Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Star Tour with Photo
Before you book
- Hawaiian Eyes Tours is one of the seven operators the University of Hawaiʻi permits to take passengers to the summit. Above the visitor station at 9,200 feet the road requires a true four-wheel-drive vehicle, which the tour provides.
- Meet at the Target store in Kailua-Kona or at Queens’ Marketplace in Waikoloa, where parking is free but at your own risk. The listing gives about 75 minutes by van to the visitor station.
- The summit closes to visitors 30 minutes after sunset, so the stargazing happens lower on the mountain. The visitor station has had no public telescopes since 2019; the tour brings its own.
- The listing sets a minimum age of 16 and an upper limit given as 70 in one place and 75 in another, and rules out pregnancy, respiratory or back problems, scuba diving in the previous 24 hours, recent surgery and weights over 300 lb (136 kg). The mountain's own safety guidance adds high blood pressure and heart conditions.
- Tips are not included, and there is no entry inside the observatories. Bad weather can rule out the sunset or the stars, and the moon phase affects what you see. Cancellation: “Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.”
About This Experience
A sunset trip to the summit of Maunakea in a 4x4 van, with a stop to acclimatize at the visitor station and stargazing lower on the mountain afterwards; parkas, gloves, a sandwich and DSLR photos are included.
Highlights
- Feel the thrill of reaching the summit of Mauna Kea on a 4x4 tour
- Watch the sunset from the summit of Mauna Kea, the highest peak in Hawaii
- Get a free photo of the sunset and stars with you in it using a DSLR camera
- Marvel at the stars and planets using a refractor telescope and laser pointer
What's Included
- ✓ BLT sandwich (a veggie sandwich is available if you message the operator the day before the tour)
- ✓ Bottled water
- ✓ Hot drink during the stargazing
- ✓ Snow parker, Ski pants, and Gloves
- ✓ Admission Fee for Mauna Kea
- ✓ 4x4 Passenger Van to the summit
- ✓ Free DSLR camera photo of sunset and stars
- ✓ An astronomical telescope
- ✓ Oxygen Tank for emergency
Not Included
- An optional TIP per person for good service is customary in Hawaii.
- Guest under 16 years old or older than 70 cannot participate
- NO ENTRY INSIDE THE OBSERVATORIES
Good to Know
- Pick up location has a free parking lot but the tour company does not take any responsibility or liability for any damage or loss caused through the parking
- 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.
