Big Island Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing
Taikobo Hawaii
5
robertdW4394VM
10 days ago
We had a super experience. Our host/guide John was a great guy. He was knowledgeable and informative about all aspects of the venture ... geography, history, nature, and all our other questions. The stargazing session at the visitor center after sunset was really special and interesting. We were very happy we signed up for the guided tour. We would have missed a lot if we had done this on our own.
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.
Return Details
- 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.
Duration
7 hours - 9 hours
Languages Available
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station
HI
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 minutes
Stop At: Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea Access Rd, University Of Hawaii 2.2 Meter Telescope, Hawaii
Explore the summit, home to world-renowned observatories, and watch a stunning sunset sink into the clouds and horizon.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea Access Rd, University Of Hawaii 2.2 Meter Telescope, Hawaii
Join 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 hour
Additional 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.)
Exclusions
- Please bring your own warm layers—sweater/hoodie, warm socks, beanie, and gloves.
- Must wear toe closed shoes and long pants.
Redemption Instructions
Please show your ticket to the guide when check in.
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 Taikobo Hawaii 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.
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.
Return Details
- 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.
Duration
7 hours - 9 hours
Languages Available
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station
HI
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 minutes
Stop At: Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea Access Rd, University Of Hawaii 2.2 Meter Telescope, Hawaii
Explore the summit, home to world-renowned observatories, and watch a stunning sunset sink into the clouds and horizon.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea Access Rd, University Of Hawaii 2.2 Meter Telescope, Hawaii
Join 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 hour
Additional 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.)
Exclusions
- Please bring your own warm layers—sweater/hoodie, warm socks, beanie, and gloves.
- Must wear toe closed shoes and long pants.
Redemption Instructions
Please show your ticket to the guide when check in.
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 Taikobo Hawaii 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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
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
5.0
based on Groupon 5 reviews
100% Verified Reviews
All Groupon reviews are from people who have redeemed deals with this merchant. Review requests are sent by email to customers who purchased the deal.
Reviewed on
robertdW4394VM
We had a super experience. Our host/guide John was a great guy. He was knowledgeable and informative about all aspects of the venture ... geography, history, nature, and all our other questions. The stargazing session at the visitor center after sunset was really special and interesting. We were very happy we signed up for the guided tour. We would have missed a lot if we had done this on our own.
Daydream15572768832
If you’re looking for a capable, knowledgeable and caring guide to take you to the highest point in the Pacific for a beautiful sunset followed by a sky full of stars, ask for John. His knowledge about this volcano, its history, Hawaiian culture and especially star knowledge is amazing!
TomandCarrie
What a magnificent way to watch the sunset. Then to have an extraordinary stargazing with our guide, John, afterwards was phenomenal. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone but dress warmly. They do supply a parka though.
565sonjas
We booked last minute when our other tour cancelled due to weather and couldn't fit us in before we left. Taikobo was able to fit us in a couple of nights later. It was a convenient start to the tour meeting at their building in Kona - they have parking in their own lot so no need to struggle to find or pay for parking. The vehicle was a very comfortable Mercedes 4-wheel drive van (I think they can fit 9 passengers but another family couldn't make it last minute, so it was just us). The driver was professional and informative (he talked much of the time while driving and answered all our questions). We felt very safe on the road to the summit. They had local snacks for us to eat when we wanted, which was great. We had a big lunch before starting the tour and didn't need to eat at 3:00 at the visitor center like many tours do. We had a nice stop at the visitor center to acclimate and look around. At the summit, they provided very warm parkas - it was very cold up there! After sunset we want back down and were able to do star gazing - it was a beautiful, clear night. The telescope they use is great. We're able to see Jupiter and Saturn along with a nebula and galaxy. The drive back home was uneventful and most of us napped. It was a fun day.
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!