Mauna Kea Stargazing Summit Tours offer a unique and awe-inspiring experience on the Big Island of Hawaii. The summit of Mauna Kea is one of the world’s best locations for stargazing due to its high elevation, clear skies, and lack of light pollution.
The tour typically begins with a scenic drive up to the summit of Mauna Kea, which is over 13,000 feet above sea level. Along the way, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and learn about the cultural and geological significance of the mountain.
At the summit, visitors are provided with warm jackets and gloves to protect them from the cold temperatures. The guides also set up high-powered telescopes and provide a detailed explanation of the stars, planets, and constellations visible from the summit.
Mauna Kea Stargazing Summit Tours usually last around 4-5 hours, and are available in small groups with experienced guides. The tour is also educational, providing insights into the scientific and cultural significance of astronomy in Hawaiian culture.
Overall, Mauna Kea Stargazing Summit Tours offer a unique and memorable experience for visitors to the Big Island of Hawaii, allowing them to witness the wonder and beauty of the universe from one of the world’s best stargazing locations.
Best Mauna Kea Stargazing Summit Tours
| Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour | Best Mauna Kea Summit Tour | Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Duration | 8 hours | 8 hours | 2 hours |
| Starting Time | n/a | 2:45 PM | 1:00AM - 8;00PM |
| Meeting Point | Mauna Kea | Target, 74-5455 Makala Blvd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA | 44-5400 Daniel K. Inouye Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743, USA |
| Includes | Guide, Hooded parkas and gloves, Hot picnic dinner, Hot cocoa and cookies | Dinner, Bottled water, Snow parker, Ski pants, and Gloves, Expert tour guide | All activities, Parka Jackets, Parka Jackets, |
| More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Mauna Kea Stargazing Summit Tours For [2024]
- Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour
- Best Mauna Kea Summit Tour (Free sunset and star photo!)
- Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos
- Mauna Kea Arnott’s Adventures
- Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stars Free Astro Photos Hilo Kona Waikoloa Pick Up
- Maunakea Stellar Explorer HILO
- Volcanoes, Lava Tubes, and Petroglyphs (Private Tour)
Best Mauna Kea Stargazing Summit Tours Reviews
#1. Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour
The Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour is an exciting way to experience the beauty and wonder of the Mauna Kea summit on the Big Island of Hawaii. This tour typically lasts around 8-9 hours, and takes visitors on a thrilling adventure to one of the world’s best locations for stargazing.
The tour typically starts with a scenic drive up to the summit of Mauna Kea, which is over 13,000 feet above sea level. Along the way, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and learn about the cultural and geological significance of the mountain.
At the summit, visitors are provided with warm jackets and gloves to protect them from the cold temperatures. The guides also set up high-powered telescopes and provide a detailed explanation of the stars, planets, and constellations visible from the summit.
After exploring the summit and enjoying the stunning views, the tour then descends to a lower elevation where visitors can enjoy a hot dinner and learn more about the cultural significance of Mauna Kea. Guests can also explore the visitor center, which provides educational exhibits about astronomy and Hawaiian culture.
As the night sky darkens, visitors are then taken to a different stargazing location to continue their stargazing adventure. With the help of the expert guides and powerful telescopes, visitors can see stars and constellations that are not visible from other locations due to the high altitude and lack of light pollution. Visitors can also see the Milky Way Galaxy and various other celestial objects through the powerful telescopes.
Overall, the Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour is an unforgettable experience, combining adventure, education, and stargazing in one incredible package. Visitors can witness the beauty and wonder of the universe from one of the world’s best stargazing locations while also learning about the cultural and scientific significance of Mauna Kea.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#2. Best Mauna Kea Summit Tour (Free sunset and star photo!)
Choosing the best Mauna Kea Summit Tour depends on individual preferences, but a tour that offers a free sunset and star photo is certainly an added bonus.
One of the best Mauna Kea Summit Tours is the Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour. This tour offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors to the Big Island of Hawaii, allowing them to witness the wonder and beauty of the universe from one of the world’s best stargazing locations.
The tour typically starts with a scenic drive up to the summit of Mauna Kea, which is over 13,000 feet above sea level. Along the way, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and learn about the cultural and geological significance of the mountain.
At the summit, visitors are provided with warm jackets and gloves to protect them from the cold temperatures. The guides also set up high-powered telescopes and provide a detailed explanation of the stars, planets, and constellations visible from the summit.
Visitors can enjoy a hot dinner and learn more about the cultural significance of Mauna Kea before being taken to a different stargazing location to continue their stargazing adventure. With the help of the expert guides and powerful telescopes, visitors can see stars and constellations that are not visible from other locations due to the high altitude and lack of light pollution.
The tour also includes a free sunset and star photo, allowing visitors to capture the breathtaking beauty of the Mauna Kea summit and the stunning night sky.
Overall, the Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour is an unforgettable experience, offering adventure, education, and stargazing in one incredible package. Visitors can witness the beauty and wonder of the universe from one of the world’s best stargazing locations while also learning about the cultural and scientific significance of Mauna Kea, and even take home a free sunset and star photo as a memento.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#3. Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos
The Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the Big Island of Hawaii. The tour typically lasts around 4-5 hours and takes visitors to one of the world’s best locations for stargazing.
The experience typically starts with a scenic drive up to the summit of Mauna Kea, which is over 13,000 feet above sea level. Along the way, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and learn about the cultural and geological significance of the mountain.
At the summit, visitors are provided with warm jackets and gloves to protect them from the cold temperatures. The guides also set up high-powered telescopes and provide a detailed explanation of the stars, planets, and constellations visible from the summit.
Visitors can explore the summit and take in the stunning views, while also learning about the cultural and scientific significance of Mauna Kea. They can also take photos of the breathtaking scenery and the night sky with their own camera or smartphone.
With the help of the expert guides and powerful telescopes, visitors can see stars and constellations that are not visible from other locations due to the high altitude and lack of light pollution. Visitors can also see the Milky Way Galaxy and various other celestial objects through the powerful telescopes.
After the stargazing experience, visitors are then taken back down to a lower elevation where they can enjoy a hot beverage and some snacks before returning to their accommodations.
Overall, the Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience is an unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to witness the beauty and wonder of the universe from one of the world’s best stargazing locations. With the opportunity to take photos of the stunning scenery and night sky, visitors can take home a lasting memory of their incredible experience on Mauna Kea.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#4. Mauna Kea Arnott’s Adventures
Mauna Kea Arnott’s Adventures is a tour company that offers visitors to the Big Island of Hawaii the opportunity to explore and experience the wonders of Mauna Kea. The company offers a range of tours that cater to different interests and preferences, including stargazing, hiking, and cultural tours.
One of the most popular tours offered by Mauna Kea Arnott’s Adventures is the Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour. This tour takes visitors to the summit of Mauna Kea, which is one of the best stargazing locations in the world. Visitors are provided with warm jackets and gloves to protect them from the cold temperatures, and the guides set up powerful telescopes for visitors to use.
The expert guides provide a detailed explanation of the stars, planets, and constellations visible from the summit, as well as information about the cultural and scientific significance of Mauna Kea. Visitors can also take photos of the stunning night sky and the breathtaking scenery around them.
Mauna Kea Arnott’s Adventures also offers a range of hiking tours that take visitors to some of the most scenic and beautiful spots on Mauna Kea. These tours range from easy hikes to more challenging hikes that require a higher level of fitness and experience. Along the way, visitors can learn about the unique geology, ecology, and cultural significance of Mauna Kea.
For those interested in learning more about Hawaiian culture, Mauna Kea Arnott’s Adventures offers a cultural tour that explores the history and traditions of the Hawaiian people. The tour takes visitors to important cultural sites and provides a deeper understanding of the rich and fascinating culture of Hawaii.
Overall, Mauna Kea Arnott’s Adventures offers visitors a range of exciting and educational tours that allow them to explore and experience the wonders of Mauna Kea. Whether you’re interested in stargazing, hiking, or cultural tours, Mauna Kea Arnott’s Adventures has something to offer for everyone.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#5. Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stars Free Astro Photos Hilo Kona Waikoloa Pick Up
The Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stars tour is a popular activity for visitors to the Big Island of Hawaii. The tour typically lasts around 7-8 hours and includes pick-up and drop-off from various locations, including Hilo, Kona, and Waikoloa.
The tour starts with a drive up to the summit of Mauna Kea, which is over 13,000 feet above sea level. Along the way, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape and learn about the cultural and geological significance of the mountain.
At the summit, visitors can watch the beautiful sunset and take in the stunning views of the surrounding area. The tour guides also set up high-powered telescopes, providing visitors with an opportunity to see stars, planets, and constellations visible from the summit. The expert guides also provide a detailed explanation of the stars and constellations, as well as the cultural and scientific significance of Mauna Kea.
During the tour, visitors are offered complimentary astro photos of themselves with the beautiful night sky in the background. These photos are a great way to remember the amazing experience and capture the magic of the night sky.
After stargazing, visitors are then taken back down to a lower elevation, where they can enjoy a hot beverage and some snacks before returning to their accommodations.
Overall, the Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stars tour is an incredible experience that offers visitors the opportunity to witness the beauty and wonder of the universe from one of the world’s best stargazing locations. With the chance to take photos of the stunning scenery and night sky and learn from expert guides, visitors are sure to leave with a lasting memory of their amazing experience on Mauna Kea.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#6. Maunakea Stellar Explorer HILO
Maunakea Stellar Explorer is a tour company that offers visitors to the Big Island of Hawaii the opportunity to explore and experience the wonders of the night sky from Mauna Kea, one of the best stargazing locations in the world. The tour starts with a pickup from Hilo, and visitors are then taken to the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station, which is located at an elevation of around 9,000 feet.
From there, visitors are taken on a guided tour of Mauna Kea, where they can learn about the cultural and scientific significance of the mountain. The expert guides provide a detailed explanation of the stars, planets, and constellations visible from the summit, as well as information about the telescopes and other scientific instruments used by astronomers.
During the tour, visitors have the opportunity to use the company’s powerful telescopes to observe the night sky and see distant stars, planets, and galaxies. The tour guides also provide a detailed explanation of the features and characteristics of the celestial objects that are visible through the telescopes.
One of the unique features of Maunakea Stellar Explorer is the use of state-of-the-art telescopes that allow visitors to see the night sky in incredible detail. These telescopes are equipped with advanced features such as digital cameras and image stabilization technology, which enable visitors to take high-quality photos of the night sky.
The tour also includes a stop at a local restaurant where visitors can enjoy a hot meal and some snacks before continuing on their stargazing adventure.
Overall, Maunakea Stellar Explorer offers visitors an unforgettable experience of the night sky from one of the world’s best stargazing locations. With expert guides, powerful telescopes, and the opportunity to take incredible photos, visitors are sure to leave with a deep appreciation of the beauty and wonder of the universe.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#7. Volcanoes, Lava Tubes, and Petroglyphs (Private Tour)
The Volcanoes, Lava Tubes, and Petroglyphs Private Tour is a popular tour on the Big Island of Hawaii, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the unique volcanic landscape and cultural heritage of the island. The tour typically lasts around 6-8 hours and is conducted by a knowledgeable guide.
The tour starts with a pickup from your accommodation and a drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is home to some of the world’s most active volcanoes. Here, visitors can explore the diverse landscape of the park, which includes lava tubes, craters, steam vents, and more.
One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to the Thurston Lava Tube, a natural tunnel formed by lava flows. Visitors can walk through the tube and see the unique rock formations and other geological features created by volcanic activity.
The tour also includes a visit to the Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs, one of the largest petroglyph fields in Hawaii. Here, visitors can see ancient rock carvings that were made by native Hawaiians centuries ago, and learn about the cultural significance of these carvings.
Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide provides detailed explanations of the geological and cultural significance of the sites visited, and can answer any questions that visitors may have. Visitors also have the flexibility to customize the tour to their interests and preferences, ensuring a personalized and memorable experience.
Overall, the Volcanoes, Lava Tubes, and Petroglyphs Private Tour is a great way to explore the unique volcanic landscape and cultural heritage of the Big Island of Hawaii. With a knowledgeable guide and the opportunity to customize the tour, visitors are sure to have an unforgettable experience.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
Francis Porter is a seasoned traveler and tour guide with over 15 years of experience in the industry. I have explored countless destinations around the world and have a deep passion for helping others discover new places and cultures.