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
1,356 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Once in a lifetime sunset and stargazing
Kosuke Y,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great experience with our guides Wes and Matsuo on this tour. It was cloudy unfortunately for the sunset, but it was still an amazing time spent at the summit. Even with clouds, the stargazing experience was also very immersive and memorable. The guides took beautiful pictures with the stars.
Unforgettable!
Olivia S,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an incredible time on the Mauna Kea sunset and stargazing tour last night (Dec. 18). Our driver, Wes, was fantastic—super friendly, very safe, and he went above and beyond by taking amazing photos for everyone in the group. Those pictures alone were such a bonus! We usually don’t opt for a tour company and originally considered doing this in our own rental car but after watching Wes maneuver the fog, off-road terrain, steep slopes, and around others not on private tours (who were struggling to acclimate or drive) we were SO happy we went with a tour company. Our tour guide had only moved to Hawaii about a month ago and just started the tour guide job, yet was already incredibly knowledgeable and it was genuinely impressive how much he knew. We enjoyed how he explained everything as we drove to make the drive up pass by quickly as he pointed out key landmarks. Super impressive how quick he was at adjusting to the new job, didn’t feel like we had a ‘newbie’. The tour was very well organized and on time. They provided jackets and gloves, which were absolutely necessary and so appreciated in the cold at the summit. We were lucky to have great weather and caught a beautiful sunset at the summit—truly unforgettable. Later, Wes used a laser pointer and a telescope to show us Saturn and several constellations, which was a highlight of the night. Seeing Saturn and all of our astrological signs so clearly was amazing and something we’ll never forget. Highly recommend this tour—professional, informative, and an unforgettable experience from start to finish!
Wonderful tour
mitzy t,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a a wonderful experience with James our tour guide. He and his coworker took very good care of us. We would do it agaon!!
Fabulous tour!
Laura A,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a fabulous tour with a knowledgeable and fun tour guide. You will see a fabulous sunset from the top of the mountain and have a wonderful star gazing experience. You will also learn about Hawaiian culture. James was the best tour guide!
Great Tour
jamesmD9847QR,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time, the sunset and stargazing were spectacular. Shoyo was an informative guide. Also, the hot cocoa was delicious.
A Bucket List Night on Mauna Kea Made Perfect by James
Stacy S,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo was a once in a lifetime experience, made unforgettable by our guide James. This tour was on our bucket list, and we planned our entire Big Island visit around it. We were only here for one night and one tour, and it exceeded every expectation. James was kind, knowledgeable, and communicated clearly throughout the entire experience. He made the tour engaging, fun, and meaningful, and it was obvious how much he cares about his guests and Mauna Kea. The summit was absolutely magical, and the night star viewing was far more than I expected. It was breathtaking and unforgettable. This is one of the best tours I have ever been on. I give James five stars only because the system will not allow a million.
We had such a great time...
Xinchen P,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had such a great time on our tour. Our tour guides were Wes and Kunihiro! They were very friendly, knowledgable and informative.
A great experience
Yating W,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Really enjoyed the tour with James. He was super attentive and knowledgeable. He made the whole tour super memorable. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to visit Mauna Kea.
It's an interesting experience.
Stanley G,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00It was something to be able to see all around the island from a 13,800' vantage point. Where else are you going to do something like that? There were some rude people who crowded and got in the way. The views from the mountain were interesting and smoke from the eruption of Kilauea was impressive. The tour guide was very pleasant, but he could use more facts to keep the storyline moving. He and his assistant worked very hard to keep everyone comfortable. The company provides coats, gloves, and hats which are necessary as it is pretty cold on top. Bring more cocoa!
This was an amazing...
Jen S,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an amazing experience. Our guide, Francis, was informative, amusing and patient. It’s cold up at the summit, so dress accordingly and wear the coats and snow pants they offer - you’ll need them! Recommend this experience for all!
From US$280.00
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