
Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 1,800 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo worth booking?
Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo is a 8-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $290 per person. It scores 87 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 1,800 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 87 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (1,800)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $290 per person
We will take you to the summit of Mauna Kea to see the sunset and we will do stargazing afterward (not at the summit). Our most unique part is that our guides will take the photo of the sunset and stars for you using their DSLR camera. All photos are free of charge and you will get it to your smartphone at the end of the tour.
What you get
About this experience
We will take you to the summit of Mauna Kea to see the sunset and we will do stargazing afterward (not at the summit). Our most unique part is that our guides will take the photo of the sunset and stars for you using their DSLR camera. All photos are free of charge and you will get it to your smartphone at the end of the tour.
What's included
Included
- An astronomical telescope
- Mauna Kea Summit Tour
- Admission Fee for Mauna Kea
- Free DSLR camera photo of stars with you in it! (weather and moon phase permitting))
- Dinner
- Snow parker, Ski pants, and Gloves
- 4x4 Passenger Van to the summit
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick-up and drop off
- Private Tour
What you'll see and do
Kailua-Kona
Pick up guests from each pick up location starting from Target in Kona. (pick up time varies depending on the season) 14:00-15:00pm Target's parking lot meet in front of the Mcdonald’s that is in the Target parking area (74-5453 Makala Blvd, Kailua-Kona) 14:45-15:45pm/ Queens’ Market Place Please meet up at the shuttle bus stop in backside of the shopping mall, a LARGE parking lot near the NOT Starbucks (69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr #201, Waikoloa) 15:30-16:30pm/ Gilbert Kahele Recreation Park (44-5400 Daniel K. Inouye Hwy, Waimea)
120 minutes here
Onizuka Astronomy Complex
Onizuka Visitor Information Station We will take a break at the Onizuka Visitor Center at an altitude of 2,800m or 9,000ft for early dinner and altitude acclimatization. We also change clothes for winter clothes here depending on the weather. Also gift shop is open for guests to purchase the items. (No food or drink sale)
60 minutes here · Admission included
Mauna Kea Summit
Mauna Kea summit at an altitude of 13,796 ft (4,205 m) At the peak of Mauna Kea, you will see most of the observatory at the summit and we will be watching the sunset from the highest peak oin Hawaii. Enjoy a fantastic moment!
60 minutes here · Admission included
Onizuka Astronomy Complex
After the sunset, we will do stargazing using our refractor telescope and laser pointer. Our guide will explain about the star, constellation, and planets. Also we will take the astro photo with you in it! (The location of where we will do the stargazing may varies depending on the weather conditions)
45 minutes here · Admission included
Kailua-Kona
Returning to the pick up locations starting from Waikoloa Resort
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
Please park in the large parking lot at the back of this popular shopping mall, and wait for our tour van at the shuttle bus stop by the curb with a umbrella shades
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
Please park by the McDonald's in the Target's parking area. Our white tour van will park right by McDonald's.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please park in the large parking lot at the back of this popular shopping mall, and wait for our tour van at the shuttle bus stop by the curb with a umbrella shades
Ends at
Please park by the McDonald's in the Target's parking area. Our white tour van will park right by McDonald's.
Options you can book
Queens Market place Pick up
Starting point: Queens' Marketplace, 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, USA
Target Parking Lot by McDonald
Starting point: Target, 74-5455 Makala Blvd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
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
- Hawaiian Eyes Tour
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please check the message on Viator. We will send a message about pick up time and location after the confirmation of your booking.
- Please note that pick up location has a free parking lot but we do not take any responsibility or liability for any damage or loss caused through the parking
- Please note that in times of bad weather sunset or stargazing are not 100% guaranteed and moonphase will affect the visibility of the stars.
- Please note that, depending on any guests get altitude sickness or other conditions, the time spent at the summit and the stargazing location may be adjusted.
- Guest under 16 years old or older than 75 cannot participate
- Not recommended for person weight more than 300lb
- Not recommended for person having respiratory problem such as asthma
- Guest under 16 years old or older than 75 cannot participate
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,783 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
6 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
1,783 verified traveler reviews for Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Must do big island tour
Did the sunset/star gazing tour with Chris from Hawaiian Eyes on 10/4. I’ve wanted to do this tour for a long time and so glad we finally did and that we had Chris as our guide! He was a perfect guide & kept things moving along & entertaining. He provided a lot of information about the area. The sunset was beautiful but the stars were out of this world. I have never seen so many stars! And I loved that they had a telescope & showed us constellations with stories about them. And the photos they took of us were fantastic! This was a top notch tour from start to finish and I am so glad we did it!!
via Viator
Great Tour
The sunset portion was just as cool and just as interesting as the star gazing part. I was on the tour led by James who was super helpful and super nice throughout everything. A very nice guy who took a bunch of pictures and answered all our questions. Wes, the tour guide for the other Hawaiian Eyes group, was also super helpful saving spots for us throughout and making sure we had a great chance to see everything!
via Viator
It was the highlight of...
It was the highlight of our trip to the big island. The tour guide James is super awesome. He took lots of great photos for us, both in stargazing and during the sunset. He’s very outgoing, knowledgeable and pleasant. Very recommend!
via Viator
We booked the Mauna Kea...
We booked the Mauna Kea summit tour and it turned out to be one of the best experiences of our entire trip. From start to finish, everything was well organized, safe, and genuinely memorable. Our guide was fantastic—friendly, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable about Hawaiian culture, geology, and astronomy. The acclimatization stop was helpful and made us feel comfortable before continuing to the summit. They also provided warm parkas and gloves, which were much appreciated because it gets very cold up there. Watching the sunset above the clouds from the summit was breathtaking. It felt like standing on top of the world. Afterward, the stargazing portion was just magical. Seeing the Milky Way, planets, and countless stars through the telescope was an experience I will never forget. The hot chocolate and snacks were a lovely touch too. he tour was well paced, informative, and truly worth every penny. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the Big Island. If you’re considering a Mauna Kea summit tour, don’t hesitate—just book it. It was perfect from beginning to end!
via Viator
Awesome Stargazing Experience @ Mauna Kea with Hawaiian Eyes
Stargazing tour with "James" was interesting, entertaining, and caring. From start to finish James asked how everyone was feeling and made sure everyone felt safe + comfortable. Meeting at Queens Marketplace at the van pick-up curb was very convenient. The Visitor Center was a perfect place to eat our sandwiches + stretch our legs. Reaching the summit was an out of the world experience as we rose out of the clouds into the blue skies and soon to occur sunset. Wear warm clothing as it is very cold up there. Learning about the constellations as we drank hot cocoa amidst twinkling stars in the dark skies was awesome! We didn't want the night to end. James made this adventure a truly memorable + fun experience! Mahalo!!
via Viator
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
- Price range
- $290 to $320
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 630
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 87
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo: 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 Tour with Free Night Star Photo cost?
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Prices start at $290 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 Tour with Free Night Star Photo take?
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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 Tour with Free Night Star Photo worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 87 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 1,800 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 Tour with Free Night Star Photo?
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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 Tour with Free Night Star Photo suitable for kids and families?
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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 Tour with Free Night Star Photo?
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Around 630 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?
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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 Tour with Free Night Star Photo start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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 Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch, KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings, 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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
What is included in Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo?
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Included: An astronomical telescope; Mauna Kea Summit Tour; Admission Fee for Mauna Kea; Free DSLR camera photo of stars with you in it! (weather and moon phase permitting)); and Dinner. Not included: Gratuities; Hotel pick-up and drop off; and Private Tour. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo?
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Please park in the large parking lot at the back of this popular shopping mall, and wait for our tour van at the shuttle bus stop by the curb with a umbrella shades Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo?
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Across 1,800 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Queens Market place Pick up, Target Parking Lot by McDonald. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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