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Big Island Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing Tour

TourTruth score 7.6 out of 10

GoodTop 33% in Big Island of Hawaii

2,652 reviews · Rated on 2 providers · How we score

  • Big Island of Hawaii
  • Updated November 4, 2026

Watch sunset from Mauna Kea, then enjoy guided stargazing, a hot drink, and a night photo on this Big Island mountain tour.

About this tour

Watch daylight fade over the Pacific from the summit of Mauna Kea, then stay for a guided look at the night sky. This Big Island Mauna Kea summit and stargazing tour pairs dramatic mountain scenery with stories about the island and its remarkable observatories.

Travel in a comfortable 4X4 van with an experienced guide. At the summit, take in the sunset and see the mountain’s collection of research telescopes, including two telescopes associated with the first images of a black hole. As darkness settles, warm up with a hot beverage and snacks, then view planets through a professional telescope when weather permits. Jackets and gloves are provided, and your guide will take a night photo with a professional camera and email it to you.

Conditions on the mountain can change quickly, and road closures are possible for safety. Travelers should be prepared for a moderate level of physical activity and review the age and health restrictions before booking. Choose this Big Island Mauna Kea summit and stargazing tour for a memorable sunset, mountain views, and a closer look at the stars.

Highlights

  • Watch sunset from the summit of Mauna Kea, the highest point in the Pacific
  • Admire the mountain’s collection of research telescopes
  • View planets through a professional telescope, weather permitting
  • Enjoy a hot beverage during a guided stargazing session
  • Receive a night photo taken with the guide’s professional camera

What's included

Included

  • Experienced tour guide
  • Night photo taken with a professional camera
  • Snacks and a hot beverage
  • Jackets and gloves
  • Transportation in a comfortable 4X4 van
  • Professional telescope, weather permitting

Not included

  • Dinner; travelers may bring their own
  • Private tour

Ratings on each provider

The ratings and review counts each booking site shows for this tour.

What reviewers mention

Themes that come up most in this tour's reviews.

Important information

  • Not suitable for travelers under 13
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not suitable for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Not suitable for pregnant travelers
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  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Weather can change rapidly; snow, fog, and winds over 120 mph are possible year-round
  • Road closures may occur due to ice, snow, poor visibility, strong winds, or safety conditions
  • No smoking, alcohol, or illegal drugs at any time
  • Please respect the mountain and leave no trash behind
  • Meeting point: Maunakea Visitor Information Station

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the telescope during the tour?

A professional telescope is available for viewing planets, weather permitting.

Are dinner and private tours included?

Dinner and a private tour are not included. Travelers may bring their own dinner.

What should I know about weather and road closures?

Weather can change rapidly, and road closures may occur due to ice, snow, poor visibility, strong winds, or safety conditions.

What is the minimum age?

Travelers under 13 years old are not allowed.

Are there health or fitness restrictions?

A moderate fitness level is recommended. The tour is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, serious medical conditions, or pregnancy.

How this score is calculated

This tour scores 4.80 on Viator and 4.79 on GetYourGuide. Ratings on these sites cluster near the top of the 5-star scale, so we compare each one with all other ratings on the same site before combining them.

How the score works and rating distribution in Big Island of Hawaii
  • Each provider rating is turned into a percentile: the share of that provider's ratings it beats, weighted by review counts.
  • Listings on different providers are combined in proportion to their review counts.
  • Tours with few reviews are pulled toward the average until more reviews come in, so a handful of perfect reviews can't top the list.
  • The result is shown from 0 to 10: this tour scores 7.6. Top 33% in Big Island of Hawaii means it ranks in the top 33% of tours in Big Island of Hawaii by this score.

Provider rating distribution in Big Island of Hawaii

How many tours in Big Island of Hawaii have a provider rating at or below each value. The dashed line is this tour.

  • GetYourGuide
  • Viator

from $289

on Viator · GetYourGuide

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