Mauna Kea Summit and Stars

Join the professionals of Hawaii Forest and Trail on an intriguing and provocative journey through space and time. On your way to the 13,500 summit of Mauna Kea you will learn about the remarkable evolution and changes the Hawaiian islands have experienced. On the way up the mountain the tour stops at a historic ranch outpost features a hot, picnic style dinner. After dinner the tour continues to the summit of the world’s tallest volcano for a sensational sunset view. Stand in awe amidst the largest collection of telescopes on earth witnessing some of the most dramatic scenery you’ll ever experience. 

The drive to the summit of Mauna Kea is one you'll never forget. Once at the summit you are afforded spectacular views of the horizon, Haleakala on Maui, Mauna Kea's world-class array of telescopes and the famous Mauna Kea sunset. At the summit, you'll experience the spirtiual energy of what many Hawaiians believe to be the most sacred place in all the islands. At the summit you'll stand on top of the world's tallest mountain which rises from the ocean floor to over 31,000 feet high. In your hooded parka you'll stand in awe at both natures sublime creation and man's astonishing technological achievements.

After sunset the tour descends back down to the 9000’ elevation next to the Visitor's Information Station. Your Interpretive Naturalist Guide will set up a telescope and reveal the wonders and world-class clarity of our Hawaiian night skies sky. Wrapped warm in Arctic parkas, with hot beverages and chocolate macadamia nut cookies, you will marvel at the brilliance of the Hawaiian sky. Enjoy your guide's entertaining "talk story" of the infinite world of the observable universe which offers you a personal and educational look at the heavens.

This tour is approximately 8 hours in length and includes dinner, transportation to the summit, hooded parkas and warm gloves, and hot beverages while you watch the stars.

Because of the high altitude this tour is not advised for those with respiratory, heart or circulatory conditions, poor health, or pregnancy. Scuba divers should be aware of altitude dangers.

Grilled Chicken - with mango chutney relish

Grilled Fish - with macademia nut pesto

Vegetarian  - baked tofu with asian teriyaki sauce

Parka Sizes - (small, medium, large, x-large, xx-large) All parkas are men's sizes so ladies may wish to select one size smaller than normal

CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS

The Mauna Kea tour is not available for cruise ship passengers. We recommend doing either the Sunrise Bike Tour on Maui or the Haleakala Sunrise Van Tour on Maui.

ACTIVITY TIPS

When you stand at the summit of Mauna Kea and look across at the summit of Mauna Loa, it is easy to forget that you are in Hawaii. The extreme climate and barren landscape provides a startling difference from the rain forests of Hilo or the heat of Kona and Waikoloa. About three months out of the year there is a very good chance you will see snow ... yes ... SNOW ... at the top of this mountain!

The most important tip is to remember the implications of high altitudes. The air is MUCH thinner here ... this is not a good place for people who are in poor health or are pregnant. Scuba divers should be extra cautious and allow plenty of time before and after a dive when scheduling this tour. 

One other consideration ... BOOK THIS ONE EARLY because availability is very limited for this tour. The number of people allowed at the summit of Mauna Kea per day is strictly regulated.

This tour is oriented toward people who are staying in the Kona and Waikoloa areas (where most of the resorts are located on the Big Island). Please note that if you are staying in Hilo or some out-of-the-way vacation rental somewhere else on the Big Island you will have a rather long drive to meet up with the tour. Rental car companies don't allow their rental cars to be driven over the Saddle Road that runs between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. Hawaii Forest and Trail will meet you at the junction of Highway 200 and Highway 190, which is the point where the Saddle Road intersects with the highway that runs from Waimea to Kona. Some people do choose to ignore the rental car company's rule and drive the Saddle Road ... in that case they can meet you at the intersection of the Saddle Road and the road that heads up Mauna Kea.

Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Reservations

Upon submitting your activity reservation for processing, one copy is sent to your e-mail address so that you have a record of your order. We will make reservations for you and send an e-mail confirming all of the details. These confirmations are often sent a few minutes after your reservation, but some activities take longer to confirm than others. You will receive an e-mail confirmation by the end of the next business day at the latest. There are no tickets that you need to pick up prior to your event. Your e-mail confirmation will have all the details you need to check in and enjoy your selected activity. This saves you precious time when you arrive in Hawaii. 

A credit card is required to guarantee payment for your reservations, but in most cases WE DO NOT charge your credit card when your order is placed. Your credit card is typically charged five days before you leave for Hawaii, and a voucher is faxed to the vendor. Some activities are charged at the time of check-in and your e-mail confirmation will inform you if this is the case. If you cancel your activity after your credit card has been charged you will receive a refund less 10% to cover our credit card processing costs.

We do have one vendor that requires payment at the time that your reservation is made. These activities are clearly marked on our website with the words, "Payment required at the time of reservation."

After making reservations, you may reschedule or cancel your activity up until 48 hours prior to its start (a few activities have 72 hour cancellation policies ... see your confirmation e-mail for details). Within 48 hours of the start of your activity all reservations are final and non-refundable (unless the event is cancelled by the vendor due to weather or other factors). Due to our incredible climate here, weather cancellations are rare.  No-shows and cancellations without adequate notice are charged in full on the credit card used to secure the reservation and are non-refundable.