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
Queens Market place Pick up
Starting point:
Queens' Marketplace, 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, USA
Target Parking Lot by McDonald
Starting point:
Target, 74-5455 Makala Blvd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Reviews
1,502 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing experience on Mauna Kea!
karlapF5246TO,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time! James our host was so welcoming and told us a lot of history about the island, which we loved. The telescopes were fascinating! The weather didn’t cooperate for star gazing, but we captured beautiful sunset photos nonetheless. The coats, pants, gloves, and hot chocolate provided by James kept us nice and warm as it is Really cold and windy at the top of the mountain. Amazing experience!
Incredible
I4685ZYgabrielal,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An unforgettable experience! The Mauna Kea sunset was absolutely breathtaking, and the stargazing was incredible. John (Yoki) our tour guide was super friendly, great company, and very knowledgeable about the island, making everything easy to understand. He was also a great driver and took amazing pictures, which made the experience even more special. Everything was perfectly organized. Highly recommend this tour—definitely worth it!
Excellent and stunning...
Hongchao H,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent and stunning tour! Our guide, Yoki (John), was very professional. He not only helped us stay comfortable at high altitude, but also took amazing photos for us. Not to mention his wonderful stargazing explanations
Awesome trip, perfectly...
Pawandeep P,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome trip, perfectly clear skies for sunset and star gazing. Sandwich and hot coco was a plus, Yoko was the best. Thanks for an epic adventure!
James was a very nice...
Carol L,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00James was a very nice tour guide! He was familiar with all the individuals there at the site and worked with them to make sure our experience was good. He made sure everyone was feeling alright throughout the trip.
James/Kimo was great! He...
Karen G,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00James/Kimo was great! He gave us lots of information the whole ride there and back to the parking in Waikaloa. He showed us all the constellations we could see, even with the moon light pollution. He was very attentive and took tons of awesome photos!!
Don’t miss this amazing excursion
Catherine P,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00One of a kind experience driving up above the clouds to the tallest volcano, viewing the sunset from there over the ocean, then stargazing with an astronomy lesson using a super laser pointer and a telescope. Our guide was John and he was very concerned for our safety and lead us through deep breathing exercises and explanations on how to avoid altitude sickness. He also served the best sandwiches and hot cocoa and had parkas, ski pants and gloves for us ready because the summit has snow! The whole experience was once-in-a-lifetime level and I took my kids ages 26 and 23 and we all loved it. Not to miss, especially if the weather cooperates.
A Journey with Fine Weather
Sightseer60241737532,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00James is a friendly tour guide who took great care of us and even took photos for us. He is also an excellent driver. The weather for yesterday's trip was wonderful—everything was perfect!
Great food, sights, guide...
Jay U,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Great food, sights, guide and tour. Very organized and safety concious. Jackets and pants were needed, and nice to have.
Great time
Yue W,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The experience was pretty good with a fulfilling itinerary and good accommodations. James was an amazing, humorous, and thoughtful tour guide who gave us lots of great insight during the trip. Unfortunately, a big part of the sunset and stargazing was blocked by cloud cover. Nevertheless, we were able to see the red glow from the eruption of Mount Kilauea, which was cool. Also, the hot chocolate was a nice touch.
From US$280.00
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