Guided Tours

Big Island: Maunakea Summit & Stars Tour

Embark on a guided summit adventure that includes a warm picnic dinner, hot chocolate, dessert, and round-trip transportation in custom off-road coaches.

Witness a stunning sunset atop Mauna Kea, the highest point in the Pacific Ocean, with expert guides sharing local insights.

Stargaze through two powerful telescopes and receive digital photos of deep space objects captured during your experience.

Learn about Hawaiian star navigation and astronomy in a small-group setting, ensuring a personalized, interactive tour.

Stay cozy with the provided winter parkas, gloves, and warm wear—no need to worry about the mountain chill.

Guided trip to Mauna Kea summit and lower-elevation stargazing site

Small group size (max 12 guests)

Warm picnic dinner and refreshments

Hot chocolate and dessert during stargazing

Use of Celestron and Stellina telescopes for night sky viewing

Photos of some celestial objects viewed

Expert interpretive guide

Transportation in custom off-road motor coaches

Gear provided:

Winter jackets/parkas

Gloves

Warm wear

Transportation to meeting points

Additional snacks/drinks

Tips and gratuities

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Witness a Pacific sunset atop Mauna Kea, then stargaze with expert guides and telescopes on this 8–9 hour small-group adventure.

Getting started

Meet your guide at the designated pick-up point and board a custom off-road motor coach. After a brief introduction and gear fitting, enjoy a warm picnic dinner before the ascent to the summit.

What to expect

Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Adventure

Mauna Kea, the highest point in the Pacific Ocean, is a site of scientific and cultural significance, renowned for its clear night skies and ancient Hawaiian navigation traditions. This guided tour combines sunset views, astronomy, and local insights for a comprehensive summit experience.

Features

Summit sunset: Watch the sun dip below the horizon from Mauna Kea’s summit, a location prized for its altitude and panoramic views.

Stargazing session: Use an 11” Celestron and a Stellina digital telescope to observe deep space objects, with expert guides sharing Hawaiian star navigation techniques.

Warmth and comfort: Stay cozy with provided winter parkas, gloves, and refreshments, including hot chocolate and dessert during stargazing.

Small group experience: Groups are limited to 12 guests, ensuring personalized attention and ample time for questions.

Eco-friendly practices: The tour uses reusable materials and follows a leave-no-trace policy as a certified, permitted operator on Mauna Kea.

What to bring

Wear closed-toe shoes that are suitable for uneven or rocky terrain.

Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

Dress warmly with socks or leggings, a sweater or sweatshirt, and long pants for cold conditions.

Bring any personal medications you may need during the tour.

What’s not allowed

Children under the age of 13 cannot join this experience.

Guests who have scuba dived within 24 hours prior cannot participate due to altitude considerations.

Independent hiking or exploring the summit before sunset is prohibited.

Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Alcohol, drugs, or any form of intoxication is strictly forbidden.

Accessibility

This experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Guests must be able to walk short distances on uneven or rocky surfaces.

Not recommended for individuals with respiratory, circulatory, or heart conditions, those who are pregnant, or those in poor health.

Additional information

Observatory access is not included, as they are currently closed to the public.

Summit temperatures can drop below freezing, and cold, wet, or muddy conditions are possible.

Weather can change rapidly, and summit access may be restricted without notice due to safety regulations.

The tour returns late; ensure you have arranged transportation from your designated meeting point.

Snow occurs seasonally, with the heaviest accumulation in winter months.

Hilo-based guests should meet at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy; direct pick-up from Hilo is not available.

Pick-up locations:

King Kamehameha Courtyard Marriott (12:10pm)

Kona Village Resort (12:45pm)

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (12:45pm)

Queens' Market Place (south side) (1:10pm)

Waikoloa Plaza (near Domino's Pizza) (1:25pm)

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.