Mauna Kea Summit Adventures | Book Big Island Tours, Activities & Things to Do with HawaiiActivities.com
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Mauna Kea Summit Adventures & Stars

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The often snow-capped Mauna Kea stands as the tallest mountain in Hawaii and is considered the tallest mountain in the world when measured from the sea floor to summit. Traverse its cinder peaks for spectacular views and unparalleled stargazing opportunities. Stare deep into the expansive universe as you sip on delicious warming beverages and take in the crisp, sacred, and unforgettable surroundings of this spectacularly cold Hawaiian wonderland.
FAQs for Visiting Mauna Kea

Hours of Operation: Open daily from 9:00am - 10:00pm (Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station)
Due to renovations, the visitor center will close at 5:00pm starting December 9th. Construction is expected to last 6 months.

When should I go stargazing? - The best time for stargazing on Mauna Kea is on a clear and moonless night.
What else can I do on Mauna Kea? - Things to do at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station include watching videos, shopping at the First Light Bookstore, stopping by the silversword garden, picnicking, hiking to the top of Pu'u Kalepeamoa, and viewing the Sun through a solar telescope.
What are conditions like at the summit? - Bring a warm jacket! The average temperature at the summit of Mauna Kea is 30°F (-1°C) and high wind conditions are common.
Does the peak get crowded? - The busiest time to visit Mauna Kea is between 30 minutes before sunset to 1.5 hours after sunset. Parking and space at the visitor station during this time will be limited.
Can I drive myself up the mountain? - The access road to the summit, above the visitor center, is steep graded-gravel and will require a 4WD vehicle with low range.
Is it safe to climb to the summit? - The area is safe for any healthy adult, though some may be affected by altitude sickness. Due to high altitudes and low oxygen levels, pregnant women, children under 16 years of age, those with a history of respiratory or heart problems, high blood pressure, obese persons (40+ BMI), and those who have been scuba diving within 24 hours should not travel beyond the visitor center.

Tours visiting Mauna Kea depart from Kona, Waikoloa and Kohala areas. No Hilo area departures are currently available.

Top-Rated Activities for Big Island

Latest reviews of Mauna Kea Summit Adventures & Stars

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Amazing stargazing!

2025/01/06 Solo Travelers Joe

My tour guide, James, was great! He was informative, kind, patient and made the experience fun. Seeing the sunset on a volcano summit and then stargazing afterwards is a bucket list thing that everyone should do! Unfo... more

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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Outstanding experience!

2024/12/29 Families Seema

We had a wonderful time with James! He explained things thoroughly! He did not try to rush us in any way, and took lots of nice pictures! I would highly recommend taking stargazing tour with Hawaiian eyes!

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Breathtaking sunset and star gaze!

2024/12/26 Couples Ziying C

We took the tour on 12/24/2024. It was a full car but very friendly and nice guests together! The eruption was very stunning and the star gaze - wow!
Our guide James is very helpful patient and good at photo shooting as... more

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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Awesome experience

2024/12/23 Couples Swapped

Host was really good, very polite and understanding.

The sandwiches were good, and the hot coco while stargazing, was delicious cherry on top of the whole experience.

The only issue I would complain about is the vehi... more

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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Great Memories!!!

2024/12/21 Couples An amazing time!

My husband and I had a great time in the tour. We were picked up on time and the guide made the trip to the summit entertaining and we learned many different things about Hawaii during that time.
The sunset at the su... more

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Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Excellent Tour Guide James

2024/12/04 Solo Travelers Eric M.

James who was the tour guide was very nice and thoughtful in providing anything we needed and gave a very informative details about Mauna Kea and the surrounding areas. He was also very helpful in pointing out specific ... more

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Mauna Kea Summit Adventures | Book Big Island Tours, Activities & Things to Do with HawaiiActivities.com
The often snow-capped Mauna Kea stands as the tallest mountain in Hawaii and is considered the tallest mountain in the world when measured from the sea floor to summit. Traverse its cinder peaks for spectacular views and unparalleled stargazing opportunities. Stare deep into the expansive universe as you sip on delicious warming beverages and take in the crisp, sacred, and unforgettable surroundings of this spectacularly cold Hawaiian wonderland.