/16

マウナケア山頂夕陽と星空観測ツアー ガイド撮影の一眼カメラ写真を無料ご提供!<夕食付き/英語ガイド>by マサシネイチャースクール

Due to the bad weather, I couldn't see both the sunset and the starry sky. What a shame. 天候不順で夕陽と星空、両方見れませんでした。残念。

Reviewed by: メインランド

At the end of December, during a season with a lot of rain. It's unavoidable due to the weather, but we went up to the summit, saw the observatory building from the outside, enjoyed the snowy scenery, and then descended. We returned a few hours earlier than the scheduled tour time.

However, the guide Hiroshi who accompanied us on the tour was very kind, and I would like to challenge myself again next time with him.

12月の終わり近くで、雨の多いシーズン。天候のせいなので、仕方が無いですが、山頂に上がり、外部より、観測所の建物を見、雪景色を見て下山となりました。予定のツアー時間より、数時間早い戻りとなりました。
しかしながら、ツアーに同行してくれた、ガイドのひろしさんは、大変親切で、次回、又、彼の同行でチャレンジしたいと思います。

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Rating:
Packages: 基本プラン ※2023年3月までのご参加
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/01/11
Activity Date: 2021/12/28

マウナケア山頂夕陽と星空観測ツアー ガイド撮影の一眼カメラ写真を無料ご提供!<夕食付き/英語ガイド>by マサシネイチャースクール

After the bad weather 悪天候の末に

Reviewed by: しのみ

The originally scheduled day was canceled due to bad weather, but fortunately, I was able to rebook for a day with available spots. The staff was very kind during the rebooking process. The scenery was beautiful, and the guide was very knowledgeable, which made for a very satisfying experience.

当初予定していた日が悪天候により、ツアー中止となりましたが、運良く空席がある日に再予約して頂く事ができました。再予約の際も、とても親切に対応して頂けました。目に映る景色が美しいのはもちろん、ガイドさんも知識が豊富でとても満足できました。

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Rating:
Packages: 基本プラン ※2023年3月までのご参加
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Posted on: 2022/01/08
Activity Date: 2022/01/07

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

Great Host and Fabulous Guide and a Good Samaritan.

Reviewed by: IanM

Hawaiian Eyes and our guide, Stefan were awesome to the nth degree. Funny, friendly, helpful, prepared, photographic prowess, and he even stopped to help an elderly woman, not attached to any tour, after she collapsed at the side of the road in a snow bank, due to altitude sickness. First aid training, oxygen tanks, blankets, and past experience likely saved her life.

  • "Sylissa in the Sky with Telescopes."

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2021/12/15
Activity Date: 2021/12/13

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

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing

Reviewed by: Saro

It’s funny to say, but a tour to the summit of a snowy mountain was the highlight of our Hawaii trip! Hiro was the best guide anyone can ask for. He also does the Lava walk tour which I’ll be sure to book with him next time we’re back to the islands.

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2021/12/13
Activity Date: 2021/12/11

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

Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing

Reviewed by: Christina E.

Shoyi and Hiro were wonderful! Very knowledgable and patient with many questions that were asked. We learned so much! Shoyi's photography was a bonus! This was a fantastic tour and an experience we will never forget. Thank you!

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2021/11/29
Activity Date: 2021/11/21

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

Fab-u-lo-so!!

Reviewed by: Polly

Shawn was an excellent tour guide. He answered all of our questions, and was very knowledgeable about a range of subjects. We were confident in his driving ability, especially in the dark downhill with the goats :-)
Overall, best part of our trip so far!

Reply from activity provider

Thank you for participating in the tour.

Shawn is good guide. He can do everything.

Please join us for other tours the next time you visit the Big Island of Hawaii.

Mahalo !

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2021/11/06
Activity Date: 2021/11/04

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

Wonderful experience.

Reviewed by: Jonathan

Our tour leader Stephan was exceptional in that he does great photography and is an excellent tour guide and leader. He shared interesting info about the area as we traveled and then took great sunset photos our our group of 3 and airdropped them to us. The parkas provided were an essential and welcome addition since it was quite cold at the mountain top. Wonderful trip!

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2021/10/22
Activity Date: 2021/10/19

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

Favorite Big Island Activity

Reviewed by: Nicole

This was such an amazing experience and our favorite activity that we did on the Big Island! Hiro was a wonderful tour guide, shared lots of great information and was super funny and personable. They have everything covered from making sure you're acclimated to the altitude, stopping for spectacular views, warm winter gear, food, water/hot chocolate/tea, the most amazing star-gazing I've ever seen, etc. Dress warm and don't forget your cash tip money because they will go above and beyond and you'll want to show your gratitude for the incredible experience. Do not miss this activity!

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2021/10/17
Activity Date: 2021/10/07

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

Outstanding sunset and stargazing experience

Reviewed by: Sergio G

Pickup by the crew was timely, and the vans comfortable, in good condition and clean. The sandwich was delicious, and the two hosts super friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable. Thank-you, Stephan.

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2021/09/26
Activity Date: 2021/09/21

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

Wonderful tour

Reviewed by: Nanci Granow

Sean did a wonderful job at making this tour be a terrific experience !!! He was always making sure everyone had an enjoyable and comfortable time !!
This experience was above my expectations . I appreciate his help capturing many pictures of this experience!!

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2021/09/16
Activity Date: 2021/09/14

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

Breathtaking Views!

Reviewed by: Cortney

This experience was unreal! Dominic was our guide and he was fabulous throughout. We got to go to the top of the worlds tallest mountain, Mauna Kea, to watch the sunset. When we got up there we had some time to walk around and look at the landscape/telescopes. After that, we watched the sunset and Dominic took photos of us. Once the sun set, we went down the mountain a bit for stargazing. Dominic and the other guide, Hiro, set up and telescope so we could see Saturn and then Hiro gave a great talk on all of the stars. It was absolutely breathtaking! You could see so many stars, planets and the Milky Way! It’s also freezing up there but the tour provides gloves, winter coats and ski pants. This is an absolute must do!

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2021/09/14
Activity Date: 2021/09/11

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

Amazing Trip, Great Guides

Reviewed by: David H.

Great Views, both sunset and star gazing. Food was OK but we weren't going for the Food. The telescopes were OK but they could invest in some better telescopes. They could also work on the routing to save gas.

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2021/09/13
Activity Date: 2021/08/18

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

Magical!

Reviewed by: Spencer

This experience was unforgettable! Being on top of Mauna Kea above the clouds was the best sunset I’ve ever seen. The photos the crew took were very professional and the star gazing was great!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha, Spencer

Thank you for participating in our tour. I am very happy that the weather was nice and everybody enjoyed the spectacular view from the summit of Mauna Kea.

Please join us on our tour next time again !!

Mahalo,


Hawaiian Eyes Tours

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2021/08/14
Activity Date: 2021/07/24

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

Amazing once in a lifetime experience!

Reviewed by: Jenn HM

From the time we were picked up to when we were dropped off at our resort, we had a fantastic time on our tour with a awesome tour guide Shoyo. He was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot, and not just about Mauna Kea, the Observatories and stargazing but also about the Big Island and the area we drove through. This was a bucket list item for me and it did not disappoint in any way.
We went up to the visitors center for a half hour to acclimatize, then up summit (13,800 feet) and got our first taste of elevation. It is definitely a different experience! And it was surprisingly cold but they have cozy warm jackets to keep you comfy. The sunset is amazing as you are above the cloud line, which also makes for awesome photos!
Speaking of photos, our guide took some great ones of us, both on the summit during the sunset and of the stars, as well as amazing photos of the stars themselves. We were super lucky and got perfect weather and viewing conditions, not even any moon light to deal with.
The only thing that might surprise some is the amount of time you spend in the van driving back and forth and especially up to the summit. Totally worth it of course, and there was great commentary to make the time fly.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha, Jenn,

Thank you for participating in our tour. I am very happy that the weather was nice and everybody enjoyed the spectacular view from the summit of Mauna Kea.

Please join us on our tour next time again !!

Mahalo,



Hawaiian Eyes Tours

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2021/08/08
Activity Date: 2021/08/06
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