Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures
Arnott's Lodge
4.9
rondai_13
30 days ago
Arnott’s Mauna Kea Adventure is a budget-friendly, Hilo-based way to experience the Mauna Kea observatories and some of the best stargazing on Earth. The tour is about 7–8 hours, starting at sea level and ending near 14,000 feet, with several acclimatization stops along the way. One stop is at the Onizuka Visitors Center, which has great information about the observatories and fun souvenirs. These breaks were essential—I live at 5,300 feet and still felt the rapid altitude gain, and the stops made the longer sunset stay much more comfortable.
A huge bonus was that our Arnott’s tour was the first to arrive and the last to leave the summit, which meant we had the top almost entirely to ourselves for a while. Sunset among the observatories was unbelievable—watching the sun disappear while the telescopes opened for the night was a true highlight. After sunset, we descended to around 12,500 feet for stargazing. Our guide gave a great overview of the night sky and showed guests how to take iPhone star photos. I chose to step away from the phones and simply stare at the sky—an incredible experience.
Arnott’s has a relaxed, low-key Hilo style. They provide practical Carhartt coats (not the oversized flowery parkas you see on other tours), but they don’t provide snacks or drinks, so bring a water bottle and food. Highly recommended for an authentic Mauna Kea experience.
Our Mauna Kea Summit Tour is designed to showcase the beauty and wonder of one of the most impressive mountains in the world. Mauna Kea (meaning “white mountain”) is historically and culturally very significant to the Hawaiian people, and because of its contributions to geology and astronomy, to the world as well. Our local guides will enlighten you with the sacredness and cultural aspect of Mauna Kea. A spiritual high for many locals and visitors. #1 rated tour for adventure and photography. This tour requires a minimum of 2 guests in order to run. Our tour only meets guests in HILO or at the Onizuka Visitor Center on Mauna Kea. We may be able to arrange pickups in Kona for groups of at least 4 guests, upon request. Please contact us before booking if you are looking for a Kona pickup. Please see additional info for restrictions on age, health, pregnancy, scuba diving, respiratory issues, heart issues, back issues, intoxicants etc. for this tour.
Departure Point
- Onizuka Visitor's Center at 9,000 feet. Meet our tour guide here.
- 98 Apapane Road
Hilo, HI . 96720
Return Details
- Onizuka Visitor's Center at 9,000 feet. Meet our tour guide here.
- 98 Apapane Road
Hilo, HI . 96720
Duration
7 hours
Languages Available
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Onizuka Astronomy Complex
Mauna Kea Access Rd, Hawaii
Visit exhibits in this cozy station and acclimate at the elevation of 9,000 feet/2743 meters before ascending to the summit of Mauna Kea.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea Access Rd, University Of Hawaii 2.2 Meter Telescope, Hawaii
Ascend to the summit of Mauna Kea at 13,796 feet/4205 meters by vehicle to arrive above the clouds and watch the sunset (weather permitting). See international telescopes along the way on this sacred mountain.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Onizuka Astronomy Complex
Mauna Kea Access Rd, Hawaii
Stargaze with our local tour guide with a laser pointer. No telescopes are provided.
Duration: 15 minutes
Additional Information
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Age minimum 13 years old
- DO NOT attend within 24 hours of scuba or manta ray diving
- Not recommended for travelers with respiratory conditions
- Not recommended to consume intoxicants during or directly before this tour
- Not recommended to consume carbonated beverages during or directly before this tour
- All Fees and Taxes
- Jacket
Exclusions
- Telescopes
Traveler Pickup Information
Our Mauna Kea Tour begins in HILO and meets guests in Hilo or at the Onizuka Visitor Center on Mauna Kea. We currently can ONLY offer a Kona pickup if we have at least 4 passengers to pick up. If you are located in Kona or Waikoloa and would like to join our tour, please contact us BEFORE booking so that we can determine the best meeting location for you.
Voucher Info
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Arnott's Lodge in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon.
This offer is not eligible for promo codes.
Our Mauna Kea Summit Tour is designed to showcase the beauty and wonder of one of the most impressive mountains in the world. Mauna Kea (meaning “white mountain”) is historically and culturally very significant to the Hawaiian people, and because of its contributions to geology and astronomy, to the world as well. Our local guides will enlighten you with the sacredness and cultural aspect of Mauna Kea. A spiritual high for many locals and visitors. #1 rated tour for adventure and photography. This tour requires a minimum of 2 guests in order to run. Our tour only meets guests in HILO or at the Onizuka Visitor Center on Mauna Kea. We may be able to arrange pickups in Kona for groups of at least 4 guests, upon request. Please contact us before booking if you are looking for a Kona pickup. Please see additional info for restrictions on age, health, pregnancy, scuba diving, respiratory issues, heart issues, back issues, intoxicants etc. for this tour.
Departure Point
- Onizuka Visitor's Center at 9,000 feet. Meet our tour guide here.
- 98 Apapane Road
Hilo, HI . 96720
Return Details
- Onizuka Visitor's Center at 9,000 feet. Meet our tour guide here.
- 98 Apapane Road
Hilo, HI . 96720
Duration
7 hours
Languages Available
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Onizuka Astronomy Complex
Mauna Kea Access Rd, Hawaii
Visit exhibits in this cozy station and acclimate at the elevation of 9,000 feet/2743 meters before ascending to the summit of Mauna Kea.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea Access Rd, University Of Hawaii 2.2 Meter Telescope, Hawaii
Ascend to the summit of Mauna Kea at 13,796 feet/4205 meters by vehicle to arrive above the clouds and watch the sunset (weather permitting). See international telescopes along the way on this sacred mountain.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Onizuka Astronomy Complex
Mauna Kea Access Rd, Hawaii
Stargaze with our local tour guide with a laser pointer. No telescopes are provided.
Duration: 15 minutes
Additional Information
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Age minimum 13 years old
- DO NOT attend within 24 hours of scuba or manta ray diving
- Not recommended for travelers with respiratory conditions
- Not recommended to consume intoxicants during or directly before this tour
- Not recommended to consume carbonated beverages during or directly before this tour
- All Fees and Taxes
- Jacket
Exclusions
- Telescopes
Traveler Pickup Information
Our Mauna Kea Tour begins in HILO and meets guests in Hilo or at the Onizuka Visitor Center on Mauna Kea. We currently can ONLY offer a Kona pickup if we have at least 4 passengers to pick up. If you are located in Kona or Waikoloa and would like to join our tour, please contact us BEFORE booking so that we can determine the best meeting location for you.
Voucher Info
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Arnott's Lodge in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon.
This offer is not eligible for promo codes.
Need To Know Info
Deal is Fnal Sale
Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and SavingsCustomer Reviews
4.9
based on Groupon 150 reviews
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Reviewed on
rondai_13
Arnott’s Mauna Kea Adventure is a budget-friendly, Hilo-based way to experience the Mauna Kea observatories and some of the best stargazing on Earth. The tour is about 7–8 hours, starting at sea level and ending near 14,000 feet, with several acclimatization stops along the way. One stop is at the Onizuka Visitors Center, which has great information about the observatories and fun souvenirs. These breaks were essential—I live at 5,300 feet and still felt the rapid altitude gain, and the stops made the longer sunset stay much more comfortable.
A huge bonus was that our Arnott’s tour was the first to arrive and the last to leave the summit, which meant we had the top almost entirely to ourselves for a while. Sunset among the observatories was unbelievable—watching the sun disappear while the telescopes opened for the night was a true highlight. After sunset, we descended to around 12,500 feet for stargazing. Our guide gave a great overview of the night sky and showed guests how to take iPhone star photos. I chose to step away from the phones and simply stare at the sky—an incredible experience.
Arnott’s has a relaxed, low-key Hilo style. They provide practical Carhartt coats (not the oversized flowery parkas you see on other tours), but they don’t provide snacks or drinks, so bring a water bottle and food. Highly recommended for an authentic Mauna Kea experience.
April_H
Wonderful trip great tour guide!!! Eris was very knowledgeable and made sure everyone was safe and had a great time
581saharg
No amount of words can truly describe how terrific, engaging, and informative Donna was. It’s immediately clear that she genuinely loves what she does—and she is exceptionally good at it. Her knowledge, energy, and storytelling made the experience memorable, and we felt lucky to have her as our guide. I would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone, especially with Donna leading it.
The only thing I would change is the duration of the tour—it could definitely be shortened by reducing some of the waiting and lag time. For the price point, providing drinks or light snacks would also be a nice touch.
Overall, though, it was a great experience, and we’re very thankful Donna was our guide.
machikok152
I was lucky to find one spot left on this tour during Christmas holiday season. Our guide, Donna, was highly experienced and took us to many amazing locations with great efficiency and warm hospitality. She knew all the best spots, gave helpful tips on where to look, and made sure everyone was comfortable with the altitude.
The sunset above the clouds, the observatories, the stars, and the Milky Way—everything was absolutely breathtaking. I’m so glad I joined the tour.
One tip: bring a small amount of tissue paper and hand sanitiser, just in case the portable toilets at the summit run out during high season!
Wagnus_P
Bundle up more than you think you need to and wear a hat/beanie. I had on a t-shirt and flannel tucked in with a leather jacket, scarf, and hat on and was still shivering. If it weren’t for their company-provided jackets, I feel like I would’ve been a goner. I brought and wore gloves, but my hands were still freezing so don’t forget heavy duty winter gloves.
Be sure to bring food, snacks, and plenty of water to combat the effects of altitude sickness and dehydration. Make measured movements to not belabor your heart at the high altitude. During the 30-minute altitude acclimation period at the Visitors Center, fuel up before the final ascent. Fellas won’t have problems, but ladies, there can be long queues for the restrooms at the center. There are porta-potties at the summit if you’re able to wait until then.
Try to plan your trip around when there’s a new moon. My dad and I lucked out and just so happened to go the night of a new moon, perfect for stargazing and astrophotography. Bring a camera with night capture capabilities. Newer smartphones with night mode and slower shutter speed settings will get you breathtaking photos of the Milky Way.
Thank you, Arnott and Andres for making our visit so special!