Volcano Travel · Tour
Mauna Kea Sunset and Stars, Run Since 1989: Parkas and Snacks Included
Ratings collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Big Island of HawaiiThe summit sits at nearly 14,000 feet above the Pacific, and the sunset from it is what the day is built around. Stargazing comes afterwards, with a professional telescope, at one of the better places on the planet for it. The operator has run this tour without interruption since 1989 and holds the full set of permits. Transport is a 4WD van and the group stays small. Heavy-duty parkas are included, along with local snacks and hot chocolate. The parkas matter more than they sound: at nearly 14,000 feet the air is thin and cold, whatever the coast was doing when you left it. The guides cover the cultural weight of Mauna Kea alongside the astronomy. Ancient Hawaiians took this to be the place where the earth meets the heavens, and the observatories on top are a late arrival to that idea. Pick-up is in Kailua-Kona and at Waikoloa Beach Resort.
What's included
- A required $20/person passenger fee for the Center for Maunakea Stewardship (University of Hawaiʻi) to support the care and preservation of the mountain's natural and cultural resources.
- Private stargazing with a professional telescope
- Heavy-duty hooded parka (If you need an XL parka, please request the quantity at booking.)
- All local snacks. Hot chocolate is served during the stargazing.
Itinerary
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69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village
69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, USA
The shuttle bus stop by the curb at the back of the Queen's Marketplace, Waikoloa Beach Resort. The large yellow sunshade umbrellas are the landmark to look for. IMPORTANT: contact the operator for your pick-up time.
73-5576 Kauhola St #2, Kailua-Kona
73-5576 Kauhola St #2, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
The office in Kailua-Kona, between Kona International Airport and downtown Kona, just off Route 19 near Costco.
Maunakea Visitor Information Station
Time at the Visitor Center to acclimatise safely to the altitude, with a gift shop and displays covering Maunakea's observatories, its environment and its cultural weight.
Mauna Kea Summit
The summit, with its world-renowned observatories, and the sunset going down into the clouds.
Mauna Kea
After sunset, the descent to a stargazing site lower down, between 13,000 and 9,000 feet, where the night sky is as good as anywhere on earth. The guide covers what you are looking at, and a professional telescope brings the objects close.
69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village
69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, USA
73-5576 Kauhola St #2, Kailua-Kona
73-5576 Kauhola St #2, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Not included
- Please bring your own warm layers—sweater/hoodie, warm socks, beanie, and gloves.
- Must wear toe closed shoes and long pants.
- Bring your own water. Drinking water will reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
- Tips for your guide are greatly appreciated.
Good to know
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The tour may be canceled before departure due to weather or road closures. If that happens, you’ll be offered a new date or a full refund.
- If the weather turns unfavorable during the tour, we’ll still do our best to provide a great experience. If we cannot reach the summit due to road closures or other unforeseen issues, you’ll receive a full refund or credit.
- Alcohol beverages are not allowed.
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- Drunk or intoxicated guests are not allowed.
- A minimum of 3 guests is required to hold a tour. If we have fewer than 3 bookings 24 hours before departure, the tour will be canceled unless existing guests choose to pay the difference.
- Pets, including service animals, are not allowed to ensure the comfort and safety of guests with allergies or animal phobias.
- No meals are included. Please eat a full meal before the tour. We do provide some nice local snacks.
- A cup of hot chocolate will be served during the stargazing.
- If a guest becomes ill or injured and cannot continue, the group may need to adjust the itinerary. Anyone leaving the tour must be accompanied by a companion (if applicable) and arrange their own return transportation at their own expense.
- If you need an XL parka, please request the quantity at booking.
- Age restriction: 13-80 yrs old
- Guests with heart conditions, lung disease, or serious medical issues are allowed.
- Pregnant guests are not allowed.
- Guests who have been scuba diving within 24 hours are not allowed.
- Severely obese guests (BMI over 40.0) are not allowed.
- Up to 12 travelers per booking.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Guiding available in: en.
Reviews
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Ratings collected by Viator and Tripadvisor