Quick Details
THE ORIGINAL MAUNA KEA SUNSET & STARGAZING EXPERIENCE
The trip begins mid-afternoon with a pick-up at one of our central locations in Kailua Kona, Queen’s Marketplace (Waikoloa Resort), Waikoloa Village (Kohala Coffee Co.), or the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station. (click here for directions). As we drive up the mountain, we learn about island culture, geography, geology and natural history.
While exploring and dining at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station, you’ll discover why the world’s largest telescopes are located here. You’ll also learn about the lives of the astronomers who work on the mountain. Before leaving the Visitor Information Station, we will provide you with parkas and gloves, then engage our four-wheel drive for the steep, half-hour ascent to the summit area.
At the summit, your guide will introduce you to the observatories as they begin to open and rotate into position. You’ll hear about renowned observatories such as Keck, Subaru, and Gemini. There is ample time for photos as the sunset transforms the landscape into a beautiful and almost otherworldly spectacle. After the best colors have faded, we descend to mid-mountain, where the skies remain clear but the climate and air density are much more comfortable for stargazing..
Almost every night, we explore the night sky using our large portable telescopes*. Our guides, known for their skill in locating celestial treasures with high-powered green lasers, will explain the wonders of the night sky in a way that everyone can enjoy. Midway through the evening, we serve hot drinks and a sweet treat to help ward off the chill. The tour lasts between 7.5 and 8.5 hours, depending on where you begin the trip. The exact timing varies throughout the year based on sunset times.
*The stargazing component of our adventure is dependent on natural conditions. Although more than 90% of our trips have excellent stargazing conditions, MKSA does not guarantee the weather in any way.
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- Extremely informative narration from our highly trained guides. Learn all about the cultural and natural aspects of the island.
- Convenient central pick-up points in Kailua Kona, Waikoloa Beach, Waikoloa Village or at the Mauna Kea Visitor Center
- Custom built, 4X4, Mercedes Sprinter vans – the best option available for safe transport to the summit, and panoramic views
- Superb scenery and photo opportunities with Sunset on the summit. Our guides can advise on getting the best images
- Arctic style hooded parkas and one time use gloves
- 11″ Celestron CPC 1100 fully computerized telescopes with premium oculars operated by our expert guides
- A complete Stargazing program with visual and telescopic observations hosted by our expert guides (conditions permitting)
- Gourmet hot cocoa, coffee or tea accompanied with a sweet treat to ward off the chill while stargazing
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- Water and non-alcoholic dinner beverage
- Sweet munchies for the summit
- Extra batteries and memory for your camera
- Maybe a sweater or hoodie for mid-mountain
- Your sense of adventure and wonderment
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In addition to being flavorful and healthy, this delicious meal also travels well on the tour and will warm you up.
- A hearty portion of 3 Cheese vegetable lasagna served with a big homemade chocolate brownie.
- Gourmet hot cocoa, coffees and teas accompanied with a sweet treat while stargazing
Bring your own beverages (no alcohol). We do provide filtered water during supper. There are beverages and snacks available at the Visitors Center when it is open.
Option: You may delete the meal (for dietary concerns) and bring your own.
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Because our tour ascends from sea level to nearly 14,000 feet, and no one is permitted to remain at a lower altitude, there are important health requirements to review before booking.
Heart Conditions: Does anyone in your party have a history of heart problems? This includes ANY heart surgery, stents, pacemakers, bypass surgeries, heart valve irregularities, arrhythmias, etc. Anyone with a history of heart problems is NOT eligible for this tour.
Respiratory Conditions: Does anyone have a history of respiratory issues? This includes pneumonia or RSV in the past six months, any lung conditions or surgeries, COPD, or emphysema. Asthma sufferers who can fully control their asthma with an inhaler and bring it along on the tour are permitted.
Additionally, this high-altitude tour poses health risks for anyone who is pregnant, under 13 years old, or has a body mass index (BMI) over 40.0. Individuals in these categories are not eligible for the tour.
Lastly, please note that scuba diving is not allowed within 24 hours prior to the tour.
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Reservations are fully refundable on parties up to 4 persons until 24 hrs. prior to departure.
For parties of 5 to 7 persons 48 hours prior notice is needed. For parties of 8 to 10 persons 1 weeks prior notice is needed. For groups of 11 + 2 weeks notice is the minimum.
Of course, should we cancel a tour due to weather or for other reasons all payments will be refunded.
Should you find yourself ill before the tour please call us immediately. We may be able to fill your seat from our wait list if given sufficient enough warning.
If you fail to respond to our communications we may cancel your reservation and refund your money. Please provide multiple lines of communication.
M.K.S.A. DOES NOT Guarantee the weather. -
At Mauna Kea Summit Adventures, we are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. However, due to the unpredictable nature of road conditions on Mauna Kea, there may be times when a tour cannot be completed in its entirety. In such cases, a Consumption Fee will apply.
When is the Consumption Fee Applied?
If unforeseen circumstances, such as road closures or safety concerns, prevent the tour from proceeding beyond the Maunakea Visitor Center, we will issue a full refund minus a Consumption Fee. This fee covers the costs associated with consumables and services already provided, such as guide wages, fuel, food, and permit fees.
*Online Booking Fee: For online reservations, a non-refundable booking fee is charged by our reservation software provider, not Mauna Kea Summit Adventures. This fee is not refunded when the consumption fee is applied.
Note: This fee is unrelated to weather conditions. Our tours operate regardless of weather, and refunds are not issued for changes in weather or visibility. The Consumption Fee applies strictly to situations involving road closures or other unforeseen events that halt the tour.
Consumption Fee Rates
$30 per person for guests who received the lasagna meal option.
$21 per person for guests who did not receive a meal.Why Do We Charge a Consumption Fee?
This policy ensures we can provide a fair refund to our customers while retaining the costs incurred for consumables and partially rendered services. It also reflects the dramatic increase in road closures by Maunakea authorities over the past five years, which has affected all tour operators’ ability to complete tours.
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Mauna Kea enjoys an average of 300 clear nights per year. Most inclement nights are easily predictable. However, road closures enforced by authorities on Mauna Kea have become more frequent and difficult to anticipate. We monitor the weather on a daily basis, and if we expect unfavorable conditions, we will cancel the trip and issue a full refund. On average, we experience 50-70 weather- and road-closure-related cancellations per year.
Like any high mountain, Mauna Kea is subject to unpredictable and rapidly changing weather. While we do our best to forecast conditions, we can be wrong—just like anyone who attempts to predict the weather. If the weather turns unfavorable for sunset or stargazing, we may need to adjust our plans to make the most of the trip. Above all, this is a journey to one of the world’s greatest mountains, and we respect the mountain and nature’s unpredictability.
We DO NOT guarantee the weather in any way, but we do guarantee a professionally guided high mountain experience.
The Climate: The average temperature is 30°F (-2°C), and wind is common. Please wear pants and closed-toe shoes, and bring any layering garments you may have. We will provide warm, hooded parkas and single-use gloves.
THE HIGHPOINTS OF OUR TOUR:
TRIP INCLUDES: This 7.5-8.5-hour excursion includes Arctic style parkas with hoods, a hearty hot supper, gourmet hot beverages and convenient pick-up points.
STARGAZING: Learn about the night sky from Polaris to the Southern Cross and see the treasures of the night sky through our powerful telescope. (natural conditions permitting)
ASTONISHING SCENERY: See surrealistic landforms, strange cloudscapes and a panorama of the night sky like no other. Excellent photo opportunities abound!
PROFESSIONAL GUIDES: As the pioneer guide service on Mauna Kea we have over 50 years of combined experience on the mountain.
SUNSET AT THE SUMMIT: Witness and experience the most dramatic spectacle in Hawaii.
Custom Built 4X4 VEHICLES: Large windows and comfortable, coach-style seating.