Overview
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Experience the magic of Mauna Kea at nearly 14,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean.
Watch a breathtaking sunset from the summit, then enjoy expert-led stargazing with computerized professional telescopes in one of the world’s best night-sky locations.
This small-group tour has been operated continuously since 1989 by a trusted, fully permitted local company. Travel in luxury 4WD vans with professionally trained guides who prioritize safety, comfort, and personalized service.
Learn about the cultural significance of Mauna Kea and the wonders of the universe—where ancient Hawaiians believed the Earth meets the heavens.
Heavy-duty parkas, local snacks, and hot chocolate are included. Convenient pickups from Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa Beach Resort.
Additional Info
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
The tour may be canceled before departure due to weather or road closures. If that happens, you’ll be offered a new date or a full refund.
If the weather turns unfavorable during the tour, we’ll still do our best to provide a great experience. If we cannot reach the summit due to road closures or other unforeseen issues, you’ll receive a full refund or credit.
Alcohol beverages are not allowed.
Drunk or intoxicated guests are not allowed.
A minimum of 3 guests is required to hold a tour. If we have fewer than 3 bookings 24 hours before departure, the tour will be canceled unless existing guests choose to pay the difference.
Pets, including service animals, are not allowed to ensure the comfort and safety of guests with allergies or animal phobias.
No meals are included. Please eat a full meal before the tour. We do provide some nice local snacks.
A cup of hot chocolate will be served during the stargazing.
If a guest becomes ill or injured and cannot continue, the group may need to adjust the itinerary. Anyone leaving the tour must be accompanied by a companion (if applicable) and arrange their own return transportation at their own expense.
If you need an XL parka, please request the quantity at booking.
Age restriction: 13-80 yrs old
Guests with heart conditions, lung disease, or serious medical issues are allowed.
Pregnant guests are not allowed.
Guests who have been scuba diving within 24 hours are not allowed.
Severely obese guests (BMI over 40.0) are not allowed.
What To Expect
We take time at the Visitor Center to safely acclimate to the high altitude while exploring the gift shop and educational displays that highlight Maunakea’s world-class observatories, unique environment, and deep cultural significance.
Mauna Kea
Explore the summit, home to world-renowned observatories, and watch a stunning sunset sink into the clouds and horizon.
Options
Waikoloa Beach Resort Pick-up
Kailua Kona Pick-up
Starting point: Taikobo Hawaii Inc, 73-5576 Kauhola St #2, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
What‘s Included
A $20 (per person) passenger fee from the Center for Maunakea Stewardship is included. This fee helps support the care and preservation of Maunakea.
Private stargazing with a professional telescope
Heavy-duty hooded parka (If you need an XL parka, please request the quantity at booking.)
All local snacks. Hot chocolate is served during the stargazing.
Please bring your own warm layers—sweater/hoodie, warm socks, beanie, and gloves.
Must wear toe closed shoes and long pants.
Bring your own water. Drinking water will reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Tips for your guide are greatly appreciated.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
17 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience
K2343GQjulies,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such a nice time and the sunset was beautiful. John was an excellent tour guide, he was knowledgeable and so kind. He made the experience memorable.
Worth the money, book it!
Alexis F,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00John our tour guide was absolutely awesome! He made sure the tour went smoothly without any issues, even went above and beyond to help another groups tour member who was sick. The views were absolutely stunning. It was such an awesome experience to see the telescopes, the sun set and all the beautiful stars. I cannot recommend this enough tour enough! We road up the mountain in a super comfy van, the snacks were delicious and I appreciated the hot chocolate once the sun went down. Definitely bring layers.. because it gets cold as soon as the sunsets! 20/10 recommends this tour.
Just Amazing!!!
Bruce W,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Expect to be treated well, have expectation that are 100% aligned to the outcomes you will experience. If John is your guide, you will have a seamless trip, start to finish!!!
Epic journey to the top and stargazing
loganc106,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible experience. Our guide John was fabulous and was incredible with knowledge and facts about the entire experience.
Beautiful sunset on top of Mauna Kea!
Bridget0712,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00John was our guide for the tour and did an amazing job! The ride to the top of Mauna Kea was comfortable complete with locally sourced snacks. We were not able to see stars as clearly as we would have liked, but it was cloudy and one day after a full moon. John still made it interesting and informative with his high powered telescope and knowledge of astronomy. Great excursion worth the time and money.
Great tour!
Wander99820,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour, guide was very knowledgeable.
Great experience!
565sonjas,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Met the guide at their business near Kona which has a parking lot to leave your vehicle. They have a very comfortable BMW van. We had a short stop at the shopping center near Waikoloa to pick up other guests then drove up to the visitor center. They provide snacks but not a full meal. Given the timing, snacks were great (we had lunch right before starting the tour). Guide was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions. After acclimating we went to the summit where ha described the various observatories. They provided warm parkas but bring your own hats and gloves - it was very cold! After sunset, we went down some and stopped to look at all the stars. Then headed back to Kona. We had originally booked with a different group another night in our trip who had to cancel and couldn’t fit us in again. Very glad Taikobo could accommodate us - great tour!
Best Mauna Kea Tour You Can Take
Justin F,May 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00John was a fantastic tour guide, very knowledgeable and personable! Both of our phones were dead after a long day and he offered to take our pictures and send them later. The view was fantastic, stargazing was incredibly informative, overall excellent experience. Would highly recommend to anyone.
BEST STAR GUIDE - JOHN
A4984EAjohng,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful time and it was well worth the ride. John, our very capable and knowledgeable guide, arrived on time in a Mercedes Benz van which was very comfortable. On the drive up to the summit John oriented us to the scenery around us, history and flora and fauna. John took special care to tell us the schedule for our trip and we made stops for bathroom breaks and to acclimate to the altitude. I felt we were in very good hands. We were fortunate to see a very starry sky - the moon was new - and John provided the opportunity to see Jupiter, Venus and a couple of beautiful star clusters through his telescope. He also pointed out constellations and explained basic rules of astronomy. What I reallly appreciated - our van was the last to leave the star viewing site. Another amazing bonus was a photo of us with the stars - not possible with our iPhones - unexpected - and a treasure to have for the memory. Thanks, John!
Best Tour of our Trip to Kona
808rossh,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was the best tour of our trip. I highly recommend that you go. Our guides, Chris and Wes, did a great job. They knew the observatory site well and gave us very good information on the nigh5 sky. Recommend you go during tge New Moon and not the Full Moon.
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Operated by Taikobo Hawaii