Hawaii’s GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars

Top rated
4.8318777 out of 5 stars
4.8
4.8318777 out of 5 stars
458 reviews
Activity provider:hawaii island holidays
Hawaii’s GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars
Likely to sell out
Top rated
4.8318777 out of 5 stars
4.8
4.8318777 out of 5 stars
458 reviews

View the sunset from the peak of Mauna Kea and learn about the stars and planets during this unforgettable stargazing experience. Enjoy snacks, drinks, and free photos.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 6.5 - 7.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

S
Sharon – United States

Do NOT miss this Mauna Kea Summit tour. Jess and Rob were incredible guides and the evening was so well planned/efficient. It was the highlight of our entire vacation. Everything was OUTSTANDING from the transportation to the sunset to the seeing the stars with a telescope to taking a picture with the night sky. Rob was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Jess was so patient and absolutely lovely. My family and I had an incredible time. DO NOT MISS THIS EXPERIENCE with this company.

O
Olivia – Australia

The guides, Jess & Rob, were really lovely and full of knowledge to share.

Select participants and date

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    3 starting location options:

    Starbucks, Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton, Bank of Hawaii

  • Timeline stop icon

    Mauna Kea

  • 3 drop-off locations:

    Starbucks, Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton, Bank of Hawaii

Main stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • See a picturesque sunset from Mauna Kea
  • Sip on a hot beverage as you gaze at the stars
  • Discover where the first black hole photo was taken
  • Use our telescope to get an up-close view of the sky (Weather Permitting)

Full description

Get your photos taken by the stars during this sunset and stargazing adventure on the summit of Mauna Kea. Learn about the area from your guide as you sip on hot chocolate and eat snacks. Choose from pickup and drop-off options at several locations. 


Delight in the awe-inspiring sunset at the top of Mauna Kea, the highest point in the Pacific. Get cozy with a parka, gloves, and hot drink as you learn historic accounts of Hawaii, the Big Island, from your guide.


Stand amidst the world’s largest collection of research telescopes and see two of the eight telescopes which took the first photo of a black hole. Enjoy your very own private star show with our professional telescope (Weather Permitting).


Capture your experience forever with photos taken by your guide on our camera. Get emailed these photos after your experience.


After your unforgettable evening with the stars, depart back to your pickup location for drop-off.

Includes

  • Pickup and drop-off (select locations)
  • Snacks and hot chocolate
  • Free night photos (sent via email)
  • Guide
  • Parkas
  • Gloves
  • Gratuities
  • Dinner

Not suitable for

  • Children under 13 years
  • Pregnant women
  • People with back problems
  • People with mobility impairments
  • People with heart problems
  • People with respiratory issues
  • People diving up to 24 hours prior
  • People with altitude sickness
  • People over 80 years

Meeting point

Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Long pants

Not allowed

  • Non-folding wheelchairs
  • Alcohol and drugs

Know before you go

  • Weather changes can occur quickly and the access road to the summit can close without warning, therefore access to the summit or favorable conditions cannot be guaranteed
  • The temperature can dip below freezing when at a high elevation on the mountain
  • Guests should be able to walk on uneven or rocky terrain. Sometimes cool, wet, or muddy conditions are encountered

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 458 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.6/5

Customer photos

+69
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S
Sharon – United StatesMay 31, 2025 – Verified booking
Do NOT miss this Mauna Kea Summit tour. Jess and Rob were incredible guides and the evening was so well planned/efficient. It was the highlight of our entire vacation. Everything was OUTSTANDING from the transportation to the sunset to the seeing the stars with a telescope to taking a picture with the night sky. Rob was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Jess was so patient and absolutely lovely. My family and I had an incredible time. DO NOT MISS THIS EXPERIENCE with this company.
O
Olivia – AustraliaMay 30, 2025 – Verified booking
The guides, Jess & Rob, were really lovely and full of knowledge to share.
D
David – United StatesMay 30, 2025 – Verified booking
Tay was an absolute rockstar in telling us about Mauna Kea and other things regarding Hawaiian culture. One of our favorite things about the trip was when he gave his speech about how the Hawaiians looked at the constellations and the different constellations they used both for seafaring and otherwise. It was also fun to receive the pictures of what we saw through the telescope. The only thing we would suggest changing is possibly making the snack options more Hawaiian based. The candy options were good for some, but it seemed a little inauthentic for what we were doing. Possibly adding in Hawaiian snack items like macadamia nuts, dried pineapple or something of that nature could give it more of a Hawaiian feel. Also, in the directions, it indicated that you could park in the overflow lot for the hotel, but we had to use the valet parking as they were plenty of signs, indicating that parking there was not allowed.

Product ID: 401787

Activity provider:hawaii island holidays