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.
Packages & Options
Departure Time
Package details and availability are confirmed during the booking step.
Itinerary
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.** (5 mins)
Enjoy a warm picnic dinner while you acclimate to a higher elevation and learn about Hawaiian star navigation before you head to the summit. (45 mins)
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. (30 mins)
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 (60 mins)
What's Included
Inclusions
- Private star show with telescope
- Hooded parkas and gloves
- Central Meeting Locations for Pick-up & Drop off
- Hot cocoa and cookies
- A warm picnic dinner is provided with a choice of Southwest Stew or Vegetarian Chili (gluten-free).
- Local taxes
- Guide
- Pick-up & Dropoff from Central Meeting Locations
Exclusions
- Gratuities
Meeting & Logistics
Please park in the lower gravel lot & walk to the Visitors Ctr (aka Onizuka Ctr) to meet our guide by the picnic area.
Arrive at least 15 mins prior to your pick-up time.
PLEASE NOTE: Your pick-up time will be different than the displayed online tour start time.
Contact us to verify the meeting time
Meeting Point
Hawaii
Special Instructions
• Please note guests must be 13 years of age or older to attend this tour • Guests are required to wear closed-toe walking shoes or hiking boots, and long pants. We recommend guests bring a light sweatshirt or jacket. • Important: Please advise the following either through the Viator messaging portal, directly to Hawaii Forest and Trail (+1-808-331-8505) or info@hawaii-forest.com at the time of booking: 1. HOTEL NAME - needed to confirm the closest meeting location 2. PARKA SIZE, (small, medium, large, x-large or xx-large) 3. MEAL
Photos
Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour Photos
View more images from this activity before choosing your date.
Additional Info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- 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.
- Weather changes can occur quickly, and the access road to the summit can close without warning; therefore we cannot guarantee access to the summit or favorable conditions.
- No scuba diving within 24 hours
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
