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
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
1,462 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Cloudy day on Mauna Kea
Rob H,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide, Wes, was very informative and personable. He made the trip worthwhile despite less than ideal weather conditions (the view of the sunset was cloudy and stargazing was not possible due to clouds), none of which was under his control. I would love to go on another trip up to the summit with Wes as our guide.
Trip to the Top
Larry L,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00We were picked up on time by our driver, James, who was jovial and got us situated right away. During the drive to the visitors center, he gave us a lot of information on the volcanos, local wildlife, and some history. After our 30 minute wait at the visitors center, we continued up to the observatories where we took photos and waited for the sunset. On this trip we did not get the sunset and the stargazing was limited due to partial cloud cover. The only down side was that we picked up a family of 5 which caused some unwanted rearranging of seats and it became cramped. Overall the experience was memorable and educational.
Moana Kea Sunset and Star gazing
Jeff B,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour, tour guide was knowledgeable and helpful. The food was good. They gave us jackets to wear after dark, and hot cocoa during the star gazing. The stars were amazing. We’ve always wanted to do the sunset tour and finally got the opportunity. A bucket list for sure.
The tour was so much fun...
Karan S,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was so much fun and so well executed by James our guide. I would give more than 5 stars if I can. Highly recommend this magical tour!
Magical Mauna Kea experience
JonathanKaufman,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a fantastic way to see the summit of Mauna Kea and to appreciate the unique night sky of the Big Island. Chris was a phenomenal guide who kept the group energized and informed.
The trip is very well...
Chen L,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The trip is very well organized. Food, coats&pants and hot coco are provided. The photographer/tour guide/driver (Jeans) is very warm and professional.
This was amazing! The...
Matt B,,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was amazing! The telescopes we're so cool! And the view of the sunset was breathtaking while munching a BLT (it was so tasty)! We got so many great photos! Afterwards they brought us down to a viewing area and pointed out the constellations and we got to look at Jupiter through a telescope, we even got to see some of it's moons! All while sipping on some hot chocolate! Our guide James is the man. He drove super smooth and he was super knowledge. You should book this tour you won't regret it!
This tour was amazing....
John A,,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was amazing. Our tour guide James was friendly, professional, and very knowledgeable. We expressed interest in the telescopes, and he took us around to each and told us about them. The sunset and views were spectacular. And, we loved the stargazing too. It was a bucket list experience, and you won’t regret doing it. You’ll make memories for a lifetime!
Unfortunately, it was a...
Yu L,,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Unfortunately, it was a rainy and cloudy day and we did not really see any star. But the tour itself was nice. We got a chance to see the glow of the eruption from Manau Kea, though still weak. One benefit of this tour company is they have refund policy if you miss sunset or stargazing, which is pretty cool.
Great experience!
yuqim2026,,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Chris was our tour guide. He’s very patient and introduced us with many knowledge and stories about the mountain. He is also a great driver very steady even on rocky roads. He also helped us taken pictures at the summit and at the star gazing spot. And thanks for the delicious blt sandwich and hot chocolate!
From US$280.00
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