Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure tours, activities, fun things to do in Big Island(Hawaii)|VELTRA

Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure

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What to expect

Experience Hawaii's most popular attraction! Visit the summit of Mauna Kea to witness one of the most breathtaking sunsets in Hawaii. Next, travel to Mauna Kea Visitor Center and enjoy a guided stargazing tour with telescopes. Includes parka & gloves

Packages

Please check details and select a package.

Packages

Please check details and select a package.
Check availability
Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner
Total:
Price per Adult/Child :
Adult/Child (Age 13 & over)
USD 295.00
USD 295.00
Total:
Adult/Child (Age 13 & over)
USD 295.00
USD 295.00
Price per Adult/Child :

The best way to avoid altitude sickness is to acclimate to the high elevation before going all the way to the summit and not go to the summit on an empty stomach. So on this tour, you can enjoy a delicious meal at the Visitor Information Station (9,200 ft.) where you can also learn about the Mauna Kea Observatories. Currently no more than 9 passengers in a spacious, extended 14 passenger van.

Overview

Afternoon
4.5 - 8.5 hour(s)
Available Daily
With pick-up
Dinner
Not Accessible
Inclusions: Dinner / Parka / Hot cocoa / Coffee / Tea / Guide

Schedule

View All
15:15-16:45

Pick-up from Kailua-Kona & Waikoloa

17:00
Onizuka Visitor Center (1 hr)
shutterstock_648678922
18:00
Sunset Viewing from Mauna Kea's Summit (1 hr)
shutterstock_648678862
19:00
Mauna Kea Stargazing (1 hr)
246207
21:00-23:30

Drop-off

Transportation add-ons

Available

Location

Pick-up/Check-in Time & Location

Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location

Important activity information

To ensure the best experience, please read the restrictions and requirements before booking.

Important activity information

Restrictions

  • Guests who are pregnant are not permitted to participate in this activity.
  • People 13 years old and above can participate in this activity.
  • Participants may not scuba dive within 24 hours of this activity due to the risk of decompression sickness.
  • Guests with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or over should not make this trip.
  • Participants with any history of a respiratory problems (this includes pneumonia in the last 6 months, any lung conditions or surgeries) are not permitted to take this tour. Contact your physician if you have questions about traveling to this altitude.
  • Participants with any history of heart problems (this includes ANY heart surgery, stent, pacemaker, heart valve irregularities etc.) are not permitted to take this tour. Contact your physician if you have questions about traveling to this altitude.
  • Wheelchair Accessibility: Tour vehicle is not equipped with a lift. Must be able to get into the van with assistance, storage available for collapsible wheelchairs. Please indicate during booking for most convenient arrangements.
  • This activity is not wheelchair accessible.

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 8.

Required items to bring & attire

  • Closed toe shoes
  • The average temperature on top of Mauna Kea is 30°F and wind is common. Please wear long pants and closed toed shoes and bring any layering garments you may have.
  • Warm gloves

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.
  • Road closures due to high winds near the summit may happen in the winter. If a road closure is discovered en route a shorter version of the tour will continue and guests will receive a partial refund.

    If a road closure is discovered before departure, guests will be contacted and given the option to cancel at no charge or receive a partial refund and still participate on an shorter tour.

    If you cannot be reached, your booking will be canceled and you will be given a full refund.
  • Beverages and snacks are available for purchase at Mauna Kea Visitor Center, and you are also welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages if you wish.
Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour (Dinner not included)
Total:
Price per Adult/Child :
Adult/Child (Age 13 & over)
USD 286.00
USD 286.00
Total:
Adult/Child (Age 13 & over)
USD 286.00
USD 286.00
Price per Adult/Child :

This package does NOT include dinner/meals.

If you decide to book the standard package without dinner, you're welcome (and encouraged) to bring your own food. Or if you decide to eat before the tour, you'll have more time to check out the Visitor Center. Currently no more than 9 passengers in a spacious, extended 14 passenger van.

Overview

Afternoon
4.5 - 8.5 hour(s)
Available Daily
With pick-up
Inclusions: Parka / Guide

Schedule

View All
15:15-16:45

Pick-up from Kailua-Kona & Waikoloa

17:00
Onizuka Visitor Center (1 hr)
shutterstock_648678922
18:00
Sunset Viewing from Mauna Kea's Summit (1 hr)
shutterstock_648678862
19:00
Mauna Kea Stargazing (1 hr)
246207
21:00-23:30

Drop-off

Transportation add-ons

Available

Location

Pick-up/Check-in Time & Location

Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location

Important activity information

To ensure the best experience, please read the restrictions and requirements before booking.

Important activity information

Restrictions

  • Guests who are pregnant are not permitted to participate in this activity.
  • People 13 years old and above can participate in this activity.
  • Participants may not scuba dive within 24 hours of this activity due to the risk of decompression sickness.
  • Guests with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or over should not make this trip.
  • Participants with any history of a respiratory problems (this includes pneumonia in the last 6 months, any lung conditions or surgeries) are not permitted to take this tour. Contact your physician if you have questions about traveling to this altitude.
  • Participants with any history of heart problems (this includes ANY heart surgery, stent, pacemaker, heart valve irregularities etc.) are not permitted to take this tour. Contact your physician if you have questions about traveling to this altitude.
  • Wheelchair Accessibility: Tour vehicle is not equipped with a lift. Must be able to get into the van with assistance, storage available for collapsible wheelchairs. Please indicate during booking for most convenient arrangements.

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 8.

Required items to bring & attire

  • Closed toe shoes
  • The average temperature on top of Mauna Kea is 30°F and wind is common. Please wear long pants and closed toed shoes and bring any layering garments you may have.
  • Warm gloves

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.
  • Road closures due to high winds near the summit may happen in the winter. If a road closure is discovered en route a shorter version of the tour will continue and guests will receive a partial refund.

    If a road closure is discovered before departure, guests will be contacted and given the option to cancel at no charge or receive a partial refund and still participate on an shorter tour.

    If you cannot be reached, your booking will be canceled and you will be given a full refund.
  • Beverages and snacks are available for purchase at Mauna Kea Visitor Center, and you are also welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages if you wish.

Reviews

Awesome - everything

2024/01/01 Families David B

We had the best time
Tour guide was so knowledgeable and friendly
We learned so much about Hawaii and the big Island and astronomy
On the way we learned so much

Tour guide was exceptional
- always told us what wa...

more

A full package

2023/11/12 Solo Travelers Varpu M

The guide was great and shared loads of interesting facts and stories about history, nature, culture, language, habits and astronomy. His knowledge and captivating way of presenting things were amazing. I also highly ap...

more

Amazing evening at Mauna Kea!

2023/11/02 Couples Andrea

My husband and I had an amazing time with Fernando! He was an incredibly knowledgeable guide and made the trip very fun. If you have the opportunity to do the evening stargazing and sunset do so and request Fernando!

Read all reviews (120)

FAQ

Q. What will we see on this tour?
A. While driving up Saddle Road you'll have panoramic views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Along the road you'll see black lava rock formed by Mauna Loa's eruptions in the last two hundred years. From the Mauna Kea Access Road you'll see many volcanic cones that once spewed lava. You will also get to watch the sunset over these volcanic slopes. At the summit you will see thirteen telescopes that make up the Mauna Kea Observatories (the observatories are closed to the public but you might get to see the domes open after sunset). At the Onizuka Visitor Information Station you will get to look through a solar telescope, watch a video about Mauna Kea and the observatory, and after sunset this is where the stargazing magic happens. The guide will operate a computerized Celestron telescope through which you can see stars, planets, distant galaxies, and the moon.
Q. Will we get to look through the big telescopes on Mauna Kea?
A. No, the observatories have very limited public access. However, you might get to see the domes open after sunset.
Q. Will there be any health risks linked to going up Mauna Kea?
A. Mauna Kea has 40% less oxygen than sea level and 40% less air pressure. This drop of vital oxygen can cause serious problems for persons with heart or lung issues, children, and women who are pregnant. Visitors in good health are also susceptible to altitude sickness and should use caution and abide by all rules and regulations of the tour. Next to having a good time, safety is the number one priority.
Q. What type of vehicle will be used?
A. Built for comfort, the 14 passenger 4v4 Van Terra micro-coaches are equipped with air conditioning, stereo sound, PA, phone, first aid and oxygen, parkas, and a telescope. Each van can hold up to 14 people.
Q. Will we be guaranteed to see stars?
A. Mauna Kea enjoys an average of 325 clear nights per year. Most of the inclement nights are easily predictable. The weather is monitored on a daily basis and if poor scenic conditions are likely, the trip will be cancelled and a full refund given (or reschedule if available). Like any high mountain there can be unpredictable and fast changing weather at any time.
Q. What kind of equipment will be used?
A. Your guides will provide you with new Celestron CPC 1100 telescopes that are equipped with Starbright XL coatings for 10% more light throughput than ordinary instruments. These scopes are computer automated and have spectacular optics. Because they are bigger and have better optics they gather about 100% more light than telescopes used on other tours.
Q. What jackets sizes are available?
A. The jackets sizes are as follows:

Small ~145 lbs and under / ~63.5 kg
Medium 140~175 lbs / ~77 kg
Large 170~210 lbs / ~90.5 kg
XL 200~260 lbs / ~ 113 kg
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.
Please visit VELTRA Support page to send an inquiry about this activity.

Payment / Cancellation Policy

Payment Methods
  • Credit card payment
Cancellation Policy
  • Any cancellations made after 15:00, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. (Parties of 4 or less)
    Any cancellations made after 15:00, 3 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. (Parties of 5 or more)
    Any cancellations made after 15:00, 1 week prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. (Parties of 8-10)
    Any cancellations made after 15:00, 2 weeks prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. (Parties of 11 or more)
Operation days
  • Everyday

Top-Rated Activities for Big Island

Restrictions
Required items to bring & attire
Other requirements
Additional notes
Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)
Restrictions
Required items to bring & attire
Other requirements
Additional notes
Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)
Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Summit Sunset Adventure
Experience Hawaii's most popular attraction! Visit the summit of Mauna Kea to witness one of the most breathtaking sunsets in Hawaii. Next, travel to Mauna Kea Visitor Center and enjoy a guided stargazing tour with telescopes. Includes parka & gloves