What To Expect

What‘s Included

Reviews

• This was a unique,...

  Warren S,,Jan 31, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  4.00

  This was a unique, beautiful and informative experience. We enjoyed the park Ranger visitor center learning about the telescopes at the Summit, the fabulous views and wonderful sunset at the Summit, and then we learned about a lot about stars constellations and the way the Polynesians used them for navigation. The last leg of the event, the van ride back to Starbucks, was unacceptable. .The van was overloaded. I was in the back corner, wedged up against the side of the van, did not have access to a seatbelt and my legs were jammed into the seat in front of me. One side of my butt was not even completely on the seat and it hurt. Please don’t let that happen in the future.

• WOW the sunset on the top...

  Heidi W,,Jan 31, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  WOW the sunset on the top of Mauna Kea!! You can drive to the top yourself if you have 4-wheel drive, but the pro to going with a tour is learning lots about volcanic geology, the telescopes up there, and astronomy. Also, I don't think you can stay to stargaze if you go up on your own and WOW what great stargazing!!! Amazing sights found by Tay in the telescope and he is also an astronomy expert. Kella was awesome- very Aloha vibe, made sure we were taken care of and taught us a ton!!

• Awesome!

  FrequentFlier753614,,Jan 30, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We had a fantastic experience on this tour! Chris was awesome. The beauty was magnificent. The stars were amazing. We highly recommend!

• Do it!

  Olivia G,,Jan 30, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Amazing experience! It was a long drive but definitely worth the views. Learned a lot about the stars and how they have been used over history.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Top of the world

  706AndrewP,,Jan 29, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  It’s a long initial trip from Kona as other customers are picked up from Waikoloa on the way, but a comfortable ride with interesting commentary up to the Mauna Kea access road at the top of Saddle Road (now the Daniel Inouye Hwy) where you transfer to smaller 4WD buses. These take you to firstly the Ranger Station, for a 40-minute break to eat whatever dinner you brought. (Dinner is NOT provided and there is nowhere to buy anything.) Then up to the summit. Be prepared - it can be subzero, and even if a few degrees above, the windchill is vicious. The altitude can also affect some people within minutes - listen to the guides’ advice. Is it worth it all? Absolutely! Mauna Kea – or Maunakea as it is increasingly being spelt, according to Hawai’ian grammar – is a remarkable place. None of the tours take you to the true summit, Pu‘uwēkiu. That is about 500 m from where the buses and vans park. It is one of several cinder cones in the summit area and does not appear to be very much higher than the others. It is, however, subject to a strict kapu, or ancient law. Non-native Hawai’ians are forbidden to climb it, as it the home of gods, and deeply respected. But the views from anywhere on the summit area are amazing. We had a quite cloudy evening, more than usual, but as the setting sun turned the clouds to lava above the endless horizon of Mauna Loa to the west, the effect was breathtaking, especially with the altitude! Add to this the telescopes for anyone with any science interest, and the fascinating geology, it’s quite an evening. Then after sunset, it’s back down to the Ranger Station for hot chocolate and a brilliant guided ‘tour’ through the stars above, even with passing clouds. Don’t forget the photos, even in the giant quilted, rather colourful, overcoats that they provide. Snacks are also provided, especially for sugar hits to offset altitude sickness a little. Our daughter was affected somewhat more than the rest of us, and Chris had her on oxygen within a couple of minutes. By the time we reached the Ranger Station she felt fine. Chris and Tay are sensational guides - the star talk was probably the best guide talk we had in over two weeks in the islands. A great mix of science and legend, told with passion and fun. Their quick action when our daughter felt ill was excellent. It’s a long afternoon and evening, especially for those returning to Kona (Hilo is closer) but quite unforgettable.

  

  

  

  

• This was a wonderful tour...

  Connie B,,Jan 29, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  This was a wonderful tour and we had the best tour guides/drivers. Chris and Val did an exceptional job. My husband and I would highly recommend!!!

• Val is the best tour cheerleader!

  Darin L,,Jan 29, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  So worth it! Val was so genuine and informative. Shared knowledge and took great photos! Dress warm!

• An amazing adventure

  Stephen B,,Jan 28, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Our tour leaders, Val and Chris, were outstanding in every way: friendly, fun, informative, and attentive. Highlight No. 1 was the sunset hour visit to the observatories at Maunakea’s summit. If you’re on the Big Island, that’s not an experience to be missed. Highlight No. 2 was an extended stargazing stop a little way down the mountain. We got to hang out, sip hot chocolate and listen to a first-rate astronomy talk from Val. What will stick with me most from this evening is not only the magnificence of the surroundings and the night sky, but also how eager both Chris and Val were to share their enthusiasm for a truly wondrous place and it’s importance in Hawaiian culture.

• Amazing time. Loved how...

  Danielle T,,Jan 22, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Amazing time. Loved how they packed snacks and had extra jackets. I thought I packed warm enough clothes, but boy was I wrong. We saw snow at the summit. Kela was a sweet person and informative guide. This has to be on your bucket list on Big Island.

• Packing Tips

  Natalie S,,Jan 22, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Tay was a great guide and was very optimistic that we would see the stars, even though it was a very cloudy night and with some patients, the clouds broke for a short time, and we had an amazing view of the stars. The guide had a snack bag for everyone, along with a cozy parka to keep us warm as it was very cold at higher altitudes. My tips, if you’re booking this prior to arrival, is to pack a lightweight pair of gloves and/or air activated hand/toe warmers. Some emergency toilet paper might be helpful since the bathrooms will likely be out. (The guides might have some too). Overall it was a great trip with a professional photo op.

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