Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stars

Experience the breathtaking sunset at Mauna Kea Summit, learn about the history of the Big Island, stargaze with research telescopes, and capture stunning astrophotography photos.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Mauna Kea Summit - One of the best places to see the sunset and stargazing and it’s also the highest mountain on earth. Comfortable 4X4 passenger van as transportation.Jackets and gloves provided to keep you warm. Experienced tour guide to talk about our history and show you our amazing night with a laser pointer. Get close to the stars with our professional Celestron telescope and get a nice photo with our DSLR camera.
What's Included
  • Experienced tour guide
  • FREE night photo with our professional camera
  • Snacks and a hot beverage
  • Jackets and gloves to keep you warm
  • Transportation in a comfortable 4X4 van
  • Professional telescope (Weather Permitting)
What's Not Included
  • Dinner (Travelers may bring their own)
Additional Information

Delight in the awe-inspiring sunset at the top of Mauna Kea, the highest point in the Pacific.

Your guide will share historic accounts of the Big Island. Stand amidst the world’s largest collection of research telescopes.
Two of the eight telescopes which took the first photos of the black hole are here.

Sip a hot beverage during your private star show and view planets with a professional telescope (Weather Permitting).

Your guide will take astrophotography photos of you with our camera and email them to you.

  • Not recommended for travelers under 13 years old
Location
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton
Banyan Drive
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(1118 Ratings)
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1 star
Swati_r
Aug 1, 2024
Robert was amazing!!!!... - Robert was amazing!!!! Trip was well planned, informative, well guided. Very approachable. It seemed like everyone on this tour with us was like family. Robert put in extra effort to make comfortable and memorable for us.
Review provided by Viator
Milan_v
Aug 1, 2024
Unforgettable experiences - Trip to the summit of Mauna Kea was absolutely excellent. The journey provided stunning views and unforgettable experiences, particularly the star watching, which was a highlight of the adventure. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly, enhancing the entire experience with their insights and enthusiasm. However, the transfer bus was not as enjoyable. It could use some improvements to match the quality of the rest of the trip. Despite this minor inconvenience, the overall experience was incredible and one I would highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Naoya_s
Aug 1, 2024
Starry sky and sea of ​​clouds seen from the highest mountain. - The bumpy road to the top of the mountain, the sunset next to Subaru Observatory, the Southern Cross, Sirius seen in summer, the full moon, and a sea of ​​clouds.
Review provided by Viator
Kristine_c
Jul 30, 2024
Must do adventure - The view and spending time with my son. So glad we did this together ❤️ The weather was perfect and calm.
Review provided by Viator
Denis_g
Jul 30, 2024
Our very own sunset - Great experience, best sunset ever, great spot to stand in awe of God’s creation as the heavens get filled with stars and galaxies far away. Mahalo nui loa to our guides Robert and Jess for sharing their Hawaiian and cosmos knowledge with us. It brought the enjoyment of the trip to a whole new level listening to them as they talked with so much joy and pride in what they do throughout the trip. 10 stars to them!!!
Review provided by Viator
Jiayi
Jul 29, 2024
Breathtaking Experience - Excellent guides!Jessica and Rob took care of us very well. This is my best experience on the island. Safe driving, knowledge sharing and fun chatting are all the highlights of my trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Olivia_c
Jul 29, 2024
AMAZING EXPERIENCE - Don’t hesitate to take this tour! The shuttle driver, John, was a great tour guide providing information about the island as we went to pick up people at the second stop in Waikoloa. Then we went to meet Jess and Rob for the rest of the ride in the van. We were in Jess’s van and she was very knowledgeable about the island- not to mention a fabulous photographer! We stopped at the summit pictures at sunset. Afterwards, we went back down a bit to see the stars. We were lucky to see multiple shooting stars! Rob was very knowledgeable about the stars. The premade bag of various snacks was a great treat! They gave my husband and I “no nuts” snacks because of my allergy. Mahalo for the wonderful experience!
Review provided by Viator
Andrew_s
Jul 29, 2024
Best tour on the Big Island!! - John picked us up on time in Waikaloa Villiage. He was very informative and funny. Learned about the big island history and other places to see on the island. He dropped us off at the designated meeting spot where our tour guides, Rob and Jenny greeted us with true Ohana spirit. Rob and Jenny were so welcoming sharing the history, geology and the Hawaiian culture of the Island. Upon arrival at the summit, we were treated with snacks, warm jackets, gloves and the most beautiful sunset from the top of Mauna Kea! We then went to an amazing star gazing location where we learned about the stars, constellations and more Hawaiian culture. Warm snacks were provided. The stars, planets, constellations, the Milky Way and shooting stars were breathtaking. Upon descent from the summit, John returned us safely to Waikaloa Village. This was the best tour!! Would highly recommend Rob, Jenny and John to our friends and family!! Mahalo!!
Review provided by Viator
Annie_o
Jul 29, 2024
A great experience! (Except for the van to the meet up poibt) - This was an amazing experience!!! The drive to the pick up point in the van was EXTREMELY hot and stuffy, very uncomfortable but the summit and star gazing was well worth it! Tay was a great guide!
Review provided by Viator
Thomas
Jul 30, 2024
Definitely a highlight - It was a great tour and Rob really explained a lot and well. And when we thought that was it after the sunset the second highlight started - stargazing with hawaiian history and myths
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 14 guests
1
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September 2024
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