Hawaii’s GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Delight in the awe-inspiring sunset at the top of Mauna Kea, the highest point in the Pacific.
Your guide will share historic accounts of the Big Island. Stand amidst the world’s largest collection of research telescopes.
Two of the eight telescopes which took the first photos of the black hole are here.
Sip a hot beverage during your private star show and view planets with a professional telescope (Weather Permitting).
Your guide will take astrophotography photos of you with our camera and email them to you.
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
Not recommended for travelers under 13 years old
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Experienced tour guide
FREE night photo with our professional camera
Snacks and a hot beverage
Jackets and gloves to keep you warm
Transportation in a comfortable 4X4 van
Professional telescope (Weather Permitting)
Dinner (Travelers may bring their own)
What To Expect
Mauna Kea Summit
One of the best places to see the sunset and stargazing and it's also the highest mountain on earth. Comfortable 4X4 passenger van as transportation.Jackets and gloves provided to keep you warm. Experienced tour guide to talk about our history and show you our amazing night with a laser pointer. Get close to the stars with our professional Celestron telescope and get a nice photo with our DSLR camera.
Maunakea is a celebrated and storied place in the cultural traditions of Hawai'i. While it is the dwelling place of the goddess Poli'ahu it is also associated with the Hawaiian deities Lilinoe and Waiau. The summit was considered the realm of the gods and in ancient times was kapu (forbidden) to all but the highest chiefs and priests. Occasionally Hawaiian ali'i (royalty) would make the long trek to the top, the last royal visitor being Queen Emma in 1881 who led her companions on the arduous 6 hour journey to the top to see the summit and rejuvenate herself in sacred Lake Waiau. The White Mountain Legends of the Mountain - Poli´ahu While today Maunakea is home to 13 international observatories and recieves thousands of visitors every year it remains a sacred place for the people of Hawai'i. On the the fourth Saturday of every month MKVIS hosts community speakers who speak about Mauna O Wakea from a cultural perspective.
Options
Hilo Naniloa Hotel Pick Up
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton “A” lot, near Crowns nightclub
Starting point:
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton, 93 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Kona Bank Of Hawaii Pick Up
Kona BOH Pick Up : Kona Commons shopping center Bank of Hawaii (across the lot from the Kona Target)
Starting point:
Bank of Hawaii, 74-5457 Makala Blvd Suite 102, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Waikoloa Starbucks Pick Up
Waikoloa Queens' Marketplace Starbucks
Starting point:
Starbucks, Beach Resort, 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, USA
Reviews
1,528 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Rob and Jess were super...
Christinia L,
Jul 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00Rob and Jess were super energetic and definitely knew their stuff. They tried to make our experience very comfortable and checked in on us often.
We had a lot of confusion...
Vanessa K,
Jul 20, 2025
- Viator
4.00We had a lot of confusion over the previously arranged pick-up location for this tour. A message changed the location, the day before, to one which was over a thirty minute car drive away and we didn't have a car! Eventually after emailing we were told the original pick-up was correct. This caused a lot of stress and we wasted a lot of time sorting it out. However we did enjoy the experience, they were correct - it was very cold! Knowledgeable and friendly guides.
Highly recommend!
Hannah J,
Jul 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00Incredible experience. We came from Australia and booked 2 nights out. Jess and Rob were a wealth of knowledge and amazing tour guides for the whole night. The altitude didn’t affect us at all thankfully and even so Jess and Rob checked in constantly and gave a lot of helpful advice and a snack bag to help! The views we witnessed were absolutely incredible and nothing like we’ve ever seen before especially the sunset. Highly recommend!
Absolutely incredible!
Alla D,
Jul 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00Once in a lifetime experience! Unforgettable memories of the sunset above the clouds and millions and millions of stars in the sky! We saw different constellations, numerous shooting stars, satellites! Out tour guides were amazing! Very knowledgeable and entertaining at the same time. Be prepared to take the most beautiful pictures and to see fantastic landscapes!
Hawaiian nighttime skies and Observatory tour
Mark T,
Jul 19, 2025
- Viator
5.00Robert and Jessica were very energetic and well informed, passing on lots of information that was new to us. We have been on a similar tour. many years ago, and this was far more fun and educational. Weather cooperated as well, making for a fun night of star gazing. Can’t wait to see the pictures that are being sent to us.
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Operated by Hawaii Island Holidays