Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo

Overview

Available languages

English

8 hours

Mobile ticket

We will take you to the summit of Mauna Kea to see the sunset and we will do stargazing afterward (not at the summit). Our most unique part is that our guides will take the photo of the sunset and stars for you using their DSLR camera.

All photos are free of charge and you will get it to your smartphone at the end of the tour.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Please check the message on Viator. We will send a message about pick up time and location after the confirmation of your booking.

Please note that pick up location has a free parking lot but we do not take any responsibility or liability for any damage or loss caused through the parking

Please note that in times of bad weather sunset or stargazing are not 100% guaranteed and moonphase will affect the visibility of the stars.

Please note that, depending on any guests get altitude sickness or other conditions, the time spent at the summit and the stargazing location may be adjusted.

Guest under 16 years old or older than 75 cannot participate

Not recommended for person weight more than 300lb

Not recommended for person having respiratory problem such as asthma

Guest under 16 years old or older than 75 cannot participate

Cancellation Policy

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

What To Expect

Kailua-Kona

Pick up guests from each pick up location starting from Target in Kona. (pick up time varies depending on the season) 14:00-15:00pm Target's parking lot meet in front of the Mcdonald’s that is in the Target parking area (74-5453 Makala Blvd, Kailua-Kona) 14:45-15:45pm/ Queens’ Market Place Please meet up at the shuttle bus stop in backside of the shopping mall, a LARGE parking lot near the NOT Starbucks (69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr #201, Waikoloa) 15:30-16:30pm/ Gilbert Kahele Recreation Park (44-5400 Daniel K. Inouye Hwy, Waimea)

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Onizuka Astronomy Complex

Onizuka Visitor Information Station We will take a break at the Onizuka Visitor Center at an altitude of 2,800m or 9,000ft for early dinner and altitude acclimatization. We also change clothes for winter clothes here depending on the weather. Also gift shop is open for guests to purchase the items. (No food or drink sale)

1 hour • Admission Included

What‘s Included

An astronomical telescope

Mauna Kea Summit Tour

Admission Fee for Mauna Kea

Free DSLR camera photo of stars with you in it! (weather and moon phase permitting))

BLT or Vegan sandwich (Please let us know by day before the tour or it will be automatically a BLT)

Snow parker, Ski pants, and Gloves

4x4 Passenger Van to the summit

Gratuities

Options

Queens Market place Pick up

Starting point:
Queens' Marketplace, 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, USA

Target Parking Lot by McDonald

Starting point:
Target, 74-5455 Makala Blvd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA

Reviews

4.79

1,531 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1363

First off, it was...
Josh G,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
First off, it was beautiful and totally surreal. It was a once-in-a-lifetime thing for sure. Second, it was freezing. I thought I was silly putting on long pants and packing a long-sleeve shirt and sweatshirt before we left the warmth of the coast but if I could have put on more layers I would have. They offer you a parka and ski pants once you're on the top -- wear them both!
Amazing tour🧡
Shariz P,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
The whole tour was fantastic. Yoki, our guide, was very knowledgeable, accomodating and real fun. We would take this tour again whenever we're back in Big Island. 10/10 would recommend.
The sunset was amazing...
SUSAN S,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
The sunset was amazing and the whole trip was great. Would recommend to anyone to do this trip. Guide was good.
Breath taking views
Vicki M,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
This is an absolute must! Absolutely breath taking view from the summit. Francis was our guide and 100% awesome, he went above and beyond.
Spectacular! A must if your on the Big Island
Susan D,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
If you’re coming to the Big Island this tour is a must! It was magical standing above the clouds looking at the sunset illuminate the sky. Our guide Chris was knowledgeable, friendly, and provided historical context of the area on the drive up to Mauna Kea. It’s cold at the summit so the warm coats and gloves provided were very appreciated. The star gazing is hard to put into words, it’s like standing in a snow globe and a 360 degree view of so many stars. The hot chocolate was a nice touch! Thank you for adding so our memories!
Great star gazing
Kim L,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Wes was a great tour guide, he had a lot of information about the island and the stars. The jackets were a great touch. We enjoyed the meal, hot chocolate and the picture taking!
Excellent tour
Alan G,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent service. it was a wonderful experience. The guide was very attentive and answered all our doubts. Fully recommended tour
the experience was...
Ajay S,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
the experience was amazing. The guide James was very experienced and extremely helpful. The tour lived up to everything they promised. We were able to view the Sunset and the star gazing.
Awesome tour! Chris, pur...
Mavelle P,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Awesome tour! Chris, pur guide, took care of us despite the unfavorable weather. He really knows his stuff. We still saw the most beautiful sunset ever. Will definitely do this again when we come back.
Mauna Kea Sunset and Stargazing
ShuHui C,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
You are betting how much the weather varies, however, if everything works out, you wiil have very memorable experience that will last a lifetime.