Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour

Waikoloa Village, US
96% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (1350 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Private star show with telescope
  • inclusion
    Hooded parkas and gloves
  • inclusion
    Central meeting locations for pick-up & drop off
  • inclusion
    Hot cocoa and cookies
  • inclusion
    Local taxes
  • inclusion
    Guide
  • inclusion
    Hot picnic dinner

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Gratuities

Meeting Point

Please park your vehicle in the lower gravel parking lot. After parking, walk towards the Visitors Center (aka Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station). Meet your guide by the picnic area. We recommend you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time

Meeting point

Mauna Kea Access Rd, Maunakea, HI 96822 , United States

End point

End Point

Please park your vehicle in the lower gravel parking lot. After parking, walk towards the Visitors Center (aka Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station). Meet your guide by the picnic area. We recommend you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time

Meeting point

Mauna Kea Access Rd, Maunakea, HI 96822 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

Waikōloa Plaza

Please find an open parking space in front of the vacant lot adjacent to Domino's Pizza. Our guide and vehicle will meet you on the curbside. We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time.

2

Queens' Marketplace

The backside of this popular shopping serves as a pickup location for many of our Adventures. Look for Yoga Barre, and we’ll be at the curb!

3

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Please meet us at the front entrance and allow a 15-minute window for your driver to arrive.

4

Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel

**IMPORTANT - Please note, guests meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel must meet at least 15 MINUTES PRIOR to the tour's departure time. Mahalo!**

5

Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel

Travelers staying in Kailua Kona will meet the guide here. Your guide will meet you at the benches closest to the hotel's parking lot entrance at the curbside. **There may be additional meeting location stops along the way to Maunakea.**

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
6

Maunakea Visitor Information Station

Enjoy a warm picnic dinner while you acclimate to a higher elevation and learn about Hawaiian star navigation before you head to the summit.

Duration 45 minutes
Admission Admission Included
7

Mauna Kea Summit

Enjoy a sunset from above the clouds while overlooking the Pacific Ocean atop Maunakea. After the sunset, travel to a more comfortable elevation and let our guides reveal the night sky with our 11" Celestron telescopes.

Duration 30 minutes
Admission Admission Included
8

Maunakea Visitor Information Station

Descend to a lower elevation after the sun sets and sip hot chocolate during a private star show with our 11” Celestron telescope. View deep space objects with our Stellina digital telescope and share captured images of the Hawaiian night sky with your friends & family

Duration 60 minutes
Admission Admission Included
9

Waikōloa Plaza

Please find an open parking space in front of the vacant lot adjacent to Domino's Pizza. Our guide and vehicle will meet you on the curbside. We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time.

10

Queens' Marketplace

The backside of this popular shopping serves as a pickup location for many of our Adventures. Look for Yoga Barre, and we’ll be at the curb!

11

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Please meet us at the front entrance and allow a 15-minute window for your driver to arrive.

12

Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel

**IMPORTANT - Please note, guests meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel must meet at least 15 MINUTES PRIOR to the tour's departure time. Mahalo!**

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Not recommended for participants with spinal injuries
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for pregnant participants
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for participants with poor cardiovascular health
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    Minimum age is 13 years
  • Additional information
    Due to the high altitude; this tour is not suitable for those with respiratory, heart or circulatory conditions, poor health, or pregnancy
  • Additional information
    Scuba divers should be aware of altitude dangers
  • Additional information
    **IMPORTANT - Please note, guests meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel must meet at least 15 MINUTES PRIOR to the tour's departure time.**
  • Additional information
    Guests are required to wear closed-toe walking shoes or hiking boots, long pants. We recommend bringing a light sweatshirt or jacket
  • Additional information
    Guests must bring their own water bottles. Tour operator will provide filtered water refills.
  • Additional information
    Please advise your parka size (small, medium, large, x-large or xx-large) and choice of meal at time of booking. If you do not indicate this at the time of booking, you will be required to call and advise them of this information directly.
  • Additional information
    There is minimal walking on this tour, the maximum being about 150 yards
  • Additional information
    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
  • Additional information
    Snow is seasonal at Mauna Kea, with the heaviest snowfall occurring during the winter months
Provided by Hawaii Forest &Trail

What our experts say

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    Arrive early for pick-up, 15 min recommended
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    Bring a light jacket; it gets chilly
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    Consider dining at nearby Kona Brewing Co.
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    Use closed-toe shoes for safety
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    Don't forget your water bottle!

More About this Experience

Introduction

Experience the awe-inspiring Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour, where you'll embark on a captivating journey through space and time. Nestled high in the mountains of the Big Island, you'll discover Hawaii from the peak of Mauna Kea, also known as the majestic 'White Mountain,' towering at an impressive altitude of 13,796 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level. This small-group tour promises a personalized and unique adventure at the enchanting Mauna Kea summit.

What to expect?

During this remarkable tour, you'll enjoy a total duration of 480 minutes, immersing yourself in the beauty and wonders of Mauna Kea. You'll begin with a hot picnic-style dinner, rejuvenating your senses before ascending to the summit. As the sun sets, witness a breathtaking view above the clouds, gazing out over the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Your expert guides will then unveil the celestial marvels of the night sky using high-powered 11" Celestron telescopes, allowing you to explore the universe like never before.

Who is this for?

This extraordinary experience is designed for anyone with a curiosity for the cosmos and a thirst for adventure. Whether you're an astronomy enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a unique and unforgettable encounter, this tour welcomes all. Families, couples, and individuals alike will find themselves captivated by the mesmerizing beauty and rich history of Mauna Kea.

Why book this?

Embark on this tour that sets itself apart from the ordinary. Be swept away by the magic of Mauna Kea as you stand atop the world, gazing at the captivating sunset and immersive starry night sky. With a small-group setting, you'll receive personalized attention from knowledgeable guides who will share their fascinating insights and stories about this astronomical wonderland. The opportunity to explore the universe through state-of-the-art telescopes will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Book this tour and unlock the secrets of the cosmos, immersing yourself in a truly extraordinary experience.

Good to know

Before embarking on this adventure, 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 departure time. Dress warmly and prepare for changing weather conditions as you journey to higher elevations. This tour includes a delicious hot picnic-style dinner and all necessary equipment to fully enjoy the stargazing experience. Relax and let the expert guides take care of every detail, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable adventure.

Reviews

Previous visitors have expressed their awe and wonder at the Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour. They praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides who enhanced their experience by sharing captivating stories about the history and significance of the site. The sunset views and stargazing opportunities left them feeling inspired and humbled by the vastness of the universe. Overall, guests have expressed their utmost satisfaction with this unique and memorable tour, truly applauding the magical journey through space and time that Mauna Kea offers.

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