Mauna Kea Stars & Summit
Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Adventure
Snapshot
Ages: 13+
Duration: Approximately 8–9 hours
Activity Level: Easy to Moderate
Group Size: Maximum 12 guests
Meals: Picnic dinner, hot chocolate, and dessert included
Transportation: Roundtrip transportation from central meeting locations including the King Kamehameha Courtyard Marriott in Kailua-Kona, the Queen’s Market Place in the Waikoloa Beach Resort area, the Waikoloa Plaza in the Waikoloa Village area, and the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station
Description
Experience an unforgettable evening atop Mauna Kea, the highest point in the Pacific, on this small-group sunset and stargazing adventure. Journey from sea level to nearly 14,000 feet with expert interpretive guides who share the mountain's fascinating geology, cultural significance, and world-renowned astronomy along the way.
After enjoying a warm picnic dinner, ascend to the summit to witness a spectacular sunset above the clouds. As darkness falls, descend to a more comfortable elevation where your guide will lead an immersive star show using an 11-inch Celestron telescope and a state-of-the-art digital telescope. Learn about Hawaiian celestial navigation while viewing planets, star clusters, nebulae, and distant galaxies beneath some of the clearest night skies on Earth. Guests also receive digital astrophotography images captured during the evening to remember this incredible experience.
Inclusions
- Roundtrip transportation in custom 4WD vehicles
- Expert interpretive guide
- Small group experience (maximum 12 guests)
- Summit sunset experience
- Guided stargazing program
- Viewing through an 11-inch Celestron telescope
- Digital deep-space telescope with complimentary astrophotography images
- Picnic dinner
- Hot chocolate and dessert
- Warm parkas, gloves, and cold-weather gear provided
- Walking sticks (as needed)
Know Before You Go
- Participants must be 13 years of age or older.
- Due to the high altitude, this tour is not recommended for guests who are pregnant or have heart, respiratory, or circulatory conditions, or are in poor health.
- Do not participate within 24 hours of scuba diving due to the high elevation.
- Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, warm socks, and a sweatshirt or sweater. Although parkas and gloves are provided, summit temperatures can drop below freezing.
- Bring a reusable water bottle and your camera.
- Guests should be able to walk short distances over uneven or rocky terrain.
- Weather and summit access are controlled by park rangers and may change without notice. Summit access and stargazing conditions cannot be guaranteed.
- This tour returns late in the evening. Please ensure any return transportation from your designated meeting location is arranged in advance.
