
Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 1,624 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour worth booking?
Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour is a 8-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $330 per person. It scores 89 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 1,624 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 89 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (1,624)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $330 per person
Head to the Mauna Kea Observatory, nestled high in the mountains of the Big Island, and experience an intriguing and provocative journey through space and time. Discover Hawaii from the top of the island's tallest peak,
What you get
About this experience
Head to the Mauna Kea Observatory, nestled high in the mountains of the Big Island, and experience an intriguing and provocative journey through space and time. Discover Hawaii from the top of the island's tallest peak, Mauna Kea, also known as 'White Mountain,' located 13,796 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level. This small-group star-watching tour ensures a personalized and unique experience at the enchanting Mauna Kea summit.
What's included
Included
- Private star show with telescope
- Hooded parkas and gloves
- Central Meeting Locations for Pick-up & Drop off
- Hot cocoa and cookies
- Dinner
- Local taxes
- Guide
- Pick-up & Dropoff from Central Meeting Locations
Not included
- Gratuities
- Bottled water
- Private Tour
What you'll see and do
Travelers staying in Kailua Kona will meet the guide here. Your guide will meet you at the benches closest to the hotel's parking lot entrance at the curbside. **There may be additional meeting location stops along the way to Maunakea.**
5 minutes here · Admission not included
Maunakea Visitor Information Station
Enjoy a warm picnic dinner while you acclimate to a higher elevation and learn about Hawaiian star navigation before you head to the summit.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Mauna Kea Summit
Enjoy a sunset from above the clouds while overlooking the Pacific Ocean atop Maunakea. After the sunset, travel to a more comfortable elevation and let our guides reveal the night sky with our 11" Celestron telescopes.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Maunakea Visitor Information Station
Descend to a lower elevation after the sun sets and sip hot chocolate during a private star show with our 11” Celestron telescope. View deep space objects with our Stellina digital telescope and share captured images of the Hawaiian night sky with your friends & family
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
Please park in the lower gravel lot & walk to the Visitors Ctr (aka Onizuka Ctr) to meet our guide by the picnic area. Arrive at least 15 mins prior to your pick-up time. PLEASE NOTE: Your pick-up time will be different than the displayed online tour start time. Contact us to verify the meeting time
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
Please park by the vacant lot adjacent to Domino's Pizza. Our guide will meet you on the curbside. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. PLEASE NOTE: Your pick-up time will be different than the displayed tour start time online. Please contact us to verify the meeting time.
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
Please park & meet us on the backside (south side) of this popular shopping center. We will pick you up by the long yellow curb with the two yellow umbrellas. PLEASE NOTE: Your pick-up time will be different than the tour start time displayed online. Please contact us to verify the meeting time.
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
Please meet us at the front entrance and allow a 15-minute window for your driver to arrive. PLEASE NOTE: Your pick-up time will be different than the tour start time displayed online. You may contact us to verify the meeting time.
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
**IMPORTANT - Please note that guests meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the tour's start time. ** ** Mahalo!**
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please park in the lower gravel lot & walk to the Visitors Ctr (aka Onizuka Ctr) to meet our guide by the picnic area. Arrive at least 15 mins prior to your pick-up time. PLEASE NOTE: Your pick-up time will be different than the displayed online tour start time. Contact us to verify the meeting time
Ends at
Please park by the vacant lot adjacent to Domino's Pizza. Our guide will meet you on the curbside. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. PLEASE NOTE: Your pick-up time will be different than the displayed tour start time online. Please contact us to verify the meeting time.
Ends at
Please park & meet us on the backside (south side) of this popular shopping center. We will pick you up by the long yellow curb with the two yellow umbrellas. PLEASE NOTE: Your pick-up time will be different than the tour start time displayed online. Please contact us to verify the meeting time.
Ends at
Please meet us at the front entrance and allow a 15-minute window for your driver to arrive. PLEASE NOTE: Your pick-up time will be different than the tour start time displayed online. You may contact us to verify the meeting time.
Ends at
**IMPORTANT - Please note that guests meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the tour's start time. ** ** Mahalo!**
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hawaii Forest &Trail
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum age is 13 years - No children under 13.
- Due to the high altitude, this tour is not suitable for those with respiratory, circulatory or heart conditions, pregnancy, or poor health.
- Scuba divers should be aware of altitude dangers. If you plan to scuba dive, do not plan to go to the summit within 24 hours after you dive due to the altitude.
- Guests are required to wear closed-toed shoe and long pants. We recommend bringing a sweatshirt or sweater for layering.
- Please provide your parka size (small, medium, large, x-large or xx-large) and meal choice at the time of booking. If you do not indicate this at the time of booking, you will need to contact the tour operator directly.
- There is minimal walking on this tour, the maximum being about 150 yards. Please note we are unable to accommodate any guests with a collapsible wheelchair. All guests must be able to enter and exit our vehicles on their own, and walk comfortably on uneven terrain with limited lighting on their own.
- The access road to Mauna Kea is four-wheel drive only, so it can be bumpy. The custom off-road transit vans will get you to the top and back in safety and comfort. The transit vans can carry a maximum of 12 passengers
- Snow is seasonal at Maunakea, with the heaviest snowfall occurring during the winter months
- Please note your scheduled pick-up time may differ from the tour start time displayed online. Contact us to confirm your meeting time & location.
- Weather changes can occur quickly, and the access road to the summit can close without warning; therefore we cannot guarantee access to the summit or favorable conditions.
- No scuba diving within 24 hours
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,621 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
1,621 verified traveler reviews for Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Such a unique experience!
The tour was such a unique experience! I loved everything about the tour. Our tour guide Wilson was such a great tour guide and driver. We felt safe and comfortable. The atmosphere was great. The group had a good time and the length of visit was nice. It was such an incredible time and I enjoyed every moment. My husband and I had a wonderful day.
Response from the operator: Mahalo for the fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your husband had such a wonderful day. Wilson will be delighted to know his driving, guiding, and great energy made your experience so special and comfortable. We’d love to welcome you both back again!
via Tripadvisor
Great experience
Jeff was an outstanding guide and made the trip memorable and enjoyable. He was so knowledgeable about the region describing the areas we were passing through on the way up to the summit and then was passionate about the stars. We felt comfortable with the drive up and back. The meal was absolutely delicious and the cookies and hot chocolate welcome while we watched stars. The photos of the stars after were just an added bonus. Highly recommend this tour!
Response from the operator: Mahalo for the wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that Jeff made your summit trip so comfortable, informative, and fun. It sounds like a perfect evening, from the hot chocolate and warm cookies under the stars to the delicious meal and souvenir photos. We truly appreciate your high recommendation!
via Tripadvisor
Eugene was the perfect guide!
I had heard how amazing the Mauna Kea Stargazing tour is and it truly lived up to the hype! I was in Hawaii for a milestone birthday celebration and this was definitely the highlight of the trip! Eugene was our guide and he was perfect. Fun, funny and full of facts. He made the trip comfortable and enjoyable. I whole heartedly recommend this tour!
Response from the operator: Happy milestone birthday, and mahalo for spending such a special celebration with us! We're thrilled to hear the tour lived up to the hype and became the highlight of your Hawaii trip. Eugene will be delighted to know his humor, facts, and hospitality made your experience so memorable. We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you back for another unforgettable night!
via Tripadvisor
Star Struck
If you enjoyed looking at the stars this tour is for you. Jeff was our guide for this tour and he was extremely knowledgeable about the observatories at the top of Mauna Kea. I was amazed at how many different observatories there were at the top of the mountain. After watching the sunset we drove down about a thousand feet where Jeff then set up two telescopes for us to view the stars through. Through the telescopes, we got to see the Omega centauri globula star cluster, the Dumbbell nebula, the Eagle nebula and the Ring nebula just to name a few. He also explained and showed us how to find the different stars in the sky. It was quite amazing. Be prepared because it can be very cold at the top of the mountain. They did supply us with parkas and gloves. But I recommend definitely long pants and a sweater or sweat shirt for under the parka. It can be very windy at the top.
Response from the operator: Mahalo for the glowing review! We're thrilled you had an amazing stargazing experience with Jeff and enjoyed taking in the Mauna Kea observatories, nebulae, and star clusters. Thanks also for sharing those great cold-weather packing tips—layering up definitely makes all the difference up there. We hope to welcome you back under the stars again soon!
via Viator
Mauna Kea, best experience on the Big Island
This was one of the most memorable excursions my husband and I have ever experienced. Watching the sunset from the summit of Mauna Kea was truly breathtaking, followed by an incredible stargazing session. Our tour guide, Wilson, was exceptional. He brought along telescopes that allowed us to observe various constellations and celestial bodies, and his knowledge enhanced the experience, enabling us to see details we would not have noticed otherwise. We also observed several shooting stars throughout the evening. Overall, it was a wonderful experience that was well worth the cost.
Response from the operator: Mahalo for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled that watching the sunset and stargazing atop Mauna Kea was such a memorable experience for you and your husband. Wilson will be delighted to hear your kind words—he takes great pride in sharing his knowledge and guiding guests through the night sky. Catching those shooting stars sounds like the perfect touch to a special evening! We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in the future.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 568
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 89
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Island of Hawaii.
How much does Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $330 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Big Island of Hawaii usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour take?
+
Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Big Island of Hawaii is not rushed.
Is Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 89 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 1,624 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Big Island of Hawaii, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour?
+
Around 568 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Big Island of Hawaii can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Big Island of Hawaii and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Big Island of Hawaii within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Big Island of Hawaii?
+
The Big Island is volcano country: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours, Mauna Kea summit stargazing, night manta ray snorkels off Kona, Waipio Valley lookouts and coffee farm visits. Summit tours have real altitude rules, so we weight safety detail. On Outty we rank every Big Island of Hawaii experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings, Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch, Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Big Island of Hawaii?
+
April to October, though the island runs year round. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Big Island of Hawaii?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour.
Pick your date




