Hawaii's #1 Experience-Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing
4.8
Hawaii's #1 Experience-Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing
By Hawaii Island Holidays
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 13-80, max of 14 per group
Duration: 7–8 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Transportation in a comfortable 4X4 van
- Snacks and a hot beverage
- Jackets and gloves to keep you warm
- Experienced tour guide
- Professional telescope (Weather Permitting)
- FREE night photo with our professional camera
- Entry/Admission - Mauna Kea Summit
- Entry/Admission - Island of Hawaii
What's not included- Dinner (Travelers may bring their own)
- Start:Multiple meeting point options.
- Option 1Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton, 93 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI 96720, USAGrand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton, 93 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI 96720 Pick Up Time: 3:00pm( October - February ). 3:30pm( March, August, September ). 4:00pm( April - July )
- Option 2Starbucks, 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr 1001 K-1, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, USAStarbucks, 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Drive #1001 K-1, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738 Pick Up Time: 3:00pm( October - February ). 3:30pm( March, August, September ). 4:00pm( April - July )
- Option 3Bank of Hawaii, 74-5457 Makala Blvd Suite 102, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USABank of Hawaii, 74-5457 Makala Blvd Suite 102, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Pick Up Time: 2:20pm( October - February ). 2:50pm( March, August, September). 3:20pm( April - July )
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 270152P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Not recommended for travelers under 13 years old
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- How can I arrange pickup for the Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stars Tour?
- Pickup is available from select locations in Hilo, Waikoloa, and Kona. Be sure to select the correct pickup option when making your reservation.Answered May 2021
- Can I change my departure point for the Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stars Tour after the booking is confirmed?
- Pickup is included from the location on your selected option when making your reservation. If you need to change the pickup location, please call the local operator at the phone number on your ticket.Answered May 2021
- How should I dress for the Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stars Tour?
- It can get very cold on Mauna Kea, so dress accordingly. You will be provided with coats and gloves to help keep you warm.Answered May 2021
- How strenuous is the Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stars Tour?
- All guests should be in moderate physical condition. There is a significant change in altitude as the tour group ascends Mauna Kea.Answered May 2021
The tour operator has provided the following answers to customers’ questions.- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 270152P1
From
C$423.54
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- theskoundrel0 contributionsAmazing Stars!Ana was an amazing guide! Personable, funny, and full of knowledge. Loved standing in Hawaiian snow, but the star show was the best! Great looking through the telescope, the star-photos turned out incredible, and the star-talk was very informative.Written March 22, 2023
- MsAerroc0 contributionsWonderful TourI am a kamaaina and came over from Oahu to give myself a bday present which was to go to the top of Maunakea! The tour operator, Gavin was awesome! He was very personable and made us all feel welcomed and comfortable. Not to mention his knowledge of the mauna and it’s history. I rate my experience a 10, take the tour you will not be disappointedWritten November 15, 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.8
457 reviews
Excellent
410
Very good
27
Average
14
Poor
3
Terrible
3
sgsterne
Seattle, WA66 contributions
My wife and I enjoyed this experience on February 12, 2025. The driver who met us in town and drove us to the transfer station, and our guide, Mitch, were both extremely friendly and knowledgeable and engaged. It was clear that they cared about the experience that every one of the people in our group were having.
The sunset from the summit was as glorious as you may imagine, albeit very crowded with solo and group tours. We also got to see the nearly full moon rise just after the sun set, so that was a bonus. Mitch came around to each couple or grouping within our entourage and took pictures of us with our phones - if we so chose. Just one example of the care he showed throughout the trip.
When we left the summit at dark, we headed a short distance down to a viewing area where we met another group from the same company, let by Zach. Between the two groups, Mitch and Zach entertained 27 of us, showing us deep space objects and the moon through a “smart” telescope and taking more group photos with the night sky and the lava cone from the active volcano in the background. Then, Mitch took us through the constellations in the night sky based on Western tradition, and Zach showed us the traditional Hawaiian names for these constellations. Both were well informed and entertaining and told us the stories behind the constellations. It was great.
I do wish we had been able to see more deep space objects than the Great Nebula and the Pleiades, but I guess the hallmark of a great experience is, it leaves you wanting more.
I hope to do this again on a moonless night so I can see more stars.
The sunset from the summit was as glorious as you may imagine, albeit very crowded with solo and group tours. We also got to see the nearly full moon rise just after the sun set, so that was a bonus. Mitch came around to each couple or grouping within our entourage and took pictures of us with our phones - if we so chose. Just one example of the care he showed throughout the trip.
When we left the summit at dark, we headed a short distance down to a viewing area where we met another group from the same company, let by Zach. Between the two groups, Mitch and Zach entertained 27 of us, showing us deep space objects and the moon through a “smart” telescope and taking more group photos with the night sky and the lava cone from the active volcano in the background. Then, Mitch took us through the constellations in the night sky based on Western tradition, and Zach showed us the traditional Hawaiian names for these constellations. Both were well informed and entertaining and told us the stories behind the constellations. It was great.
I do wish we had been able to see more deep space objects than the Great Nebula and the Pleiades, but I guess the hallmark of a great experience is, it leaves you wanting more.
I hope to do this again on a moonless night so I can see more stars.
Written February 13, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jitendra C
22 contributions
Thoroughly engaging right from get go - Robert, Jessica and Melia were very informative and sharing all their thoughts as driving, and engaging is very well.
The road from visitor center to the summit is rough, steep and we made frequent stops getting acclimatized as we went up and reached the summit just in time for the most awesome sunset.
It gets cold and windy at summit so can’t stop more than 15-20 minutes. Several layers are necessary even though they provide jackets and gloves. You should bring yours in addition.
The road from visitor center to the summit is rough, steep and we made frequent stops getting acclimatized as we went up and reached the summit just in time for the most awesome sunset.
It gets cold and windy at summit so can’t stop more than 15-20 minutes. Several layers are necessary even though they provide jackets and gloves. You should bring yours in addition.
Written March 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary E
76 contributions
This was definitely something I’m glad I did while visiting the Big Island for the first time. Everything was organized and timed perfectly. Mitch was an excellent tour guide. He kept a great vibe going throughout the entire drive sharing a bit of island history, Hawaiian folklore, and took care of everyone overall. We stopped at the Mauna Kea visitor center to adjust to the altitude (9,000 feet) for 30 minutes before reaching the summit. Altitude sickness is real. Had a hard time adjusting, but once again, Mitch was looking out. They have oxygen available if need be. I didn’t get to that point, but glad it was available. We had a great spot to watch the sunset, and the star gazing experiencing afterward was worthwhile listening to both tour guides share their knowledge on what we could see that night in the sky. Even have an excellent picture to take home. Overall, recommend this experience.
Written January 8, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Olivia F
2 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
AMAZING! This experience was worth every penny and we've been raving about it ever since we returned from our trip. From the easy pick-up at Kona Bank, to the comfortable bus ride, to the incredibly knowledgeable tour guides, everything was wonderful. Our group was fortunate that the weather cooperated and we had gorgeous views at sunset and clear skies for some of the best stargazing I've ever seen. The snacks and cocoa provided through the tour were great & the coats/gloves were very cozy (although I recommend bringing lots of your own layers to stay warm, especially once the sun sets). Stargazing with the telescope was phenomenal and the photographs they took with the stars as the backdrop were perfect. Would definitely recommend!
Written November 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roxie B
4 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
The Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stars tour is an absolute must-do for anyone visiting the Big Island. From start to finish, the experience was flawlessly organized, educational, and awe-inspiring.
Our guide was not only knowledgeable but also passionate about the cultural and scientific significance of Mauna Kea, which added incredible depth to the journey. The drive to the summit was smooth, and the views along the way were stunning. Reaching the top of the world at nearly 14,000 feet was a surreal moment. Watching the sun dip below the horizon from the summit was breathtaking, with a palette of colors painting the sky like a masterpiece.
But the real magic began after sunset. Once darkness fell, the stars came alive in a way I’ve never seen before. The clarity of the night sky at that altitude is unparalleled. The guides provided high-quality telescopes and shared fascinating insights about constellations, planets, and even galaxies. It felt like stepping into a planetarium, only this time, it was all real.
The thoughtful touches, like warm jackets and hot beverages, were much appreciated as the temperatures dropped at the summit.
This experience is truly unique and unforgettable, blending Hawaii’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and the wonders of the universe. If you’re on the Big Island, don’t miss the opportunity to witness this incredible blend of sunset and starlight. It’s worth every penny!
Our guide was not only knowledgeable but also passionate about the cultural and scientific significance of Mauna Kea, which added incredible depth to the journey. The drive to the summit was smooth, and the views along the way were stunning. Reaching the top of the world at nearly 14,000 feet was a surreal moment. Watching the sun dip below the horizon from the summit was breathtaking, with a palette of colors painting the sky like a masterpiece.
But the real magic began after sunset. Once darkness fell, the stars came alive in a way I’ve never seen before. The clarity of the night sky at that altitude is unparalleled. The guides provided high-quality telescopes and shared fascinating insights about constellations, planets, and even galaxies. It felt like stepping into a planetarium, only this time, it was all real.
The thoughtful touches, like warm jackets and hot beverages, were much appreciated as the temperatures dropped at the summit.
This experience is truly unique and unforgettable, blending Hawaii’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and the wonders of the universe. If you’re on the Big Island, don’t miss the opportunity to witness this incredible blend of sunset and starlight. It’s worth every penny!
Written November 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tsm73
Geneva, Switzerland147 contributions
Feb 2025 • Solo
A great team worked together to make this a memorable experience: Jamie brought us to from Kona to Mauna Kea and back, whereas Zach and Mitch were our tour guides for the tour itself. Although there was some van trouble on the way down, a replacement was found during the time we did the star gazing, so our experience wasn’t impacted thanks to good communication and organization of our guide Mitch. Seeing the sunset at the summit was impressive and the star gazing a bit further down a very memorable experience, even more so as on our way down the mountain, Kilauea decided it was time for an eruption. The time laps photo was just perfect, with the milky way clearly visible behind me as well as the volcanic eruption – thanks Mitch for this excellent souvenir! Star gazing, also through a telescope, was excellent due to the lack of light pollution and clear skies. Good music, facts and a few jokes rounded off the experience, I can recommend this trip to anyone who wishes to go to the summit and doesn’t have a 4 wheel drive, would like some great souvenir photos and would like to learn about star constellations.
Written March 1, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryleigh Y
9 contributions
It was absolutely gorgeous! We had the best time coming for our honeymoon. We had Mitch as our guide and he was amazing! He knew everything, took really great pictures for us at sunset, and made us feel super safe coming up & down the mountain. A once in a lifetime experience for sure!
Written October 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt K
4 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
In a Hawaiian vacation filled with amazing activities, this one tops the list! From pickup to drop off, this was an incredible adventure! Robert (and Zach) were well-prepared, informative, and funny! Robert educated us on the incredible Hawaiian culture associated with Mauna Kea and so much more! We knew we were in great and capable hands the moment we got in the van. The rides up and down the mountain were filled with great information, especially about Hawaiian culture and traditions. The view (and pictures of the sunset, landscape, and stars were stunning) from the top were priceless! Highly recommend taking this tour if you are on the Big Island and hopefully you will have Robert (or Zach) take you to the top of the world!
Written December 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VY
Los Angeles, CA16 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
Booking the tour was very easy and they send reminders before and the day of. Pickup was at Queen's Market Starbucks and they were prompt. The transfer bus takes you to the bottom of Mauna Kea where you transfer to a van that is 4WD and seats 14 (kind of cramp, but it's more room than an economy airplane seat). The drive to the visitor center takes about 20+ mins to get you acclimated to the altitude. The views were great, but the road was bumpy. You then go to see the VLBA Antenna and then to the summit. Beautiful views of the sunset and the observatories functioning. After sunset, you go down near the visitor center for stargazing and the guides will walk you through the constellations/planets. Val and Zach were our guides (leave the driving to the professionals!) and they were so awesome!! After the stargazing, they bring you down the mountain in the transfer bus and back to your pick up point. Total trip around 7 hours. It's cold up in the summit so wear long pants and at least tennis shoes. A sweatshirt will work, since the tour has light parkas. Try to go when there is the least amount of light from the moon to see the constellations/planets in their glory. Zach takes pictures of you/family during the stargazing and are included in the cost, so take a couple of pictures (Zach even got Kilauea lava glow in the background shots). Val was very helpful taking family photos at the summit. They are a awesome duo and know their constellations! You won't regret this tour as the views are breathtaking!
Written September 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loren B
15 contributions
Our Mauna Kea sunset and stargazing tour with James from Hawaii Island Holidays was beautiful. Once we loaded into the 4x4 sprinter van, we made our way up the mountain for an evening filled with breathtaking sights.
The sunset from Mauna Kea was nothing short of magical, with panoramic views that felt surreal.
After the sun went down we moved down the mountain towards the visitors center and we were treated to an incredible stargazing experience, seeing the Milky Way so clearly was out of this world. The highlight for me was watching the glow from the Kīlauea volcano eruption intensify as darkness settled in.
James was a good guide—knowledgeable, engaging, and seemed to enjoy his job. This tour was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Big Island!
The sunset from Mauna Kea was nothing short of magical, with panoramic views that felt surreal.
After the sun went down we moved down the mountain towards the visitors center and we were treated to an incredible stargazing experience, seeing the Milky Way so clearly was out of this world. The highlight for me was watching the glow from the Kīlauea volcano eruption intensify as darkness settled in.
James was a good guide—knowledgeable, engaging, and seemed to enjoy his job. This tour was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Big Island!
Written March 8, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I will arrive at Kona at noon time and try to reach the tour just on the day. Can I bring my luggage to the tour because usually the Airbnb allows to check in after 3pm.
Written December 28, 2024
I definitely felt winded walking around and a tiny bit of dizziness. Once I started to feel dizzy I just sat down, closed my eyes and took several deep breaths and it went away. We also had carb loaded snacks that helped with the blood sugar drops that can also be a factor in the altitude sickness.
Written January 1, 2025
Diego
San Diego, California
What are the average hours from start of tour till end? Considering propose to my girlfriend up there.
Written July 27, 2024
Diego
San Diego, California
What are the average hours from start of tour till end? Considering propose to my girlfriend up there.
Written July 27, 2024
Zilu W
Lake Forest, California
I attended the tour on 11/27 but still haven’t received the Astro photo. Will that be emailed to me? My email address is wangzilu815@gmail. My tour guide on the day was Blaze Johnson. Thank you!
Written December 24, 2023
Contact them directly as you should have received the link already
Written January 2, 2024
Hello! I was able to book directly through the website. I hope you are able to go!
Written November 13, 2023
It looks like there has been a lot of snow at the summit and the road has been closed. If the road is closed, do you get a refund for the tour?
Written March 8, 2023
Yes, according to the tour operator's terms and conditions.
Written March 9, 2023
Is there a difference between the views during a new moon versus a full moon? We will be there during a full moon and I'm concerned the moon light will obscure star gazing.
Written November 4, 2022
You see less stars when there is a full moon, but you’ll get good star gazing.
Written November 5, 2022
Nick A
Canonsburg, Pennsylvania
Is it an issue that this is not an approved commercial tour operator by the university of hawaii hilo center which oversees Mauna Kea?
Written August 19, 2022
I agree with jvnn’s response above. Everything was just as said except for us, it was clear the entire time.
Written August 19, 2022
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.