Hilo/Waikoloa: Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing Tour

The Hilo/Waikoloa: Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing Tour promises an awe-inspiring experience at the highest point in the Pacific. Priced from €264.74 per person, this 6.5 to 7.5-hour adventure takes visitors on a scenic journey, culminating in breathtaking sunset views and a professional stargazing session. With complimentary snacks, hot chocolate, and warm parkas, participants can enjoy the chilly conditions and create lasting memories. But what makes this tour truly exceptional? Let’s explore further.

Key Points

• This tour offers a sunset viewing and stargazing experience atop Mauna Kea, the highest point in the Pacific, for a price starting from €264.74 per person.
• The tour lasts 6.5 to 7.5 hours and includes snacks, hot chocolate, warm parkas, and free night photos emailed to participants.
• Participants will be picked up from various locations in Hilo and Waikoloa, and the tour includes a mini tour of Hilo before heading to Mauna Kea.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 13, pregnant women, individuals with health issues, those prone to altitude sickness, and recent divers.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 413 reviews, with high ratings for the guides’ knowledge and expertise, as well as the quality and safety of the transportation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing Tour is priced from €264.74 per person and lasts between 6.5 to 7.5 hours.

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing Tour is priced from €264.74 per person and lasts between 6.5 to 7.5 hours.

This tour takes visitors to Mauna Kea, the highest point in the Pacific, to witness a picturesque sunset.

Afterward, guests enjoy a stargazing experience with professional telescopes, weather permitting.

Included are snacks, hot chocolate, and warm parkas, as well as free night photos emailed after the tour.

This tour is likely to sell out, so visitors should reserve their spot now.

A free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance is available.

Experience Highlights

Visitors can view a picturesque sunset from the summit of Mauna Kea, the highest point in the Pacific. After the stunning sunset, the experience transitions to a stargazing adventure with the use of professional telescopes, weather permitting. Guests will learn about stars, planets, and even the first black hole photo. Throughout the tour, snacks, hot chocolate, and warm parkas are provided to ensure comfort. The evening concludes with the opportunity to capture memories through free night photos emailed after the tour.

| Experience | Description |

| — | — |

| Sunset | Picturesque views from Mauna Kea summit |

| Stargazing | Professional telescopes, weather dependent |

| Educational | Learn about stars, planets, black holes |

| Comfort | Snacks, hot chocolate, warm parkas provided |

| Memories | Free night photos emailed after tour |

Itinerary and Logistics

The tour begins with pickup locations that include the Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo, Starbucks, and Bank of Hawaii.

Guests are then taken on a mini tour of Hilo before heading to Mauna Kea. Access to the summit requires 4-wheel drive vehicles, but the guides ensure safety throughout the journey.

Once at the summit, visitors can enjoy the picturesque sunset and a stargazing experience with professional telescopes, weather permitting.

The tour concludes with drop-off at the same locations as pickup.

Participant Information and Restrictions

This tour is not suitable for certain participants, including children under 13, pregnant women, individuals with specific health issues, those prone to altitude sickness, or anyone who has been diving within 24 hours. Recommended items for this tour include comfortable shoes and long pants, as the weather can be unpredictable and temperatures may drop below freezing at the summit. The tour’s access to the summit requires 4-wheel drive vehicles, and guides ensure the safety of all participants.

| Unsuitable Participants | Recommended Items |

| — | — |

| – Children under 13 | – Comfortable shoes |

| – Pregnant women | – Long pants |

| – Individuals with health issues |

| – Those prone to altitude sickness |

| – Individuals who have been diving within 24 hours |

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

According to customer reviews, the Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing Tour has received an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 413 reviews.

Guests have particularly praised the knowledgeable guides, giving them a 4.9 rating. The transportation to the summit also received high marks at 4.8 out of 5.

Reviewers felt the tour offered good value for money, with a 4.5 rating in this category. Customers consistently described the sunset and stargazing experience as memorable, with many positive comments about the tour’s safety and organization.

Preparing for the Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing Tour

Preparing for the Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing Tour requires a bit of planning to ensure a comfortable and memorable experience. First, pack warm layers like hats, gloves, and a jacket, as temperatures can drop below freezing. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are also recommended. Plus, bring any necessary medications and stay hydrated.

| Recommended Items | Why | When Needed |

| — | — | — |

| Warm Clothing | Protect from cold temperatures | At the summit |

| Sturdy Shoes | For traversing uneven terrain | Throughout the tour |

| Medications | For any personal health conditions | As needed |

| Water | Stay hydrated | Throughout the tour |

| Camera | Capture the stunning scenery | Sunset and stargazing |

Following these preparation tips will help make the Mauna Kea summit experience truly unforgettable.

What to Expect During the Tour

After being picked up from the designated locations, guests embark on a mini tour of Hilo before heading to the Mauna Kea summit.

At the summit, they’ll witness a picturesque sunset and enjoy a guided stargazing experience, weather permitting. The tour provides snacks, hot chocolate, and warm parkas to keep guests comfortable in the cool temperatures.

Guests can capture memories with free night photos emailed after the tour. Throughout the experience, knowledgeable guides educate attendees about stars, planets, and the first black hole photo.

The 4-wheel drive access ensures a safe ascent to the summit.

Making the Most of Your Stargazing Experience

Guests can make the most of their stargazing experience by taking full advantage of the knowledgeable guides and the state-of-the-art telescopes provided on the tour.

The guides are experts in astronomy and will share fascinating insights about the planets, stars, and even the first-ever photo of a black hole captured in 2019.

Through the powerful telescopes, guests can observe celestial wonders in breathtaking detail, from distant galaxies to nebulae.

Ask Away

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

The minimum age requirement for this tour is 13 years old. The tour is not suitable for children under 13, as indicated in the participant information and restrictions.

Can I Bring My Own Telescope or Camera Equipment?

While participants can bring their own camera equipment, they’re not allowed to bring their own telescopes. The tour provides access to professional telescopes for an optimal stargazing experience.

How Do I Prepare for the Altitude Change on Mauna Kea?

To prepare for the altitude change on Mauna Kea, travelers should hydrate well, avoid alcohol, and take it slow. The tour provider supplies supplemental oxygen and ensures proper acclimatization to mitigate altitude sickness risks.

What Happens if the Weather Is Unfavorable for Stargazing?

If the weather is unfavorable for stargazing, the tour guides will adjust the itinerary and provide alternative activities. Guests may explore the summit, learn about Mauna Kea’s geology, or visit a local observatory instead of stargazing.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Charges Not Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price includes all necessary transportation, equipment, and amenities. There are no additional fees or charges, though weather conditions may impact stargazing access, in which case an alternative activity would be provided.

Final Words

The Hilo/Waikoloa: Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing Tour offers an unparalleled experience atop the highest point in the Pacific. With stunning sunset views, professional stargazing, and comfortable amenities, this tour promises lasting memories and breathtaking sights. Priced at €264.74 per person, it’s an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and astronomy lovers alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: