Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo
Description
We will take you to the summit of Mauna Kea to see the sunset and we will do stargazing afterward (not at the summit). Our most unique part is that our guides will take the photo of the sunset and stars for you using their DSLR camera. All photos are free of charge and you will get it to your smartphone at the end of the tour.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Pick up guests from each pick up location starting from Target in Kona. (pick up time varies depending on the season) 14:00-15:00pm Target's parking lot meet in front of the Mcdonald’s that is in the Target parking area (74-5453 Makala Blvd, Kailua-Kona) 14:45-15:45pm/ Queens’ Market Place Please meet up at the shuttle bus stop in backside of the shopping mall, a LARGE parking lot near the NOT Starbucks (69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr #201, Waikoloa) 15:30-16:30pm/ Gilbert Kahele Recreation Park (44-5400 Daniel K. Inouye Hwy, Waimea)
Onizuka Visitor Information Station We will take a break at the Onizuka Visitor Center at an altitude of 2,800m or 9,000ft for early dinner and altitude acclimatization. We also change clothes for winter clothes here depending on the weather. Also gift shop is open for guests to purchase the items. (No food or drink sale)
Mauna Kea summit at an altitude of 13,796 ft (4,205 m) At the peak of Mauna Kea, you will see most of the observatory at the summit and we will be watching the sunset from the highest peak oin Hawaii. Enjoy a fantastic moment！
After the sunset, we will do stargazing using our refractor telescope and laser pointer. Our guide will explain about the star, constellation, and planets. Also we will take the astro photo with you in it! (The location of where we will do the stargazing may varies depending on the weather conditions)
Returning to the pick up locations starting from Waikoloa Resort
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please check the message on Viator. We will send a message about pick up time and location after the confirmation of your booking.
- Please note that pick up location has a free parking lot but we do not take any responsibility or liability for any damage or loss caused through the parking
- Please note that in times of bad weather sunset or stargazing are not 100% guaranteed and moonphase will affect the visibility of the stars.
- Please note that, depending on any guests get altitude sickness or other conditions, the time spent at the summit and the stargazing location may be adjusted.
- Guest under 16 years old or older than 75 cannot participate
- Not recommended for person weight more than 300lb
- Not recommended for person having respiratory problem such as asthma
- Guest under 16 years old or older than 75 cannot participate
Reviews(1,697)
An unforgettable experience! James was an amazing guide—friendly, knowledgeable, and incredibly thoughtful. He shared fascinating stories about the Big Island and astronomy, and he went above and beyond to help us take beautiful photos. The sunset on Mauna Kea was breathtaking, and the stargazing was absolutely incredible. James pointed out many constellations, showed us the clearest view of the Moon through the telescope, and made the entire experience truly memorable. Highly recommend this tour!
This was an absolutely amazing experience. Not only was being able to see one of the highest summits on the planet a jaw dropping experience, but being able to see a gorgeous sunset followed by stars was the cherry on top. Our tour guide, Wesley, was friendly, helpful, and really all around wonderful. I’d tell everyone who visits the big island to do this experience.
This experience was truly amazing! The tour guides were very friendly and knowledgeable about Mauna Kea and its culture. When we got closer to the top, they even provided jackets and ski pants to shield us from the cold and gave out hot chocolate! And the stargazing was truly one of the most magical experiences of our lives. Shoutout to James for being our awesome guide!
Chris made sure our trip to Mauna Kea was smooth and memorable. I appreciated the interesting facts he shared along the way. Chris made sure we had plenty of bathroom stops if needed. This tour included pictures at sunset and star gazing, which is a nice bonus to the amazing views. The hot chocolate was so good and the provided jackets/gloves was definitely needed.
Wes was so much fun and he was very kind! He made sure everyone was safe and enjoying themselves! This is a must do on the big island! Bonus if you get to experience it with Wes!
It was perfect and James is a great guide and commentator James made it worth the price and is so so Aloha
My daughter and I heard about the Mauna Kea summit sunset and stargazing excursion and, since this type of adventure is right up our alley, we did it! And sooooo glad we did! The views were incredible! And our guide/driver Christopher was super knowledgeable and friendly! Make sure to pack warm clothes as the temperature difference is pretty significant from when you’re at sea level! We brought pants and long sleeved shirts and were still shivering at the summit despite the parka as the wind up there can add to the cold via the wind chill factor! But so worth it!!
Highly recommend this tour! We loved our guide Chris! He was very courteous and gave great information both about Mauna Kea and the rest of the island. (Also great driver and photographer!) They served us hot cocoa as we looked at the stars and I now can confidently find multiple constellations which I always wanted to learn! This is really the best way to experience the beauty of Mauna Kea!
Out of this world! Totally took me by surprise. Unbelievable views. My head was on a swivel. I’d highly recommend this tour when visiting the island. Chris was our guide and he was awesome! Easy pickup at Target, made another stop for more people then we were on our way. Lots of historical information shared and he also translated in Japanese for a couple who joined. Stopping at the visitor center was beneficial for acclimatizing. The drive to the summit was like visiting another planet. When we hit the summit it was jaw-dropping. Having a sandwich at 13,600 feet was the best picnic ever. I could’ve stayed there for hours. Our “wink-wink” NASA scope was the cherry on top. Star-gazing was like being inside a planetarium but instead of a projection, you’re standing right in it. Wes showed us the zodiac signs and taught us a few words in Hawaiian. “Hoku”- Star. I’m naming my next dog that! The laser pointers were crazy! So excited they took photos of us during the sunset and stars. What a treat! Overall, I’d do this tour again. It is truly something you shouldn’t miss. 8 hours may sound a lot but the time flies with this spectacular adventure. Tips: Stay hydrated, bring layers, beanie, gloves. Chris provided snow gear which is great so you’re not packing a parka for the trip. Sandwiches were tasty and filling.
Had a great time on this tour. Got to see sunset at the summit followed by stargazing. Wes was a great tourguide - really informative and caring!
