Since 1983, our tours have been guided by passion, responsibility, and a deep love for Mauna Kea. This experience takes you to the summit in luxury 4x4 vehicles, where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking sunset above the clouds, followed by an unforgettable stargazing session. With professional-grade telescopes and expert narration, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the beauty of the cosmos. Along the way, you’ll savor a hearty hot supper, gourmet hot cocoa or coffee, and a sweet treat to round out your evening adventure.

Your journey includes everything you need for a safe and comfortable adventure. We provide Arctic-style hooded parkas, informative narration from our experienced guides, and a professional stargazing program featuring 11” Celestron CPC 1100HD computerized telescopes. You’ll also enjoy a hot lasagna dinner at mid-mountain, gourmet hot beverages, and sweet treats during stargazing. Pick-up and drop-off are available from central locations, ensuring your convenience from start to finish.

Gratuities for your guides are not included and are optional. Guests are also responsible for any personal items or specialty beverages they wish to bring along. No alcohol is allowed.

The adventure begins with an afternoon pick-up from your designated location. From there, you’ll journey in a custom-built 4x4 vehicle to Mauna Kea, where you’ll enjoy a hearty hot supper before ascending to the summit. At nearly 14,000 feet, you’ll witness a breathtaking sunset, followed by a guided stargazing session using powerful telescopes. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the night sky before returning you safely to your pick-up location.

This tour is unlike any other. You’ll explore the surreal landforms and unique cloudscapes of Mauna Kea, culminating in a sunset view that is often considered the most dramatic spectacle in Hawaii. Our professional guides bring over 50 years of combined experience to your adventure, providing expert knowledge and engaging stories. After the sunset, you’ll embark on a stargazing journey to uncover the treasures of the night sky, from Polaris to the Southern Cross. With powerful telescopes and premium equipment, you’ll witness the heavens like never before.

We ask that all guests arrive at their pick-up location 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. A valid photo ID is required for verification. Please double-check your pick-up time and location upon booking to ensure a seamless experience.

We recommend bringing water, a dinner beverage of your choice, and any personal snacks or “sweet munchies” for the summit. A warm sweater or hoodie is suggested for mid-mountain stops. Be sure to bring extra batteries and memory cards for your camera to capture the unforgettable sights. Most importantly, don’t forget to bring your sense of adventure and wonder!

Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All participants should be in good health and capable of walking short distances on uneven terrain.

This tour is physically demanding due to the extreme altitude of nearly 14,000 feet and is not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with serious heart or respiratory conditions, or those prone to severe altitude sickness. Participants must be at least 13 years old and in good overall health. While no hiking is required, uneven terrain and the lack of wheelchair lifts in our vans may make this tour unsuitable for individuals with significant mobility challenges. Guests using foldable wheelchairs are welcome but must be able to step into and out of the vehicle with minimal assistance. If you have any health concerns, including a BMI over 40 or a history of altitude-related issues, we strongly recommend consulting your physician before booking. For any specific needs or questions about accessibility, please contact us directly so we can assess if this tour is a good fit for you.

Safety is our top priority, and we strive to deliver an exceptional experience. However, due to the unpredictable nature of Mauna Kea’s weather and road conditions, tours may occasionally be impacted. In the event of road closures or other unforeseen circumstances that prevent the tour from proceeding beyond the Maunakea Visitor Center, we apply a Consumption Fee to cover costs for services already rendered, such as guide wages, fuel, food, and permit fees. This fee is $30 per person if meals are provided or $21 per person without meals.

We do not offer refunds for weather-related changes in visibility, as weather conditions on Mauna Kea are inherently unpredictable. Tours will proceed regardless of cloud cover, rain, or other subjective conditions. Adjustments may be made to the itinerary if necessary to ensure safety and maximize your experience.

Cancellations initiated by us due to safety concerns or road closures will be refunded in full, minus any non-refundable booking fees charged by the reservation software provider. Please note that refunds are not issued for subjective evaluations of weather, as we cannot guarantee clear skies.

Our tours are designed to respect the mountain’s unique environment and ever-changing conditions. By booking, you agree to these terms and understand that Mauna Kea offers a dynamic, unforgettable adventure where nature’s unpredictability is part of the journey.