Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos

259 Reviews 4.83 out of 5 stars Based on 259 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 95% of reviewers
95% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Big Island of Hawaii, USA
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from $299 per person

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Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos Image 1
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 15 (5.40) days in advance.
2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

Led by both an astronomer and an astro-photographer, we’re the only stargazing tour that combines expert guidance with astrophotography, offers two-hour experiences, avoids crowds, and has a stargazing guarantee.

Part 1 –
All ages welcome. We meet at our dark-sky location on the safe, comfortable slopes of Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa. Relax in a reclining folding chair, sip hot chocolate, enjoy the cool mountain air, and watch the stars appear.

Part 2 –
Using our Celestron Origin smart telescope, our astronomer brings the universe to you. No eyepiece required. Controlled by a smartphone, it produces stunning live images on-screen. See galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters in real time while your astronomer explains each object and answers your questions.

Part 3 –
While you enjoy the view, our astro-photographer captures epic images of you and your group under the night sky. Med-size digital files are emailed within 48 hours, with high-resolution upgrades available.

What's Included

  • Parka Jackets
  • All activities
  • Complimentary Medium Resolution Photos
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Optional Photo Upgrades Available
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Island of
HI, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your activity begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Onizuka Astronomy Complex

Led by an astronomer and astro-photographer, our tours avoid the crowded Onizuka Visitor Center and take place at quiet, remote locations on Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa. Time slots are handpicked to avoid bright moonlight and maximize your view of the night sky.Each 90 minute experience includes: • A guided star talk by our astronomer using a Celestron Origin smart telescope • Close-up telescope views of deep sky objects like nebulas, star clusters, and galaxies • Complimentary portraits taken by our astro-photographer with the Milky Way as your backdrop • Medium-resolution photos included at no extra cost • A stargazing guarantee — if the stars don’t show, the tour is free
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1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with any mobility/ambulatory restrictions, back, heart and hearing problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Dress code: Wear pants and closed-toed shoes

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the activity start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the activity start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the activity local time (HST).This activity requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-8945P14

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

4.83
259 reviews

Average 4.83 out of 5 stars based on 259 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
238
4 stars
9
3 stars
5
2 stars
3
1 star
4

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 15 (5.40) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Hawaii customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the activity start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the activity start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the activity local time (HST).
  • This activity requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Parka Jackets.
  • All activities.
  • Complimentary Medium Resolution Photos.
  • Professional photographer guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuities.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off.
  • Optional Photo Upgrades Available.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this activity?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This activity requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible activity?
A:

Accessibility information for the Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with any mobility/ambulatory restrictions, back, heart and hearing problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Pregnant Travelers should discuss with their doctor before hand.
  • Not suitable for some senior citizens
  • Not recommended for chronic complainers ;)
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Hawaii. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • Parka Jackets
  • All activities
  • Complimentary Medium Resolution Photos
  • Professional photographer guide
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Optional Photo Upgrades Available

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with any mobility/ambulatory restrictions, back, heart and hearing problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Pregnant Travelers should discuss with their doctor before hand.
  • Not suitable for some senior citizens
  • Not recommended for chronic complainers ;)
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Dress code: Wear pants and closed-toed shoes
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Weather can reach 30F. We have parka jackets that have pockets and a hood, although that may not be enough for some
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

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Free Cancellation

100% refund
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the activity start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the activity start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the activity local time (HST).
  • This activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This activity requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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Cool Rewards

  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

Earning rewards

  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
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  • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
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Redeeming rewards

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