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
Waikoloa Starbucks Pick Up
Waikoloa Queens' Marketplace Starbucks
Starting point:
Starbucks, Beach Resort, 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, 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
Reviews
1,654 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Logan was an amazing...
Scott R,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Logan was an amazing guide. Very informative with the stars and constellations. The altitude adjustment is real.
Amazing! Gorgeous sunset above the clouds and the best stargazing out there!
Brian S,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The views were unbelievable! Such a gorgeous sunset on top of the mountain, and you can see much from all the way up there, including Maui. I love stargazing, and I can say with confidence that I have never seen a clearer, and more vivid night sky than I did on this experience. The Milky Way was glowing front and center, and was easy to see with the naked eye. On top of that, an amazing telescope and extremely informative crew really made the experience. Our driver gave us a great tour along the way their, and pointed out some great attractions to consider. On top of all of this, we got what is easily one of the coolest pictures together of all time with the Milky Way above and the volcano glowing in the background. One of a kind. This is a truly awe-inspiring experience that you just can't really get anywhere else on the planet. 10/10 recommend!
Val and Jon were our tour...
Destiny L,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Val and Jon were our tour guides and added a lot to the experience. They were very knowledgeable and it seemed that they were truly passionate about their work. I felt very safe as they drove us up the mountain, and the view from the top was incredible. They made a few stops along the way for pictures and to make sure we adjusted to the altitude. Hot chocolate, a large variety of snacks, good quality winter jackets and gloves were provided. The stargazing portion was amazing and Val teaching us about the constellations was very informative. They set up a high quality telescope giving us the opportunity to see a few different spots in the sky. Please dress warm! The weather at the top of the mountain was very windy and cold, even with multiple layers. Also, if you are prone to nausea or vertigo this might not be for you. I felt quite sick at the top but pushing through was worth it. It was a great experience, but I don’t think it was worth almost 300$ which is why I gave 4 stars. We also tipped 20$ per person in our group on top of that so gratuity for the tour guides are not included in the high price.
A Trustworthy business
Daniel C,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Viator and the Operator proved trustworthy and of good character when we booked this tour with a 9 year old. Though not as obvious in the online description as it could be (the FAQ does not recommend 13 yrs and under), the operator required 14 or older. We learned this at the pickup. We requested a refund which the operator was not able to provide though sympathetic to the situation. We contacted Viator who immediately refunded 100%. We have used Viator many times including a near future trip. Our satisfaction with their services remains as strong as ever.
Bad guide experience
Joseph P,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00Jamie terrible Mauna Kea guide! The guide left us at the stop without even informing us. The trip itself was alright.
Goat provided everything...
Ken A,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Goat provided everything that we needed! If you are afraid of stumbling around at the telescope Jin low light, take small baby steps and LISTEN TO THE GUIDES! They know what’s best
Summit & stargazing
jbdavis003,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great experience on the Big Island although a bit expensive. It was cold at the top and going into the night stargazing… but the views are spectacular!
Tay was an excellent tour...
Karin G,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Tay was an excellent tour guide but this trip is not for everyone! You have to be aware that bathrooms are not readily available and the porta potties at the summit are disgusting. Tay was filled with interesting stories and knew his constellations so the trip was fun! For us women over 60 it is a little bit of a challenge! Do not expect any information for the first and last hour of your tour as it is a transfer with people who are not part of the actual tour. I would recommend it but be aware that you should bring food even though they provide “snacks” it is a long trip , cold and you will have no bathroom break for 3 hours until you arrive at your final destination. Drink water for altitude sickness but make sure you don’t drink too much since you have e no place to go to the bathroom!! Enjoy!
Tay was very...
Chris R,,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Tay was very knowledgeable on Hawaii and was very polite when talking about restrictions. He immediately helped out when there was a medical emergency on the summit. He was very patient to take great pictures. I would definitely do this again and recommend it to all that are able.
Magical absolutely...
Faisal F,,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Magical absolutely amazing photos are good and operators are really knowledgeable and kind I really enjoyed it
From US$289.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Hawaii Island Holidays