Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Star Tour with Photos
About This Experience
Starting from Kailua-Kona or Waikoloa, this 8-hour guided tour drives you to Mauna Kea's summit at 13,800 feet for a sunset unlike any in Hawaii — above the cloud deck, surrounded by the most advanced astronomical observatories in the world.
The tour stops at the Onizuka Visitor Center to acclimatize to the altitude before heading to the summit in a 4WD van. Snow parkas, ski pants, and gloves are provided, along with a light meal. At the summit, your guide captures professional DSLR photos of you silhouetted against the sunset — these are sent to your phone at no extra charge.
After sunset, the group descends to 12,000 feet for a stargazing session where your guide explains celestial objects through a refractor telescope and laser pointer. In times of clear weather, you can observe planets, nebulae, and star clusters. All the DSLR star photos from this session are also included free.
Highlights
- Reach the 13,800 ft summit of Mauna Kea in a 4WD tour van
- Watch the sunset above the clouds from Hawaii's highest peak
- Receive free professional DSLR photos of the sunset and stars
- Stargaze through a refractor telescope and laser pointer at 12,000 ft
- Warm weather gear (snow parka, ski pants, gloves) fully provided
What's Included
- ✓ 4WD van transport to the summit
- ✓ Snow parka, ski pants, and gloves
- ✓ Light meal (BLT sandwich or veggie option on request)
- ✓ Bottled water and hot drink
- ✓ Free professional DSLR photos (sunset and stars)
- ✓ Refractor telescope and laser pointer
- ✓ Emergency oxygen tank
Not Included
- Entry inside the observatory buildings
- Gratuities (customary in Hawaii)
What to Bring
- Closed-toe shoes (required)
- Light layers under the provided parkas
Good to Know & Caveats
- Guests under 16 or over 70 cannot participate
- Sunset and stargazing are not 100% guaranteed in bad weather; the moon phase affects star visibility
- If a guest experiences altitude sickness, time at the summit may be adjusted
- Pick-up location has a free parking lot; operator is not responsible for vehicle damage or loss
Not Suitable For
- Children under 16 years
- Adults over 70 years
- Pregnant women
- People with respiratory conditions
- Wheelchair users
- People who have dived within 24 hours
- People over 300 lbs / 136 kg
Meeting Point
Target store in Kailua-Kona or Queens' Marketplace in Waikoloa Resort — meeting point varies by option, check booking details.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.8/5 by 299 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
Incredible and such a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Felt completely safe and well prepared with the guide the entire time.
— Emily, July 20
Our guide James was excellent — we felt very safe all the way to 13,800 feet. His care and concern for getting great pictures was much appreciated. The mountaintop sunset experience was wonderful.
— Mark, July 20
Chris was fantastic — professional, knowledgeable, and kept everything on schedule. Both the sunset at the summit and the stargazing were incredible and easily one of the highlights of our trip.
— Shivani, July 20
