Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour

4.8

based on 1,561 reviews

| Big Island, United States

Reviews Summary

Guests consistently describe the tour as "amazing," "incredible," and a "once-in-a-lifetime experience," praising the sunset views, stargazing, and the overall awe-inspiring nature of Mauna Kea.

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Features

Free Cancellation

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

Instant ticket delivery

Mobile Ticket

Pickup available

Duration

8 hours

Wheelchair accessible

Audio guide

Live guide

Private star show with telescope
Hooded parkas and gloves
Central Meeting Locations for Pick-up & Drop off
Hot cocoa and cookies
Local taxes
Guide
Hot picnic dinner
Pick-up & Dropoff from Central Meeting Locations

Gratuities

Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age is 13 years - No children under 13.
Due to the high altitude, this tour is not suitable for those with respiratory, circulatory or heart conditions, pregnancy, or poor health.
Scuba divers should be aware of altitude dangers. If you plan to scuba dive, do not plan to go to the summit within 24 hours after you dive due to the altitude.
Guests are required to wear closed-toed shoe and long pants. We recommend bringing a sweatshirt or sweater for layering.
Guests must bring their own water bottles. Tour operator will provide filtered water refills.
Please provide your parka size (small, medium, large, x-large or xx-large) and meal choice at the time of booking. If you do not indicate this at the time of booking, you will need to contact the tour operator directly.
There is minimal walking on this tour, the maximum being about 150 yards. Please note we are unable to accommodate any guests with a collapsible wheelchair. All guests must be able to enter and exit our vehicles on their own, and walk comfortably on uneven terrain with limited lighting on their own.
The access road to Mauna Kea is four-wheel drive only, so it can be bumpy. The custom off-road transit vans will get you to the top and back in safety and comfort. The transit vans can carry a maximum of 12 passengers
Snow is seasonal at Maunakea, with the heaviest snowfall occurring during the winter months
Please note your scheduled pick-up time may differ from the tour start time displayed online. Contact us to confirm your meeting time & location.
No scuba diving within 24 hours
No scuba diving within 24 hours

Head to the Mauna Kea Observatory, nestled high in the mountains of the Big Island, and experience an intriguing and provocative journey through space and time. Discover Hawaii from the top of the island's tallest peak, Mauna Kea, also known as 'White Mountain,' located 13,796 feet (4,200 meters) above sea...

Duration 8 Hours
Group Tour
Max 12 people in the group

1
Palani Road
Travelers staying in Kailua Kona will meet the guide here.
Your guide will meet you at the benches closest to the hotel's parking lot entrance at the curbside.
There may be additional meeting location stops along the way to Maunakea.
- Duration 5 Minutes•
- Admission Ticket Not Included
2
Maunakea Visitor Information Station
Enjoy a warm picnic dinner while you acclimate to a higher elevation and learn about Hawaiian star navigation before you head to the summit.
- Duration 45 Minutes•
- Admission Ticket Included

Mauna Kea Summit

Enjoy a sunset from above the clouds while overlooking the Pacific Ocean atop Maunakea. After the sunset, travel to a more comfortable elevation and let our guides reveal the night sky with our 11" Celestron telescopes.

Duration 30 Minutes•
Admission Ticket Included

Maunakea Visitor Information Station

Descend to a lower elevation after the sun sets and sip hot chocolate during a private star show with our 11” Celestron telescope.
View deep space objects with our Stellina digital telescope and share captured images of the Hawaiian night sky with your friends & family