Mauna Kea Star Tour: Summit Stargazing Experience

Embark on a small-group adventure to the Mauna Kea Observatory, Hawaii’s tallest peak. Explore the mysteries of space and time while enjoying breathtaking views from 13,796 feet above sea level.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel - Visitors staying in Kailua Kona will meet their guide at this location. The guide will be waiting at the benches nearest to the hotel’s parking lot entrance at the curbside. There may be additional stops for meeting locations on the way to Maunakea.
  • **Maunakea Visitor Information…
What's Included
  • Private star show with telescope
  • Hooded parkas and gloves
  • Central Meeting Locations for Pick-up & Drop off
  • Hot cocoa and cookies
  • Dinner
  • Local taxes
  • Guide
  • Pick-up & Dropoff from Central Meeting Locations
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Bottled water
  • Private Tour
Additional Information

Embark on a fascinating voyage through space and time at the Mauna Kea Observatory, perched high atop the peaks of Hawaii’s Big Island. The view from Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s loftiest pinnacle affectionately dubbed ‘White Mountain,’ situated 13,796 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level, offers a distinct perspective of the island. With our small-group…

Location
Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
Palani Road
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(1674 Ratings)
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Jacquelinemw2095hc
Aug 20, 2026
Such a unique experience! - The tour was such a unique experience! I loved everything about the tour. Our tour guide Wilson was such a great tour guide and driver. We felt safe and comfortable. The atmosphere was great. The group had a good time and the length of visit was nice. It was such an incredible time and I enjoyed every moment. My husband and I had a wonderful day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annieo355
Aug 17, 2026
Great experience - Jeff was an outstanding guide and made the trip memorable and enjoyable. He was so knowledgeable about the region describing the areas we were passing through on the way up to the summit and then was passionate about the stars. We felt comfortable with the drive up and back. The meal was absolutely delicious and the cookies and hot chocolate welcome while we watched stars. The photos of the stars after were just an added bonus. Highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
996wanderingw
Aug 15, 2026
Eugene was the perfect guide! - I had heard how amazing the Mauna Kea Stargazing tour is and it truly lived up to the hype! I was in Hawaii for a milestone birthday celebration and this was definitely the highlight of the trip! Eugene was our guide and he was perfect. Fun, funny and full of facts. He made the trip comfortable and enjoyable. I whole heartedly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laura_w
Aug 14, 2026
Star Struck - If you enjoyed looking at the stars this tour is for you. Jeff was our guide for this tour and he was extremely knowledgeable about the observatories at the top of Mauna Kea. I was amazed at how many different observatories there were at the top of the mountain. After watching the sunset we drove down about a thousand feet where Jeff then set up two telescopes for us to view the stars through. Through the telescopes, we got to see the Omega centauri globula star cluster, the Dumbbell nebula, the Eagle nebula and the Ring nebula just to name a few. He also explained and showed us how to find the different stars in the sky. It was quite amazing. Be prepared because it can be very cold at the top of the mountain. They did supply us with parkas and gloves. But I recommend definitely long pants and a sweater or sweat shirt for under the parka. It can be very windy at the top.
Review provided by Viator
Lovestravel87
Aug 8, 2026
Mauna Kea, best experience on the Big Island - This was one of the most memorable excursions my husband and I have ever experienced. Watching the sunset from the summit of Mauna Kea was truly breathtaking, followed by an incredible stargazing session. Our tour guide, Wilson, was exceptional. He brought along telescopes that allowed us to observe various constellations and celestial bodies, and his knowledge enhanced the experience, enabling us to see details we would not have noticed otherwise. We also observed several shooting stars throughout the evening. Overall, it was a wonderful experience that was well worth the cost.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Caroldj1125gw
Aug 7, 2026
Stellar! - Great experience. Our guide Jeff was knowledgeable and fantastic at planning the time! Very much worth it especially if you love the night sky!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christina_r
Aug 4, 2026
The tour was amazing, the... - The tour was amazing, the tour guide was super friendly and very knowledgeable. The tour van was new and comfortable. The sunset was breathtaking and the stargazing with hot chocolate on hand was just the perfect touch. I would definitely recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Anthony_m
Jul 31, 2026
We had a great time on... - We had a great time on the tour up to the top of the mount with Jeff as our guide. It was amazing to see such a collection of large scopes with a beautiful sunset. Stargazing after sunset was cool, unfortunately it was a night with a full moon so we weren’t able to see many objects from what would have been a Bortle 1 (very dark) sky.
Review provided by Viator
Marc_p
Jul 29, 2026
Of the many activities... - Of the many activities I've done on the big island over the last 5 years, this is one I'll always remember! Jason, the Guide, was fantastic and super knowledgeable about all things Hawaii, geology and the cosmos. The views from the top (next to the observatories) are up there with the summit of Kilauea and Haleakala, the latter of which can be seen from this summit. A must see activity!
Review provided by Viator
Elizabeth_m
Jul 28, 2026
Mauna Kea and Stargazing - Exceptional and Precious - Having an experienced guide who truly treasures the Island heritage and Mauna Kea makes such a difference. Years ago my husband and I drove ourselves and it was too much with the roads and the altitude. Jason made our experience one that will be remembered and cherished forever. Priceless and worth every cent paid.
Review provided by Viator
From $330
up to 12 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).