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
1,480 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome experience
Emily C,
Oct 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00The experience was nothing less than excellent! Jeff, our tour guide, made sure several times throughout the tour that we were safe and well taken care of! Also was very knowledgeable on all things Mauna Kea and space. I would definitely tour with them again!
Star gazing
fred g,
Oct 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00Jeff was a great guide. For best view of milky Way plan around New Moon. Take it slow and steady. Your at over 13,000 feet and gravel so take it easy
Memorable experience to...
Dale O,
Sep 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00Memorable experience to witness the sunset from the top of a mountain. Eugene was a great driver and host, and provided a very interesting and engaging survey of the night sky.
This is a very satisfied...
Suvankar B,
Sep 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00This is a very satisfied experience from start to finish. Very well coordinated (with amenities), and the travelers are looked for well by the guide. The guide (Jason) was very knowledgeable, had sharp wit and did his best to make it a comfortable and also once in a lifetime experience. And of course, the views (and stargazing) are breathtaking! Totally bang for buck.
14000 ft and beyond
Jan W,
Sep 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00Nothing short of outstanding! Jeff our tour guide, driver, chef and one well educated astronomer made our trip one of the best tours we’ve had on this trip. And our picture album he sent us will provide us with forever memories. I rate this tour and Jeff a 10.
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Operated by Hawaii Forest &Trail