Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Delight in the awe-inspiring sunset at the top of Mauna Kea, the highest point in the Pacific.
Your guide will share historic accounts of the Big Island. Stand amidst the world’s largest collection of research telescopes.
Two of the eight telescopes which took the first photos of the black hole are here.
Sip a hot beverage during your private star show and view planets with a professional telescope (Weather Permitting).
Your guide will take astrophotography photos of you with our camera and email them to you.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not allowed for travelers under 13 years old
Not allowed for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Not allowed for pregnant travelers
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Mauna Kea Summit
One of the best places to see the sunset and stargazing and it's also the highest mountain on earth. Comfortable 4X4 passenger van as transportation.Jackets and gloves provided to keep you warm. Experienced tour guide to talk about our history and show you our amazing night with a laser pointer. Get close to the stars with our professional Celestron telescope and get a nice photo with our DSLR camera.
Maunakea is a celebrated and storied place in the cultural traditions of Hawai'i. While it is the dwelling place of the goddess Poli'ahu it is also associated with the Hawaiian deities Lilinoe and Waiau. The summit was considered the realm of the gods and in ancient times was kapu (forbidden) to all but the highest chiefs and priests. Occasionally Hawaiian ali'i (royalty) would make the long trek to the top, the last royal visitor being Queen Emma in 1881 who led her companions on the arduous 6 hour journey to the top to see the summit and rejuvenate herself in sacred Lake Waiau. The White Mountain Legends of the Mountain - Poli´ahu While today Maunakea is home to 13 international observatories and recieves thousands of visitors every year it remains a sacred place for the people of Hawai'i. On the the fourth Saturday of every month MKVIS hosts community speakers who speak about Mauna O Wakea from a cultural perspective.
What‘s Included
Experienced tour guide
FREE night photo with our professional camera
Snacks and a hot beverage
Jackets and gloves to keep you warm
Transportation in a comfortable 4X4 van
Professional telescope (Weather Permitting)
Dinner (Travelers may bring their own)
Private Tour
Options
Kona Bank Of Hawaii Pick Up
Kona BOH Pick Up : Kona Commons shopping center Bank of Hawaii (across the lot from the Kona Target)
Starting point:
Bank of Hawaii, 74-5457 Makala Blvd Suite 102, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Hilo Naniloa Hotel Pick Up
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton “A” lot, near Crowns nightclub
Starting point:
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton, 93 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Waikoloa Starbucks Pick Up
Waikoloa Queens' Marketplace Starbucks
Starting point:
Starbucks, Beach Resort, 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, USA
Reviews
1,751 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome adventure!
Y5900QEnancyc,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whole experience was awesome! Chris was a great guide!
Excellent experience
Christopher P,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great birthday present for us. The views were fantastic. The observatories were varied and interesting.
Epic, bucket list item on the Big Island!
Kara S,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was incredible! From the wonderful tour guide, to getting to see the sunset above the clouds, to star gazing and getting to see nebulas through a telescope- it was epic from start to finish. My family and I loved it and would highly recommend!
The views from Mauna Kae...
Brendan N,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The views from Mauna Kae are absolutely breathtaking ! We got to see the glow of Kileeau’s crater from afar. The sunset from 13,803 is absolutely breathtaking and once in a lifetime. The altitude was not an issue for all age ranges and fitness levels in our group of 10. The only negative thing was the star gazing portion was in my opinion too long (not huge into astronomy) which led to us not getting back to our pick up spot until 11:15. The guides were awesome, safety was a priority, and it was a bucket list that has now been checked.
Mauna Kea
William N,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very knowledgable guides. Had great conditions for sunset and stargazing
Amazing… breathtaking...
Ellen P,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing… breathtaking experience! Our guide provided stories and details that enhanced the entire experience!
Incredible Experience
James D,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Truly amazing experience. Our guide Tay had a thorough knowledge of the geology of the mountain and when the stars came out the sky lit up. The amenities, warm coat and snacks made it even better
Amazing sunset trip to...
Craig B,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing sunset trip to Mauna Kea— a really unique experience. After sunset the stargazing and info about star navigation was really cool. Tay was a fantastic guide, we had a wonderful time.
Excellent
estebanrP1513DK,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent views, people and experience.
Stargazing
Julia T,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Guides are very friendly and knowledgeable. It can get chilly, but tour provides parkas and gloves. Going during a new moon would be best to see the most stars.
From US$289.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Hawaii Island Holidays