Big Island Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing
+5 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 7–9 hours
- Price from
- $320 / person
- Location
- Big Island of Hawaii, United States
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 72 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 13
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Taikobo Hawaii
- Meeting point
- Meet us at the shuttle bus stop by the curb in the back side of the Queen's Marketplace in Waikoloa Beach Resort. Look for the large yellow sunshade umbrellas as a landmark.⭐⭐⭐IMPORTANTPlease contact us for your pickup time
Description
Experience the magic of Mauna Kea at nearly 14,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Watch a breathtaking sunset from the summit, then enjoy expert-led stargazing with a professional telescope in one of the world’s best night-sky locations. This small-group tour has been operated continuously since 1989 by a trusted, fully permitted local company. Travel in luxury 4WD vans with professionally trained guides who prioritize safety, comfort, and personalized service. Learn about the cultural significance of Mauna Kea and the wonders of the universe—where ancient Hawaiians believed the Earth meets the heavens. Heavy-duty parkas, local snacks, and hot chocolate are included. Convenient pickups in Kailua-Kona and Waikoloa Beach Resort.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 1:10 PM, 1:35 PM, 1:45 PM, 2:05 PM, and 2:25 PM
- Next available
- Sun, Nov 1
- Adult (ages 13–80)
- $320
In demand: 8 of the next 30 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 29.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Maunakea Visitor Information Station
We take time at the Visitor Center to safely acclimate to the high altitude while exploring the gift shop and educational displays that highlight Maunakea’s world-class observatories, unique environment, and deep cultural significance.
Mauna Kea Summit
Explore the summit, home to world-renowned observatories, and watch a stunning sunset sink into the clouds and horizon.
Mauna Kea
Descend to a lower-elevation stargazing site (between 13,000 and 9,000 feet) after sunset, and experience the night sky from one of the best viewing locations on Earth. Your expert guide will bring the stars to life with fascinating insights into the universe, while a professional telescope reveals breathtaking celestial objects up close.
What's included
Included
A required $20/person passenger fee for the Center for Maunakea Stewardship (University of Hawaiʻi) to support the care and preservation of the mountain's natural and cultural resources.
Private stargazing with a professional telescope
Heavy-duty hooded parka (If you need an XL parka, please request the quantity at booking.)
All local snacks. Hot chocolate is served during the stargazing.
Not included
Please bring your own warm layers—sweater/hoodie, warm socks, beanie, and gloves.
Must wear toe closed shoes and long pants.
Bring your own water. Drinking water will reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Tips for your guide are greatly appreciated.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
72 reviews
How it compares in Big Island of Hawaii
- Rated higher than 85% of 300 reviewed tours in Big Island of Hawaii
- Starting price $320 is 15% above the typical $279 for tours of similar length in Big Island of Hawaii
Excurgo comparison of 522 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The tour may be canceled before departure due to weather or road closures. If that happens, you’ll be offered a new date or a full refund.
- If the weather turns unfavorable during the tour, we’ll still do our best to provide a great experience. If we cannot reach the summit due to road closures or other unforeseen issues, you’ll receive a full refund or credit.
- Alcohol beverages are not allowed.
- Drunk or intoxicated guests are not allowed.
- A minimum of 3 guests is required to hold a tour. If we have fewer than 3 bookings 24 hours before departure, the tour will be canceled unless existing guests choose to pay the difference.
- Pets, including service animals, are not allowed to ensure the comfort and safety of guests with allergies or animal phobias.
- No meals are included. Please eat a full meal before the tour. We do provide some nice local snacks.
- A cup of hot chocolate will be served during the stargazing.
- If a guest becomes ill or injured and cannot continue, the group may need to adjust the itinerary. Anyone leaving the tour must be accompanied by a companion (if applicable) and arrange their own return transportation at their own expense.
- If you need an XL parka, please request the quantity at booking.
- Age restriction: 13-80 yrs old (Guests ages 13–17 must be accompanied by a responsible adult)
- Guests with heart conditions, lung disease, or serious medical issues are not allowed.
- Pregnant guests are not allowed.
- Guests who have been scuba diving within 24 hours are not allowed.
- Severely obese guests (BMI over 40.0) are not allowed.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Big Island Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing take?
Big Island Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing lasts about 7–9 hours. The itinerary has 3 stops.
How much does Big Island Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing cost?
Prices start at $320 per person for this Big Island of Hawaii experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Big Island Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 1:10 PM, 1:35 PM, 1:45 PM, 2:05 PM, and 2:25 PM.
Does Big Island Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing sell out?
It can: 8 of the next 30 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Big Island Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Meet us at the shuttle bus stop by the curb in the back side of the Queen's Marketplace in Waikoloa Beach Resort. Look for the large yellow sunshade umbrellas as a landmark. ⭐⭐⭐IMPORTANT: Please contact us for your pickup time. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Big Island Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 13 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Big Island Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 72 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Taikobo Hawaii.
Reviews(72)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
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from$320
5.0(72) Free cancellation