Mauna Kea Summit Stargazing Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Breathtaking sunset views from Mauna Kea summit
- Guided stargazing with professional astronomer
- Comfortable round-trip transportation provided
- Warm clothing and blankets for added comfort
- Small-group experience for personalized attention
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation to Mauna Kea summit
- Guided stargazing session with professional astronomer
- Warm clothing and blankets for comfort
- Meals and beverages
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates in all weather conditions; cancellations may occur due to severe weather
- Children under 5 years old are not permitted on this tour
- Guests with mobility issues should consult with the tour operator prior to booking
Know before you go
- Dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures
- Bring a valid ID for check-in purposes
- Be prepared for a high-altitude environment; stay hydrated
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Good to know
- 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.
- 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.
- Weather changes can occur quickly, and the access road to the summit can close without warning; therefore we cannot guarantee access to the summit or favorable conditions.
Traveler reviews
My sister and I had Jason...
My sister and I had Jason as our driver and he was fantastic! We weren’t expecting to learn so much but we are so glad that we did! On top of the mountain, it genuinely feels unreal - like you are on another planet. This is a once in a lifetime experience and I am so grateful to have done it!
Worth the cost!!!
Oh, this was so well planned out and done right! The large van was in excellent shape and held the 4 miles of gravel road at the top of the mountain so smoothly. Plus the meal and hot chocolate and cookies were very very good! Then to top it off, we got to watch the sunset at 14,000 feet up. Then come down to the dark at 8000 feet to see the stars through a huge telescope . A great experience well worth the time involved!
Surreal Experience in the Stars
Our stargazing experience was incredible! Our guide Jeff made the trip educational, but not boring & very fun. He was extremely knowledgeable from the history of the island to the galaxy and beyond. Pick up was punctual he kept us informed and was relaxed yet kept the group safe and punctual. To go from the surf to the skies in a few hours was incredible and really made us appreciate the magnitude of the trip to this beautiful island. It was worth every penny!
Great Views and a Great Guide
Aaron our tour guide was great! He was very friendly and knowledgable. The views from Mauna Kea were spectacular.
Amazing experience
It is a long day (drop off at King Kamehameha just before 11pm) but well worth it. The views and stars were lovely. Chili and cookies were delicious. It does get cold so dress warmly.