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• Hawaii GOAT Experience Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset and Stars Tour

  George N,

  5 thg 10, 2025

  - Viator

  5.00

  We were thoroughly impressed with the organization, safety standards, and the genuine care shown by Val and Logan, our guides. The combination of breathtaking scenery, expert guidance, and educational commentary made this a memorable adventure for our group. If you’re considering the Hawaii GOAT Experience Mauna Kea Summit tour, we highly recommend it—especially if you value knowledgeable guides and well-planned logistics. Our evening on the mountain was nothing short of magical, and we left with a deeper appreciation for both Mauna Kea and the people who make these tours possible. Introduction On September 20, 2025, my wife Natalie and I, along with our friends Andy and Ethel, embarked on the Viator 'Hawaii GOAT Experience Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset and Stars' tour. We were looking for an unforgettable evening exploring one of Hawaii’s most iconic peaks, and this tour certainly delivered. Here’s a rundown of our experience for fellow travelers considering this adventure. Pickup and Initial Transfer Our journey began with a prompt pickup at the Waikoloa Village Resort. The transfer process was smooth and well-organized, setting a relaxed tone for the evening. The drive toward the mountain gave us a chance to admire the changing landscape as we made our way to a location near the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station (VIS). Meeting the Guides: Val and Logan Once we arrived near the VIS, we met our guides for the night, Val and Logan. Both were immediately friendly and welcoming, introducing themselves and making sure everyone felt comfortable. Their enthusiasm for Mauna Kea and the tour was contagious, and we felt we were in good hands right from the start. Safety Briefing: Preparing for the Mountain Before continuing, we switched to two specialized off-road vans designed for the challenging terrain ahead. Val, our driver, took the lead with a thorough safety briefing, explaining the mountain’s unique conditions and the precautions necessary for a safe ascent. She emphasized the importance of acclimating to the altitude, staying hydrated, and recognizing signs of altitude sickness. Val’s detailed explanations, learning of her EMT training, and her calm demeanor reassured us and set clear expectations for the experience. Acclimation Stop at VIS Our next stop was the VIS, where we spent some time acclimating to the higher elevation. We appreciated the chance to stretch our legs, use the restrooms, and adjust to the thinner air. Val and Logan checked in with everyone, making sure we were feeling good before heading up. This thoughtful pause highlighted the guides' commitment to safety and comfort. Mountain Ascent: The Drive to the Summit The drive up the rough mountain road was both thrilling and a bit daunting. The terrain grew steeper and rockier as we climbed, but Val’s driving skills were truly impressive. She navigated the switchbacks and gravel with confidence, all while keeping us informed about what to expect next. We felt completely safe thanks to her expertise and ongoing safety reminders. Expert Commentary: Volcanism, Geology, and Observatories Throughout the ascent, Val shared fascinating insights about Mauna Kea’s volcanic origins, the geology of the region, the native Hawaiians’ historic cultural attachment to the mountain, and the significance of the international observatories perched at the summit. Her commentary was engaging and easy to understand, making the ride educational as well as exciting. Experiencing Sunset at the Elevation of the International Observatories Val drove us to the 13,800 foot level, just below Mauna Kea’s actual summit where the observatories are clustered, arriving with enough time to provide a brief description of the various telescopes, orientation to the distant peaks of Maui’s Haleakalā along with Hawaii’s Mauna Loa and Kīlauea volcanoes. Naturally, all of us took advantage of the beautiful vista and colorful sunset to capture fabulous souvenir photo images. Star Gazing and Introduction to Astronomy under the Milky way Next, Val and Logan gathered us into their respective vans and deftly drove us in the dark along the rough mountain road to a lower elevation where we would not interfere with scientists’ telescope observation activities to a location where we could make our own observations of distant stars and galaxies in the extreme darkness with Val’s impressive telescope and through her introductory commentary on astronomy, astronomical observations, the constellations and their associated mythology, and Polynesian trans-ocean star navigation. Val and Logan established a hot water station under redlight conditions where we could enjoy hot-coco and high-sugar snacks that they provided toward addressing the impact of the cold and lower oxygen of the elevation. They also provided ankle-length insulated parkas and gloves for the asking. Logan established a station where we could pose for her to capture time-exposure photographs in the ink black darkness against the stars.

• Great but never got star pictures?

  Jeremy D,

  4 thg 10, 2025

  - Viator

  5.00

  It was great, ide recommend it...amazing experience. Zach was awesome.HOWEVER, we never got any pictures, how do we get those?

• Don’t miss this excursion!

  Frances L,

  30 thg 9, 2025

  - Viator

  5.00

  So glad we did this tour. It was fantastic! Logan, our driver/tour guide was excellent. She provided a lot of information about Hawaiian lore as we drove up to the Visitors Center and the summit. The sunset was spectacular and because we were above the clouds hundreds of stars were visible in the night sky. It was very cold but the tour company provided jackets to everyone who needed them. We brought our own coats, hats and gloves so we were good. We were a little apprehensive about the altitude but had no issues and we are 65 and 70 respectively. Snacks and hot chocolate were provided to help with that.

• Sunset & Stars

  Vikram S,

  28 thg 9, 2025

  - Viator

  5.00

  This tour was a highlight of our trip! It starts with a scenic drive to the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station, where our guides set the tone—friendly, organized, and incredibly knowledgeable. Big shoutout to Logan for the endless photos and for sharing the history and significance of Mauna Kea in a really engaging way. The summit sunset was breathtaking, but the stargazing was the best part. We learned to spot different constellations, observed stars and clusters through the telescope, and came away with some amazing astro photos. The team provided plenty of help with night photography and made

• GOAT experience for SURE!

  Henry R,

  26 thg 9, 2025

  - Viator

  5.00

  The guides were kind, warm, VERY knowledgeable, and steady drivers on the somewhat challenging roads near the summit. They created an accessible and entertaining mix of science, folklore and history through celestial observation and storytelling. The colorful coats (provided to all) were a life-saver.