Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo in Big Island of Hawaii
Big Island of Hawaii, United States

Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo

Outty Ranking 87 4.8 · 1,752 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $290

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September 2026

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Outty Ranking

87/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 1,752 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 1,752 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 (1,752)
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 the

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

    1. 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

    2. 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

    3. 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

    4. 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

    5. 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

    Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 2Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 3Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 4Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 5Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 6Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo in Big Island of Hawaii, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,747 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    6 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Value for money

    3 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Good for families

    3 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    1,747 verified traveler reviews for Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1,563
    4 star
    97
    3 star
    44
    2 star
    11
    1 star
    32
    Sort
    Kris_P · August 2026

    Summit views were great but rain impacted Star gazing.

    The weather didn’t cooperate with star gazing but it was a memorable day regardless. Loved the hot cocoa!

    via Viator

    Danielle_C · August 2026

    Beautiful experience!

    Absolutely beautiful experience! I travelled solo and it was wonderful. Our guide, Chris, is fantastic as well! 100% a must do experience

    via Viator

    jacobtP5997BW · August 2026

    Great stargazing tour

    Wesley was a great tour guide, he was knowledgeable and friendly. He helped keep us all safe on the ride to and from the mountain. They gave us a delicious sandwich and hot chocolate to keep us full and warm. This tour was a beautiful and unforgettable experience.

    via Tripadvisor

    853tain · August 2026

    Well Worth the Experience

    Before the time of my pickup I had high expectations and was not disappointed. From the time I was picked up at the designated spot to our return our tour guide Chris was very knowledgeable, informative and spoke about the many highlights of the Big Island, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. He s also a great driver - patient and safe. We stopped at the Visitors Centre for a bathroom break, walk around to stretch your legs and to get acclimated to the height. Once at the summit the view was amazing especially when sunset came and the telescopes opened preparing for the evenings viewing. After sunset we descended a short way to the night viewing area where everyone was in awe of the band of the Milky Way, Venus and the setting of the crescent moon. When the viewing ended Chris took personalized photos with the night sky (Milky Way) in the background. I had a terrific time as did everyone else and I would highly recommend the tour with Chris. It was a long day but definitely worth it.

    via Tripadvisor

    Chion_S · August 2026

    Incredible ! Will remember this experience forever

    First and foremost- it’s cold. The tour so kindly provides gloves, ski jacket and pants, it may be good to bring a beanie and maybe a layer of fleece or heat tech. To be able to view the blanket of stars was awe inspiring and magical. Definitely worth it!!! I can see myself joining this tour again with family next time .

    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
    613
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Why this scores 87

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
    Review evidence (18% weight)96
    Booking momentum (14% weight)95
    Value for money (12% weight)91
    Listing quality (10% weight)70
    Local standing (8% weight)55
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 87 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 1,752 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    Around 613 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 Tour with Free Night Star Photo 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 in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History, Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch. 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.

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