Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea
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Mauna Kea: Our most recommended tours and activities

Hilo/Waikoloa: Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing Tour

Hilo/Waikoloa: Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing Tour

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.

Hilo: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Flight

Hilo: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Flight

Take a helicopter ride over ever-changing scenery at Volcano National Park with this tour from Hilo. Journey over black sand beaches where lava once flowed into the sea. Take off from Hilo and fly directly to Volcano National Park. See the caldera of the Kilauea volcano. Admire the Pu'uo'o' volcanic cone. Snap pictures of the massive volcanos Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa in the distance. Discover new lava fields that are forming and go over old lava fields. View how waterfalls create a deep blue pools amid jungle greenery. All site specific areas are weather dependent

MaunaKea Summit Sunset and Star Tour with Photo

MaunaKea Summit Sunset and Star Tour with Photo

Travel to the summit (13,800ft) of Mauna Kea to see the sunset and do stargazing at 12000ft. Enjoy a unique experience as your guide takes photos of the sunset and stars for you using their DSLR camera. All photos are free of charge and you will get them on your smartphone at the end of the tour. Start your tour with an easy meet up at either Target store in Kailua Kona or at the Queens’ Marketplace in Waikoloa resort. Then heading to the Onizuka visitor information center while hearing the variety of information about the Big Island from the tour guide. When you arrive, change into warm weather gear- snow parkas, ski pants, and gloves that are all provided for you. Also we will stay at visitor center to acclimate to the elevation and you canuse this time to shop at gift store in the visitor center. Enjoy a light meal of BLT sandwich (other option available for people with dietry restriction) while you acclimatize or when watching sunset at the summit. Head to the summit in a 4x4 van, arriving about 60min before the sunset time. Be ready to do some posing since your guides will take DSLR photos of you, which will be sent to you for free. After sunset, head back down to the 12,000ft to do stargazing for about an our and during this time, tour guide will explain abouthte cellestial objects and will take the photo of you with the stars in it (location may change depend on the weather). After stopping by the visitor center for the last bathroom break, we will head back to the pick up locations.

MaunaKea Stellar Explorer From Kona

MaunaKea Stellar Explorer From Kona

For an out-of-this-world experience, check out Maunakea Stellar Explorer. The in-house stellar explorers are the best and most experienced in Hawaii, with one having created the Mauna Kea Visitor’s Center and operated it for a decade. Staff have written noted articles and reviews for well-known astronomy magazines and have worked at world-class observatories. Next, you’ll travel across Saddle Road between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, two of the tallest and most massive volcanoes on Earth. Your National Park Service trained guide will discuss the volcanology, geology, and history of these monstrous wonders, as well as providing in-depth narration on the various lava flows and flora and fauna that you’ll be passing by. While you’re taking in the breathtaking terrestrial views, your guide will prepare some heavenly views just as stunning. Setting up a state of the art solar telescope for your viewing pleasure, your specially trained guide will let you safely watch the sun come alive in true color with vibrant solar flares, sunspots, prominences, and any other current activity, weather permitting. Lastly, your guide will take you to one of the preferred locations on Mauna Kea for nighttime stargazing. You’ll observe deep sky and planetary objects through a large aperture Dobsonian telescope under one of the darkest and most pristine skies on planet Earth. The Dobsonian telescopes are a true purist’s experience to view the night sky. Their fast focal ratio enables you to see sprawling wide field views of objects that simply aren’t possible with the types of telescopes used by other tours. Depending on what is visible in the current sky and weather permitting, you’ll observe galaxies, nebula, star clusters, planets, double star systems, the moon, and much more; all the highlights and showpiece objects like you’ve never seen before. 

Mauna Kea: Stellar Explorer Tour from Hilo

Mauna Kea: Stellar Explorer Tour from Hilo

Visit Rainbow Falls and the Kaumana Caves before heading to your stargazing location. Travel across Saddle Road between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, 2 of the tallest and biggest volcanoes on Earth. To complete your tour, your guide will take you to one of the preferred locations on Mauna Kea for nighttime stargazing. Observe the deep sky and planetary objects through a large aperture telescope, under one of the darkest and most pristine skies on planet Earth. Enjoy narration from expert astronomers, who have written articles for well-known magazines and worked at world-class observatories for decades. The telescopes are a true purist way to view the night sky. Their fast focal ratio enables you to see sprawling wide-field views of objects that are simply not possible with other telescopes.  Weather permitting and depending on what is visible in the current sky, you can observe galaxies, nebula, star clusters, planets, double star systems, the moon, and much more.

Big Island: Maunakea Summit & Stars

Big Island: Maunakea Summit & Stars

Summit the highest point in the Pacific and observe the stunning night sky over Hawaii. The Maunakea Summit tour takes you on a journey at sunset, bringing you as close as possible to the starry sky. Begin with a warm picnic and learn about Hawaiian star navigation, where ancient explorers made their way across the seas with only the stars as a guide. Then head up the slopes at sunset before arriving at the top of Maunakea. Enjoy the beauty and landscape before heading slightly lower for some hot chocolate and star gazing. View the heavens through a digital telescope and take pictures to preserve the memories.

Mauna Kea: Stargazing Experience with Free Photos

Mauna Kea: Stargazing Experience with Free Photos

Explore a secluded stargazing spot on the slopes of Mauna Kea. Stargazing on this summit has never been allowed for any individual or tour group; all other tours do their stargazing on the side of a busy road near the highway, but this tour allows you access to a remote spot located miles from any highway.  Head to the meeting point and grab a parka jacket. Hear about this unique spot from your guide, as they use a green laser to point out constellations, planets, space objects, and hopefully some fast-moving shooting stars. Your guide will also take some photos of the best objects in the night sky with an astro-modified camera/lens for you to check out later. Next comes everyone's favorite part; have some fun posing for astro-photos with the stars in the background. 2-3 photos taken during the experience will be sent to you after the trip. Look back on these photos, touched up with Lightroom photo-editing at no extra cost.

Kailua-Kona: Kohala, Volcanoes and Waterfall Helicopter Tour

Kailua-Kona: Kohala, Volcanoes and Waterfall Helicopter Tour

Embark on an awe-inspiring helicopter journey where the divine power of Goddess Pele and the legacy of King Kamehameha come together to reveal the volcanic splendor and natural beauty of Hawai’i. Uncover the secrets of four majestic volcanoes and the cascading waterfalls of the Kohala Coast. Begin the flight over the sparkling Kailua Bay, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. As you ascend from the bay, witness the grandeur of Pele’s creation as Mauna Loa comes into view. See the world’s largest active volcano, known as the “Long Mountain.” Continue your flight to the dramatic landscapes of the Ka'upulehu Crater and the famed Hualalai volcano. In the distance, the towering summit of Mauna Kea, the “White Mountain,” rises majestically to 13,796 feet above sea level. To the north, witness Mauna Kea’s older brother, Kohala, emerging from its stark terrain, revealing the Puu Waawaa Forest Reserve, home to native plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Gliding over the forest, admire the Kawaihae and Kohala Coasts, the childhood home of King Kamehameha. Experience the Pololu and Waimanu Valleys, enclosing the cascading waters of Laupahoehoe Nui and Wai’ilikahi waterfalls. After circling Waipio Valley and its black sand beach, trace a path along the coast to Anaehoomalu Bay, the waters of Kiholo Bay, and the serene beauty of Makalawena Beach.

Hilo: Walking Ghost Tour

Hilo: Walking Ghost Tour

Explore Hilo, a colorful, historic, mural-filled town — home to music, ghosts, and magic. Discover Hawaii's wandering spirits, haunted heritage, and paranormal activity on a guided tour. Stroll through Hilo's quaint streets, taking in its charming pre-World War II persona and historic storefronts. Meet your guide near the Wailuku River, where you may glimpse a fierce sacred being called a mo'o as you listen to tragic occurrences attributed to powerful supernatural forces. Next, head to the Pacific Tsunami Museum to learn about the wandering spirits left in the wake of deadly tidal waves. Finally, leave your guide at Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Hilo, the scene of paranormal activity, your head full of enigmatic local entities, including 'uhane (wandering spirits), 'aumakua (ancestors transformed into family gods), and akualele (mysterious fireballs associated with curses and the dead).

Hawaii: All-Inclusive Volcanoes and Waterfalls Private Tour

Hawaii: All-Inclusive Volcanoes and Waterfalls Private Tour

Following pick up at your place of lodging, we travel over Saddle Road between two of the largest volcanoes on Earth, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, to the lush east coast of the Big Island. Our first stop is at the iconic Wailuku River State Park and we will take in the majestic beauty of Rainbow Falls & Boiling Pots. From there, we will continue to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve, this iconic park encompasses the summit of two of the world’s most active volcanoes and extends from sea level up to the summit of Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. It’s home to critically endangered wildlife and some of the most unique geological, biological, and cultural landscapes on earth. Upon entering the park, enjoy a walk along the rim of Halema‘uma‘u Crater for unique views of the current eruption. Also, we will stop and see the natural steam vents at Wahinekapu. From there we will travel down the Chain of Craters road to the Thurston lava tube. Experience this massive lava tube which is 600 feet long and over 20 feet tall in some places. Depending on what your group would like to do and see, additional stops in the Park can include Ha'akulamanu (Sulfur Banks), Mauanulu lava fields, Pauahi Crater, Holei Sea Arch, and Pu'uloa petroglyph field. These fascinating locations are fun to explore in your Big Island volcano and waterfalls tour.

Mauna Kea: Our most recommended tours and activities

Hilo/Waikoloa: Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing Tour

Hilo/Waikoloa: Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing Tour

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.

Hilo: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Flight

Hilo: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Flight

Take a helicopter ride over ever-changing scenery at Volcano National Park with this tour from Hilo. Journey over black sand beaches where lava once flowed into the sea. Take off from Hilo and fly directly to Volcano National Park. See the caldera of the Kilauea volcano. Admire the Pu'uo'o' volcanic cone. Snap pictures of the massive volcanos Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa in the distance. Discover new lava fields that are forming and go over old lava fields. View how waterfalls create a deep blue pools amid jungle greenery. All site specific areas are weather dependent

MaunaKea Summit Sunset and Star Tour with Photo

MaunaKea Summit Sunset and Star Tour with Photo

Travel to the summit (13,800ft) of Mauna Kea to see the sunset and do stargazing at 12000ft. Enjoy a unique experience as your guide takes photos of the sunset and stars for you using their DSLR camera. All photos are free of charge and you will get them on your smartphone at the end of the tour. Start your tour with an easy meet up at either Target store in Kailua Kona or at the Queens’ Marketplace in Waikoloa resort. Then heading to the Onizuka visitor information center while hearing the variety of information about the Big Island from the tour guide. When you arrive, change into warm weather gear- snow parkas, ski pants, and gloves that are all provided for you. Also we will stay at visitor center to acclimate to the elevation and you canuse this time to shop at gift store in the visitor center. Enjoy a light meal of BLT sandwich (other option available for people with dietry restriction) while you acclimatize or when watching sunset at the summit. Head to the summit in a 4x4 van, arriving about 60min before the sunset time. Be ready to do some posing since your guides will take DSLR photos of you, which will be sent to you for free. After sunset, head back down to the 12,000ft to do stargazing for about an our and during this time, tour guide will explain abouthte cellestial objects and will take the photo of you with the stars in it (location may change depend on the weather). After stopping by the visitor center for the last bathroom break, we will head back to the pick up locations.

MaunaKea Stellar Explorer From Kona

MaunaKea Stellar Explorer From Kona

For an out-of-this-world experience, check out Maunakea Stellar Explorer. The in-house stellar explorers are the best and most experienced in Hawaii, with one having created the Mauna Kea Visitor’s Center and operated it for a decade. Staff have written noted articles and reviews for well-known astronomy magazines and have worked at world-class observatories. Next, you’ll travel across Saddle Road between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, two of the tallest and most massive volcanoes on Earth. Your National Park Service trained guide will discuss the volcanology, geology, and history of these monstrous wonders, as well as providing in-depth narration on the various lava flows and flora and fauna that you’ll be passing by. While you’re taking in the breathtaking terrestrial views, your guide will prepare some heavenly views just as stunning. Setting up a state of the art solar telescope for your viewing pleasure, your specially trained guide will let you safely watch the sun come alive in true color with vibrant solar flares, sunspots, prominences, and any other current activity, weather permitting. Lastly, your guide will take you to one of the preferred locations on Mauna Kea for nighttime stargazing. You’ll observe deep sky and planetary objects through a large aperture Dobsonian telescope under one of the darkest and most pristine skies on planet Earth. The Dobsonian telescopes are a true purist’s experience to view the night sky. Their fast focal ratio enables you to see sprawling wide field views of objects that simply aren’t possible with the types of telescopes used by other tours. Depending on what is visible in the current sky and weather permitting, you’ll observe galaxies, nebula, star clusters, planets, double star systems, the moon, and much more; all the highlights and showpiece objects like you’ve never seen before. 

Mauna Kea: Stellar Explorer Tour from Hilo

Mauna Kea: Stellar Explorer Tour from Hilo

Visit Rainbow Falls and the Kaumana Caves before heading to your stargazing location. Travel across Saddle Road between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, 2 of the tallest and biggest volcanoes on Earth. To complete your tour, your guide will take you to one of the preferred locations on Mauna Kea for nighttime stargazing. Observe the deep sky and planetary objects through a large aperture telescope, under one of the darkest and most pristine skies on planet Earth. Enjoy narration from expert astronomers, who have written articles for well-known magazines and worked at world-class observatories for decades. The telescopes are a true purist way to view the night sky. Their fast focal ratio enables you to see sprawling wide-field views of objects that are simply not possible with other telescopes.  Weather permitting and depending on what is visible in the current sky, you can observe galaxies, nebula, star clusters, planets, double star systems, the moon, and much more.

Big Island: Maunakea Summit & Stars

Big Island: Maunakea Summit & Stars

Summit the highest point in the Pacific and observe the stunning night sky over Hawaii. The Maunakea Summit tour takes you on a journey at sunset, bringing you as close as possible to the starry sky. Begin with a warm picnic and learn about Hawaiian star navigation, where ancient explorers made their way across the seas with only the stars as a guide. Then head up the slopes at sunset before arriving at the top of Maunakea. Enjoy the beauty and landscape before heading slightly lower for some hot chocolate and star gazing. View the heavens through a digital telescope and take pictures to preserve the memories.

Mauna Kea: Stargazing Experience with Free Photos

Mauna Kea: Stargazing Experience with Free Photos

Explore a secluded stargazing spot on the slopes of Mauna Kea. Stargazing on this summit has never been allowed for any individual or tour group; all other tours do their stargazing on the side of a busy road near the highway, but this tour allows you access to a remote spot located miles from any highway.  Head to the meeting point and grab a parka jacket. Hear about this unique spot from your guide, as they use a green laser to point out constellations, planets, space objects, and hopefully some fast-moving shooting stars. Your guide will also take some photos of the best objects in the night sky with an astro-modified camera/lens for you to check out later. Next comes everyone's favorite part; have some fun posing for astro-photos with the stars in the background. 2-3 photos taken during the experience will be sent to you after the trip. Look back on these photos, touched up with Lightroom photo-editing at no extra cost.

Kailua-Kona: Kohala, Volcanoes and Waterfall Helicopter Tour

Kailua-Kona: Kohala, Volcanoes and Waterfall Helicopter Tour

Embark on an awe-inspiring helicopter journey where the divine power of Goddess Pele and the legacy of King Kamehameha come together to reveal the volcanic splendor and natural beauty of Hawai’i. Uncover the secrets of four majestic volcanoes and the cascading waterfalls of the Kohala Coast. Begin the flight over the sparkling Kailua Bay, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. As you ascend from the bay, witness the grandeur of Pele’s creation as Mauna Loa comes into view. See the world’s largest active volcano, known as the “Long Mountain.” Continue your flight to the dramatic landscapes of the Ka'upulehu Crater and the famed Hualalai volcano. In the distance, the towering summit of Mauna Kea, the “White Mountain,” rises majestically to 13,796 feet above sea level. To the north, witness Mauna Kea’s older brother, Kohala, emerging from its stark terrain, revealing the Puu Waawaa Forest Reserve, home to native plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Gliding over the forest, admire the Kawaihae and Kohala Coasts, the childhood home of King Kamehameha. Experience the Pololu and Waimanu Valleys, enclosing the cascading waters of Laupahoehoe Nui and Wai’ilikahi waterfalls. After circling Waipio Valley and its black sand beach, trace a path along the coast to Anaehoomalu Bay, the waters of Kiholo Bay, and the serene beauty of Makalawena Beach.

Hilo: Walking Ghost Tour

Hilo: Walking Ghost Tour

Explore Hilo, a colorful, historic, mural-filled town — home to music, ghosts, and magic. Discover Hawaii's wandering spirits, haunted heritage, and paranormal activity on a guided tour. Stroll through Hilo's quaint streets, taking in its charming pre-World War II persona and historic storefronts. Meet your guide near the Wailuku River, where you may glimpse a fierce sacred being called a mo'o as you listen to tragic occurrences attributed to powerful supernatural forces. Next, head to the Pacific Tsunami Museum to learn about the wandering spirits left in the wake of deadly tidal waves. Finally, leave your guide at Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Hilo, the scene of paranormal activity, your head full of enigmatic local entities, including 'uhane (wandering spirits), 'aumakua (ancestors transformed into family gods), and akualele (mysterious fireballs associated with curses and the dead).

Hawaii: All-Inclusive Volcanoes and Waterfalls Private Tour

Hawaii: All-Inclusive Volcanoes and Waterfalls Private Tour

Following pick up at your place of lodging, we travel over Saddle Road between two of the largest volcanoes on Earth, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, to the lush east coast of the Big Island. Our first stop is at the iconic Wailuku River State Park and we will take in the majestic beauty of Rainbow Falls & Boiling Pots. From there, we will continue to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve, this iconic park encompasses the summit of two of the world’s most active volcanoes and extends from sea level up to the summit of Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. It’s home to critically endangered wildlife and some of the most unique geological, biological, and cultural landscapes on earth. Upon entering the park, enjoy a walk along the rim of Halema‘uma‘u Crater for unique views of the current eruption. Also, we will stop and see the natural steam vents at Wahinekapu. From there we will travel down the Chain of Craters road to the Thurston lava tube. Experience this massive lava tube which is 600 feet long and over 20 feet tall in some places. Depending on what your group would like to do and see, additional stops in the Park can include Ha'akulamanu (Sulfur Banks), Mauanulu lava fields, Pauahi Crater, Holei Sea Arch, and Pu'uloa petroglyph field. These fascinating locations are fun to explore in your Big Island volcano and waterfalls tour.

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What people are saying about Mauna Kea

Overall rating

4.7
(210 reviews)

This excursion was beyond what I expected. The trip went smoothly. Our guide James was awesome not only in making the experience informative and story telling great but also I was very comfortable with his driving, keeping us on schedule but also safe. The views were spectacular!, the sunset awe inspiring and stargazing after the moon rise something to behold. I would recommend this tour to anyone and any age group.!

Trip was very good. Especially appreciated the use of coats since it was very cold and windy at the top. Special thanks to guide, James Pearson, who went above and beyond to assist me when I got off at the wrong stop and he drove me back to Waikoloa. Guide was very knowledgeable about stars and mountain.would recommend trip.

James was a fantastic guide and driver. The views were spectacular and James did everything to make each part of the experience special. Getting a photo of the erupting volcano was a great bonus too!

Christian was an incredible guide. His knowledge and passion for Hawaiian history shines. The trip was paced perfectly and we felt well taken care of. Would definitely join any of his other tours.

James was our guide and he was excellent at looking after us, keeping us on schedule and providing information throughout the entire tour.