Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
We will take you to the summit of Mauna Kea to see the sunset and we will do stargazing afterward (not at the summit). Our most unique part is that our guides will take the photo of the sunset and stars for you using their DSLR camera.
All photos are free of charge and you will get it to your smartphone at the end of the tour.
Available options
Target Parking Lot by McDonald
Starting point:<br/>Target, 74-5455 Makala Blvd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Queens Market place Pick up
Starting point:<br/>Queens' Marketplace, 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, USA
What's included
An astronomical telescope
Mauna Kea Summit Tour
Admission Fee for Mauna Kea
Free DSLR camera photo of stars with you in it! (weather and moon phase permitting))
BLT or Vegan sandwich (Please let us know by day before the tour or it will be automatically a BLT)
Snow parker, Ski pants, and Gloves
4x4 Passenger Van to the summit
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pick up guests from each pick up location starting from Target in Kona. (pick up time varies depending on the season)
14:00-15:00pm Target's parking lot
meet in front of the Mcdonald’s that is in the Target parking area
(74-5453 Makala Blvd, Kailua-Kona)
14:45-15:45pm/ Queens’ Market Place
Please meet up at the shuttle bus stop in backside of the shopping mall, a LARGE parking lot near the NOT Starbucks
(69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr #201, Waikoloa)
15:30-16:30pm/ Gilbert Kahele Recreation Park
(44-5400 Daniel K. Inouye Hwy, Waimea)
2
Onizuka Visitor Information Station
We will take a break at the Onizuka Visitor Center at an altitude of 2,800m or 9,000ft for early dinner and altitude acclimatization. We also change clothes for winter clothes here depending on the weather. Also gift shop is open for guests to purchase the items. (No food or drink sale)
3
Stop 3
Mauna Kea summit at an altitude of 13,796 ft (4,205 m)
At the peak of Mauna Kea, you will see most of the observatory at the summit and we will be watching the sunset from the highest peak oin Hawaii. Enjoy a fantastic moment！
4
After the sunset, we will do stargazing using our refractor telescope and laser pointer. Our guide will explain about the star, constellation, and planets. Also we will take the astro photo with you in it!
(The location of where we will do the stargazing may varies depending on the weather conditions)
5
Stop 5
Pass by
Returning to the pick up locations starting from Waikoloa Resort
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
1,027 reviews
5★
914
4★
57
3★
30
2★
9
1★
17
Tripadvisor
4.7
286 reviews
5★
252
4★
15
3★
6
2★
0
1★
13
Important information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please check the message on Viator. We will send a message about pick up time and location after the confirmation of your booking.
Please note that pick up location has a free parking lot but we do not take any responsibility or liability for any damage or loss caused through the parking
Please note that in times of bad weather sunset or stargazing are not 100% guaranteed and moonphase will affect the visibility of the stars.
Please note that, depending on any guests get altitude sickness or other conditions, the time spent at the summit and the stargazing location may be adjusted.
Guest under 16 years old or older than 75 cannot participate
Not recommended for person weight more than 300lb
Not recommended for person having respiratory problem such as asthma
Guest under 16 years old or older than 75 cannot participate
Meeting point
Please park in the large parking lot at the back of this popular shopping mall, and wait for our tour van at the shuttle bus stop by the curb with a umbrella shades
Important notes
This tour is for age between 16-75 years old and weight less than 300lb due to health concern with altitude sickness.
If you accidently book the tour, please contact Viator to cancel your booking.
Please arrive at the meeting location 5min prior to pick up time
Look for the tour van with "Hawaiian Eyes tour" decal on side at the meeting point.
About Big Island of Hawaii
The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, known for its diverse landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, active volcanoes, and lush rainforests. It offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.
Top Attractions
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This national park is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. It offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close.
Nature/Adventure
Full day
Moderate ($30 per vehicle)
Mauna Kea Summit
Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and offers stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and a unique alpine environment.
Nature/Adventure
Half day to full day
Free (but requires acclimatization)
Waipio Valley
Waipio Valley is a lush, scenic valley known for its taro farms, waterfalls, and black sand beach. It is also a significant cultural site for Native Hawaiians.
Nature/Cultural
Half day
Free (but parking fee applies)
Hapuna Beach State Park
Hapuna Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, offering swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities.
Beach
Half day
Free (but parking fee applies)
Akaka Falls State Park
Akaka Falls is a stunning 442-foot waterfall surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The park offers a scenic loop trail leading to the falls.
Nature
1-2 hours
Moderate ($5 per person)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Poke
A raw fish salad marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions, often served with rice.
Appetizer
Contains fish, can be made with various types of seafood
Loco Moco
A hearty dish consisting of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy.
Main Course
Contains beef, eggs, and gluten (from the gravy)
Shave Ice
Finely shaved ice flavored with syrups and often topped with sweetened condensed milk or ice cream.
Dessert
Vegetarian, can be made with various toppings
Kona Coffee
A premium coffee grown in the Kona region, known for its rich and smooth flavor.
Drink
Caffeinated, can be decaffeinated
Popular Activities
Hiking
Volcano exploration
Water sports
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Scenic drives
Traditional Hawaiian luaus
Local markets
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
This is the best time to visit the Big Island, with pleasant weather and fewer tourists. The ocean is warm, and the weather is generally dry and sunny.
21-30°C
70-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Hawaiian, Japanese, Tagalog
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST, GMT-10:00)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
The Big Island is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, visitors should be aware of natural hazards such as volcanic activity and ocean conditions.
Important Precautions:
- • Rent a car with full insurance coverage
- • Be cautious when purchasing souvenirs and tours, and research options in advance
- • Be aware of ocean conditions and currents when swimming and snorkeling
Getting there
By air
- Kona International Airport • 20 km from Kona
- Hilo International Airport • 10 km from Hilo
By bus
Hilo, Kona
Getting around
Public transport
The Hele-On Bus is the public bus system on the Big Island. It is affordable but has limited routes and schedules.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Kona
Hilo
Waimea
Day trips
Mauna Kea Summit
30 km from Waimea • Half day to full day
Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and offers stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and a unique alpine environment.
Waipio Valley
60 km from Hilo • Half day
Waipio Valley is a lush, scenic valley known for its taro farms, waterfalls, and black sand beach. It is also a significant cultural site for Native Hawaiians.
Hapuna Beach State Park
30 km from Waimea • Half day
Hapuna Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, offering swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities.
Festivals
Merrie Monarch Festival • April
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival • November
Ironman World Championship • October
Pro tips
- Rent a car to explore the island at your own pace and access remote areas
- Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park early in the day to avoid crowds and see the best views
- Pack layers, as temperatures can vary significantly depending on the elevation and location
- Try local dishes like poke, loco moco, and shave ice for an authentic taste of the Big Island
- Respect the environment and local culture, and follow guidelines for visiting protected areas and sacred sites
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
