Big Island: Maunakea Summit & Stars

The Big Island’s Maunakea Summit & Stars tour promises an unforgettable experience. Visitors can witness a breathtaking sunset from the summit’s peak and explore the wonders of the night sky through powerful telescopes. With a warm picnic meal, educational insights, and stunning views along the way, this tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with Hawaii’s rich cultural and scientific heritage. Whether you’re a stargazer or simply seeking an adventure, this tour is not to be missed.

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Key Points

An 8-hour excursion offering a breathtaking sunset view from the summit of Maunakea and guided stargazing through telescopes.
Pickup available from popular hotels on the Kona coast, with stops including the Maunakea Visitor Information Station for dinner and acclimatization.
The Maunakea Visitor Information Station provides a warm picnic meal, hot chocolate, and educational exhibits about the cultural and scientific significance of the mountain.
The Maunakea summit offers an unobstructed view of the horizon, allowing for an awe-inspiring sunset experience with vibrant hues and a serene atmosphere.
After sunset, guests can enjoy stargazing through high-powered telescopes and learn about traditional Hawaiian star navigation, accompanied by a warm picnic meal and hot drinks.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Maunakea Summit & Stars Tour

The Maunakea Summit & Stars tour allows visitors to experience the majestic beauty of the tallest mountain in the Pacific.

This 8-hour excursion takes participants to the summit of Maunakea, where they can witness the breathtaking sunset.

After dark, guests will gaze at the stars through telescopes and learn about Hawaiian star navigation.

The tour includes a warm picnic meal and hot chocolate.

Priced from $313.09 per person, the tour has limited capacity and is likely to sell out.

Guests can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour is conducted in English by a live guide.

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Pickup Locations and Itinerary Details

The tour offers pickup locations at several popular hotels and destinations across the Kona coast.

Guests can be picked up from the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, Waikōloa Plaza, Maunakea Visitor Information Station, or Queens Marketplace.

The main stops include the Maunakea Visitor Information Station for dinner and a picnic, followed by a trip to the Mauna Kea summit to view the sunset.

On the way back, guests will enjoy scenic views and dessert for about an hour.

Maunakea Visitor Information Station

At the Maunakea Visitor Information Station, travelers enjoy a 45-minute stop to savor a warm picnic meal and hot chocolate.

This rest stop allows them to refuel and acclimate to the high altitude before continuing their journey.

The station’s exhibits educate visitors about the cultural significance and scientific importance of Maunakea.

Travelers can explore the displays, use the restrooms, and prepare for the scenic drive to the summit.

This essential stop ensures travelers are comfortable and well-informed as they embark on the breathtaking experience of witnessing the sunset from atop Maunakea.

Viewing the Sunset From Maunakea Summit

Why does the Maunakea summit provide such an exceptional vantage point for witnessing the sunset?

As the highest point in the Pacific, Maunakea offers an unobstructed view of the horizon. From the summit, one can observe the sun dipping below the clouds, painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple.

The lack of light pollution at this elevated location ensures the sunset isn’t diminished by ambient city lights. Visitors can soak in the serene atmosphere and snap breathtaking photographs of this natural spectacle.

Witnessing the sunset from Maunakea’s peak is a truly awe-inspiring experience.

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Stargazing and Hawaiian Star Navigation

As the sun dips below the horizon, the Maunakea summit transforms into a mesmerizing stargazing destination.

Visitors are treated to an up-close view of the dazzling night sky, with the help of high-powered telescopes. Under the guidance of knowledgeable tour guides, they learn about traditional Hawaiian star navigation, an integral part of the island’s rich cultural heritage.

Guests delight in spotting constellations, planets, and even distant galaxies, all while sipping on warm beverages and savoring a delectable dessert.

This enchanting experience offers a deeper appreciation for the celestial wonders that have captivated Hawaiians for centuries.

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Picnic Meal and Hot Chocolate

During the tour, visitors enjoy a warm picnic meal and hot chocolate at the Maunakea Visitor Information Station.

The meal features:

Local Hawaiian dishes, hearty soups and breads, seasonal fruits and vegetables, warm drinks like coffee and hot cocoa, and delectable desserts.

Local Hawaiian dishes
Hearty soups and breads
Seasonal fruits and vegetables
Warm drinks like coffee and hot cocoa
Desserts such as cookies or pastries

This stop provides a necessary break from the cold temperatures atop Maunakea.

The picnic offers a chance to refuel and warm up before continuing the journey to the summit for stunning sunset views and stargazing.

The nourishing food and drinks reenergize visitors for the remainder of the unforgettable experience.

Scenic Views on the Way Back

On the return journey from the Maunakea summit, the tour provides scenic views that captivate visitors.

As the vehicle descends, passengers gaze out at the breathtaking panoramas that unfold before them. Vibrant hues of orange and pink paint the sky during the golden hour. Beneath the colorful heavens, the lush, verdant landscape of the Big Island stretches out, dotted with volcanic cones and rolling hills.

For an hour, guests soak in these stunning sights, a perfect end to the day’s adventure atop the highest point in the Pacific. The scenic drive back is a serene and memorable experience.

What to Bring for the Experience

Preparing for the Maunakea summit experience requires proper attire and equipment.

Visitors should dress warmly in closed-toe shoes, long pants, and a sweatshirt or sweater. Bringing a reusable water bottle is essential to stay hydrated.

To keep the extremities cozy, warm socks and winter gloves are provided. The tour also supplies parkas to guard against the chilly summit conditions.

With the right gear, guests can fully enjoy the breathtaking views and stargazing activities atop the highest point in the Pacific.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour as a Solo Traveler?

Yes, this tour is suitable for solo travelers. The tour operator accommodates individual bookings and limits the group size to 12 participants, ensuring a personalized experience for each guest.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?

Yes, there is an option to upgrade to a private tour. Guests can choose a private Maunakea Summit & Stars tour, which offers a more personalized experience with a dedicated guide and maximum flexibility.

Do I Need Any Prior Experience for the Stargazing Activity?

No prior stargazing experience is needed for this tour. The knowledgeable guides provide all the necessary equipment and instructions to ensure participants fully enjoy the stargazing experience, even if it’s their first time.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour provides a warm picnic meal and hot chocolate, but guests are welcome to bring their own additional food and non-alcoholic drinks if desired. Bringing a reusable water bottle is recommended.

Is Photography Allowed During the Sunset and Stargazing Sessions?

Photography is allowed during the sunset and stargazing sessions. Participants are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the stunning views of the Maunakea summit and the night sky. However, flash photography may be prohibited to avoid disturbing the stargazing experience.

The Sum Up

The Maunakea Summit & Stars tour is an unforgettable experience that takes visitors on a breathtaking journey to the top of Hawaii’s highest peak. With stunning sunset views, educational insights into Hawaiian star navigation, and a picturesque return journey, this tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the natural beauty and cultural significance of the Big Island. It’s a must-do for anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure in Hawaii.