About Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Adventure
Watch sunset from Mauna Kea's summit, then head to a lower elevation for guided stargazing with telescopes, hot drinks and warm gear included.
Spend an afternoon climbing from sea level to the rooftop of the Pacific as you journey up 13,796-foot Mauna Kea. The drive along Saddle Road passes lava deserts, rolling ranchlands and high-country forests before a picnic dinner at base camp. After layering up, the 4×4 gains the final miles to the summit, where observatories line a moonscape and the island sprawls below in every direction—Mauna Loa to the south, Hualalai to the west and, on a clear evening, Haleakala rising from Maui across the channel.
As the sun dips below the horizon, colors ignite the sky and shadows race across ancient cinder cones. Once darkness falls you descend to 9,000 feet, slip into an Arctic parka and gather around an 11-inch telescope. With hot chocolate in hand, your guide unpacks the constellations, Hawaiian sky lore and the science behind the glittering observatories above.
Important: Summit access is limited to guests 13 years and older due to altitude.
Tour Highlights
- Summit visit to 13,796 ft Mauna Kea
- Spectacular sunset views over the Big Island
- Private star show with 11" Celestron and Stellina telescopes at 9,000 ft
- Expert guide shares geology, culture and astronomy insights
Tour Inclusions
- Dinner: Southwest chicken stew or vegan chili (gluten-free)
- Assorted teas and hot chocolate
- Warm hooded parkas and gloves
Activity Notes
Where & When
Afternoon departure, between 1:30 pm and 3 pm. The exact departure time and location depends on where you are staying and will be emailed with your confirmation.
Tour departs from the following locations:
Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters, 73-5593A Olowalu St., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 View Map
Please meet us across the street from Home Depot at our Kona Headquarters. This is a departure point for many Hawaii Forest & Trail Tours. This location also has a 900 sq. ft. retail store that includes outdoor gear and apparel, books, maps and gift items.
Queen's Marketplace, 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa, HI 96738 (near Charlie's Thai Cuisine) View Map
The backside of this popular shopping area serves as a pickup location for many Hawaii Forest & Trail tours. Look for Charlie's Thai Cuisine, and HF&T will be at the curb!
Tour duration is approximately 8-9 hours roundtrip from Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters and about 7-8 hours roundtrip from Waikoloa.
Restrictions
Mauna Kea summit tours are not recommended for those with respiratory, circulatory or heart conditions (no pacemakers), pregnant women and those who have conditions not conducive to high altitude or physical activity.
Children under 13 are not permitted on this tour due to altitude.
The tour is also not recommended for people who have been scuba diving in the past 24 hours.
Participants will be required to sign a waiver of liability.
Participants should be able to hike on rocky or uneven terrain.
Requirements
Please bring your own water bottle for use on tour. Water bottles are available for purchase at Hawaii Forest and Trail and a jug will be available for refills.
Special Notes
Be prepared to encounter muddy, wet or cool conditions. The average mean temperature at the summit is freezing.
Operation Days
Daily
Duration
8-9 hours
Capacity
Max. of 12 guests per tour
Equipment
Hooded parkas and warm gloves are provided. We utilize an 11" Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain and Stellina telescope for stargazing.
Vendor
This activity is operated by Hawaii Forest & Trail.
