Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Head to the Mauna Kea Observatory, nestled high in the mountains of the Big Island, and experience an intriguing and provocative journey through space and time. Discover Hawaii from the top of the island's tallest peak, Mauna Kea, also known as 'White Mountain,' located 13,796 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level. This small-group star-watching tour ensures a personalized and unique experience at the enchanting Mauna Kea summit.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age is 13 years - No children under 13.
Due to the high altitude; this tour is not suitable for those with respiratory, heart or circulatory conditions, poor health, or pregnancy
If you plan to scuba dive, do not plan to go to the summit within 24 hours after you dive due to the altitude.
**IMPORTANT - Please note, guests meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel must meet at least 15 MINUTES PRIOR to the tour's departure time.**
Guests are required to wear closed-toe walking shoes or hiking boots, long pants. We recommend bringing a light sweatshirt or jacket
Guests must bring their own water bottles. Tour operator will provide filtered water refills.
Please advise your parka size (small, medium, large, x-large or xx-large) and choice of meal at time of booking. If you do not indicate this at the time of booking, you will be required to call and advise them of this information directly.
There is minimal walking on this tour, the maximum being about 150 yards
The access road to Mauna Kea is four-wheel drive only, so it can be bumpy. The custom off-road transit vans will get you to the top and back in safety and comfort. The transit vans can carry a maximum of 12 passengers
Snow is seasonal at Mauna Kea, with the heaviest snowfall occurring during the winter months
Please note your scheduled pick-up time may differ from the tour start time displayed online. Contact us to confirm your meeting time & location.
No scuba diving within 24 hours
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Private star show with telescope
Hooded parkas and gloves
Central Meeting Locations for Pick-up & Drop off
Hot cocoa and cookies
Local taxes
Guide
Hot picnic dinner
Gratuities
What To Expect
Travelers staying in Kailua Kona will meet the guide here. Your guide will meet you at the benches closest to the hotel's parking lot entrance at the curbside. **There may be additional meeting location stops along the way to Maunakea.**
Maunakea Visitor Information Station
Enjoy a warm picnic dinner while you acclimate to a higher elevation and learn about Hawaiian star navigation before you head to the summit.
Options
Departure Time
Reviews
1,464 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour
Nanette Z,
Sep 11, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great experience. Our guide was knowledgeable able the area and the star party following sunset was amazing. Highly recommend!
Great!!
Teri T,
Sep 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00The activity was awesome!!! Our guide, Wilson, was professional, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. We had a perfect stargazing experience, and couldn’t have asked for better weather. The only criticism I would give would be the Southwest chicken stew for our meager dinner. I was expecting a heartier stew, not something resembling a Campbell soup. All in all the excursion was excellent and I would highly recommend it.
Sky with 1000 stars
Anonymous,
Sep 6, 2025
- Viator
4.00The guides were great, share a lot of info about environment and history of island and mountain. They were caring and provide hot drinks during cold temperature. My only recommendation is that to add photo shoots to their agenda like other tours. Cause capturing personal pics of me and my friend with 1000 stars sky behind us was doable through their professional cameras but unfortunately it was not an option in their agenda.
Great small group tour experience and breathtaking views!
YiShan N,
Sep 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had a small group on board (around 12 people) and our guide Jeff made us feel very welcome and warm. His insights along the drive up to Mauna Kea was interesting and well informed. He made sure that we were all feeling well and breathing slowly as we climbed in altitude. Dinner was delicious and we got cookies and hot chocolate while star gazing. Sunset on the summit was absolutely gorgeous. We were provided with warm parkas and gloves. The star gazing experience was also amazing, as the view of the stars was unparalleled. We got to look through one telescope while the Stellina took breathtaking photos on long exposure that were sent to us afterwards. Jeff showed us the incredible constellations and had lots of fun tidbits of info throughout. An unforgettable experience!
Best sunset and star gazing in the world.
Sarmad N,
Sep 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00Jeff and Wilson did a great job taking us up The volcano and showing entertaining us the whole way. The snacks and dinner were better than any other group who was going up to the observatories. The sunset was the best I have ever seen. We had a nice clear day. While everyone else left we stayed just slightly lower than the top and saw the stars for hours. It was the best experience
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Operated by Hawaii Forest &Trail