Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour
Instant Confirmation
Non-Refundable
Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano on Hawaii's Big Island, rises more than 4,200 metres above sea level and is the highest point in the state of Hawaii. Its summit is home to world-renowned astronomical observatories, and its clear skies make it one of the best places on Earth to look at the stars. On this guided evening tour you head up the mountain, and as the day turns into night the sky slowly fills with stars. Your guide points out the constellations and explains what you are seeing, and you can use a telescope for a closer look at the night sky. Choose the tour that suits you: a stargazing tour up to around 2,800 metres with a Chinese-speaking guide, a tour that climbs to about 4,300 metres to watch the sunset with an English-speaking driver-guide, or the Summit Sunset & Stars Tour of about 7-8 hours, which includes a visit to research telescopes known for their historical significance. The 2,800 m and 4,300 m tours include pickup and drop-off in Hilo, and depending on the option, warm jackets and gloves, snacks or a light meal, and hot cocoa are included. Temperatures drop sharply after dark and the altitude is very high, so the tour is best for travellers in good health, and age limits apply.
Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour Price & Options
Itinerary
- 16:30
Meeting point
You meet the operator at 16:30. The pick-up time depends on the sunset time and may be between 16:30 and 17:30.
Attraction·4 h 30 min
White Mountain
You will not see the sunset on this tour.
- 21:00
- 21:00
Highlights
- Stargaze from one of the world's best astronomical observation points
- Watch the sun set over a sea of clouds on the 4,300 m tour and the Summit Sunset & Stars Tour
- Learn about the stars and constellations from your guide
- Use a telescope for a closer look at the night sky
- See research telescopes known for their historical significance on the Summit Sunset & Stars Tour
- Pickup and drop-off in Hilo on the 2,800 m and 4,300 m tours
What's Included
- Inclusions differ by option; see each option for its full list
- Guided stargazing tour with an English-speaking or Chinese-speaking guide, depending on the option
- Pickup and drop-off in Hilo (2,800 m and 4,300 m tours)
- Jackets and gloves (Summit Sunset & Stars Tour)
- Snacks, a light meal (cup noodle) or hot cocoa, depending on the option
- Photo guide (Summit Sunset & Stars Tour)
What's Not Included
- 2,800 m and 4,300 m tours: personal expenses
- 2,800 m and 4,300 m tours: tips and gratuities
- 2,800 m and 4,300 m tours: insurance
Not Suitable For
- Wheelchair users
- 2,800 m and 4,300 m tours: people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure or epilepsy
- 2,800 m and 4,300 m tours: strollers
Child Adult Policy
- 2,800 m Stargazing Tour: participants must be aged 4 or older; the supplier's Child ticket is for ages 2-12, so children aged 2-3 cannot join
- 4,300 m Summit Stargazing Tour: participants must be aged 16 or older
- Summit Sunset & Stars Tour: the supplier gives no age limit; please contact JTR before booking with children
Pickup Time Drop Off Time
- Pickup and drop-off are included on the 2,800 m and 4,300 m tours
- Enter your preferred pickup location at checkout; the operator makes the final confirmation
- 2,800 m tour: pickup from 16:30; the exact time depends on the sunset and may be between 16:30 and 17:30
- 4,300 m tour: pickup from 14:45; the exact time varies by month and season, so check your confirmation email
- Drop-off at about 21:00 at Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo or Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
- The operator reconfirms your pickup time in advance
- Please be at your pickup location 10 minutes before the pickup time
Things To Know
- The 2,800 m tour does not include the sunset
- 2,800 m and 4,300 m tours: star views are not guaranteed because of the unpredictable weather on Mauna Kea
- 2,800 m and 4,300 m tours: a minimum of 2 participants is needed; if this is not met, you can choose another date or get a full refund
- 2,800 m and 4,300 m tours: the mountain is very high and cold at night; decide whether to go to the top based on your own health
- 2,800 m and 4,300 m tours: bringing medicine for altitude sickness is highly recommended
- 2,800 m and 4,300 m tours: do not go scuba diving the day before or after the tour
- 2,800 m and 4,300 m tours: no insurance is included; any costs from altitude sickness or other health issues during the tour are the customer's responsibility
- The 2,800 m tour is conducted in Chinese only up to the Visitor Center
- 2,800 m and 4,300 m tours: a tip of USD 12 per person for the driver-guide is suggested
- 2,800 m and 4,300 m tours: visitor numbers on the mountain are limited, so book early
- Summit Sunset & Stars Tour: arrive 15 minutes before your time slot
Starting End Point
- 2,800 m and 4,300 m tours: start at the pickup location you enter at checkout and end at Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo or Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
- Summit Sunset & Stars Tour: starts in Hilo, HI 96720, USA
How To Redeem
- 2,800 m and 4,300 m stargazing tours: present your printed voucher; it is valid only on the date and time you booked
- Summit Sunset & Stars Tour: smartphone tickets are accepted
Dress Code
- 2,800 m and 4,300 m tours: wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, as it is cold at night
- 2,800 m and 4,300 m tours: wear sunscreen
- 2,800 m and 4,300 m tours: warmer clothing can be provided free of charge onsite
- Summit Sunset & Stars Tour: jackets and gloves are included
Cancellation Policy
Non-Refundable: These tickets cannot be cancelled and no refunds can be made.
Book with Confidence
- Best Price Guarantee
- No Booking Fees
- Full End-to-End Encrypted Payment
- 24/7 Customer Support
- 4.9/5 ⭐ Rating on Trustpilot
- 4.7/5 ⭐ Rating on Google
FAQs
Below are some commonly asked questions. If you have any additional inquiries or need further clarification, please reach out to our team via live chat, contact us form, or WhatsApp.
