Big Island Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing
Taikobo Hawaii
5.0
B588BJdianal
17 days ago
Absolute favorite activity during my week on Big Island (and I also did manta ray snorkel, tour around the island, and catamaran snorkel). This was our first activity of the week and John made it so no other tour could compare. John was an engaging and informative guide. He respected Mauna Kea and led us in a Hawaiian greeting. We were provided parkas since it was in the 30s on the summit. Be aware, the summit can be a bit rough with altitude sickness despite stopping at the Visitor Center at 9,000 feet for an hour to acclimate. The view from the summit/above the clouds was amazing regardless. The view of the stars was breathtaking as he showed us the constellations. He brought his telescope and we saw Saturn and other constellations. He also took a great photo of us with the stars. I very much appreciated the local Hawaiian snacks he provided (cookies, bread, Taro chips, mac nuts) vs Costco chips/granola bars we received on other tours. Thank you John! So glad we went on this tour!
Experience the magic of Mauna Kea at nearly 14,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Watch a breathtaking sunset from the summit, then enjoy expert-led stargazing with computerized professional telescopes in one of the world’s best night-sky locations. This small-group tour has been operated continuously since 1989 by a trusted, fully permitted local company. Travel in luxury 4WD vans with professionally trained guides who prioritize safety, comfort, and personalized service. Learn about the cultural significance of Mauna Kea and the wonders of the universe—where ancient Hawaiians believed the Earth meets the heavens. Heavy-duty parkas, local snacks, and hot chocolate are included. Convenient pickups from Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa Beach Resort.
Departure Point
- Meet us at the shuttle bus stop by the curb in the back side of the Queen's Marketplace in Waikoloa Beach Resort. Look for the large yellow sunshade umbrellas as a landmark.
- Meet us at our office in Kailua-Kona. Located between Kona International Airport and downtown Kona, just off Route 19 near Costco.
- Meet us at the shuttle bus stop by the curb in the back side of the Queen's Marketplace in Waikoloa Beach Resort. Look for the large yellow sunshade umbrellas as a landmark.
- Meet us at our office in Kailua-Kona. Located between Kona International Airport and downtown Kona, just off Route 19 near Costco.
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information StationHI We take time at the Visitor Center to safely acclimate to the high altitude while exploring the gift shop and educational displays that highlight Maunakea’s world-class observatories, unique environment, and deep cultural significance.Duration: 45 minutesStop At: Mauna KeaMauna Kea Access Rd, University Of Hawaii 2.2 Meter Telescope, HawaiiExplore the summit, home to world-renowned observatories, and watch a stunning sunset sink into the clouds and horizon.Duration: 1 hourStop At: Mauna KeaMauna Kea Access Rd, University Of Hawaii 2.2 Meter Telescope, HawaiiJoin us for expert-led stargazing in one of the world’s best places to see the night sky. Your knowledgeable guides will share insights into the stars and the universe, and show you incredible celestial objects through a fully computerized, professional telescope.Duration: 1 hourAdditional Information
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The tour may be canceled before departure due to weather or road closures. If that happens, you’ll be offered a new date or a full refund.
- If the weather turns unfavorable during the tour, we’ll still do our best to provide a great experience. If we cannot reach the summit due to road closures or other unforeseen issues, you’ll receive a full refund or credit.
- Alcohol beverages are not allowed.
- Drunk or intoxicated guests are not allowed.
- A minimum of 3 guests is required to hold a tour. If we have fewer than 3 bookings 24 hours before departure, the tour will be canceled unless existing guests choose to pay the difference.
- Pets, including service animals, are not allowed to ensure the comfort and safety of guests with allergies or animal phobias.
- No meals are included. Please eat a full meal before the tour. We do provide some nice local snacks.
- A cup of hot chocolate will be served during the stargazing.
- If a guest becomes ill or injured and cannot continue, the group may need to adjust the itinerary. Anyone leaving the tour must be accompanied by a companion (if applicable) and arrange their own return transportation at their own expense.
- If you need an XL parka, please request the quantity at booking.
- Age restriction: 13-80 yrs old
- Guests with heart conditions, lung disease, or serious medical issues are allowed.
- Pregnant guests are not allowed.
- Guests who have been scuba diving within 24 hours are not allowed.
- Severely obese guests (BMI over 40.0) are not allowed.
- Private stargazing with a professional telescope
- Heavy-duty hooded parka (If you need an XL parka, please request the quantity at booking.)
- Please bring your own warm layers—sweater/hoodie, warm socks, beanie, and gloves.
- Must wear toe closed shoes and long pants.
Experience the magic of Mauna Kea at nearly 14,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Watch a breathtaking sunset from the summit, then enjoy expert-led stargazing with computerized professional telescopes in one of the world’s best night-sky locations. This small-group tour has been operated continuously since 1989 by a trusted, fully permitted local company. Travel in luxury 4WD vans with professionally trained guides who prioritize safety, comfort, and personalized service. Learn about the cultural significance of Mauna Kea and the wonders of the universe—where ancient Hawaiians believed the Earth meets the heavens. Heavy-duty parkas, local snacks, and hot chocolate are included. Convenient pickups from Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa Beach Resort.
Departure Point
- Meet us at the shuttle bus stop by the curb in the back side of the Queen's Marketplace in Waikoloa Beach Resort. Look for the large yellow sunshade umbrellas as a landmark.
- Meet us at our office in Kailua-Kona. Located between Kona International Airport and downtown Kona, just off Route 19 near Costco.
- Meet us at the shuttle bus stop by the curb in the back side of the Queen's Marketplace in Waikoloa Beach Resort. Look for the large yellow sunshade umbrellas as a landmark.
- Meet us at our office in Kailua-Kona. Located between Kona International Airport and downtown Kona, just off Route 19 near Costco.
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information StationHI We take time at the Visitor Center to safely acclimate to the high altitude while exploring the gift shop and educational displays that highlight Maunakea’s world-class observatories, unique environment, and deep cultural significance.Duration: 45 minutesStop At: Mauna KeaMauna Kea Access Rd, University Of Hawaii 2.2 Meter Telescope, HawaiiExplore the summit, home to world-renowned observatories, and watch a stunning sunset sink into the clouds and horizon.Duration: 1 hourStop At: Mauna KeaMauna Kea Access Rd, University Of Hawaii 2.2 Meter Telescope, HawaiiJoin us for expert-led stargazing in one of the world’s best places to see the night sky. Your knowledgeable guides will share insights into the stars and the universe, and show you incredible celestial objects through a fully computerized, professional telescope.Duration: 1 hourAdditional Information
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The tour may be canceled before departure due to weather or road closures. If that happens, you’ll be offered a new date or a full refund.
- If the weather turns unfavorable during the tour, we’ll still do our best to provide a great experience. If we cannot reach the summit due to road closures or other unforeseen issues, you’ll receive a full refund or credit.
- Alcohol beverages are not allowed.
- Drunk or intoxicated guests are not allowed.
- A minimum of 3 guests is required to hold a tour. If we have fewer than 3 bookings 24 hours before departure, the tour will be canceled unless existing guests choose to pay the difference.
- Pets, including service animals, are not allowed to ensure the comfort and safety of guests with allergies or animal phobias.
- No meals are included. Please eat a full meal before the tour. We do provide some nice local snacks.
- A cup of hot chocolate will be served during the stargazing.
- If a guest becomes ill or injured and cannot continue, the group may need to adjust the itinerary. Anyone leaving the tour must be accompanied by a companion (if applicable) and arrange their own return transportation at their own expense.
- If you need an XL parka, please request the quantity at booking.
- Age restriction: 13-80 yrs old
- Guests with heart conditions, lung disease, or serious medical issues are allowed.
- Pregnant guests are not allowed.
- Guests who have been scuba diving within 24 hours are not allowed.
- Severely obese guests (BMI over 40.0) are not allowed.
- Private stargazing with a professional telescope
- Heavy-duty hooded parka (If you need an XL parka, please request the quantity at booking.)
- Please bring your own warm layers—sweater/hoodie, warm socks, beanie, and gloves.
- Must wear toe closed shoes and long pants.
Need To Know Info
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
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B588BJdianal
Absolute favorite activity during my week on Big Island (and I also did manta ray snorkel, tour around the island, and catamaran snorkel). This was our first activity of the week and John made it so no other tour could compare. John was an engaging and informative guide. He respected Mauna Kea and led us in a Hawaiian greeting. We were provided parkas since it was in the 30s on the summit. Be aware, the summit can be a bit rough with altitude sickness despite stopping at the Visitor Center at 9,000 feet for an hour to acclimate. The view from the summit/above the clouds was amazing regardless. The view of the stars was breathtaking as he showed us the constellations. He brought his telescope and we saw Saturn and other constellations. He also took a great photo of us with the stars. I very much appreciated the local Hawaiian snacks he provided (cookies, bread, Taro chips, mac nuts) vs Costco chips/granola bars we received on other tours. Thank you John! So glad we went on this tour!