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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.
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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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)
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.
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1,590 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
John A,
Sep 20, 2025
- Viator
Awesome experience. Exceptional guides with a wealth of knowledge of the area and its history. Stargazing was phenomenal. Our guides made stargazing an unforgettable experience. Dress warm. It’s cold at the he summit.
Cathy S,
Sep 19, 2025
- Viator
What an incredible tour! Rob was a great guide. I learned a lot about the Mauna Kea history, geology, and significance to the Hawaiian people. He made the trip tons of fun and kept us informed of everything the whole time. Great snacks and hot chocolate too. Highly recommended!
Kate H,
Sep 18, 2025
- Viator
it was awesome. Perfect sunset, and a clear night sky. Val and Logan were with us all the time and very helpful and competent.
Yuji M,
Sep 16, 2025
- Viator
Absolutely amazing experience! Get to see the sunset and the galaxy. The tour guides are quite knowledgeable and caring. Very friendly people on the same tour and the jackets provided were good quality that keeps me warm!!
Jolae L,
Sep 16, 2025
- Viator
There are moments in life that simply transcend language — this was one of them. Standing on the summit of Mauna Kea, 13,000 feet above sea level, I watched the sun dip below a sea of clouds with my soulmate of 20 years by my side, it was nothing short of life-changing. The horizon ignited with colors I didn't know existed, as if the sky itself was exhaling its last breath of light. We sat in silence, overwhelmed — not by noise or thought — but by pure, soul-deep presence. It felt as though time paused just for us. The thin air made every breath feel intentional, every heartbeat more profound. As the light faded, the stars began to pierce the sky one by one, then in clusters — an infinite galaxy unfurling above us. We stayed for stargazing after sunset. I’d never seen the Milky Way with such clarity, or felt so small — and yet so deeply connected to everything. Gratitude doesn’t feel like a big enough word for what I felt. This was more than a view, more than a sunset, more than a night sky. It was a blessing. A reminder of what really matters. A moment that reminded me how lucky I am to share this life, this love, this planet. A moment of stillness and wonder I’ll carry with me forever. If you ever get the chance to go — go. But don’t just take pictures. Take it in. With your heart wide open. Quick shoutout and huge thanks to our incredible guides! Bing — thank you for getting us safely to our mountain guides and back home. Your driving made everything smooth and stress-free. Logan and Val — you two were amazing. From guiding us up the mountain, capturing stunning photos, keeping us safe, and even feeding us snacks — we couldn’t have asked for better leaders. A special shout-out to Val: The perfect tour guide. Kind, helpful, knowledgeable, and always looking out for our safety and happiness. On top of that, your star talk under the night sky, the fascinating history lessons, and the chance to look through your telescope at distant galaxies made the experience absolutely unforgettable. Thank you for getting us to the top of the world and back down — and for making the journey magical every step of the way.
Operated by Hawaii Island Holidays