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
Great tour, but count on your lucky stars
This particular tour is on the pricier side, but imo it’s worth it for 8 hours and a very engaged and knowledgeable (about astronomy) tour guide. The only downside was the sudden fog that delayed the trip, but it’s not the the company could anticipate it for make it go away.
Perfect trip
Some very striking landscapes.
Great experience and great Tour Guide!
Really amazing experience and our Tourguide, Aaron, was outstanding! His knowledge of everything from geology to astronomy to Hawaiian history was amazing and his ability to deliver in a fun and easy to understand way was fantastic. The bus ride flew by! The sunset ABOVE the clouds at the top of Mauna Kea was so beautiful and the star gazing was lovely if a bit cloudy (we couldn't use the telescope, but we did see quite a bit of constellations intermittently. They took good care of us and I highly recommend the tour. Ask for Aaron!
Mystical night with an amazing guide
Eugene was an amazing guide and shared so many cool facts throughout the tour. The whole experience felt very chill, introspective, and mystical. Stargazing with hot chocolate was the perfect cherry on top.
Stars, almost
Won’t see stars if it’s cloudy. Weather changes quickly You will definitely notice a little harder to breathe at higher elevations
