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
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
1,317 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
James and team was very...
Felix S,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00James and team was very professional and knowledgeable. Exceptional experience with beautiful night sky and sunset.
Stunning sunset
Laura S,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was very well run. Our guide had us up in plenty of time for the sunset. You have to acclimate at 9,000 feet for 30-45 minutes, so it was plenty of time to use the bathroom, check out the gift shop, and get used to the thin air. There is a point where the road gets rough. I am prone to motion sickness and we travel in a 12 person van. I recommend dramamine less drowsy formula before going. I took some and had no problems. The view from the top is stunning. We had a bright moon so stargazing was limited, but our tour guide pointed out what he could. Pack for warmth up at the top. The company provides pants and ski jacket if needed. We were back at our resort by 9pm. Overall, I would recommend this tour to others.
Highly recommend the...
keerthan r,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Highly recommend the tour. James our guide was great. Everything was smooth from pickup to the views, the food and the hot coco.
Absolutely Incredible Experience!
Anonymous,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00My husband and I had the privilege of joining James for the Mauna Kea Summit Tour, and it was truly unforgettable. From start to finish, James was an exceptional guide—knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about sharing the beauty and history of the Big Island. The drive up to the summit was breathtaking, and James made sure we felt comfortable and safe the entire way. His explanations about the cultural significance of Mauna Kea, the unique ecosystem, and the astronomical observatories added so much depth to the experience. Watching the sunset from the summit was magical—one of the most awe-inspiring sights we’ve ever seen. James went above and beyond to make the tour special, even pointing out constellations during the stargazing portion and answering all our questions with enthusiasm. This tour was the highlight of our trip to Hawaii, and we can’t recommend it enough. If you’re considering it, don’t hesitate—you’ll create memories that last a lifetime!
A wonderful tour with West
宇轩 祁,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I joined the sunset and stargazing tour today with our guide West, and it was truly a great experience. Although the weather didn’t allow us to see the stars or take any photos, West’s enthusiasm and professionalism made the tour meaningful and enjoyable. I really appreciated his knowledge, warm attitude, and the way he made the whole journey special despite the conditions. It was a wonderful tour, and I’m glad I joined it.
Nice trip
Yuting W,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Good trip. Our guide Wes is knowledgeable about the stars. We saw the sunset, moon and the stars. And we had hot chocolate.
Thanksgiving From The Highest Mountain In The World
Wendy L,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Unbelievable views from above the clouds. Low 40s a bit cold for us. Amazing location to stargaze. West our tour guide is the funniest person and he kept us informed about the history of this incredible white mountain.
Worth It!!!
Kimberly R,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a wonderful narrated experience from beginning to end. Just know that only scientists get to go into the observatories - but the tour guides offer a wonderful stargazing experience with their own telescopes. The sandwiches and hot cocoa were a fun bonus ;-)
Mauna Kea Summit Tour Review
ADITI S,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a beautiful experience. Our tour guide as James. He was very polite, professional and well aware about the Hawaiian history. He was friendly and helpful. My father in law had difficulty in breathing while we were up the summit and James was very proactive in getting the oxygen ready for him, ensuring he was doing ok by constantly checking with him. Our family follow a satvik diet which involves no onion and no garlic and James was also prepared for that. He got sandwiches for us which did not have onion and garlic in them. This was very thoughtful of him and Hawaiian eyes tour, which I was not expecting. I thank the entire team for hosting this tour. It was a beautiful, memorable experience.
Conscientious, Informed, Impressive!
Choo R,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Shoyo was our tourguide. This was hands down one of the best, most spectacular and value-for-money tours I have ever been on (if u divide it over the number of hours!). Shoyo was conscientious, thoughtful, and attentive to all our needs. I was so awed to realize he was both driving AND giving us a full, running commentary, virtually all the way up to Mauna Kea! The hot chocolate in the cold during stargazing was such a welcome touch too! I really enjoyed this trip, and couldn't believe 8hrs flew by just like that!
From US$260.00
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