Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience with Pro Astro-Photographer
4.8
261 Ratings
Hawaii County

Experience the ultimate stargazing adventure on Mauna Kea with a pro astro-photographer and analog-astronaut. Discover celestial objects, view deep space with a telescope, and capture stunning photos with the Milky Way.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Onizuka Astronomy Complex - Guided by an expert astronomer and astro-photographer, these tours bypass the busy Onizuka Visitor Center, offering a serene experience at secluded spots on Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa. Tours are scheduled to avoid bright moonlight, ensuring optimal stargazing conditions.
    Each 90-minute session features:
    • An informative star…
see more
What's Included
  • Parka Jackets
  • Professional photographer guide
  • All activities
  • Complimentary Medium Resolution Photos
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Optional Photo Upgrades Available
Additional Information

Guided by an astronomer and an astro-photographer, this is the only stargazing tour that merges expert insights with astrophotography, providing two-hour sessions, avoiding crowds, and offering a stargazing guarantee.
Part 1 –
Open to all ages. Gather at the dark-sky site on the secure, comfortable slopes of Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa. Unwind in a…

see more
Location
Pu'u Huluhulu Cinder cone parking lot
Text us 6 hours prior to your tour for an updated meeting location, we meet at other locations on Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa. If you have an international phone number, please send us a local contact number once you have it. Send us your email address if you want the photos after the tour.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(261 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Joseph_c
Jan 26, 2026
If you are into unique... - If you are into unique experiences, this is a great call. It was dark as we made our way to the meeting point, but our guides were right where they said they would be. You will not easily find a stargazing experience like this at home. They kept us warm, shared some education, and took some amazing images. We are glad we experienced it.
Review provided by Viator
Carmen_b
Jan 17, 2026
When the Stars Put On a Better Show Than Netflix - If you’re lucky enough to get Dylan as your star guide, you’re in for a treat. He’s outgoing, funny, and made the whole night feel like hanging out with a friend who just happens to know everything about the sky.
Review provided by Viator
B7709foroberth
Jan 11, 2026
Updated review….. - It was about 47 degrees at the place where we did our observation. The view is something you won’t see in many places of the world. They provided instant hot chocolate which helped take a bit of the nip in the air. I would recommend that people bring their own gloves for a better experience ( tour provides blankets and jackets). I would recommend to anyone to layer with a long sleeve shirt, a sweatshirt and then a winter or heavy leather jacket. I recommend wearing blue jeans and maybe a light pair of thermal underwear. The pictures were taken and were very good. I highly recommend looking at other pictures and tell the photographer which view or views you would like. By wearing your own very warm clothes and not getting your picture taken with the oversized jackets is recommended for better looking pictures. The pictures only take 5-10 minutes so just “endure” the brief cold to get better looking pictures. The views are spectacular but the main reason people go is for the once in a lifetime photos. I only wish the tour had told us it takes about 24 hours for photos to be sent . We stressed out a bit because most people who came to the star gazing drove 1.5-2 hours to get there and to not get the photos would be heartbreaking. Just give them time. The different type of photos are standard (free ones) or pay a fee of 99 to 199 for high resolution pictures. I had left a review do the presenter not seeing my texts and emails because it went to his spam. Long story short everything turned out just fine in the end. Therefore my one star rating previously due to lack of response and lack of being informed has been resolved completely. I recommend it with a 5 star now. Oh I would recommend the photographer have a book of about the top 20 views people do so it helps both you and the photographer out so everyone is on the same page before the photos are taken. I had studied other pictures and told her what I wanted and she did a great job.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pandaslikebamboo
Jan 6, 2026
Starmazing experience - What an experience. We had a clear sky morning and felt we could touch all those stars. I couldn’t recommend this anyone higher than an absolute must even if you’re not that interested in space. James and Dylan made the entire two hours a fun, educating and humbling experience. Don’t let the early morning or the cold out you off, we thought we dressed in enough warm clothing only to find we were freezing, luckily they are prepared for bozos like us and have jackets and blankets and hot drinks at the ready, worth every penny!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rpmiro
Dec 29, 2025
Unbelievable sky!!!!!!! - James, Dylan and the whole team were great. Very knowledgeble. They figured out a way of finding a spot where we could see clear skies in a rainy night. If you're planning to go, bring some snow socks, boots and hats to stay warm and focused through the cold night. Their parkas and blankets are enough for the upper body. It worth every minute.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
B5275seirfank
Dec 27, 2025
Stargazing by Mauna Kea - James was a wonderful tour guide. We enjoyed out expedition to Mauna Kea. The stars were amazing. Just be prepared for it to be cold up there (they provided coats, pants, and gloves for us)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Faith_h
Dec 25, 2025
Terrific Stargazing on Moana Loa - This was such a terrific evening! In order to get the best viewing, the location shifted to Moana Loa - - and communication about the change was timely and clear. When we arrived at the stargazing location, James, Shannon and Dylan had set up chairs, with parkas and blankets ready for all. Dylan ‘s knowledge and enthusiasm about the universe, the traditional myths and the discoveries of contemporary astrophysics and astronomy were simply infectious! The photos (the ones Shannon took of us and the ones Dylan took of things like horse head and Orion nebulas, the Andromeda Galaxy, etc) were amazing. And just as we started to think “maybe it’s a bit too chilly out here” James brought out hot coffee, cocoa and tea. All in all, a really great evening!
Review provided by Viator
Heather_o
Dec 24, 2025
Epic volcanic experience - The most amazing experience, especially on the night of the volcano eruption. Dillon was very knowledgeable and entertaining. I learned so much. James was a great communicator and we appreciate being away from the crowds. Ali was the best keeping us warm with jackets and hot cocoa.
Review provided by Viator
Stevecan1
Jan 19, 2026
Not worth the money! - While our astronomy guide was very knowledgeable and the photographer very friendly, they chose to delay starting their presentation until the last couple arrived, 30 minutes past the starting time. This delay meant that the skies clouded up and we didn't have much of a view. Had they started on time with those who arrived on time, it would have been a much better experience. In any event, even with perfect weather, I would not pay $299/person for this experience. We were with the guides 1 hour and 45 minutes. This experience is not worth the price.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Udayakumar_t
Dec 26, 2025
Not worth the money - Not worth the money. Asking us to drive all the way and just providing jackets,blankets and chairs. Didn’t even offer hot cocoa as others said . Over charging
Review provided by Viator
Check Availability
From $299
From $299
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Select a date
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).