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
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
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
Waikoloa Starbucks Pick Up
Waikoloa Queens' Marketplace Starbucks
Starting point:
Starbucks, Beach Resort, 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, USA
Reviews
1,621 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
What Are You Doing if You’re Not Booking?
Pete T,
Oct 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00Worth it. Beyond friendly guides and a smooth ride. Seeing the top of the world and the stars and the long coats to keep warm. Would do it again.
On top of the world!
Dean M,
Oct 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00A once in a lifetime experience which took my breath away quite literally! An amazing adventure with our guide, John, who was attentive and helpful in all aspects of the trip. Made sure we were all ok with the altitude sickness and gave us useful tips to prevent any issues. We made our way to the visitors centre and acclimatised for 30 mins then headed up to see the observatories and then the summit where the sunset was a beautiful experience. Then back down for the star gazing which blew my mind being able to see the Milky Way with the naked eye was amazing! The guides were so knowledgeable about the constellations and we got some great photos shared online showing some nebulars and galaxies. A must do if you visit Big Island
Not my thing
Spring F,
Oct 25, 2025
- Viator
3.00I don't know before hand although I asked several times to give me important information , that is is a medical risk to go to the top. Also that it can make you sick not only for the time you are there but the next day or so. I feel a huge headache in the middle of my vacation and would not have chose to do this if I have that info prior . The guide was amazing. Not their fault at all. They tried to make it best they could. But it was freezing, and a long time you are in a van with other people, 3:00- 10pm . The clouds civerwd the stars so we didn't get to see what we went up there for. Again, not their fault. But a whole lot of sacrifice of comfort and precious time for looking at the sky. My favorite part was learning a few facts about the island. But can get that anywhere. A book, a documentary, a visitor station. Some people say it was their favorite thing to do so I wanted to go and see. But I prefer being in my own car and actually swimming, snorkeling, seeing turtles, kayaking, being warm, . So it is a personal preference I learned about myself. I'm not a tour group person🤣 but again , not their fault. I just wish they disclosed the medical info, especially the risk of not feeling well the next day. Or risk of elevation accent and decent, as I am getting in a plane today to go to Oahu and probably not wise to plan that back to back for medical reasons or to get headaches during a previous trip. Mahalo. I give the guide a 5, the trip a 3, and the info a 1. A personal preference rating.
Excellent experience.
Tara S,
Oct 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had a great time first of all. Seating while star gazing. I'm glad we brought a blanket to lay on while stargazing. It would have not been as enjoyable if we had to stand the whole time. This allowed us to lay down and enjoy the stars.
Life altering star gazing experience
Becky C,
Oct 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00Is well worth the $$$. Bring a knit hat and pair of think socks with you to HI - it gets cold. Company supplies parkas. Logan and Val were excellent guides!
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Operated by Hawaii Island Holidays