Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars

1,671 Reviews 4.87 out of 5 stars Based on 1,671 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 97% of reviewers
97% 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 $289 per person

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 35 (19.50) days in advance.
7 to 8 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English
and 8 more
French, German, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean

Overview

Delight in the awe-inspiring sunset at the top of Mauna Kea, the highest point in the Pacific.

Your guide will share historic accounts of the Big Island. Stand amidst the world’s largest collection of research telescopes.
Two of the eight telescopes which took the first photos of the black hole are here.

Sip a hot beverage during your private star show and view planets with a professional telescope (Weather Permitting).

Your guide will take astrophotography photos of you with our camera and email them to you.

What's Included

  • FREE night photo with our professional camera
  • Snacks and a hot beverage
  • Jackets and gloves to keep you warm
  • Dinner (Travelers may bring their own)
  • Private Tour
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Meeting Location

Meeting point
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

Mauna Kea Summit

One of the best places to see the sunset and stargazing and it's also the highest mountain on earth. Comfortable 4X4 passenger van as transportation.Jackets and gloves provided to keep you warm. Experienced tour guide to talk about our history and show you our amazing night with a laser pointer. Get close to the stars with our professional Celestron telescope and get a nice photo with our DSLR camera.
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4 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Astronomer's Mid-Level Facility

Maunakea is a celebrated and storied place in the cultural traditions of Hawai'i.While it is the dwelling place of the goddess Poli'ahu it is also associated with the Hawaiian deities Lilinoe and Waiau. The summit was considered the realm of the gods and in ancient times was kapu (forbidden) to all but the highest chiefs and priests. Occasionally Hawaiian ali'i (royalty) would make the long trek to the top, the last royal visitor being Queen Emma in 1881 who led her companions on the arduous 6 hour journey to the top to see the summit and rejuvenate herself in sacred Lake Waiau.The White Mountain Legends of the Mountain - Poli´ahuWhile today Maunakea is home to 13 international observatories and recieves thousands of visitors every year it remains a sacred place for the people of Hawai'i. On the the fourth Saturday of every month MKVIS hosts community speakers who speak about Mauna O Wakea from a cultural perspective.
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30 minutes • 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 allowed for travelers under 13 years old
  • Not allowed for pregnant travelers
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars?

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). 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?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-270152P1

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

4.87
1,671 reviews

Average 4.87 out of 5 stars based on 1,671 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1,524
4 stars
94
3 stars
35
2 stars
15
1 star
3

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On average, this is booked 35 (19.50) 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 GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars?
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).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • FREE night photo with our professional camera.
  • Snacks and a hot beverage.
  • Jackets and gloves to keep you warm.
  • Transportation in a comfortable 4X4 van.
  • Professional telescope (Weather Permitting).
  • Experienced tour guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Dinner (Travelers may bring their own).
  • Private Tour.
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 GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars is as follows:

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not allowed for travelers under 13 years old
  • Not allowed for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Not allowed for pregnant travelers
  • 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 Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars 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

  • FREE night photo with our professional camera
  • Snacks and a hot beverage
  • Jackets and gloves to keep you warm
  • Transportation in a comfortable 4X4 van
  • Professional telescope (Weather Permitting)
  • Experienced tour guide
  • Dinner (Travelers may bring their own)
  • Private Tour

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not allowed for travelers under 13 years old
  • Not allowed for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Not allowed for pregnant travelers
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers

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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.

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  • 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.

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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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