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Adults$295.00 + tax & feesAges 13 and older.
Summit Sunset And Stargazing Tour
7-8 Hours
13 yrs+
Waikoloa resorts
About this tour
Embark on an unforgettable evening of stargazing at Mauna Kea, Hawaiʻi's tallest mountain and one of the world’s premier astronomical vantage points. With crystal-clear visibility, thanks to its high altitude and remote location far from city lights, Mauna Kea offers unparalleled views of the galaxy that you simply can’t find anywhere else.
Whether you’re an amateur stargazer or a seasoned astronomer, the breathtaking beauty of the night sky from this iconic spot will leave you in awe. Imagine gazing at countless stars, planets, and constellations through the naked eye or a powerful 11” Celestron telescope. It’s a humbling and magical experience that showcases the vastness of the universe.
Your adventure begins with a delicious picnic dinner as you watch a spectacular Kona sunset at Mauna Kea's summit, the highest point in the Pacific. Once night falls, descend to 9,000 feet to set up for stargazing. Sip on warm hot chocolate as you listen to enchanting Hawaiian folklore and enjoy either guided or independent exploration of the dazzling sky.
Stargazing from Mauna Kea is more than just an activity; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will stay with you forever. Don’t miss your chance to witness the universe like never before!
- Telescope viewing option available
- Cultural legends & constellation information shared by the guide
- Sunset at the summit
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
- Meal included
- 1:14 guide-to-guest ratio
- Unmatched Visibility
- 7-8 Hours of Adventure
Spend a memorable evening gazing into a clear, starry night sky. The visibility from Hawaiʻi’s tallest mountain is unmatched, drawing both amateur star-gazers as well as trained scientists to view the heavens from the summit of Mauna Kea. Countless points of light pierce the black veil of the sky above you, painting a portrait of celestial beauty and rich cultural history. First, enjoy dinner as the sun sets on another Hawaiian day. Listen as your tour leader regales you with legends of Hawaiʻi’s ancient celestial navigators, mountaineers, and other historical adventures, pointing out their map of guiding constellations. Due to the island chain’s remote location and Mauna Kea’s elevation, glimpsing the galaxy from this location is an experience exclusive to the Big Island. Whether viewing through the naked eye or using the 11” Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, stargazing from Mauna Kea will leave you with an appreciation of the vastness of the universe from this tiny island speck in the middle of the Pacific.
In total, the tour is between 7-8 hours. Must be 16 or older to participate.
7 – 8 Hour Tour
- Hotel Pickups: Begin between 1:55 PM – 2:40 PM (the start time of the tour may vary throughout the year to coincide with optimal sunset conditions.)
- Travel to the summit: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes (from Waikoloa)
- Sunset and Dinner with Cultural Storytelling: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Stargazing: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Transportation Back To Hotel
Picnic style dinner, assorted teas, hot chocolate, and dessert.
- Gear Provided: We provide warm wear, including hooded parkas and gloves.
- What to Bring & Wear: Reusable water bottle, Closed-toe shoes, Warm Socks and/or leggings, long pants, and a sweatshirt or sweater. Winter parkas and gloves are provided.
- Restrictions: Weather changes can occur quickly, and the access road to the summit can close without warning; therefore we cannot guarantee access to the summit or favorable conditions. Guests should be able to walk on uneven or rocky terrain. The temperature can dip below freezing when at high elevations on the mountain. We sometimes encounter cold, wet, or muddy conditions. Due to the high altitude, this tour is not advised for those with respiratory, circulatory or heart conditions, pregnancy, or poor health.f you plan to scuba dive, do not plan to go to the summit within 24 hours after you dive due to the altitude.
