Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Summit Tour With Photos – Big Island of Hawaii

The beautiful islands of Hawaii are well-known for their breathtaking scenery, beaches, and outdoor adventures. However, the Big Island of Hawaii offers a unique experience – the Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Summit Tour, which takes you to the top of Hawaii’s highest point for an unforgettable stargazing experience. This tour is an opportunity to explore the universe in the world-renowned Hawaiian location under the guidance of experienced certified astronomical guides.

What Is The Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Summit Tour?

The tour takes you from your hotel pickup location to the Onizuka Astronomy Complex at the 9,000-foot level of Mauna Kea, where you’ll stop for dinner and altitude acclimatization at the visitor center. The guide will provide you with warm winter clothes, a hot drink, gloves, and ski pants. Then, we’ll take you to the top of Mauna Kea (13,803 feet) to watch the sunset, where you will take group photos with the mountains and valley in the background. As it gets dark, we will provide a guided stargazing experience with a professional telescope and a laser pointer to help you navigate the night sky. You can see different planets, stars, and galaxies as you never have before.

What Does the Tour Include?

The tour includes a light dinner, bottled water, and winter clothing to keep you warm up at the summit. A professional astronomical guide will accompany you throughout the trip to make sure that you get the best experience. The photos taken during the tour will be given as a souvenir. As well, we guarantee an intimate and small-group experience with a maximum of twelve people. Three different pickup and drop-off locations are available for your convenience.

How Long is The Tour?

The tour takes around seven hours, starting from your hotel pickup location and ending at your hotel drop-off location. It’s best to plan according to the season because the Kona sunset time varies.

What Should You Wear for the Tour?

Because it gets cold at the top, warm clothing is a must. A snow parka, ski pants, and gloves will be provided. We recommend wearing shoes with good traction for the rocky terrain at the summit.

Who Can Go on the Tour?

The tour is not recommended for guests under 16 years old, older than 70, or travelers with back problems because it requires a 4,207.3-meter (13,803-foot) uphill climb. The trip is not wheelchair accessible, and anyone over 300lb is not recommended.

What is the Cancellation Policy?

You may cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start of the trip, you won’t be eligible for a refund. If the experience is canceled due to bad weather, we’ll either offer you a different date or a full refund.

Should You Book the Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Summit Tour?

Yes, absolutely! Hawaii is known for its distinct geography and is one of the best places to stargaze. The view from the top of Mauna Kea at sunset and the night sky that follows are an unforgettable experience. Our professional astronomical guide will teach you about the universe and provide you hands-on experience while you learn to recognize celestial bodies in the sky with a professional telescope. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the night sky as you have never seen it before – book your Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Summit Tour today!

Book your tour today at viator.com.

An Insider’s Guide to Big Island of Hawaii for Tourists

The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, and it offers a wide array of activities and sights that cater to different tastes. From stunning beaches and scenic drives to volcanic landscapes and lush rainforests, there’s no shortage of adventure and beauty to discover in this unique island.

Local Attractions

There are several must-visit attractions on the Big Island of Hawaii that every traveler should experience. One of the top attractions is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, the park showcases the unique geological history of Hawaii. Visitors can hike through the lush rainforest, marvel at volcanic craters, and witness lava flows.

Another popular attraction is Akaka Falls State Park. The park features a 422-foot waterfall, surrounded by lush vegetation and botanical gardens. Visitors can hike through the park’s trails, which offer scenic views of the falls and the surrounding landscape.

For those seeking some beach time, Hapuna Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches in Hawaii. The beach features turquoise waters and white sand, and it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.

Dining Spots

The Big Island of Hawaii is a melting pot of cultures, and this is reflected in its cuisine. There are plenty of dining spots that offer a variety of cuisines, from Hawaiian to Asian and beyond.

One of the best places to grab a bite is Kona Brewing Company. The brewery offers a range of locally brewed beers, along with a menu of Hawaiian-inspired dishes, such as poke bowls and kalua pork sliders.

Another top dining spot is Huggo’s. Located right on the beach, Huggo’s offers stunning ocean views and a menu of fresh seafood and island-inspired cuisine.

For a unique dining experience, head to Merriman’s. The restaurant features a farm-to-table concept, sourcing ingredients from local farms and fishermen. The menu changes daily, depending on what’s fresh and in season.

Cultural Experiences

The Big Island of Hawaii has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can immerse themselves in local traditions and customs. It’s worth visiting the Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, which was once a place of refuge for ancient Hawaiians. The park showcases traditional Hawaiian architecture, including thatched huts and wooden temples.

For a truly immersive cultural experience, attend a hula performance. Hula is the traditional dance of Hawaii, and it’s a powerful expression of the islands’ history and culture.

Local History

The history of the Big Island of Hawaii is as unique as the island itself. It’s worth visiting the King Kamehameha I Statue in Kapaau, which pays homage to the first king of Hawaii. The statue stands at 14 feet tall and is made of bronze.

Another historic site worth visiting is the Captain Cook Monument, which marks the spot where Captain Cook landed on the island in 1778. The monument offers stunning ocean views and a glimpse into Hawaii’s colonial past.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For those seeking adventure off the beaten path, head to Mauna Kea. The summit offers stunning views of the island, and it’s one of the best places on earth for stargazing. Visitors can take a sunset and stargazing tour, which includes dinner and a guided tour to the summit.

Another unique experience is visiting the Green Sand Beach. The beach, also known as Papakolea Beach, features green sand, which is made from olivine crystals. The beach is located on the southernmost tip of the island and requires a hike or a four-wheel-drive vehicle to reach.

In conclusion, the Big Island of Hawaii offers a diverse range of experiences for tourists, from cultural immersion and historic sites to adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a foodie or a nature lover, there’s something for everyone on this stunning island.