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Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour

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Overview

Available languages

English

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

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

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting points

Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station
Mauna Kea Access Rd, Hilo, HI, USA
Please park your vehicle in the lower gravel parking lot. After parking, walk towards the Visitors Center (aka Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station). Meet your guide by the picnic area. We recommend you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time

End points

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

1

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.**

5 minutes • Admission Not Included
2

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.

45 minutes • Admission Included

Options

Departure Time

Reviews

4.84

1,449 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1305
95
25
12
12
  • Awesome experience. ...

    Paul C,

    Aug 21, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Awesome experience. Eugene was an great guide. Sunset was spectacular and stargazing was great. Make to wear pants and a long sleeve top. It gets cold once the sun goes down

  • Very cool experience,...

    Brian L,

    Aug 17, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Very cool experience, excellent guides. Worth taking a guided tour here, it's a challenging drive to the summit and cold at the top.

  • Wonderful once in a lifetime experience!

    Sarah S,

    Aug 17, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    You get a great experience with a first rate guide. They think of everything. Jason was fantastic. Knowledgeable,experienced and ensured our safety and comfort.

  • Incredible stars!

    Geoff T,

    Aug 15, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Stunning sunset views and you won’t see more stars in the sky anywhere. The Milky Way was visible across the entire sky, it was awesome! We had a moonless night, but I wouldn’t let moonlight stop you.

  • Unforgettable

    Amy M,

    Aug 13, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Tour guide John's knowledge and experience he shared with the group was absolutely extraordinary. It transformed the excursion into a lifetime memorible experience. The van, supplied jackets and gloves, meals and treats all added a dimension of comfort that was certainly appreciated. Many thanks to John and the supporting staff for delivering an informed, unmatched experience.

From $313.09

4.84
1,449 reviews
Check availability

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