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
1,514 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic experience!!l
Letitia R,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00James was a great tour guide. He had so much knowledge and told the funniest jokes. He was a safe driver and watched out for animals to keep us safe. He took the most incredible photos of the sunset and the night stars. This excursion was one of my top 3 of all time excursions and I highly recommend it.
Unforgettable Mauna Kea Experience 🌌
Sightsee47723007123,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had such an amazing experience on the Mauna Kea summit and star gazing tour! It was truly one of the most unforgettable highlights of my trip to Hawaii. The views from the summit were absolutely breathtaking, and the star gazing experience was beyond anything I had ever seen before. The sky was very clear, and seeing so many stars in such detail was just magical. A huge shoutout to our guide, Chris! He made the entire experience even more special. He was knowledgeable and explained everything in a way that was easy to understand and engaging. On top of that, he took fantastic photos for us and made sure everyone was comfortable and well taken care of throughout the tour. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the Big Island. It’s 100% worth it!
Highly recommend
Stephanie H,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Chris was very knowledgeable! He did a wonderful job making sure we all were comfortable. The hot cocoa at the statgazing srop was rhe perfect touch on a cold night.
Mauna kea
Amy C,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience would highly recommend. Once in a lifetime. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and we all had a great time.
Amazing tour
chloeyeca,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide James was amazing! He was very responsive and incredibly knowledgeable about the island. He's also a great photographer and took wonderful care of us throughout the entire experience. The tour itself is an absolute must-do!! We watched a breathtaking sunset and went stargazing at over 4,000 meters above sea level - an unforgettable experience!
Uniquely Hawaiian
lisafB8249HT,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Took my teen boys up the mountain for a unique experience — beach to snow all in one day! You and James were excellent hosts and the sandwiches + hot chocolate was a nice touch, very much appreciated!
Top of the world view.
Donald P,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We went with Hawaiian Eyes Tours, excellent. Our driver guide was helpful and very informative. Our safety and comfort were priority along with a class A experience.
Picture perfect summit tour
Carol C,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience! James was informative, attentive and always making sure we were acclimating to the altitude changes. Incredibly knowledgeable about Mauna Kea and created a safe, fun tour for us all! BLT’s delicious and he captured great photos for us all.
Great tour.Yoki was very...
LIAO T,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour.Yoki was very patient and took great care of us throughout the whole tour, explaining everything clearly and making sure we felt comfortable. At the end, we were even treated to warm hot coco, which was the perfect way to end the night.
Sunset from above the clounds
Munir C,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience being above the clouds and watching the sunset from there. It was also cool to see all observatories at the summit and see snow in Hawaii.
From US$280.00
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Operated by Hawaiian Eyes Tour