Mauna Kea Sunset: Stargazing and Telescopes

Experience the breathtaking sunset at Mauna Kea Summit, learn about the history of the Big Island, stargaze with research telescopes, and capture stunning astrophotography photos.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Mauna Kea Summit - Renowned as one of the premier locations for sunset views and stargazing, Mauna Kea is also the tallest mountain on Earth. Transportation is provided by a comfortable 4X4 passenger van. Jackets and gloves are available to ensure warmth. An experienced tour guide will share historical insights and enhance the night experience…
What's Included
  • Experienced tour guide
  • FREE night photo with our professional camera
  • Snacks and a hot beverage
  • Jackets and gloves to keep you warm
  • Transportation in a comfortable 4X4 van
  • Professional telescope (Weather Permitting)
What's Not Included
  • Dinner (Travelers may bring their own)
  • Private Tour
Additional Information

Delight in the awe-inspiring sunset at the top of Mauna Kea, the highest point in the Pacific.
Your guide will share historic accounts of the Big Island. Stand amidst the world’s largest collection of research telescopes.
Two of the eight telescopes which took the first photos of the black hole are here.
Sip a hot beverage during your private star…

Location
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton
Banyan Drive
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(1733 Ratings)
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1 star
Jack_l
Mar 14, 2026
Great tour! - The day we went it was cloudy so we couldn’t do the stargazing. Still went up the mountain but the tour guides were great. They automatically refunded us for a good portion of the tour because of the weather conditions. Very nice of them
Review provided by Viator
A9144rqjackiek
Mar 14, 2026
A Memorable Experience! - Our Mauna Kea summit visit was an unforgettable experience thanks to our awesome tour guide, Chris Baker. He was funny, engaging, and very knowledgeable, which made the entire trip both entertaining and educational. Unfortunately, Mother Nature didn’t want to cooperate with us that day but the company handled it really well. Without even having to ask, they gave us a 50% partial refund, which we really appreciated. Hopefully one day we’ll get the chance to visit again and experience the summit in perfect conditions but regardless, it was still a great tour. One piece of advice for anyone looking to book, try to schedule this tour at the beginning of your trip in case weather causes cancellations. That way you’ll have time to reschedule if needed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dean_w
Mar 12, 2026
Unimaginable views. - Get ready for views of a lifetime! And bring a warm hat. Val made our experience the best tour ever. She is so knowledgeable and friendly, an EMT to boot. We loved every minute. Bing was very kind and informative as well. We recommend this tour to all adults and teens.
Review provided by Viator
Fearless37175274016
Mar 9, 2026
Amazing experience. - One of the coolest things ever. It was pouring rain when we left and I thought dang it. But we went above those rain clouds and saw the neatest sunset and the most stars I have ever seen. Tay was a wealth of knowledge. I appreciated the warm coats, snack bag and oatmeal and hot cocoa. Amazing time!!! It was like we were on another planet!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Missoula446
Mar 8, 2026
Astronomically amazing!! - Both Val and her colleague, Tay, were very knowledgeable, professional, and personable. Viewing the multiple observatories and millions of stars with their historical explanations was fascinating.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
A6080ghgeoffreyh
Mar 7, 2026
Mauna Kea Summit - This was an amazing experience with friendly and knowledgeable guides. The shuttle was very convenient. I would definitely recommend this to others.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nancyrh9827nf
Mar 7, 2026
Amazing bucket list trip - What a fantastic experience! Yay was amazing, informative, funny and very knowledgeable. He made the experience great. Definitely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabeth_t
Mar 5, 2026
Awesome - Don’t forget long pants and a water bottle. The jackets and gloves provided keep you nice and warm. Our guide, Tay, was excellent! We learned even more about Hawaiian culture.
Review provided by Viator
Marion_r
Mar 7, 2026
Very good, but weather dependent - Going to the top of the mountain is other worldly. Not sure i would make the long trip just for that, but was cool. We got very lucky with our sunset. The clouds actually worked in our favor and it was like seeing a Volcano in the sky. Unfortunately, we didn't see the sky lit up with stars. I guess you either get a great sunset or clear sky to see the night stars. The guides were very nice and knowledgable. I think winter is more iffy to see a clear starry night. Glad we did it.
Review provided by Viator
Lilliane_e
Mar 7, 2026
Expensive Gamble - After cancelling twice I was told the weather was going to be clear the third day. The sunset was clear but clouds came in. I didn’t get to see the moon. The group was brought to a lower level. where the sky wasn’t that clear. It rained going back. It is an expensive gamble.
Review provided by Viator
From $289
up to 14 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).