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Mauna Kea Summit & Observatory
Mauna Kea Summit & Observatory

Mauna Kea Summit & Observatory

Saddle Road, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720

The Basics

Mauna Kea tours depart from Hilo, Kona, and Waikoloa Village, and usually last upwards of eight hours. Whether you choose to visit for sunrise, sunset, a midday summit tour, or after-dark stargazing, the mountain makes for a popular day trip on the Big Island.

The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station sits at 9,300 feet (2,790 m) and features interactive displays and videos, with telescopes, talks, and tours. It’s important to stop here even if you’re headed to the summit to acclimate to the altitude. In addition to checking out the magnificent night sky, you can learn about Mauna Kea’s formation and why the mountain is considered sacred to native Hawaiians.

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Best Mauna Kea Summit Tour (Free sunset and star photo!)
Best Mauna Kea Summit Tour (Free sunset and star photo!)
HK$2,247.73 per adult
Traveler Favorite
Wisconsin couple on the Summit
The sunset was phenomenal! Our tour guide Wes was very knowledgeable and entertaining. I highly recommend this experience.
Kelli_G, May 2023
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Recent reviews from experiences in Big Island of Hawaii

Wes was a wonderful...
star-5
Wes was a wonderful...
Christine_O, Mar 2023
Best Mauna Kea Summit Tour (Free sunset and star photo!)
Wes was a wonderful guide. Made sure we understood safety measures while ensuring we had a great experience! Thank you Wes!
A Must-do Experience on the Big Island
star-5
A Must-do Experience on the Big Island
EllenKrusi, Feb 2023
Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour
Our guide was very knowledgeable; his narrative and conversation on the long drive up to the summit was fun and informative. We were well taken care of and could relax knowing that safety was a priority. The sunset view from the summit was incredible and the stargazing afterward down at the visitor center was fascinating. Definitely a must-do for anyone with the means who is visiting the Big Island.
The Stars at Night Are Big and Bright...
star-5
The Stars at Night Are Big and Bright...
Brad_F, Jan 2023
Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stars Free Astro Photos Hilo Kona Waikoloa Pick Up
Highlights: the beautiful colors of sunset; the Zodiac constellation tour; the crystal clear view of the Milky Was and thousands of stars. The knowledgeable tour guide was very helpful. Be sure to bring a lot of light snacks and liquids. You'll probably need these at the visitor center and at the summit. Be prepared for 5 miles of unpaved, 4-wheel drive road that privatizes more than a few bumps. The vehicles wer clean, safe, and appropriate tot he terrain.
A must do!
star-5
A must do!
David_D, Dec 2022
Best Mauna Kea Summit Tour (Free sunset and star photo!)
Stephan, our guide, was great from start to finish. He was very knowledgeable about all the topics. He was especially proficient with the astronomy portion of the tour. He was also very safety aware and since he also was the driver he was very calm and appropriate in his driving. Overall a fantastic experience.
Mauna Kea
star-5
Mauna Kea
Beryn_H, May 2023
Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stars Free Astro Photos Hilo Kona Waikoloa Pick Up
Great trip, wonderful views, clear sky so marvelous stars. Guides were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.
Wisconsin couple on the Summit
star-5
Wisconsin couple on the Summit
Kelli_G, May 2023
Best Mauna Kea Summit Tour (Free sunset and star photo!)
The sunset was phenomenal! Our tour guide Wes was very knowledgeable and entertaining. I highly recommend this experience.
Jason was our guide and...
star-5
Jason was our guide and...
Leslie_S, May 2023
Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour
Jason was our guide and he was great! Very knowledgeable and friendly. The experience overall was amazing!
Thoroughly enjoyable excursion
star-5
Thoroughly enjoyable excursion
Michael_D, May 2023
Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stars Free Astro Photos Hilo Kona Waikoloa Pick Up
Reserving the tour online was quick and easy. Our pickup in Kona was on time and the coach was comfortable. The transfer to a 4 wheel drive van was quick and smooth. Blaze our van driver was relatable, and we soon found out, very knowledgeable especially in astronomy. We were celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary and had a wonderful time.
Awesome views!
star-5
Awesome views!
Marlo_N, May 2023
Best Mauna Kea Summit Tour (Free sunset and star photo!)
The tour guides were great and took great care of everyone. The views of the terrain were spectacular! Star gazing was a bonus!
Constellation overload!
star-5
Constellation overload!
Geralyn_M, May 2023
Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stars Free Astro Photos Hilo Kona Waikoloa Pick Up
The stargazing was definitely a highlight with the North Star and Southern Cross both being visible! Our only comment would be that the Star talk should have been a bit earlier if possible so that we could orient ourselves.
Our guide was kind and...
star-5
Our guide was kind and...
Michael_H, May 2023
Best Mauna Kea Summit Tour (Free sunset and star photo!)
Our guide was kind and informative The trip was great and the view was beautiful Having warm clothes was a huge benefit We were giving a yummy sandwich, had plenty of water as well as hot chocolate during the start gazing
Breathtaking
star-5
Breathtaking
Sherman_H, Apr 2023
Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour
This tour was unforgettable. The tour guide Jeff was very informative and had a good sense of humor. The views were breathtaking. Highly recommend this tour.
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How to Get There

The Visitor Information Station is an hour’s drive from Hilo, via Highway 200. From Kailua-Kona, the drive takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes on Highway 190; from Waikoloa, it’s about 50 minutes via the Saddle Road to the visitor center. Camping is not allowed on Mauna Kea.

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Insider Tip

Sunrise and sunset are great times to visit Mauna Kea. Enjoy stargazing (offered nightly from 6 to 10pm) andhot chocolate (available for purchase) at the Visitor Information Station, or rise bright and early to drive up to the summit in time to watch the sunrise.

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What Makes Mauna Kea Ideal for Astronomical Sightseeing?

The Subaru Telescope, the W.M. Keck Observatory, and the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility take advantage of Mauna Kea’s ideal location near the equator and above most of the atmosphere’s water vapor, which means a clear view of stars in both of the earth’s hemispheres.

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Trip ideas


Best Ways to Summit Mauna Kea

You can make an ambitious go of the summit on your own (on foot or in a vehicle), or join an organized summit adventure tour during visiting hours (from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset). From the Visitor Information Station, a roughly 10-hour, roundtrip hike on a rugged trail takes you to the top and back. Be prepared for a workout, and be sure to wear layers and sturdy closed-toe walking shoes; you’ll encounter all kinds of weather as you ascend above the Big Island’s layer of cloud cover. You must bring your own water and pack out your waste; there are no amenities on the trail.

If you’d rather drive to the top, you’ll need a 4-wheel drive vehicle, plenty of water and sunscreen, and a keen eye for hazards. Depending on conditions, summit attempts can be particularly dangerous in winter. Mauna Kea is one of the only places in the world where you can drive from sea level to nearly 14,000 feet in a few hours.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
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