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.
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
Snow parker, Ski pants, and Gloves
An astronomical telescope
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)
4x4 Passenger Van to the summit
An optional TIP per person for good service is customary in Hawaii.
Guest under 16 years old or older than 75 cannot participate
Please arrive at the meeting location 5min prior to pick up 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)
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
1,197 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The best experience ever
Mikayla B,
Sep 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was the most beautiful experience and so worth the money. Our tour guide James was extremely knowledgeable on all things Hawaii and was great at keeping us safe and on time. The stargazing and photo opportunities were incredible. Highly recommend!
James was a great guide...
Jeffery B,
Sep 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00James was a great guide and ensured everyone was take care of. The altitude definitely makes you light headed and would just people to be cautious and ready for the altitude change and potential altitude sickness. The view was amazing and the stars were unforgettable. Definitely a once in life time experience.
Breathtaking views at the highest altitude I’ve ever experienced
Catherine P,
Sep 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00Once in a lifetime experience to reach the summit of Mauna Kea!! James our tour guide was knowledgeable and kind, always checking in on the group because that altitude is no joke. Be prepared to be light headed when at the summit and for the drastic change in temperature so dress accordingly even though James had coats and jackets for everyone to borrow. And hot chocolate. I had a really amazing experience and views I’ll never forget
Gods picture perfect moments.
Robert M,
Sep 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our experience was amazing. It was our honeymoon and James made it a once in a lifetime experience. He shared so many things with us and he made sure our photos were special.
Beautiful Sunset!
Helen K,
Aug 31, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had an amazing experience on the Mauna Kea tour! The drive up the mountain was smooth and well-organized, with stops to adjust to the altitude and take in beautiful views. The sunset at the summit was absolutely breathtaking — truly a once-in-a-lifetime sight above the clouds. Afterward, the stargazing was incredible. The guides provided powerful telescopes and pointed out constellations, planets, and deep-sky objects we would have never seen on our own. Overall, it was a well-paced, safe, and unforgettable experience.
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