Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour

1,498 Reviews 4.88 out of 5 stars Based on 1,498 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 98% of reviewers
98% 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 $329.84 per person

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Mauna Kea Summit and Stargazing Adventure Tour.
The night sky at Mauna Kea's summit on the Big Island of Hawaii is full of stars.
Mauna Kea Summit and Stargazing Adventure Tour.
A traveler prepares to watch the night sky after sunset at Mauna Kea Summit, on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Capturing a captivating sunset at over 13,000' on Maunakea.

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 15 (0) days in advance.
8 hours (approx.)
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Offered in: English

Overview

Head to the Mauna Kea Observatory, nestled high in the mountains of the Big Island, and experience an intriguing and provocative journey through space and time. Discover Hawaii from the top of the island's tallest peak, Mauna Kea, also known as 'White Mountain,' located 13,796 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level. This small-group star-watching tour ensures a personalized and unique experience at the enchanting Mauna Kea summit.

What's Included

  • Private star show with telescope
  • Hooded parkas and gloves
  • Central Meeting Locations for Pick-up & Drop off
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point
End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel

Travelers staying in Kailua Kona will meet the guide here. Your guide will meet you at the benches closest to the hotel's parking lot entrance at the curbside. **There may be additional meeting location stops along the way to Maunakea.**
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Maunakea Visitor Information Station

Enjoy a warm picnic dinner while you acclimate to a higher elevation and learn about Hawaiian star navigation before you head to the summit.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Mauna Kea Summit

Enjoy a sunset from above the clouds while overlooking the Pacific Ocean atop Maunakea. After the sunset, travel to a more comfortable elevation and let our guides reveal the night sky with our 11" Celestron telescopes.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Maunakea Visitor Information Station

Descend to a lower elevation after the sun sets and sip hot chocolate during a private star show with our 11” Celestron telescope. View deep space objects with our Stellina digital telescope and share captured images of the Hawaiian night sky with your friends & family
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Guests are required to wear closed-toed shoe and long pants. We recommend bringing a sweatshirt or sweater for layering.
  • Guests must bring their own water bottles. Tour operator will provide filtered water refills.
  • Please provide your parka size (small, medium, large, x-large or xx-large) and meal choice at the time of booking. If you do not indicate this at the time of booking, you will need to contact the tour operator directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour?

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.

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Activity code: C-2804MKS

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

4.88
1,498 reviews

Average 4.88 out of 5 stars based on 1,497 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1,373
4 stars
93
3 stars
16
2 stars
7
1 star
8

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On average, this is booked 15 (0) 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 Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour?
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:
  • Private star show with telescope.
  • Hooded parkas and gloves.
  • Central Meeting Locations for Pick-up & Drop off.
  • Hot cocoa and cookies.
  • Local taxes.
  • Hot picnic dinner.
  • Pick-up & Dropoff from Central Meeting Locations.
  • Guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuities.
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:

The minimum age to participate is 13..

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 Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour is as follows:

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • No scuba diving within 24 hours
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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 Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour 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

  • Private star show with telescope
  • Hooded parkas and gloves
  • Central Meeting Locations for Pick-up & Drop off
  • Hot cocoa and cookies
  • Local taxes
  • Hot picnic dinner
  • Pick-up & Dropoff from Central Meeting Locations
  • Guide
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • No scuba diving within 24 hours
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Minimum age is 13 years - No children under 13.
  • Due to the high altitude, this tour is not suitable for those with respiratory, circulatory or heart conditions, pregnancy, or poor health.
  • Scuba divers should be aware of altitude dangers. If you plan to scuba dive, do not plan to go to the summit within 24 hours after you dive due to the altitude.
  • Guests are required to wear closed-toed shoe and long pants. We recommend bringing a sweatshirt or sweater for layering.
  • Guests must bring their own water bottles. Tour operator will provide filtered water refills.
  • Please provide your parka size (small, medium, large, x-large or xx-large) and meal choice at the time of booking. If you do not indicate this at the time of booking, you will need to contact the tour operator directly.
  • There is minimal walking on this tour, the maximum being about 150 yards. Please note we are unable to accommodate any guests with a collapsible wheelchair. All guests must be able to enter and exit our vehicles on their own, and walk comfortably on uneven terrain with limited lighting on their own.
  • The access road to Mauna Kea is four-wheel drive only, so it can be bumpy. The custom off-road transit vans will get you to the top and back in safety and comfort. The transit vans can carry a maximum of 12 passengers
  • Snow is seasonal at Maunakea, with the heaviest snowfall occurring during the winter months
  • Please note your scheduled pick-up time may differ from the tour start time displayed online. Contact us to confirm your meeting time & location.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

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Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

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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  • By earning and redeeming rewards, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, as well as any subsequent changes made to them.