Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience with Pro Astro-Photographer

Experience the ultimate stargazing adventure on Mauna Kea with a pro astro-photographer and analog-astronaut. Discover celestial objects, view deep space with a telescope, and capture stunning photos with the Milky Way.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Mauna Kea - Enjoy a unique stargazing experience with free photos of your trip.
What's Included
  • Parka jackets provided for warmth
  • Professional photographer guide included
  • Complimentary medium resolution photos
  • All activities covered
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Optional Photo Upgrades Available
Additional Information

Guided by a seasoned Analog-Astronaut and a professional Astro-Photographer, we are the only stargazing firm that purposely avoids the moon’s brightness and meticulously chooses our times and locations to provide you with the best possible stargazing experience.

Our tour is split into three segments:

Opening Segment:
Your guide will highlight different stars, galaxies and constellations using a high-power green laser pointer, while sharing stories and experiences from their time as an Analog-Astronaut, among other things.

Middle Segment:
Experience the live intricacies of the cosmos via a high-tech, light-sensitive camera attached to a telescope. This will allow you stunning views of celestial bodies such as nebulae and galaxies that you might not have thought possible.

Closing Segment:
Your Astro-Photographer will capture a few impressive snaps of you with the Milky Way as your backdrop.

All standard resolution photos that are taken during our venture are included in the cost.

Options for upgrading to high-resolution images are readily available.

The location of the stargazing changes nightly based on factors like cloud cover and crowd levels. Typically, we set up at the peaks of Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa, selecting whichever spot provides the most favorable conditions.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Dress code: Wear pants and closed-toed shoes
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Weather can reach 30F. We have parka jackets that have pockets and a hood, although that may not be enough for some
  • Not recommended for travelers with any mobility/ambulatory restrictions, back, heart and hearing problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Pregnant Travelers should discuss with their doctor before hand.
  • Not suitable for some senior citizens
  • Not recommended for chronic complainers ;)
Location
Pu'u Huluhulu Cinder cone parking lot
Text us prior to your tour for an updated meeting spot. We might not be meeting at this location.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(219 Ratings)
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Verafiedvegan
Jul 18, 2024
They weren’t kidding when they named it Epic Tours - Stargazing with Epic Tours was an unforgettable experience. Words really can’t adequately express how stunning the stars are from that location on Mauna Kea. They supply coats and blankets, but it’s cold up there, so don’t forget to dress as warm as you can. I loved being able to learn about the stars and planets and constellations and galaxies and ask all the questions I wanted to ask of Dylan. They use a laser pointer to show us everything, and if you have a question, they hand it to you to point out what you’re talking about. They are so knowledgeable and have really thought of it all to make the experience special. James has some really impressive camera equipment and took some of the most stunning pics I’ve ever seen. (I tried to take a couple with my phone, but they were all blurry, so I was so happy to have a bunch of gorgeous pics sent to me.) The whole experience was absolutely beautiful and I would do it again in a heartbeat. ⭐️ 💫
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jchew81
Jul 11, 2024
Awesome Experience! - Have to admit, we thought it was a bit odd to have the pickup location change an hour or so before the event, be given the updated Google map location, and told to drive ourselves to the new location (only 10 minutes away from the original), but this was an AWESOME experience. The location was low enough altitude that we were able to bring our elementary aged kids, which we would not have been able to do if we opted to go on other tours that go to the summit. The view of the stars were crystal clear and best of all the guides were super knowledgable and engaging. It's clear that they enjoyed what they do. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this experience or do it again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annancalifornia
Jul 10, 2024
A stargazing experience of a lifetime! - This tour was EPIC! We are so grateful to have experienced this in our lifetime. We saw many shooting stars, constellations, a nebula, Pinwheel Galaxy, Andromeda! James and Dylan are knowledgeable; true experts. And they are fun! We had a memorable time, felt inspired, and feel moved by the perspective of where we are in our galaxy. 1. Booking experience: James was great at communicating, very detailed and responsive. 2. Getting there: it was a nicely paved, easy drive. The location was felt private, like you’re on another planet, it’s so neat. James was so kind to include the jeep in the photo too! Plan ahead with directions and texts, as you get higher, you may lose WiFi. Driving back at night to Kona side after the experience felt safe, as well! 3. The photos: such a cool way to remember the experience. James is an incredible photographer. I still can’t believe he was able to capture these, and that we are able to have photos by him Thank you Epic Tours!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Justin_s
Jul 9, 2024
Amazing experience - Amazing experience. Must do if you’re on the Big Island! Best stargazing you will ever see. It’s freezing cold up there, so dress warm.
Review provided by Viator
Xgs4gd7j4k
Jun 13, 2024
Great - A fantastic tour. Our guide shared a ton of information about the sky and was able to handle every question! Highly recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Departure03561383764
Jun 11, 2024
Epic adventure ✨ - I already did this tour for the third (!) time and it‘s only getting better ✨ James is super knowledgeable and you can feel his passion. He showed stellar constellations and was always open for questions and further explanation. The pictures he takes at the end are incredible. This tour also awoke my general interest in astronomy/astrofotography 🙂✨
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cosette_a
Jun 10, 2024
Can’t put into words how cool this is - We were exhausted after spending all day on the boat and we almost canceled this tour. I am SO happy we didn’t. This was the coolest thing we did our entire trip. Truly could not get this experience any where else. James and Dillan are truly amazing. 🌟
Review provided by Viator
749gretchens
May 15, 2024
EPIC stargazing!! - This was one of the most fabulous tours I have ever taken! We originally booked the 7-9pm tour, but due to weather and clouds, James contacted us and gave us an option to get a refund or do the 3:30 am tour. I am so glad we decided that the few hours of sleep we would be missing would not be remembered and to go on this tour. He knew exactly where to go for some EPIC star gazing. He is quite passionate and knowledgeable about the stars and the natural world. This should definitely be on your list if you are coming to the Big Island!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q1266ybsarahc
Apr 9, 2024
Truly a highlight of our honeymoon! - Breathtaking blanket of stars! Great memories, awesome expert guide, and photos for the record books. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fearless48647024393
Apr 8, 2024
A gorgeous tour - Really exciting and unforgettable star-gazing experience with James, the pro. Seeing the most amazing sky in my life and luckily seeing shooting stars . Highly recommend this tour with James!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 14 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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