Magpie
4.8(401 reviews)

Maunakea Summit & Stars Tour from Kona Hawaii Big Island

8 hours
Kailua-Kona, USA

About this activity

Experience the serenity of starry skies in paradise with the Maunakea Summit & Stars Tour. This small-group tour provides personalized attention while offering a deluxe 4WD van ride to the summit. 

Highlights

  • Telescope stargazing at Maunakea Visitor Information Station
  • A hot picnicstyle dinner with cocoa and dessert
  • Small group tour providing a personalized experience
  • Views of the sunset and breathtaking landmarks

Full description

We will pick you up at a central location in Kailua-Kona or Waikoloa in a deluxe 4WD van specially designed to take you through rugged terrain to the summit of Mauna Kea. Our small-group tour ensures an intimate, personalized experience with your fellow stargazers. Once you arrive at the ranch at the base of Mauna Kea, we will take you on an educational adventure towards the summit of one of the world's most renowned observatories. Before the ascent, enjoy a hot picnic-style dinner amidst breathtaking views of the sunset, Mauna Loa, and the Haleakala volcano on Maui. Our guides will provide you with hot cocoa, dessert and most importantly, gear to keep you warm from the chilly winds at the summit, like hooded parkas and gloves. Breathtaking views await you at 9,000 feet, with more than a dozen international observatories that draw scientists from all over the world. Look through our powerful telescope with our seasoned astronomer, and learn about the visible planets and stars.

Included / Excluded

  • Entry/Admission Maunakea Visitor Information Station
  • Hooded parkas and gloves
  • Hot picnic dinner
  • Hot cocoa and cookies
  • Gratuities

Meeting point

Traveler pickup is offered.Also can pick-up from: Queens' Market Place, 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738 Gilbert Kahele Recreation Park, 44-5400 Daniel K. Inouye Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, 75-5660 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA **IMPORTANT - Please note, guests meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel must meet at least 15 MINUTES PRIOR to the tour's departure time. Mahalo!**Hotel pickup is offered. View the hotel list on our checkout page to see if yours is included among the pickup points.

Important information

Know before you book

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Must be 8 years old or older
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level

Know before you go

  • Walking sticks, flashlights, daypacks, rain gear, bug repellant, and sunscreen provided
  • It is recommended to wear comfortable, closed toe walking shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen
  • Bring a light sweatshirt or jacket. Bring or wear long pants.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Frequently asked questions

FAQs

Additional information

**IMPORTANT - Please note, guests meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel must meet at least 15 MINUTES PRIOR to the tour's departure time.**

There is minimal walking on this tour, the maximum being about 150 yards
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 14 passengers

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
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