Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small Group Adventure Tour

Experience an intriguing and provocative journey through space and time as you head to the Mauna Kea Observatory, nestled high in the mountains of the Big Island! Discover Hawaii from the top of the Island's tallest peak, the Mauna Kea, also known as "White Mountain", 13,796 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level. Be sure not to miss this enchanting Mauna Kea Summit and Stars small group tour!

View a spectacular sunset from the top of Mauna Kea Hawaii and enjoy a unique stargazing experience on this Big Island adventure tour. Travel from Kona through Hawaii's historic Parker Ranch in a specially equipped 4x4 luxury van to Mauna Kea summit on the Big Island of Hawaii. Learn about the Big Island's cultural, natural and ecological history from your naturalist tour guide as you journey to Mauna Kea Observatory for this once-in-a-lifetime sunset and stargazing tour. Limited to 12 people, this tour ensures a personalized and unique experience.

Ride to the Mauna Kea summit in comfort and safety with specially equipped 4x4 tour vans and gain access to parts of the Big Island of Hawaii that most travelers will never see! Enjoy a special hot, picnic style dinner (refer to full menu below) at a historic Hawaiian ranch where you'll be provided with a warm, hooded parka (you must specify size when booking) and prepare to make the climb to the  top of Mauna Kea.

From the Mauna Kea summit, enjoy views of Mauna Loa and see Maui's volcano, Haleakala, along with other special points of interest. Stand among some of the earth's most powerful telescopes at the Mauna Kea Observatory as you enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime sunset view.

After sunset, you'll travel to the Mauna Kea Visitor's Center at 9,000 feet (2,750 meters), where your tour guide will set up a telescope for a personal, entertaining and educational star party. Learn how Mauna Kea's unique geography draws scientists from all over the world to study the heavens, and also allows for incredible night time views of the stars. Enjoy hot beverages and chocolate macadamia nut cookies as your guide gives a personal astronomy lesson.

Schedule details

Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small Group Adventure Tour

Departure Dates:

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Departure Point:

Departure Time:

Departure time varies between 1:40pm and 4:00pm, depending on the time of year and accommodations

Return Details:

Pricing information

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Additional information

Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small Group Adventure Tour

Inclusions:

• Guide
• Hooded parkas
• Hot picnic dinner
• Hot cocoa and cookies
• Private star show with telescope
• Local taxes

Exclusions:

• Gratuities (optional)
• Hotel pickup and drop off

Additional Information:

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 5 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
• Due to the high altitude; this tour is not suitable for those with respiratory, heart or circulatory conditions, poor health, or pregnancy
• Scuba divers should be aware of altitude dangers
• There is minimal walking on this tour, the maximum being about 150 yards
• We recommend that guests wear closed-toe walking shoes or hiking boots, long pants and bring a light sweatshirt or jacket
• Please advise your parka size (small, medium, large, x-large or xx-large) and choice of meal (BBQ Chicken, Grilled Chicken Breast or a Vegetarian Tofu Wrap) at time of booking . If you do not indicate this at the time of booking, you will be required to call and advise them of this information directly.
• The access road to the summit of Mauna Kea is four-wheel drive only, so it can be bumpy. The custom off-road motor coaches will get you to the top and back in safety and comfort. Motor coaches can carry a maximum of 12 passengers
• Snow is seasonal at Mauna Kea, with the heaviest snowfall occurring during the winter months
• Minimum age is 17 years
• Adult pricing applies to all travelers

Itinerary:

• Warm Homemade Cornbread 
• Cole Slaw w/ Blond Raisins 

• Glazed Carrots 
• Tabouleh

• Rice 
• Glazed Carrots 

• Chocolate Brownies 

Voucher Info:

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Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.