Big Island Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing

Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

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 computerized professional telescopes 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 from Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa Beach Resort.

Additional Info

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 with heart conditions, lung disease, or serious medical issues are 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 Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

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.

45 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Mauna Kea

Explore the summit, home to world-renowned observatories, and watch a stunning sunset sink into the clouds and horizon.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

A $20 (per person) passenger fee from the Center for Maunakea Stewardship is included. This fee helps support the care and preservation of Maunakea.

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.

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.

Options

Kailua Kona Pick-up

Starting point: Taikobo Hawaii Inc, 73-5576 Kauhola St #2, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA

Waikoloa Beach Resort Pick-up

Reviews

5.00

8 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

BEST STAR GUIDE - JOHN
A4984EAjohng,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a wonderful time and it was well worth the ride. John, our very capable and knowledgeable guide, arrived on time in a Mercedes Benz van which was very comfortable. On the drive up to the summit John oriented us to the scenery around us, history and flora and fauna. John took special care to tell us the schedule for our trip and we made stops for bathroom breaks and to acclimate to the altitude. I felt we were in very good hands. We were fortunate to see a very starry sky - the moon was new - and John provided the opportunity to see Jupiter, Venus and a couple of beautiful star clusters through his telescope. He also pointed out constellations and explained basic rules of astronomy. What I reallly appreciated - our van was the last to leave the star viewing site. Another amazing bonus was a photo of us with the stars - not possible with our iPhones - unexpected - and a treasure to have for the memory. Thanks, John!
Best Tour of our Trip to Kona
808rossh,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was the best tour of our trip. I highly recommend that you go. Our guides, Chris and Wes, did a great job. They knew the observatory site well and gave us very good information on the nigh5 sky. Recommend you go during tge New Moon and not the Full Moon.
Mauna Kea Review
michaelkF3995MW,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The weather did not cooperate but the place is spectacular. John, our guide was excellent. Very informative and he really wanted us to make the most of the experience in spite of the afore-mentioned weather issues. My only quibble was that the snacks offered were not that good. I saw that other tours had better food options
A great trip to the top of Hawaii
robertdW4394VM,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a super experience. Our host/guide John was a great guy. He was knowledgeable and informative about all aspects of the venture ... geography, history, nature, and all our other questions. The stargazing session at the visitor center after sunset was really special and interesting. We were very happy we signed up for the guided tour. We would have missed a lot if we had done this on our own.
Long day, but worth it for a different experience!
Daydream15572768832,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
If you’re looking for a capable, knowledgeable and caring guide to take you to the highest point in the Pacific for a beautiful sunset followed by a sky full of stars, ask for John. His knowledge about this volcano, its history, Hawaiian culture and especially star knowledge is amazing!
Outstanding sunset and stargazing
TomandCarrie,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a magnificent way to watch the sunset. Then to have an extraordinary stargazing with our guide, John, afterwards was phenomenal. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone but dress warmly. They do supply a parka though.
Great tour
565sonjas,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We booked last minute when our other tour cancelled due to weather and couldn't fit us in before we left. Taikobo was able to fit us in a couple of nights later. It was a convenient start to the tour meeting at their building in Kona - they have parking in their own lot so no need to struggle to find or pay for parking. The vehicle was a very comfortable Mercedes 4-wheel drive van (I think they can fit 9 passengers but another family couldn't make it last minute, so it was just us). The driver was professional and informative (he talked much of the time while driving and answered all our questions). We felt very safe on the road to the summit. They had local snacks for us to eat when we wanted, which was great. We had a big lunch before starting the tour and didn't need to eat at 3:00 at the visitor center like many tours do. We had a nice stop at the visitor center to acclimate and look around. At the summit, they provided very warm parkas - it was very cold up there! After sunset we want back down and were able to do star gazing - it was a beautiful, clear night. The telescope they use is great. We're able to see Jupiter and Saturn along with a nebula and galaxy. The drive back home was uneventful and most of us napped. It was a fun day.
Amazing Tour with a wonderful guide
B588BJdianal,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Absolute favorite activity during my week on Big Island (and I also did manta ray snorkel, tour around the island, and catamaran snorkel). This was our first activity of the week and John made it so no other tour could compare. John was an engaging and informative guide. He respected Mauna Kea and led us in a Hawaiian greeting. We were provided parkas since it was in the 30s on the summit. Be aware, the summit can be a bit rough with altitude sickness despite stopping at the Visitor Center at 9,000 feet for an hour to acclimate. The view from the summit/above the clouds was amazing regardless. The view of the stars was breathtaking as he showed us the constellations. He brought his telescope and we saw Saturn and other constellations. He also took a great photo of us with the stars. I very much appreciated the local Hawaiian snacks he provided (cookies, bread, Taro chips, mac nuts) vs Costco chips/granola bars we received on other tours. Thank you John! So glad we went on this tour!

From US$320.00

5.00

(8 reviews)

Free cancellation

Check availability

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Related Experiences

Operated by Taikobo Hawaii

Big Island Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing

Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

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 computerized professional telescopes in one of the world’s best night-sky locations.

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 from Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa Beach Resort.

Additional Info

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.

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 you need an XL parka, please request the quantity at booking.

Age restriction: 13-80 yrs old

Guests with heart conditions, lung disease, or serious medical issues are 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 Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

45 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Mauna Kea

Explore the summit, home to world-renowned observatories, and watch a stunning sunset sink into the clouds and horizon.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

A $20 (per person) passenger fee from the Center for Maunakea Stewardship is included. This fee helps support the care and preservation of Maunakea.

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.

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.

Options

Kailua Kona Pick-up

Starting point: Taikobo Hawaii Inc, 73-5576 Kauhola St #2, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA

Waikoloa Beach Resort Pick-up

Reviews

5.00

8 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

BEST STAR GUIDE - JOHN
A4984EAjohng,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a wonderful time and it was well worth the ride. John, our very capable and knowledgeable guide, arrived on time in a Mercedes Benz van which was very comfortable. On the drive up to the summit John oriented us to the scenery around us, history and flora and fauna. John took special care to tell us the schedule for our trip and we made stops for bathroom breaks and to acclimate to the altitude. I felt we were in very good hands. We were fortunate to see a very starry sky - the moon was new - and John provided the opportunity to see Jupiter, Venus and a couple of beautiful star clusters through his telescope. He also pointed out constellations and explained basic rules of astronomy. What I reallly appreciated - our van was the last to leave the star viewing site. Another amazing bonus was a photo of us with the stars - not possible with our iPhones - unexpected - and a treasure to have for the memory. Thanks, John!
Best Tour of our Trip to Kona
808rossh,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was the best tour of our trip. I highly recommend that you go. Our guides, Chris and Wes, did a great job. They knew the observatory site well and gave us very good information on the nigh5 sky. Recommend you go during tge New Moon and not the Full Moon.
Mauna Kea Review
michaelkF3995MW,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The weather did not cooperate but the place is spectacular. John, our guide was excellent. Very informative and he really wanted us to make the most of the experience in spite of the afore-mentioned weather issues. My only quibble was that the snacks offered were not that good. I saw that other tours had better food options
A great trip to the top of Hawaii
robertdW4394VM,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a super experience. Our host/guide John was a great guy. He was knowledgeable and informative about all aspects of the venture ... geography, history, nature, and all our other questions. The stargazing session at the visitor center after sunset was really special and interesting. We were very happy we signed up for the guided tour. We would have missed a lot if we had done this on our own.
Long day, but worth it for a different experience!
Daydream15572768832,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
If you’re looking for a capable, knowledgeable and caring guide to take you to the highest point in the Pacific for a beautiful sunset followed by a sky full of stars, ask for John. His knowledge about this volcano, its history, Hawaiian culture and especially star knowledge is amazing!
Outstanding sunset and stargazing
TomandCarrie,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a magnificent way to watch the sunset. Then to have an extraordinary stargazing with our guide, John, afterwards was phenomenal. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone but dress warmly. They do supply a parka though.
Great tour
565sonjas,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We booked last minute when our other tour cancelled due to weather and couldn't fit us in before we left. Taikobo was able to fit us in a couple of nights later. It was a convenient start to the tour meeting at their building in Kona - they have parking in their own lot so no need to struggle to find or pay for parking. The vehicle was a very comfortable Mercedes 4-wheel drive van (I think they can fit 9 passengers but another family couldn't make it last minute, so it was just us). The driver was professional and informative (he talked much of the time while driving and answered all our questions). We felt very safe on the road to the summit. They had local snacks for us to eat when we wanted, which was great. We had a big lunch before starting the tour and didn't need to eat at 3:00 at the visitor center like many tours do. We had a nice stop at the visitor center to acclimate and look around. At the summit, they provided very warm parkas - it was very cold up there! After sunset we want back down and were able to do star gazing - it was a beautiful, clear night. The telescope they use is great. We're able to see Jupiter and Saturn along with a nebula and galaxy. The drive back home was uneventful and most of us napped. It was a fun day.
Amazing Tour with a wonderful guide
B588BJdianal,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Absolute favorite activity during my week on Big Island (and I also did manta ray snorkel, tour around the island, and catamaran snorkel). This was our first activity of the week and John made it so no other tour could compare. John was an engaging and informative guide. He respected Mauna Kea and led us in a Hawaiian greeting. We were provided parkas since it was in the 30s on the summit. Be aware, the summit can be a bit rough with altitude sickness despite stopping at the Visitor Center at 9,000 feet for an hour to acclimate. The view from the summit/above the clouds was amazing regardless. The view of the stars was breathtaking as he showed us the constellations. He brought his telescope and we saw Saturn and other constellations. He also took a great photo of us with the stars. I very much appreciated the local Hawaiian snacks he provided (cookies, bread, Taro chips, mac nuts) vs Costco chips/granola bars we received on other tours. Thank you John! So glad we went on this tour!