Mauna Kea Summit Sunrise & Stargazing Tour
Coupon
Highlights
A unique opportunity to experience stargazing and witness a Hawaiian sunrise
Winter clothing and hot beverages provided to keep you warm
Look up into the sky and stargaze with a highpowered telescope
Late night departure to ensure ample stargazing time
Convenient pick-up from selected Kona and Waikoloa Hotels
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Once-in-a-life kind of experience
2018/10/01
Couples
Shin Taniguchi
Many people say sunset is better than sunrise, but sunrise is great, too.
Even though we were on the tour about two days before the full-moon (meaning moonlight is very bright and moon doesn't set until about 5 in the morning), we could enjoy the gorgeous stars in the sky with decent explanation of the stars.
Sunrise was also gorgeous. It was no doubt one of the most beautiful scenaries I have ever seen in my life. Although we were lucky enough to see both stars and sunrise in good weather and it is said that we mostly see clear sky at the peak of Mauna Kea, you may have to keep in mind weather is always a variable you can never tell.
Our guides were good, with a lot of experience and knowledge, trying to do their best to make the tour enjoyable.
If you are okay to go to bed early on the day before and can wake up at 1:30 in the morning, it will let you spend your time more wisely because you have a whole day even after you come back from the tour. (we came back to the hotel around 8:30 am)
Also be noted that the temperature up there is very low. Especially because the weater in Hawaii is hot and you need to face the near-freezing-point weather on the same day, make sure to prepare warm clothes yourself. The ski jackets and pants they lend you will not be enough.
Overview
Big Island
5 - 10 hour(s) incl. transportation
Available Sun, Mon, Fri, Sat
Pick-up available
Accessible
What to expect
Departing in the late hours of the evening, see views of Mauna Kea that have rarely been witnessed as you look up into the sky for the best stargazing tour on the Big Island, and then watch as the sky comes alive with a beautiful Hawaiian sunrise.
Traveler's photos
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Activity Provider Nature School
Activity Provider
FAQ
Q. Is it cold at the summit of Mauna Kea?
A. Yes, the average temperature at the summit is around 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 Celsius), and snow is not uncommon in the winter. Please dress warmly.
Please visit VELTRA Support page to send an inquiry about this activity.
Payment / Cancellation Policy
Payment Methods
- Credit card payment
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Cancellation Policy
- Bookings of 1 to 9 people: Any cancellations made after 18:00 local time, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
Bookings of 10 people or more: Any cancellations made after 18:00 local time, 14 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
Change Policy
- Any changes made after 18:00 local time, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a fee of $20 per person.
Operation days
- Everyday
Top-Rated Activities for Big Island
Editor's Picks for Big Island
Restrictions
- Guests who are pregnant are not permitted to participate in this activity.
- This activity is wheelchair accessible.
- Electric wheelchairs and motorized scooters are not permitted on this activity. Manual wheelchairs are allowed.
- If less than 4 participants are booked, the activity may not operate.
- People 16 years old and above can participate in this activity.
- No scuba diving within 24 hours before your tour date to avoid decompression sickness.
- Please refrain from drinking within eight hours of your tour departure.
- Participants 85 years old and above must provide a doctor's note stating that you can go on this tour.
Required items to bring & attire
- Snacks
- Wear comfortable close-toed walking shoes, long pants, and a heavy sweater or jacket. Temperatures can easily dip below freezing due to wind chill.
Other requirements
- Participants are required to sign a liability waiver at the time of check-in.
- Participants 18 years old and under must have a parent or guardian sign their liability waiver.
Additional notes
- The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
- Start times vary seasonally depending on the sunrise and sunset.
- The tour guide has full discretion to refuse service to customers based on attire, behavior, physical fitness and condition.
- This activity may be changed or canceled for your safety, medical issues or comfort.
- Partial refunds will be provided in the following circumstances:
1. Reach the summit, but cannot view sunset or stars.
2. Cannot reach summit, and cannot view sunset or stars.
3. Can reach summit, but guest does not want to participate.
All refund amounts and policies are subject to change.
Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)
- You can book a maximum of 8.
Mauna Kea Summit Sunrise & Stargazing Tour
Departing in the late hours of the evening, see views of Mauna Kea that have rarely been witnessed as you look up into the sky for the best stargazing tour on the Big Island, and then watch as the sky comes alive with a beautiful Hawaiian sunrise.