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‘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
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)
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
1,297 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Watching the sunset from...
CECELIA K,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Watching the sunset from the top of Mauna Kea is stunningly beautiful! We made several stops to the many telescopes and the visitors center on the way to the summit. My tour guide, James, is a local and was able to give us a lot of information about the area and the telescopes. I went on a solo trip and James made sure that I was able to get all of the photos I wanted. Unfortunately it was too cloudy to see the stars, but James made sure we waited as long as possible for the sky to open up and stopped at several other locations on the way back to Kona in hopes that we would be able to see them. No one can control the weather and James gave us all a heads up before the tour started that it may not happen, so everyone knew the expectations going into it. Overall, had a great time!
I had an amazing...
SuTing C,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I had an amazing experience on the Mauna Kea tour with James as our guide! He was fantastic—friendly, knowledgeable, and really enthusiastic. Throughout the trip, he kept sharing interesting stories about the landscapes we passed, the history of the area, and the journey itself. When we reached the summit, he even pointed out constellations in the night sky and explained them in a way that was easy to understand. On top of that, he took some incredible photos for us that captured the experience perfectly. Highly recommend this tour, and especially James as a guide!
Unique experience!
Linda K,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. Francis, our tour guide, was informative and enthusiastic. We were blessed with a beautiful sunset view and spectacular clear skies for stargazing. Seeing the Milky Way and Saturn’s rings was special. The pictures Francis took of us were great, unique and we got them on our phone right away with airdrop. The parkas, sandwiches and hot cocoa provided kept us comfortable.
Mauna Kea Summit
David S,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Wes (West?) did a great job. We were in clouds for sunset but made the best of it. We thought it was still worthwhile to see the top of Mauna Kea and the observatories. We stopped at the state park where Wes provided a nice review of the night sky and found Saturn and Triton in his telescope. Thanks!
Sunset from on High
Guadalupe G,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was an amazing adventure up to the summit. Definitely freezing cold weather but an awesome sunset!
An Unforgettable Night with James!
yuranj2025,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic tour with our guide, James! He made the cosmos accessible and fascinating. Key highlights: • Knowledge: He shared amazing stories about the stars and planets. • Patience: He ensured everyone had a great view and answered all questions. • Fun: A wonderful and educational night thanks to James! Don't miss it!
Absolutely magical...
naisphanh01,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely magical experience with Hawaiian Eyes Tour! Our guide James was incredible—warm, knowledgeable, and made us feel completely welcome from the start. The drive to the summit was filled with fascinating insights, and once we arrived, the views were beyond breathtaking. Clear skies, perfect weather, and stars like you’ve never seen before. What makes this tour truly unique is the professional twilight and sunset photography James provides—stunning keepsakes that captured the beauty of the moment. We stayed longer than expected because we simply couldn’t get enough. The hospitality was top-notch, and the sandwich (hello, bacon!) was a delicious bonus. If you’re visiting Hawaii, this is a must-do. Once-in-a-lifetime views, unforgettable memories, and a guide who goes above and beyond. Highly recommend!
Unforgettable Sunset & Stargazing! 🌋☕🌌
Anish M,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Aloha!! 😍 We had such an amazing time exploring the Big Island with John. He was kind, upbeat, and full of great energy. John knew so much about the place — the stories, the legends, the science behind the volcanoes — and he shared it all in such a fun, easygoing way. The best part was when he drove us up 13,000 feet above sea level for the perfect sunset spot. We were over the clouds, watching the sun dip below a sea of mist and color. Absolutely breathtaking. Then came the stargazing — the sky was crystal clear, and we saw more stars than we ever thought possible. John pointed out constellations and planets with such passion that the whole experience felt otherworldly. And that hot cocoa he served? The most very, very, very delicious cup ever — warm, rich, and exactly what we needed up there in the chill. Highly recommend John and Hawaiian Eye Tours — truly unforgettable! 🌺✨ Mahalo!🙏😊
Worth the money!
annaxpatricia,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Francis was an amazing tour guide! From the welcome greeting to the end of the tour, he maintained such a welcoming and hospitable personality. Not only was he an informative tour guide and driver, but he also took pictures with a camera (AND even airdropped instantly). The life saving moment was when he made us sandwiches and hot chocolate, which was much needed after acclimating to the cold weather and change in altitude. Francis even had our winter gear available (i.e winter jacket, gloves, and pants), and when my boyfriend forgot a beanie, Francis luckily had an extra one just for him. The views are also breathtaking! We were so grateful that the weather was perfect to see the Mauna Kea sunset and to end the night, we went stargazing, which overall was an experience I’ll never forget! It’s a pricey tour, but a well worth your money if you want someone who is experienced in managing this kind of excursion and making sure you are in good hands. You could technically rent a 4 wheel drive and do the entire thing yourself for cheaper, but I really recommend doing this tour if you are not used to altitude change. Francis always reminded us to take deep breaths and informed us on how to properly manage altitude sickness by getting rest at the appropriate times, which I wouldn’t have known if we did this ourselves. I don’t regret booking this tour and I’m happy to say I slept like a baby on the way back home.
What a great tour! We got...
Gopika P,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What a great tour! We got to see such a vibrant sunset from the summit and star gaze too! Wes was such an amazing guide! We got to learn so much about the culture and history of this island. He really went out of his way to make sure everyone was comfortable and having a good time. Highly recommend!
From $260.00
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