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SUNSET & STARGAZING TOUR

Quick Details

Adult (No Meal)

No dinner provided

$ 273.14

Adult (With Lasagna Meal)

Lasagna Included

$ 281.73

2025 (No Meal)

No dinner provided

$ 300.00

2025 (With Lasagna Meal)

Lasagna Included

$ 310.00

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.

THE HIGHPOINTS OF OUR TOUR:

iconTRIP 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.

a close up of a logoSTARGAZING: 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!

iconPROFESSIONAL GUIDES: As the pioneer guide service on Mauna Kea we have over 50 years of combined experience on the mountain.

iconSUNSET AT THE SUMMIT: Witness and experience the most dramatic spectacle in Hawaii.

iconCustom Built 4X4 VEHICLES: Large windows and comfortable, coach-style seating.