Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
We will take you to the summit of Mauna Kea to see the sunset and we will do stargazing afterward (not at the summit). Our most unique part is that our guides will take the photo of the sunset and stars for you using their DSLR camera.
All photos are free of charge and you will get it to your smartphone at the end of the tour.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please check the message on Viator. We will send a message about pick up time and location after the confirmation of your booking.
Please note that pick up location has a free parking lot but we do not take any responsibility or liability for any damage or loss caused through the parking
Please note that in times of bad weather sunset or stargazing are not 100% guaranteed and moonphase will affect the visibility of the stars.
Please note that, depending on any guests get altitude sickness or other conditions, the time spent at the summit and the stargazing location may be adjusted.
Guest under 16 years old or older than 75 cannot participate
Not recommended for person weight more than 300lb
Not recommended for person having respiratory problem such as asthma
Guest under 16 years old or older than 75 cannot participate
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Kailua-Kona
Pick up guests from each pick up location starting from Target in Kona. (pick up time varies depending on the season) 14:00-15:00pm Target's parking lot meet in front of the Mcdonald’s that is in the Target parking area (74-5453 Makala Blvd, Kailua-Kona) 14:45-15:45pm/ Queens’ Market Place Please meet up at the shuttle bus stop in backside of the shopping mall, a LARGE parking lot near the NOT Starbucks (69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr #201, Waikoloa) 15:30-16:30pm/ Gilbert Kahele Recreation Park (44-5400 Daniel K. Inouye Hwy, Waimea)
Onizuka Astronomy Complex
Onizuka Visitor Information Station We will take a break at the Onizuka Visitor Center at an altitude of 2,800m or 9,000ft for early dinner and altitude acclimatization. We also change clothes for winter clothes here depending on the weather. Also gift shop is open for guests to purchase the items. (No food or drink sale)
What‘s Included
An astronomical telescope
Mauna Kea Summit Tour
Admission Fee for Mauna Kea
Free DSLR camera photo of stars with you in it! (weather and moon phase permitting))
BLT or Vegan sandwich (Please let us know by day before the tour or it will be automatically a BLT)
Snow parker, Ski pants, and Gloves
4x4 Passenger Van to the summit
Gratuities
Options
Target Parking Lot by McDonald
Starting point:
Target, 74-5455 Makala Blvd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Queens Market place Pick up
Starting point:
Queens' Marketplace, 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, USA
Reviews
1,491 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sunset Wonderland Scene
Ken S,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Awesome scene. Feels like you’re in outer space. Those folks with respiratory issues will find it somewhat difficult to breathe
Amazing!!!!!
Crystal N,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide Chris was amazing! And the views were just breathtaking.. it does get a bit cold up there but you won’t regret it :)
STELLAR Sunset and Stargazing Tour!
Shelby B,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour was absolutely incredible- I can't recommend it enough! The pick-up location was easy to find and timely, and our guide, Wes, was super organized and prepared for our entire journey. His knowledge of the island and Mauna Kea was amazing; the longer drives were always interesting. He was so kind, considerate, and knowledgeable in how to handle the altitude, and safety was the top priority. Our group of about 12 people never felt too large; I felt that I was able to get all of the photos I wanted, and answers to the questions I had. The sunset view was breathtaking (but cold! be prepared with layers, and the provided jackets/ pants helped immensely), and my first stargazing experience was one to remember. I would 100% recommend this tour to anyone looking for a cool excursion on the Big Island- I'll never forget it!
Beautiful views
Kelly G,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed the trip to the summit. Sunset was amazing. James was so helpful and took lots of photos for us.
Wes was a great guide and...
Barb P,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wes was a great guide and photographer. He helped us take great photos. Wes was informative and kept us entertained the entire trip.
James, our guide was...
Jon D,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00James, our guide was tremendous. He was a wealth of knowledge and incredibly kind and hospitable. We didn't get to do the stargazing portion of the tour due to cloud cover; but I thoroughly enjoyed this excursion.
Great Experience!
David H,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience-the summit was beautiful ,especially at sunset. James our driver was very knowledgeable and helpful.
Great experience - a highlight of our trip to BI
Abigail A,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an awesome experience watching the sunset and stargazing. Wes was a fantastic guide and provided us with everything we needed, while managing our group with courtesy. He did a great job handling a wide variety of moods, languages and expectations to ensure everyone got the most out of the trip.
Stargazing
SueSchlagel,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s long and it’s very cold at the summit but well worth it. Wes is a very knowledgeable guide and made the trip fun.
Very interesting and...
Ann S,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very interesting and informative. Learned about the partnerships collecting data and studying observations
From US$280.00
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