Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures in Hilo
Hilo, United States

Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures

Outty Ranking 71 4.8 · 156 traveler reviews7 hoursFrom $255

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September 2026

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Adults

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$255
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Outty Ranking

71/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 156 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures worth booking?

Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures is a 7-hour experience in Hilo, United States, from $255 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 156 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
71 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (156)
Duration
7 hours
From
$255 per person

Our Mauna Kea Summit Tour is designed to showcase the beauty and wonder of one of the most impressive mountains in the world. Mauna Kea (meaning “white mountain”) is historically and culturally very significant to the Ha

What you get

    About this experience

    Our Mauna Kea Summit Tour is designed to showcase the beauty and wonder of one of the most impressive mountains in the world. Mauna Kea (meaning “white mountain”) is historically and culturally very significant to the Hawaiian people, and because of its contributions to geology and astronomy, to the world as well. Our local guides will enlighten you with the sacredness and cultural aspect of Mauna Kea. A spiritual high for many locals and visitors. #1 rated tour for adventure and photography. This tour requires a minimum of 2 guests in order to run. Our tour only meets guests in HILO or at the Onizuka Visitor Center on Mauna Kea. We may be able to arrange pickups in Kona for groups of at least 4 guests, upon request. Please contact us before booking if you are looking for a Kona pickup. Please see additional info for restrictions on age, health, pregnancy, scuba diving, respiratory issues, heart issues, back issues, intoxicants etc. for this tour.

    What's included

    Included

    • All Fees and Taxes
    • Jacket

    Not included

    • Dinner
    • Telescopes

    What you'll see and do

    1. Onizuka Astronomy Complex

      Visit exhibits in this cozy station and acclimate at the elevation of 9,000 feet/2743 meters before ascending to the summit of Mauna Kea.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Mauna Kea

      Ascend to the summit of Mauna Kea at 13,796 feet/4205 meters by vehicle to arrive above the clouds and watch the sunset (weather permitting). See international telescopes along the way on this sacred mountain.

      30 minutes here

    3. Onizuka Astronomy Complex

      Stargaze with our local tour guide with a laser pointer. No telescopes are provided.

      15 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Hilo

    Onizuka Visitor's Center at 9,000 feet. Meet our tour guide here.

    Meeting point

    Hilo

    98 Apapane Road Hilo, HI . 96720

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations.

    Ends at

    Onizuka Visitor's Center at 9,000 feet. Meet our tour guide here.

    Ends at

    98 Apapane Road Hilo, HI . 96720

    Options you can book

    • Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures

      Pickup included

    • Mauna Kea - from Kona

      Shuttle from Kona area Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 7 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Arnott's Lodge

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
    • Age minimum 13 years old
    • DO NOT attend within 24 hours of scuba or manta ray diving
    • Not recommended for travelers with respiratory conditions
    • Not recommended to consume intoxicants during or directly before this tour
    • Not recommended to consume carbonated beverages during or directly before this tour

    Photos

    Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures in Hilo, photo 2Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures in Hilo, photo 3Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures in Hilo, photo 4Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures in Hilo, photo 5Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures in Hilo, photo 6Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures in Hilo, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 156 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    156 verified traveler reviews for Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    143
    4 star
    6
    3 star
    3
    2 star
    3
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    Krista_S · August 2026

    Mauna Kea Tour

    It was great! She did a wonderful job narrating along the way sharing HI history. We didn't get to see the stars due to the weather but she didn't let it slow her down.

    via Viator

    A5837DOfelixr · April 2026

    One of a kind experience.

    This tour was fantastic and the view even before sunset is unmatched. And that's not it, if you're the type to be interested it's amazing to see the change from sea level then through the clouds where visibility seems to be near 0 and finally up above the clouds with an unobstructed view all the way to the horizon. Our tour guide was a fountain of knowledge for not just of matters of the tour but also for the area and Hawaii in general. He was very kind and kept checking on our wellbeing for any altitude related ailments. All in all an excellent tour for the price.

    via Tripadvisor

    Yuting_Y · April 2026

    The tour was paced well...

    The tour was paced well with a stop at the visitor center to make sure that everyone adjusted the altitude. Warm jackets were provided on the top of the mountain.

    via Viator

    simba_8 · March 2026

    Going to the observatories was great, guide could be more personable

    Going to the top of Mauna Kea has long been on my bucket list. Went with this tour because it was relatively inexpensive and I didn't need dinner included. The guide, Andres, was very knowledgeable but could be a bit brusque, almost to the point of being rude. From reading the other reviews, it looks like Donna is the guide you'd want.

    via Tripadvisor

    Stuart_W · February 2026

    Starry Night, Mauna Kea Style

    Mr. Arnott conducted a very organized and informative tour. The Mauna Kea summit experience was really fun and beautiful. I am so glad we accepted the offer to wear the freely-provided parkas; it was quite windy and cold at the summit, with freshly-fallen snow to add to the dramatic sights we saw ar sunset. The stars were beautiful and seemed so nearby that I imaged I could touch them.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    7 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    55
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 71

    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)81
    Booking momentum (14% weight)77
    Value for money (12% weight)62
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)49
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hilo.

    How much does Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures cost?

    +

    Prices start at $255 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Hilo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures take?

    +

    Plan for about 7 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 Hilo is not rushed.

    Is Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 156 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Hilo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures?

    +

    Around 55 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 Hilo 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 Hilo and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures 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 Hilo 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 Hilo?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Hilo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Beaches & Hilo Highlights Day Tour, Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens, Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand. 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 Hilo?

    +

    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 Hilo?

    +

    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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