Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
Our Mauna Kea Summit Tour is designed to showcase the beauty and wonder of one of the most impressive mountains in the world. Mauna Kea (meaning “white mountain”) is historically and culturally very significant to the Hawaiian people, and because of its contributions to geology and astronomy, to the world as well.
Our local guides will enlighten you with the sacredness and cultural aspect of Mauna Kea.
A spiritual high for many locals and visitors.
#1 rated tour for adventure and photography.
This tour requires a minimum of 2 guests in order to run.
Our tour only meets guests in HILO or at the Onizuka Visitor Center on Mauna Kea. We may be able to arrange pickups in Kona for groups of at least 4 guests, upon request. Please contact us before booking if you are looking for a Kona pickup.
Please see additional info for restrictions on age, health, pregnancy, scuba diving, respiratory issues, heart issues, back issues, intoxicants etc. for this tour.
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Age minimum 13 years old
DO NOT attend within 24 hours of scuba or manta ray diving
Not recommended for travelers with respiratory conditions
Not recommended to consume intoxicants during or directly before this tour
Not recommended to consume carbonated beverages during or directly before this tour
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
All Fees and Taxes
Jacket
Dinner
Telescopes
Rainbow Falls
Visit Hilo's local Rainbow Falls and monkeypod tree (Hilo departures only). If you're lucky you'll see Anuenue (rainbow).
Onizuka Astronomy Complex
Visit exhibits in this cozy station and acclimate at the elevation of 9,000 feet/2743 meters before ascending to the summit of Mauna Kea.
Pickup included
136 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Charcee D,
Jul 16, 2025
- Viator
This is an amazing tour! Our cruise ship had an overnight in Hilo and we were so excited to book this. We were picked up a short walk from the cruise port. Communication was excellent and our guide was fun and very knowledgable. Be sure to pack extra warm clothes to change in to. It is cold at the summit! Take a water bottle. You can refill at the visitor center with filtered water. This was such a great experience. The views and star gazing were unforgettable.
Alicia B,
May 18, 2025
- Viator
Good customer service and friendly staff over the phone. My party of two was unable to go on the sunset and stars tour as at 7200 feet myself and friend started to experience altitude sickness with chest tightness, throat tightness, shortness of breath and bloated stomachs. My body even started to shake.. We had to turn around and get to lower elevation. I called Arnott’s Lodge and asked for a partial refund of one of the two tickets if possible due to experiencing altitude sickness. I didn’t expect both tickets to be refunded but I thought Arnott’s Lodge could meet me half way and refund one of the tickets but management refused to. They stated I requested 3 tickets and they held those tickets for a month. I only booked 2 tickets. Also, I was informed they could refund if customers experienced airplane delays or road closures but not for altitude sickness even though altitude sickness can result in death and shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you are unsure how your body will react to a high altitude location, consider driving to the summit first before booking tickets and save $240.
Gabriel H,
Mar 23, 2025
- Viator
It was absolutely incredible. Andres went above and beyond! He helped me with my proposal. He was also really knowledgeable and friendly to everyone. Extremely professional too.
Mounir C,
Mar 4, 2025
- Viator
It was just the best experience ever! You definitely need to go with them and the guide because he explained everything about the Mona Kea and the stars, the Milky Way and took great pictures of using our iPhones! Thank you so much for this amazing experience!
Anick B,
Mar 2, 2025
- Viator
Beautiful activity, we Had a Good guide, good car, on Time,. the sky was clear, Sun set magnifient and stars.
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