Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation
Coupon
Highlights
Watch the sunset from the summit of Mauna Kea
Stargaze from the slopes of Mauna Kea using large portable telescopes and high power lasers
Ride in comfort in a custom built 4x4 micro-coach vans with oversized windows
Informative narration by highly trained, professional guides
Visit the Mauna Kea visitors center
View details
Family memory created!
2024/10/26
Families
Missy S.
My husband, adult daughter, and I had a spectacular time on this excursion. Our driver/guide/astronomy guru, Maka, was the lynch-pin of the whole experience. After seeing the beautiful sunset at the top, we scurried down to set up for our tour of the night sky. Maka has significant knowledge, a great sense of humor, and an amazing telescope! We all want a laser pointer now!! Fortunately, the three of us experienced only giddiness as an effect of the altitude…the three of us were silly and laughed so much. What a great memory! We had rented a Jeep for our week on the Big Island. Someone had suggested we were wasting our money going on a tour, rather than driving ourselves. But, though the tour was not inexpensive, it was worth every penny for the experience! Highly recommend!!
Overview
Big Island
4.5 - 8.5 hour(s) incl. transportation
Available Daily
Pick-up available
Not Accessible
15798
50107
Coupons
What to expect
Experience Hawaii's most popular attraction! Visit the summit of Mauna Kea to witness one of the most breathtaking sunsets in Hawaii. Next, travel to Mauna Kea Visitor Center and enjoy a guided stargazing tour with telescopes. Includes parka & gloves
Packages
Please check details and select a package.
Packages
Please check details and select a package.
Check availability
Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner
From USD 295.00
Total:
Price per Adult/Child :
Availability Calendar
Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour (Dinner not included)
From USD 286.00
Total:
Price per Adult/Child :
Availability Calendar
Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner
Total:
Price per Adult/Child :
Adult/Child (Age 13 & over)
From USD 295.00
Total:
Adult/Child (Age 13 & over)
From USD 295.00
Price per Adult/Child :
Overview
Afternoon
4.5 - 8.5 hour(s)
Available Daily
With pick-up
Dinner
Not Accessible
Inclusions: Dinner / Parka / Hot cocoa / Coffee / Tea / Guide
Schedule
View All
15:15-16:45
Pick-up from Kailua-Kona & Waikoloa
17:00
Onizuka Visitor Center (1 hr)
Before sunset, stop at the Mauna Kea Visitor Center. Here you can see 3D models of the summit observatories, watch videos about Mauna Kea and the astronomical research going on at the summit, and look through a solar telescope.
18:00
Sunset Viewing from Mauna Kea's Summit (1 hr)
Upon arrival at the summit your guides will provide a short presentation on the Mauna Kea observatories. Then you'll have approximately 20 minutes before and after the sunset to take in the panoramic views and walk around the giant telescopes.
19:00
Mauna Kea Stargazing (1 hr)
After sunset, head back down to VIS for a stunning stargazing experience! Warm up with a hot beverage and watch as the guides use lasers to point out constellations and planets, then look through a Celestron telescope for a closer view.
21:00-23:30
Drop-off
Location
Pick-up/Check-in Time & Location
Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location
Location
Pick-up time & location
15:15-16:45
Kona Crossroads Shopping Center
- Oceanside parking lot by Denny's (look for Mauna Kea Summit Adventures parking signs)
15:15-16:45
Maunakea Visitor Information Station
- Lower Dirt Parking Lot
15:15-16:45
Queens Marketplace
- Starbucks Coffee Shop
15:15-16:45
Waikoloa Plaza
- In front of Kohala Coffee Co.
Location, direction and description
-
Pick-up times will vary from day to day depending on the location of the pick-up of and sunset times. Please be at your pick-up location 10 minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time.
Parking Information:
Kona Crossroads Shopping Center: As you enter the parking lot, you will see the Domino’s Pizza and AutoZone store fronts to the right-hand (mountainside) of the shopping center, and a Denny’s restaurant on the left-hand (oceanside) of the shopping center. Please park your vehicle on the left-hand (oceanside) of this shopping center, and look for parking signs with the Mauna Kea Summit Adventures company logo on them.
Queens Marketplace: Please park on the back (south) side of the mall. The pick-up is directly in front of the Starbucks Coffee store.
Island Lava Java Waikoloa: The pick-up is directly in front of the Island Lava Java Waikoloa at the Waikoloa Highlands Center. Please do not leave valuables in your car.Location, direction and description
-
Guests meeting the tour at the Maunakea Visitor Information Station must be sure to park in the designated Lower Dirt Parking Lot located approximately 100 yards below the visitors center.
Once you park, look for a bronze-colored 14-passenger 4WD vans that say Mauna Kea Summit Adventures on the side. The van will be park in the paved parking lot above your designated parking area.
Drop-off time & location
22:00-23:30
Kona Crossroads Shopping Center
- Oceanside parking lot by Denny's (look for Mauna Kea Summit Adventures parking signs)
21:00-22:30
Maunakea Visitor Information Station
- Lower Dirt Parking Lot
21:30-23:00
Queens Marketplace
- Starbucks Coffee Shop
21:00-22:30
Waikoloa Plaza
- In front of Kohala Coffee Co.
Location, direction and description
-
Return times will vary depending on the time of sunset and the drop-off location.
Important activity information
To ensure the best experience, please read the restrictions and requirements before booking.
Important activity information
Restrictions
- Guests who are pregnant are not permitted to participate in this activity.
- People 13 years old and above can participate in this activity.
- Participants may not scuba dive within 24 hours of this activity due to the risk of decompression sickness.
- Guests with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or over should not make this trip.
- Participants with any history of a respiratory problems (this includes pneumonia in the last 6 months, any lung conditions or surgeries) are not permitted to take this tour. Contact your physician if you have questions about traveling to this altitude.
- Participants with any history of heart problems (this includes ANY heart surgery, stent, pacemaker, heart valve irregularities etc.) are not permitted to take this tour. Contact your physician if you have questions about traveling to this altitude.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Tour vehicle is not equipped with a lift. Must be able to get into the van with assistance, storage available for collapsible wheelchairs. Please indicate during booking for most convenient arrangements.
- This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
Other requirements
- Please call the activity provider the day before to reconfirm your booking. Your voucher has the necessary contact information listed.
Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)
- You can book a maximum of 8.
Required items to bring & attire
- Closed toe shoes
- The average temperature on top of Mauna Kea is 30°F and wind is common. Please wear long pants and closed toed shoes and bring any layering garments you may have.
- Warm gloves
Additional notes
- The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
- The menu is subject to change without notice.
- Road closures due to high winds near the summit may happen in the winter. If a road closure is discovered en route a shorter version of the tour will continue and guests will receive a partial refund.
If a road closure is discovered before departure, guests will be contacted and given the option to cancel at no charge or receive a partial refund and still participate on an shorter tour.
If you cannot be reached, your booking will be canceled and you will be given a full refund. - Beverages and snacks are available for purchase at Mauna Kea Visitor Center, and you are also welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages if you wish.
Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour (Dinner not included)
Total:
Price per Adult/Child :
Adult/Child (Age 13 & over)
From USD 286.00
Total:
Adult/Child (Age 13 & over)
From USD 286.00
Price per Adult/Child :
If you decide to book the standard package without dinner, you're welcome (and encouraged) to bring your own food. Or if you decide to eat before the tour, you'll have more time to check out the Visitor Center. Currently no more than 9 passengers in a spacious, extended 14 passenger van.
Overview
Afternoon
4.5 - 8.5 hour(s)
Available Daily
With pick-up
Inclusions: Parka / Guide
Schedule
View All
15:15-16:45
Pick-up from Kailua-Kona & Waikoloa
17:00
Onizuka Visitor Center (1 hr)
Before sunset, stop at the Mauna Kea Visitor Center. Here you can see 3D models of the summit observatories, watch videos about Mauna Kea and the astronomical research going on at the summit, and look through a solar telescope.
18:00
Sunset Viewing from Mauna Kea's Summit (1 hr)
Upon arrival at the summit your guides will provide a short presentation on the Mauna Kea observatories. Then you'll have approximately 20 minutes before and after the sunset to take in the panoramic views and walk around the giant telescopes.
19:00
Mauna Kea Stargazing (1 hr)
After sunset, head back down to VIS for a stunning stargazing experience! Warm up with a hot beverage and watch as the guides use lasers to point out constellations and planets, then look through a Celestron telescope for a closer view.
21:00-23:30
Drop-off
Location
Pick-up/Check-in Time & Location
Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location
Location
Pick-up time & location
15:15-16:45
Kona Crossroads Shopping Center
- Oceanside parking lot by Denny's (look for Mauna Kea Summit Adventures parking signs)
15:15-16:45
Maunakea Visitor Information Station
- Lower Dirt Parking Lot
15:15-16:45
Queens Marketplace
- Starbucks Coffee Shop
15:15-16:45
Waikoloa Plaza
- In front of Kohala Coffee Co.
Location, direction and description
-
Pick-up times will vary from day to day depending on the location of the pick-up of and sunset times. Please be at your pick-up location 10 minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time.
Parking Information:
Kona Crossroads Shopping Center: As you enter the parking lot, you will see the Domino’s Pizza and AutoZone store fronts to the right-hand (mountainside) of the shopping center, and a Denny’s restaurant on the left-hand (oceanside) of the shopping center. Please park your vehicle on the left-hand (oceanside) of this shopping center, and look for parking signs with the Mauna Kea Summit Adventures company logo on them.
Queens Marketplace: Please park on the back (south) side of the mall. The pick-up is directly in front of the Starbucks Coffee store.
Island Lava Java Waikoloa: The pick-up is directly in front of the Island Lava Java Waikoloa at the Waikoloa Highlands Center. Please do not leave valuables in your car.Location, direction and description
-
Guests meeting the tour at the Maunakea Visitor Information Station must be sure to park in the designated Lower Dirt Parking Lot located approximately 100 yards below the visitors center.
Once you park, look for a bronze-colored 14-passenger 4WD vans that say Mauna Kea Summit Adventures on the side. The van will be park in the paved parking lot above your designated parking area.
Drop-off time & location
22:00-23:30
Kona Crossroads Shopping Center
- Oceanside parking lot by Denny's (look for Mauna Kea Summit Adventures parking signs)
21:00-22:30
Maunakea Visitor Information Station
- Lower Dirt Parking Lot
21:30-23:00
Queens Marketplace
- Starbucks Coffee Shop
21:00-22:30
Waikoloa Plaza
- In front of Kohala Coffee Co.
Location, direction and description
-
Return times will vary depending on the time of sunset and the drop-off location.
Important activity information
To ensure the best experience, please read the restrictions and requirements before booking.
Important activity information
Restrictions
- Guests who are pregnant are not permitted to participate in this activity.
- People 13 years old and above can participate in this activity.
- Participants may not scuba dive within 24 hours of this activity due to the risk of decompression sickness.
- Guests with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or over should not make this trip.
- Participants with any history of a respiratory problems (this includes pneumonia in the last 6 months, any lung conditions or surgeries) are not permitted to take this tour. Contact your physician if you have questions about traveling to this altitude.
- Participants with any history of heart problems (this includes ANY heart surgery, stent, pacemaker, heart valve irregularities etc.) are not permitted to take this tour. Contact your physician if you have questions about traveling to this altitude.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Tour vehicle is not equipped with a lift. Must be able to get into the van with assistance, storage available for collapsible wheelchairs. Please indicate during booking for most convenient arrangements.
Other requirements
- Please call the activity provider the day before to reconfirm your booking. Your voucher has the necessary contact information listed.
Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)
- You can book a maximum of 8.
Required items to bring & attire
- Closed toe shoes
- The average temperature on top of Mauna Kea is 30°F and wind is common. Please wear long pants and closed toed shoes and bring any layering garments you may have.
- Warm gloves
Additional notes
- The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
- The menu is subject to change without notice.
- Road closures due to high winds near the summit may happen in the winter. If a road closure is discovered en route a shorter version of the tour will continue and guests will receive a partial refund.
If a road closure is discovered before departure, guests will be contacted and given the option to cancel at no charge or receive a partial refund and still participate on an shorter tour.
If you cannot be reached, your booking will be canceled and you will be given a full refund. - Beverages and snacks are available for purchase at Mauna Kea Visitor Center, and you are also welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages if you wish.
Traveler's photos
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Activity Provider Mauna Kea Summit Adventures (Paradise Safaris)
Activity Provider
FAQ
Q. What will we see on this tour?
A. While driving up Saddle Road you'll have panoramic views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Along the road you'll see black lava rock formed by Mauna Loa's eruptions in the last two hundred years. From the Mauna Kea Access Road you'll see many volcanic cones that once spewed lava. You will also get to watch the sunset over these volcanic slopes. At the summit you will see thirteen telescopes that make up the Mauna Kea Observatories (the observatories are closed to the public but you might get to see the domes open after sunset). At the Onizuka Visitor Information Station you will get to look through a solar telescope, watch a video about Mauna Kea and the observatory, and after sunset this is where the stargazing magic happens. The guide will operate a computerized Celestron telescope through which you can see stars, planets, distant galaxies, and the moon.
Q. Will we get to look through the big telescopes on Mauna Kea?
A. No, the observatories have very limited public access. However, you might get to see the domes open after sunset.
Q. Will there be any health risks linked to going up Mauna Kea?
A. Mauna Kea has 40% less oxygen than sea level and 40% less air pressure. This drop of vital oxygen can cause serious problems for persons with heart or lung issues, children, and women who are pregnant. Visitors in good health are also susceptible to altitude sickness and should use caution and abide by all rules and regulations of the tour. Next to having a good time, safety is the number one priority.
Q. What type of vehicle will be used?
A. Built for comfort, the 14 passenger 4v4 Van Terra micro-coaches are equipped with air conditioning, stereo sound, PA, phone, first aid and oxygen, parkas, and a telescope. Each van can hold up to 14 people.
Q. Will we be guaranteed to see stars?
A. Mauna Kea enjoys an average of 325 clear nights per year. Most of the inclement nights are easily predictable. The weather is monitored on a daily basis and if poor scenic conditions are likely, the trip will be cancelled and a full refund given (or reschedule if available). Like any high mountain there can be unpredictable and fast changing weather at any time.
Q. What kind of equipment will be used?
A. Your guides will provide you with new Celestron CPC 1100 telescopes that are equipped with Starbright XL coatings for 10% more light throughput than ordinary instruments. These scopes are computer automated and have spectacular optics. Because they are bigger and have better optics they gather about 100% more light than telescopes used on other tours.
Q. What jackets sizes are available?
A. The jackets sizes are as follows:
Small ~145 lbs and under / ~63.5 kg
Medium 140~175 lbs / ~77 kg
Large 170~210 lbs / ~90.5 kg
XL 200~260 lbs / ~ 113 kg
Small ~145 lbs and under / ~63.5 kg
Medium 140~175 lbs / ~77 kg
Large 170~210 lbs / ~90.5 kg
XL 200~260 lbs / ~ 113 kg
Q. How far in advance should I book this activity?
A. We recommend booking at least 3 weeks in advance. If you have very specific schedule requirements and are not flexible, please book sooner. Last-minute bookings are often possible, but availability is limited.
Q. How cold does it get on Mauna Kea?
A. Average temperatures can reach 32° Fahrenheit or 0° Celsius.
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
- Any cancellations made after 15:00, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. (Parties of 4 or less)
Any cancellations made after 15:00, 3 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. (Parties of 5 or more)
Any cancellations made after 15:00, 1 week prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. (Parties of 8-10)
Any cancellations made after 15:00, 2 weeks prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. (Parties of 11 or more)
Operation days
- Everyday
Payment / Cancellation Policy
Payment Methods
- Credit card payment
![]()
Cancellation Policy
- Any cancellations made after 15:00, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. (Parties of 4 or less)
Any cancellations made after 15:00, 3 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. (Parties of 5 or more)
Any cancellations made after 15:00, 1 week prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. (Parties of 8-10)
Any cancellations made after 15:00, 2 weeks prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. (Parties of 11 or more)
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Restrictions
- Guests who are pregnant are not permitted to participate in this activity.
- People 13 years old and above can participate in this activity.
- Participants may not scuba dive within 24 hours of this activity due to the risk of decompression sickness.
- Guests with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or over should not make this trip.
- Participants with any history of a respiratory problems (this includes pneumonia in the last 6 months, any lung conditions or surgeries) are not permitted to take this tour. Contact your physician if you have questions about traveling to this altitude.
- Participants with any history of heart problems (this includes ANY heart surgery, stent, pacemaker, heart valve irregularities etc.) are not permitted to take this tour. Contact your physician if you have questions about traveling to this altitude.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Tour vehicle is not equipped with a lift. Must be able to get into the van with assistance, storage available for collapsible wheelchairs. Please indicate during booking for most convenient arrangements.
- This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
Required items to bring & attire
- Closed toe shoes
- The average temperature on top of Mauna Kea is 30°F and wind is common. Please wear long pants and closed toed shoes and bring any layering garments you may have.
- Warm gloves
Other requirements
- Please call the activity provider the day before to reconfirm your booking. Your voucher has the necessary contact information listed.
Additional notes
- The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
- The menu is subject to change without notice.
- Road closures due to high winds near the summit may happen in the winter. If a road closure is discovered en route a shorter version of the tour will continue and guests will receive a partial refund.
If a road closure is discovered before departure, guests will be contacted and given the option to cancel at no charge or receive a partial refund and still participate on an shorter tour.
If you cannot be reached, your booking will be canceled and you will be given a full refund. - Beverages and snacks are available for purchase at Mauna Kea Visitor Center, and you are also welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages if you wish.
Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)
- You can book a maximum of 8.
Restrictions
- Guests who are pregnant are not permitted to participate in this activity.
- People 13 years old and above can participate in this activity.
- Participants may not scuba dive within 24 hours of this activity due to the risk of decompression sickness.
- Guests with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or over should not make this trip.
- Participants with any history of a respiratory problems (this includes pneumonia in the last 6 months, any lung conditions or surgeries) are not permitted to take this tour. Contact your physician if you have questions about traveling to this altitude.
- Participants with any history of heart problems (this includes ANY heart surgery, stent, pacemaker, heart valve irregularities etc.) are not permitted to take this tour. Contact your physician if you have questions about traveling to this altitude.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Tour vehicle is not equipped with a lift. Must be able to get into the van with assistance, storage available for collapsible wheelchairs. Please indicate during booking for most convenient arrangements.
Required items to bring & attire
- Closed toe shoes
- The average temperature on top of Mauna Kea is 30°F and wind is common. Please wear long pants and closed toed shoes and bring any layering garments you may have.
- Warm gloves
Other requirements
- Please call the activity provider the day before to reconfirm your booking. Your voucher has the necessary contact information listed.
Additional notes
- The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
- The menu is subject to change without notice.
- Road closures due to high winds near the summit may happen in the winter. If a road closure is discovered en route a shorter version of the tour will continue and guests will receive a partial refund.
If a road closure is discovered before departure, guests will be contacted and given the option to cancel at no charge or receive a partial refund and still participate on an shorter tour.
If you cannot be reached, your booking will be canceled and you will be given a full refund. - Beverages and snacks are available for purchase at Mauna Kea Visitor Center, and you are also welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages if you wish.
Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)
- You can book a maximum of 8.
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Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation
Experience Hawaii's most popular attraction! Visit the summit of Mauna Kea to witness one of the most breathtaking sunsets in Hawaii. Next, travel to Mauna Kea Visitor Center and enjoy a guided stargazing tour with telescopes. Includes parka & gloves
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