About Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Adventure
Climb from the lower slopes of the Big Island to the summit of Mauna Kea on a tour that combines sunset, high-elevation scenery and a night of stargazing. The drive follows Saddle Road through lava fields, ranch country and cooler upland terrain before stopping for dinner at base camp.
From there, a 4x4 takes you toward the 13,796-foot summit, where observatories sit above a stark volcanic landscape and the views can stretch across much of the island. After sunset, the tour descends to around 9,000 feet for a guided star show using 11-inch Celestron and Stellina telescopes. With warm layers and hot chocolate provided, you can settle in while your guide shares Hawaiian sky stories, constellations and the science behind Mauna Kea’s observatories.
Important: Summit access is limited to guests 13 years and older due to altitude.
Tour Highlights
- Travel to the 13,796-foot summit of Mauna Kea
- Watch sunset from the summit area
- Stargaze from about 9,000 feet after dark
- Use 11" Celestron and Stellina telescopes
- Learn about geology, Hawaiian culture and astronomy from your guide
Tour Inclusions
- Dinner: Southwest chicken stew or vegan chili (gluten-free)
- Assorted teas and hot chocolate
- Warm hooded parkas and gloves
Special Instructions
Meeting details, important notes and helpful information for your experience.
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.
See the experience
Questions about this activity?
We’re happy to help with your choices, booking details or an existing reservation.
