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
1,479 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The veggie sandwich was excellent
Grace G,,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00An unlucky trip. Started with our bus getting in an accident. The drive was silent, was hoping for some information and education along the way. Stargazing unfortunately obscured by clouds, we all stood around in the cold until giving up. Even the hot chocolate wasn't available. Have previously done this tour with this company and had a wonderful experience, just a review that bad days happen. Sandwich was good though
Amazing view and experience
Kadi W,,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Highly recommend this tour! It was an amazing view and experience and Wes was a top notch guide. Wes went above and beyond with taking pictures and he was super knowledgeable. My partner and I mentioned we were headed to Hilo the next day and he even gave us some restaurant recommendations. 10/10 awesome time
Lovely experience
SUNRITA S,,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was well organized and James was a great tour guide full of facts and anecdotes. Sunset and stargazing was a lovely experience
Excellent tour!
Greg L,,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We highly recommend this tour! Our tour guide, Wes, was fantastic…. Very knowledgeable and friendly! He provided history of the island, fun facts and was a lot of fun! We saw a gorgeous sunset! He took pictures for us and helped identify the constellations during the stargazing portion. He set up a microscope so we could see Jupiter too! We had delicious sandwiches and some hot cocoa . Highly recommend!
Incredible experience...
Jennifer W,,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Incredible experience with very knowledgeable guide. Beautiful sunset and star gazing. Would highly recommend!
Sunsets, Star Gazing and Views like Heaven!
Carla F,,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience! Wes and Chris are full of the local knowledge. Learnt so much from the guides & felt safer with local drivers that do the trip on a daily basis. Much better than driving yourself, we could sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery. Best BLT’s and cocoa I’ve ever tasted & plenty of toilet breaks. The sunset at the summit & the star gazing were spectacular.
Summit
riverasj10,,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I did the Mauna Kea Summit with Chris our tour guide. This was such a great experience. Chris was so knowledgeable and helpful. Truly one of the best things we have done in Hawaii.
Stunning summit sunset and stars!!
Saudiologist,,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sunset at the top of a Mauna Kea was fantastic! We had a terrific Guide - James - who was SO considerate! He covered every detail - acclimation to the high altitude, warm clothes, gloves, tasty sandwiches, delicious cocoa, detailed information about the observatories, Hawaiian culture, the importance of Mauna Kea, and Hawaiian music as we ascended and descended the summit, etc. He took care of everyone who wanted photos of the observatories and/or the stunning sunset with grace and professionalism! As darkness fell he joined a colleague who parked their vans together to protect us from the wind while his colleague provides a wonderful star studded description of the constellations! A must DO! Hawaiian Eyes Tour company was great!
Great experience! James...
Shuai Y,,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience! James was an excellent guide- very knowledgeable, friendly, and well organized throughout the tour.
Mauna Kea with Hawaiian Eyes
Barbara C,,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great trip. We had beautiful weather and a clear sky. Unfortunately the moon was almost full so a lot of light dimming the stars. Our guide, Chris, was excellent.
From US$280.00
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Operated by Hawaiian Eyes Tour