Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo
Overview
Available languages
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)
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)
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
Target Parking Lot by McDonald
Starting point:
Target, 74-5455 Makala Blvd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Queens Market place Pick up
Starting point:
Queens' Marketplace, 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, USA
Reviews
1,435 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
We really enjoyed this...
Leslie W,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed this unique experience. The different climates on the Big Island is astounding. It really stands out on this tour. Highly recommend it!
It was very relaxing and...
Mackenzie P,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was very relaxing and a great experience. Stunning views with everything taken care of. Our guide, Chris, was amazing and very knowledgeable. He learned everyone’s names by the time we got to the mountain which was very impressive! He took care of everything, and help my partner and I soak up an unforgettable experience care free. Would 10/10 recommend.
It was AMAZING, and so...
Vivian P,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was AMAZING, and so worth the money! Wes was our tour guide, and he was really funny and engaging. One of the best tour guides I’ve ever had. He was very knowledgeable and experienced.
An extraordinary experience
Departure00513414430,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was SO AMAZING!! Our guide, Wes, a Hilo native, was amazing and very informative. His passion and knowledge of the Island, astronomy, and history was great to hear.
Definitely a Bucket List item
Phoebe B,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. Beautiful sunset and stargazing. The weather can be unpredictable so I would book it earlier in your stay in case you have to re-schedule for another try. James did a great job. Very informative, fun and thoughtful about our needs for eating and for bathroom breaks. Definitely would recommend.
We had an incredible...
Chelsea K,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an incredible experience on the Mauna Kea Summit tour! Our guide, Chris, was absolutely fantastic—so knowledgeable, informative, and genuinely helpful throughout the entire tour. We loved that everything was taken care of for us, from the winter jackets and pants to a tasty sandwich along the way. Chris also took amazing photos of us at sunset and during stargazing, which made the experience even more special. Standing above the clouds and seeing the stars so clearly was unforgettable. Such a unique and well-run tour—highly recommend!
Best view of sunset and stars
Cynthia P,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It gets cold at the summit but Chris provided everyone with warm gear and we were okay! We were well taken care of and loved every bit of this adventure.
Fantastic Mauna Kea...
Gia Z,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic Mauna Kea experience! Our guide Chris was an excellent driver—safe and smooth the whole way. He was also very knowledgeable and funny, which made the tour even more enjoyable. Small group size, easy meeting point, and a super smooth ride overall. Highly recommend!
Once in a lifetime experience!
James W,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Once in a lifetime bucket list experience! Got to see the stars above Mauna Kea and the observatories. It was crazy cold but so amazing!
Lots of fun but so cold and cloudy... top quality experience and tour operator.
David K,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent experience and operator. Weather uncooperative but that is Mother Nature. We booked the sunset drive to the telescopes. Wes, our guide and driver was prompt and courteous at our pickup site. The trip up the mountain was well narrated and we were informed of everything to expect. When we arrived at the acclimatization stop at 9,000 ft. the weather just wasn't letting us see much. We were kept informed the entire time of the status and the rangers closed off the roads. We had a great group and everyone took it in stride just the way travel is. Next time... Just bring a HEAVY jacket it's cold!
From US$280.00
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