Big Island Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing

5.0 (70 reviews) 7–9 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

70 reviews

5.0

Big Island Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Big Island Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Experience the magic of Mauna Kea at nearly 14,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean.

Watch a breathtaking sunset from the summit, then enjoy expert-led stargazing with a professional telescope in one of the world’s best night-sky locations.

This small-group tour has been operated continuously since 1989 by a trusted, fully permitted local company. Travel in luxury 4WD vans with professionally trained guides who prioritize safety, comfort, and personalized service.

Learn about the cultural significance of Mauna Kea and the wonders of the universe—where ancient Hawaiians believed the Earth meets the heavens.

Heavy-duty parkas, local snacks, and hot chocolate are included. Convenient pickups in Kailua-Kona and Waikoloa Beach Resort.

Day Trips Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Cultural Tours 4WD Tours Small Group

At a glance

Duration: 7–9 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 13 people
People per booking: 1–12
Guide: English
Operated by: Taikobo Hawaii

Ages: Adults (13–80 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Admission fees: A required $20/person passenger fee for the Center for Maunakea Stewardship (University of Hawaiʻi) to support the care and preservation of the mountain's natural and cultural resources.
Included: Private stargazing with a professional telescope
Included: Heavy-duty hooded parka (If you need an XL parka, please request the quantity at booking.)
Included: All local snacks. Hot chocolate is served during the stargazing.

Not included

Not included: Please bring your own warm layers—sweater/hoodie, warm socks, beanie, and gloves.
Not included: Must wear toe closed shoes and long pants.
Not included: Bottled water: Bring your own water. Drinking water will reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Not included: Gratuities: Tips for your guide are greatly appreciated.

Itinerary

Maunakea Visitor Information Station

45 min Admission included

We take time at the Visitor Center to safely acclimate to the high altitude while exploring the gift shop and educational displays that highlight Maunakea’s world-class observatories, unique environment, and deep cultural significance.
Mauna Kea Summit

one hour Admission included

Explore the summit, home to world-renowned observatories, and watch a stunning sunset sink into the clouds and horizon.
Mauna Kea

one hour Admission included

Descend to a lower-elevation stargazing site (between 13,000 and 9,000 feet) after sunset, and experience the night sky from one of the best viewing locations on Earth. Your expert guide will bring the stars to life with fascinating insights into the universe, while a professional telescope reveals breathtaking celestial objects up close.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet us at the shuttle bus stop by the curb in the back side of the Queen's Marketplace in Waikoloa Beach Resort. Look for the large yellow sunshade umbrellas as a landmark.

⭐⭐⭐IMPORTANT: Please contact us for your pickup time
Meet us at our office in Kailua-Kona. Located between Kona International Airport and downtown Kona, just off Route 19 near Costco.

End point

Meet us at the shuttle bus stop by the curb in the back side of the Queen's Marketplace in Waikoloa Beach Resort. Look for the large yellow sunshade umbrellas as a landmark.

⭐⭐⭐IMPORTANT: Please contact us for your pickup time
Meet us at our office in Kailua-Kona. Located between Kona International Airport and downtown Kona, just off Route 19 near Costco.

Using your ticket

Please show your ticket to the guide when check in.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
The tour may be canceled before departure due to weather or road closures. If that happens, you’ll be offered a new date or a full refund.
If the weather turns unfavorable during the tour, we’ll still do our best to provide a great experience. If we cannot reach the summit due to road closures or other unforeseen issues, you’ll receive a full refund or credit.
Alcohol beverages are not allowed.
Drunk or intoxicated guests are not allowed.
A minimum of 3 guests is required to hold a tour. If we have fewer than 3 bookings 24 hours before departure, the tour will be canceled unless existing guests choose to pay the difference.
Pets, including service animals, are not allowed to ensure the comfort and safety of guests with allergies or animal phobias.
No meals are included. Please eat a full meal before the tour. We do provide some nice local snacks.
A cup of hot chocolate will be served during the stargazing.
If a guest becomes ill or injured and cannot continue, the group may need to adjust the itinerary. Anyone leaving the tour must be accompanied by a companion (if applicable) and arrange their own return transportation at their own expense.
If you need an XL parka, please request the quantity at booking.
Age restriction: 13-80 yrs old (Guests ages 13–17 must be accompanied by a responsible adult)
Guests with heart conditions, lung disease, or serious medical issues are not allowed.
Pregnant guests are not allowed.
Guests who have been scuba diving within 24 hours are not allowed.
Severely obese guests (BMI over 40.0) are not allowed.