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.
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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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
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.
1,489 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
cwdouty58,
Oct 19, 2025
- Viator
This was our seventh trip to Hawaii, but this was the highlight of our first visit to the Big Island. Watching the sunset above the clouds followed by stargazing is breathtaking. Jeff is an excellent guide. His knowledge of astronomy and the Big Island is impressive.
Laura W,
Oct 13, 2025
- Viator
Absolutely amazing. 10 out of 10! On time, informative and friendly guides, delicious food and every need thought through for you.
dann w,
Oct 10, 2025
- Viator
A amazing tour, our guide was knowledgeable,even the lava land near the road he could tell the year.
Randall H,
Oct 6, 2025
- Viator
Ask for Wilson. Fantastic guide. Knows all about stars and the drive up to mauna kea. Best tour yet!
Emily C,
Oct 2, 2025
- Viator
The 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!
Operated by Hawaii Forest &Trail