Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars

About this activity

Delight in the awe-inspiring sunset at the top of Mauna Kea, the highest point in the Pacific.

Your guide will share historic accounts of the Big Island. Stand amidst the world’s largest collection of research telescopes.

Two of the eight telescopes which took the first photos of the black hole are here.

Sip a hot beverage during your private star show and view planets with a professional telescope (Weather Permitting).

Your guide will take astrophotography photos of you with our camera and email them to you.

Itinerary

1. Mauna Kea Summit · 240 min

   One of the best places to see the sunset and stargazing and it's also the highest mountain on earth. Comfortable 4X4 passenger van as transportation.Jackets and gloves provided to keep you warm. Experienced tour guide to talk about our history and show you our amazing night with a laser pointer. Get close to the stars with our professional Celestron telescope and get a nice photo with our DSLR camera.

2. Stop 2 · 30 min

   Maunakea is a celebrated and storied place in the cultural traditions of Hawai'i. While it is the dwelling place of the goddess Poli'ahu it is also associated with the Hawaiian deities Lilinoe and Waiau. The summit was considered the realm of the gods and in ancient times was kapu (forbidden) to all but the highest chiefs and priests. Occasionally Hawaiian ali'i (royalty) would make the long trek to the top, the last royal visitor being Queen Emma in 1881 who led her companions on the arduous 6 hour journey to the top to see the summit and rejuvenate herself in sacred Lake Waiau. The White Mountain Legends of the Mountain - Poli´ahu While today Maunakea is home to 13 international observatories and recieves thousands of visitors every year it remains a sacred place for the people of Hawai'i. On the the fourth Saturday of every month MKVIS hosts community speakers who speak about Mauna O Wakea from a cultural perspective.

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

End point: Maunakea Visitor Information Station https://maps.app.goo.gl/nBuxZDm7CspDMiJV7; Waikoloa Queens’ Marketplace(Tour Shuttle Pick-Up Point) https://maps.app.goo.gl/tdgkU7q7kjwXnMWF6 ; Bank of Hawaii ATM 74-5457 Makala Blvd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 https://maps.app.goo.gl/hToV4BhqeoBmnR918

Good to know

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Weather can change rapidly (snow, fog, 120+ mph winds are possible year-round)
• Road closures may occur due to ice, snow, poor visibility, strong winds, or safety conditions
• No smoking, alcohol, or illegal drugs at any time.
• Please respect the mountain — leave no trash behind.
• Not allowed for travelers under 13 years old
• Not allowed for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Not allowed for pregnant travelers

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

• 5 star1,688
• 4 star105
• 3 star53
• 2 star28
• 1 star22

Read the reviews on Viator