Exclusive Mauna Kea: Summit Sunset & Stargazing Odyssey
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.
Reviews
Reviews and Rating (Tripadvisor)
5 stars
Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
V1429PEjayb, 10/26/2025 9:26:10 PM
We had a great time with our guide Jason leading the way. Unfortunately we were not able to go to the summit due to weather rolling in but our guide did the best he could to find alternative locations to view the stars. If I had the opportunity to do this again I would choose this company again. Their communication was clear and timely. The ride was comfortable and entertaining as all the guest got to know each about each other and about the island.
G1212LGjohne, 10/26/2025 4:33:22 PM
My wife and I had an absolutely amazing time on the summit of Mauna Kea! Jeff was super knowledgeable and really passionate about the history of the Big Island, Mauna Kea, and astronomy. We were there with other tours, but our tour was just so thoughtful and thorough. They even took care of everything—parkas and gloves for when it got chilly, yummy chili when we got hungry, warm hot chocolate and treats for stargazing, and an incredible set of telescopes to see the stars. The clear skies and new moon made for such great visibility that we could see the Milky Way and even Andromeda with our eyes! If you’re up for the elevation, you absolutely have to experience this incredible adventure with Hawaii Forest & Trail.
kathym213, 10/26/2025 1:19:08 PM
We took this excursion 10 years ago and were awestruck, even with a full moon illuminating this night sky. We knew we wanted to do this again and we purposely scheduled our trip for a new moon. It was truly amazing! Jeff was knowledgeable and very concerned that we were safe (stops to acclimatize to the altitude), that we have fun (oh yes), and that we became ohana. Only 12 people in our group from all over the world! Highly recommend!
Amanda M, 10/23/2025 2:52:43 PM
We had the absolute best time on our tour to the summit of Mauna Kea. Our tour guide, John, was so knowledgeable and fun. The views were absolutely breathtaking. We could not stop talking about this tour for the rest of our trip, it really ranks right at the top. We appreciated the tour vs doing it on our own so we could really just soak in the experience. The stargazing at the end of the tour was also just really cool.
cwdouty58, 10/19/2025 12:35:58 PM
This was our seventh trip to Hawaii, but this was the highlight of our first visit to the Big Island. Watching the sunset above the clouds followed by stargazing is breathtaking. Jeff is an excellent guide. His knowledge of astronomy and the Big Island is impressive.
catherinedU3081EJ, 10/15/2025 5:09:03 PM
Wilson, our guide, was very personable and knowledgeable. It is evident he is passionate about what he does. The van was comfortable even on the rough roads. The chili was very tasty and nice as it was getting cool by the time we ate.
James Z, 10/15/2025 1:04:50 PM
Our tour guide Wilson (Willie) was very pleasant and knowledgeable and made the whole experience 5 stars. We lucked out with the weather and saw a beautiful sunset from high atop Mauna Lea and then a very clear night which was perfect for star gazing. The chicken stew was really good just know that you will be eating a little early, probably around 4pm before making the climb to the top. There were other tours going up but the vans from this company were the nicest and most comfortable it seemed. We highly recommend this tour!!
Laura_W, 10/13/2025 11:12:50 AM
Absolutely amazing. 10 out of 10! On time, informative and friendly guides, delicious food and every need thought through for you.
dann_w, 10/10/2025 7:41:31 AM
A amazing tour, our guide was knowledgeable,even the lava land near the road he could tell the year.
Randall_H, 10/6/2025 3:08:52 PM
Ask for Wilson. Fantastic guide. Knows all about stars and the drive up to mauna kea. Best tour yet!
- 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, heart or circulatory conditions, poor health, or pregnancy
- If you plan to scuba dive, do not plan to go to the summit within 24 hours after you dive due to the altitude.
- **IMPORTANT - Please note, guests meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel must meet at least 15 MINUTES PRIOR to the tour's departure time.**
- Guests are required to wear closed-toe walking shoes or hiking boots, long pants. We recommend bringing a light sweatshirt or jacket
- Guests must bring their own water bottles. Tour operator will provide filtered water refills.
- Please advise your parka size (small, medium, large, x-large or xx-large) and choice of meal at time of booking. If you do not indicate this at the time of booking, you will be required to call and advise them of this information directly.
- There is minimal walking on this tour, the maximum being about 150 yards
- 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 Mauna Kea, 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.
- No scuba diving within 24 hours
Departure point
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 timeReturn details
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.Redemption
• 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. MEAL24 hours before travel date - 100% refund
Less than 24 hours before travel date - 0% refund










