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
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
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
Reviews
1,738 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Great tour!
Jack L,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The day we went it was cloudy so we couldn’t do the stargazing. Still went up the mountain but the tour guides were great. They automatically refunded us for a good portion of the tour because of the weather conditions. Very nice of them
A Memorable Experience!
A9144RQjackiek,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our Mauna Kea summit visit was an unforgettable experience thanks to our awesome tour guide, Chris Baker. He was funny, engaging, and very knowledgeable, which made the entire trip both entertaining and educational. Unfortunately, Mother Nature didn’t want to cooperate with us that day but the company handled it really well. Without even having to ask, they gave us a 50% partial refund, which we really appreciated. Hopefully one day we’ll get the chance to visit again and experience the summit in perfect conditions but regardless, it was still a great tour. One piece of advice for anyone looking to book, try to schedule this tour at the beginning of your trip in case weather causes cancellations. That way you’ll have time to reschedule if needed.
Unimaginable views.
Dean W,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Get ready for views of a lifetime! And bring a warm hat. Val made our experience the best tour ever. She is so knowledgeable and friendly, an EMT to boot. We loved every minute. Bing was very kind and informative as well. We recommend this tour to all adults and teens.
Amazing experience.
Fearless37175274016,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the coolest things ever. It was pouring rain when we left and I thought dang it. But we went above those rain clouds and saw the neatest sunset and the most stars I have ever seen. Tay was a wealth of knowledge. I appreciated the warm coats, snack bag and oatmeal and hot cocoa. Amazing time!!! It was like we were on another planet!
Astronomically amazing!!
Missoula446,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Both Val and her colleague, Tay, were very knowledgeable, professional, and personable. Viewing the multiple observatories and millions of stars with their historical explanations was fascinating.
Mauna Kea Summit
A6080GHgeoffreyh,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing experience with friendly and knowledgeable guides. The shuttle was very convenient. I would definitely recommend this to others.
From US$289.00
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Operated by Hawaii Island Holidays