The Original Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour-Since 1983

4.7(688)8 hFree cancellationBy Mauna Kea Summit Adventures

About this activity

The original Mauna Kea sunset and stargazing tour. We pioneered this experience in 1983 and have been on this mountain longer than just about anyone.

Ride from the coast to nearly 14,000 feet in custom 4x4 Mercedes Sprinters with panoramic windows and coach seating in rows of two and three (nobody rides four across). Enjoy a real hot dinner at 9,200 feet, 3-cheese vegetable lasagna and a homemade brownie, then watch the sun set from the summit, often above a sea of clouds, as the observatories open their domes.

Then what sets us apart: about two hours of guided stargazing at mid-mountain, more time under the stars than any other tour on the mountain. Green lasers, 11-inch Celestron telescopes, gourmet hot drinks and a sweet treat while you look up.

Our guides measure their time on Mauna Kea in years, not seasons. Parkas and gloves provided. Max 14 guests per van. Ages 13+; health restrictions apply. Stargazing depends on natural conditions.

What's included

✓About 2 hours of guided stargazing with 11-inch Celestron telescopes and green-laser sky tour
✓Arctic-style hooded parkas and gloves
✓Hot dinner at 9,200 ft: 3-cheese vegetable lasagna and a homemade brownie
✓Pickup & drop-off: Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa Beach, Waikoloa Village, or Maunakea Visitor Station
✓Gourmet hot cocoa, coffee, or tea with a sweet treat during stargazing
✓Custom 4×4 Mercedes Sprinter with coach seating in rows of two and three (no four-across benches)
✓Professional guide, fully narrated

Not included

✕Hotel pickup and drop-off (meet at a designated pickup point)
✕Gratuities (optional)

Meeting and pickup

Best for guests in Hilo, Hamakua, Puna, or Volcano, about 1 hr 10 min from Hilo. Fill up on gas; there are no services on Saddle Road. Park in the Lower Dirt Parking Lot below the visitor center (restrooms available), then walk up to meet our vans in the paved lot above. Keep your phone on.
Kohala Coffee Co. is near the gas station at Waikoloa Plaza in Waikoloa Village. This locally owned café has restrooms and indoor seating for customers while you wait, so grab a coffee before the tour. Our vans will be parked out front for easy identification. Please arrive a few minutes early.
Queens' Marketplace We pick up on the back side of the complex, near Snorkel Bob's. Look for our vans in the rear parking lot, where we will also drop you off after the tour. We recommend checking the location before your tour day so you know exactly where to go.
Kona Crossroads Shopping Center. Enter from Henry St. Domino's and AutoZone are on the mountain side and Denny's is on the ocean side. Park on the ocean side and look for our signs with the company logo. Restrooms, picnic tables, and benches are near AutoZone and Sakura Restaurant.

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum age is 13 years
Travelers with a BMI of 40 or higher are not permitted
No scuba diving within 24 hours before the tour
Pants and closed-toe shoes required; parkas and gloves provided
Pickup times vary throughout the year with sunset
The summit is nearly 14,000 feet, with 40% less oxygen than sea level
Emergency response on the mountain can take about 2 hours, and a medical incident may end the tour for everyone on board
The mountain road is long and bumpy and may not be suitable for travelers with back injuries
Summit temperatures average around 30°F with frequent wind; parkas and gloves are provided
Dinner is vegetarian lasagna; guests with dietary restrictions may bring their own food
Pickup times vary by location and season and are confirmed after booking
This tour returns late at night
Tours may be canceled due to weather or road closures; stargazing depends on natural conditions and is not guaranteed
Not permitted for pregnant travelers
Not permitted for travelers with any history of heart problems, including surgery, stents, pacemakers, or arrhythmias
Not permitted for travelers with COPD, emphysema, lung conditions or surgeries, or pneumonia or RSV within the past 6 months
Asthma must be fully controlled, and travelers must bring their inhaler

Cancellation policy

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

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