Tour

Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour

4.8(1,524 reviews)
8 hours
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Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour
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About This Tour

Head to the Mauna Kea Observatory, nestled high in the mountains of the Big Island, and experience an intriguing and provocative journey through space and time. Discover Hawaii from the top of the island's tallest peak, Mauna Kea, also known as 'White Mountain,' located 13,796 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level. This small-group star-watching tour ensures a personalized and unique experience at the enchanting Mauna Kea summit.

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Number of travelers
1
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Photo Gallery

The night sky at Mauna Kea's summit on the Big Island of Hawaii is full of stars.

The night sky at Mauna Kea's summit on the Big Island of Hawaii is full of stars.

Mauna Kea Summit and Stargazing Adventure Tour.

Mauna Kea Summit and Stargazing Adventure Tour.

A traveler prepares to watch the night sky after sunset at Mauna Kea Summit, on the Big Island of Hawaii.

A traveler prepares to watch the night sky after sunset at Mauna Kea Summit, on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Capturing a captivating sunset at over 13,000' on Maunakea.

Capturing a captivating sunset at over 13,000' on Maunakea.

Views from the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Views from the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Snow filled craters at the summit of Maunakea

Snow filled craters at the summit of Maunakea

From $0.00
per person
Number of travelers
1
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Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour

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What's Included

Private star show with telescope
Hooded parkas and gloves
Central Meeting Locations for Pick-up & Drop off
Hot cocoa and cookies
Local taxes
Guide
Hot picnic dinner
Pick-up & Dropoff from Central Meeting Locations

What's Not Included

Gratuities

Additional Information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
Guests must bring their own water bottles. Tour operator will provide filtered water refills.
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.
No scuba diving within 24 hours

Meeting Point

Please park in the lower gravel lot & walk to the Visitors Ctr (aka Onizuka Ctr) to meet our guide by the picnic area. Arrive at least 15 mins prior to your pick-up time. PLEASE NOTE: Your pick-up time will be different than the displayed online tour start time. Contact us to verify the meeting time

Please park by the vacant lot adjacent to Domino's Pizza. Our guide will meet you on the curbside. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. PLEASE NOTE: Your pick-up time will be different than the displayed tour start time online. Please contact us to verify the meeting time.

Please park & meet us on the backside (south side) of this popular shopping center. We will pick you up by the long yellow curb with the two yellow umbrellas. PLEASE NOTE: Your pick-up time will be different than the tour start time displayed online. Please contact us to verify the meeting time.

Please meet us at the front entrance and allow a 15-minute window for your driver to arrive. PLEASE NOTE: Your pick-up time will be different than the tour start time displayed online. You may contact us to verify the meeting time.

**IMPORTANT - Please note that guests meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the tour's start time. ** ** Mahalo!**

Special Instructions

• Please note guests must be 13 years of age or older to attend this tour • Guests are required to wear closed-toe walking shoes or hiking boots, and long pants. We recommend guests bring a light sweatshirt or jacket. • Important: Please advise the following either through the Viator messaging portal, directly to Hawaii Forest and Trail (+1-808-331-8505) or info@hawaii-forest.com at the time of booking: 1. HOTEL NAME - needed to confirm the closest meeting location 2. PARKA SIZE, (small, medium, large, x-large or xx-large) 3. MEAL

Cancellation Policy

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

✓ Free cancellation due to bad weather

Tour Operator

Hawaii Forest &Trail

Official supplier for this experience. Bookings are handled directly through Viator with verified partners.

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Guest Ratings

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Based on 1,524 verified reviews

4.8

Average rating

5
1,37790%
4
976%
3
262%
2
121%
1
121%

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour

Who operates this experience?

This experience is operated by Hawaii Forest &Trail.

What's included?

This tour includes Private star show with telescope, Hooded parkas and gloves, and Central Meeting Locations for Pick-up & Drop off. Additional amenities and services are included. All inclusions are provided by the tour operator.

How long does this experience take?

The experience lasts approximately 8 hours, giving you time to fully enjoy your chosen activity.

Can I cancel this tour?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time for a full refund. If weather conditions are unsafe, the tour may be canceled by the operator. In such cases, you'll be offered a refund or reschedule.

Will I receive instant confirmation?

Yes, you'll receive instant confirmation when you book.

Is this tour worth it?

Yes, this experience has a 4.8-star rating based on 1.5K+ reviews, making it a highly rated option.

What to expect on this tour?

This tour experience lasts approximately 8 hours and includes all necessary equipment and guidance. You'll have access to Private star show with telescope and more.

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Book Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour

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Dest ID: 669
Slug: big-island-of-hawaii