Hawaii · STARGAZING & MAUNA KEA TOURS

The 15 Best Mauna Kea Stargazing Tours

28 tours  ·  from $96 a head

Fourteen thousand feet, above the cloud and most of the weather. The 15 below compare summit access against the visitor station, and what each provides in the way of parkas, scopes and dinner.

Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars - The long ride up in a 4x4 van
Stargazing & Mauna Kea Tours, Sunset Cruises, Sunset Cruises in the Big Island, Tour Reviews, Tours in the Big Island

Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars

1.Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,706 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $289Our pick

Ride a 4x4 van from Hilo, Waikoloa, or Kona to Mauna Kea’s 13,796-foot summit for sunset, then stargaze at lower elevation. Your small group gets warm jackets, gloves, snacks, hot drinks, guide-led astronomy, a telescope viewing, and a professional night photo. Guides such as Tay, Kella, John, and Chris share Hawaiian stories and sky lore.

“It's an amazing experience being at that height! Once in a lifetime for me. We got some great photos that have impressed are friends and family. Our guide, Tay, was great. The stargazing portion was really cool. The best view of the stars I have ever had.”

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Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour - Sweet bread and malasadas at Punaluʻu Bake Shop
Stargazing & Mauna Kea Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in the Big Island, Volcanoes National Park Tours

Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour

2.Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,619 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $297

Spend about 12 hours crossing Hawaii’s Big Island from Kona or the Kohala Coast. Sample Kona coffee, visit Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, explore Volcanoes National Park, and finish with guided stargazing on Saddle Road. Guides such as Felix, Derek, Todd, and Dreu are known for strong island knowledge and warm, lively commentary.

“Fantastic full day! Starting with the timely pickup from our resort, each stop along the way, the tour made the most of all things on the itinerary. What helped make it so amazing? Derek! The best of the best! Humor, knowledge, professionalism, and going the extra mile. Always offering waters, snacks between meals, so extra! Be prepared for a lot of time driving though… it’s a big island and getting to Volcanoes takes a minute. But so worth it!”

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Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour - Dinner and Hawaiian star navigation at about 9,000 feet
Stargazing & Mauna Kea Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in the Big Island

Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour

3.Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,545 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $329

Ride a 4x4 luxury van from Kona to Mauna Kea’s summit for a sunset above the clouds, then stargaze at about 9,000 feet through an 11-inch Celestron and digital astro-photography telescope. Guides such as Jeff, Jason, Wilson, and Eugene add lessons on astronomy, volcanoes, Hawaiian culture, and ecology. Dinner, parkas, gloves, cocoa, and cookies are included.

“This was an amazing and incredible experience for everyone who participated in the trip. Our tour guide Jeff was informative, friendly and very knowledgeable about Mauna Kea and the sky above. The food and the stops were well-executed and our van Ohana had a great time overall. And, I was able to get some incredible pictures thanks to our guide. Be prepared for a long and sometimes bumpy journey, which is not meant as a negative comment, just a heads-up.”

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Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo - Meeting in Kona, Waikoloa, or Waimea
Stargazing & Mauna Kea Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in the Big Island

Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo

4.Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,449 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $280

Ride a 4x4 van to Mauna Kea’s 13,796-foot summit with guides such as Wes, Chris, or James. You’ll eat, acclimatize, watch sunset above the clouds, then use a telescope and laser pointer to study the night sky. Warm clothing, hot drinks, dinner, and DSLR photos are included.

“Great experience. Beautiful sunset and stargazing. The weather can be unpredictable so I would book it earlier in your stay in case you have to re-schedule for another try. James did a great job. Very informative, fun and thoughtful about our needs for eating and for bathroom breaks. Definitely would recommend.”

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Hawaii’s GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars - The Hilo pickup and the ride uphill
Stargazing & Mauna Kea Tours, Sunset Cruises, Sunset Cruises in the Big Island, Tour Reviews, Tours in the Big Island

Hawaii’s GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars

5.Hawaii’s GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 443 reviews · from $289

Ride from Hilo pickup points to Mauna Kea for sunset at the Pacific’s highest point, then view stars through a telescope near the visitor center. Guides such as Mitch, James, Jess, Rob, Zac, and Tay share Hawaiian history and astronomy. Parkas, gloves, snacks, hot chocolate, and emailed photos are included.

“Jessica and Robert made this an unforgettable evening. This experience you don't want to miss.”

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Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos - What the 90-minute astronomy session feels like
Stargazing & Mauna Kea Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in the Big Island

Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos

6.Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 261 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $299

Meet at Puʻu Huluhulu Cinder Cone parking lot for a roughly 90-minute astronomy session with guides such as James and Dylan. You’ll use a Celestron Origin smart telescope to view galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters, then pose for complimentary medium-resolution photos beneath the Milky Way. Parkas are supplied, but bring gloves and warm layers.

“It was one of a kind!!! Amazing and perfecttt!!! Must visit and must do activity! Perfect perfect! Just best”

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Big Island, Hawaii: Volcano and Stargazing Tour with Dinner - Bay View Farm and the taste of Kona coffee
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Big Island, Hawaii: Volcano and Stargazing Tour with Dinner

7.Big Island, Hawaii: Volcano and Stargazing Tour with Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 179 reviews · 12 hours · from $297

Spend about 12 hours crossing the Big Island with guides such as Aaron, Todd, Felix, or Dreu. Visit a Kona coffee farm, Punalu’u Beach, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and a dark-sky stargazing site. Coffee, snacks, lunch, dinner, transport, and park admission are included, but expect a long day with plenty of van time.

“We had a wonderful time with Aaron. We were able to see a variety of things the Big Island has to offer. Enjoyed the tour immensely”

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Mauna Kea Arnott's Adventures - The climb to 13,796 feet
Stargazing & Mauna Kea Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in the Big Island

Mauna Kea Arnott’s Adventures

8.Mauna Kea Arnott’s Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 150 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $255

Spend about seven hours traveling from Hilo to Mauna Kea’s 13,796-foot summit with a guide such as Donna, Andres, Andrew, or Eris. You’ll acclimate at the Onizuka Astronomy Complex, watch the sunset above the clouds, then stargaze with a laser pointer. Jackets are supplied, but dinner and telescopes are not.

“Great experience, watching sunset, bring warm clothes See night sky with stars and Milky Way, highly recommend. Donna is a fun tour guide”

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Night-Time Snorkel at TurtleTown with Stars, Lights, and Photos - From Makena Landing to the turtle area
Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Maui, Stargazing & Mauna Kea Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Maui

Night-Time Snorkel at TurtleTown with Stars, Lights, and Photos

9.Night-Time Snorkel at TurtleTown with Stars, Lights, and Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 126 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $119

Meet at Makena Landing Park at 6:30 pm for a 90-minute Turtle Town snorkel with a guide such as Robbie, Joe, Payson, or Alec. You begin in daylight, then swim toward the turtle area as the sky darkens. Wetsuit jackets, quality snorkel gear, lights, a safety beacon, and a group of no more than eight are included.

“How easy everything was, easy and clear instructions, good guidance throughout trip, and really liked the small group setting. Saw lots and guides knew what they were doing. Would definitely recommend to anyone”

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Haleakala Summit Best Self-Guided Bike Tour with Bike Maui - Stop 2: The first 15 miles downhill
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Haleakala Summit Best Self-Guided Bike Tour with Bike Maui

10.Haleakala Summit Best Self-Guided Bike Tour with Bike Maui

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 107 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $238

Start in Haiku, ride by shuttle to Haleakala’s summit, and explore the crater with an NAI-certified guide before cycling downhill. You’ll ride a custom Kona bike for about 15 miles, tackle the famous 29 switchbacks, pass through Makawao, and finish back in Haiku. Guide Kimo is known for clear safety advice and engaging Maui stories.

“The guided tour is much better. If you booked a self guided my recommendation is to switch to a guided bike tour”

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Mauna Kea: Stellar Explorer Tour from Hilo - Rainbow Falls gives the day an easy start
Stargazing & Mauna Kea Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in the Big Island

Mauna Kea: Stellar Explorer Tour from Hilo

11.Mauna Kea: Stellar Explorer Tour from Hilo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 67 reviews · 7 hours · from $189

Spend seven hours with a small group of up to 13, visiting Rainbow Falls, Boiling Pots, and Kaumana Caves before stargazing near Mauna Kea. Guides such as Nate, Rich, Hunter, Eric, and Henry explain Hawaiian culture, volcanoes, plants, and the night sky. A large-aperture telescope reveals planets, galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters when weather allows.

“Our guide Henry was spectacular! He had great knowledge and was excited to share it with us! We saw some fantastic star clusters due to his perseverance!!”

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Private Haleakala Summit & Stroll from Kahului - The climb from Kahului through Maui’s changing scenery
Haleakala Sunrise Tours, Private, Stargazing & Mauna Kea Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Maui

Private Haleakala Summit & Stroll from Kahului

12.Private Haleakala Summit & Stroll from Kahului

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 67 reviews · 5 hours (approx.)

From Kahului, you’ll ride privately to Haleakalā’s 10,000-foot summit with a guide such as Joe, Yvonne, Kea, or Gus. Walk Hosmer’s Grove, pause at the crater, look for silverswords and native birds, and enjoy snacks along the way. Hotel pickup costs extra, and the pace can be adjusted to your group.

“Extremely knowledgeable and very enthusiastic about his subject. Highly recommend. Loved learning about the birds and vegetation.”

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Kilauea Summit to Shore from Kona: Small Group - Crossing Saddle Road and the Big Island’s changing climates
Stargazing & Mauna Kea Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in the Big Island, Volcanoes National Park Tours

Kilauea Summit to Shore from Kona: Small Group

13.Kilauea Summit to Shore from Kona: Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 52 reviews · 8 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $235

Join Scott of The Volcano Van for an 8 to 9-hour small-group journey from Kona across the Big Island. You’ll cross Saddle Road, enter a lava tube, see Rainbow Falls, follow the Red Road through Puna, and visit Kilauea in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Hotel pickup, lunch, snacks, water, and transport are included.

“What an amazing island! Scott's love for Volcanos shows as he tells you all about them. He also shares many interesting facts and knowledge of the various environments that you will pass thru during the tour. The diversity is amazing. Unfortunately we were a little rushed the day of our tour and had very typical January weather, so some of our photos are not what you would hope for scenery wise, Scott also liked to avoid the crowds and venture where the crowds were not. I too like to go to the more less traveled areas, but sometimes you have to deal with the crowds a bit, especially at overlooks…”

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Haleakala Sunset and Astronomy Tour - Haleakalā National Park and the volcanic crater
Haleakala Sunrise Tours, Stargazing & Mauna Kea Tours, Sunset Cruises, Sunset Cruises in Maui, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Maui

Haleakala Sunset and Astronomy Tour

14.Haleakala Sunset and Astronomy Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 33 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $235

Meet guide Trish at 4:30 pm in Makawao for a small-group ride to Haleakalā National Park. You’ll learn about Maui’s geology, plants, and animals, watch sunset above the clouds, then use a telescope and binoculars to see stars and planets. Warm outerwear, chairs, and hot drinks are provided. Bring dinner.

“Trish was very knowledgeable and provided so much interesting information about the area as well as the night sky after sunset. She made the whole experience magical as well as comfortable. I highly recommend this tour with her and would love to experience it all again.”

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Stargazing Tour in Kapalua - Astronomy explained without a heavy lecture
Stargazing & Mauna Kea Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Maui

Stargazing Tour in Kapalua

15.Stargazing Tour in Kapalua

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $96Best value

Meet Christian at Kapalua for a one-hour beach stargazing session with the naked eye and a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. You’ll see stars, planets, clusters, nebulae, or galaxies when conditions allow, while learning basic astronomy and some Hawaiian celestial traditions. The group is limited to 12, with a sandmat provided for seating.

“It’s about a one hour experience on the beach. The telescope is excellent. Christian was very knowledgeable. We saw about 5 different views and time at the telescope is limited by the number of people.”

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New in Stargazing & Mauna Kea Tours

★ 3.5From Big Island Hilo – Enchanting Mauna Kea & Waterfalls TourFrom $4507 reviews
★ 5.02-Hour Mauna Kea One Stop Sealife Snorkel AdventureFrom $1193 reviews
★ 4.0Mauna Kea Signature Sunset Coastline CruiseFrom $1098 reviews
★ 5.0Mauna Kea 3hr Two Stop Sealife Snorkel AdventureFrom $1495 reviews
★ 5.0Private Mauna Kea Summit Jeep Tour – 4 seatsFrom $1947 reviews
★ 4.9Night Time Snorkel At Turtle Town With Lights And StarsFrom $1296 reviews
★ 4.4Kilauea Summit to ShoreFrom $2108 reviews

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