Maunakea Summit & Stars Adventure
Who this tour fits
Age bands that meet this tour's minimum age.
- Minimum age
- 13 years
- Physical intensity
- moderate
- Group type
- Yes
- Max group size
- 24 guests
- Duration
- 450 minutes
- What's included
- Equipment, Guide, Photos
- Accessibility
- Not wheelchair accessible. Guests must be able to walk on uneven or rocky terrain with limited lighting on their own. Collapsible wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. All guests must enter and exit vehicles independently.
Verified Jul 16, 2026. Confirm with the operator when booking.
Verified Jul 16, 2026. Confirm with the operator when booking.
About this tour
Journey from sea level to the summit of Maunakea - one of the world's premier astronomical sites - for a sunset and stargazing experience led by Hawaii Forest & Trail's expert guides. This 7 to 8-hour evening adventure takes you through diverse climate zones as you ascend nearly 14,000 feet to witness a spectacular sunset over the Pacific, followed by a private star show under some of the clearest skies on Earth.
After sunset, your guide sets up an 11-inch Celestron telescope for an intimate tour of the Hawaiian night sky, pointing out planets, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies visible with remarkable clarity at this altitude. A state-of-the-art digital telescope captures images of deep-space objects that are emailed to you after the tour - a unique souvenir of your evening above the clouds.
A warm picnic dinner is served on the mountain with your choice of Southwest Stew or Vegetarian Chili (both vegan and gluten-free options), along with hot chocolate and cookies for dessert. Hooded parkas and gloves are provided to keep you comfortable in the cold summit temperatures, which can drop well below freezing.
This tour is recommended for ages 13 and up and is not advised for guests with respiratory, circulatory, or heart conditions, or those who are pregnant, due to the extreme altitude. If you plan to scuba dive during your trip, allow at least 24 hours between your last dive and this tour. Pickup is available from multiple Kona and Waikoloa locations. Please note the late return time and arrange transportation from your pickup point accordingly.
Why book this operator
- Local operator in Kailua-Kona
- 4.9 out of 5 (706 Google reviews)
What's included
Included
- Equipment
- Guide
- Photos
Tour details
- Child Seat Required
- No
- Days Operated
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
- Departure Time
- Afternoon departures daily from Kona King Kamehameha Courtyard Marriott, Queen's Marketplace in Waikoloa Beach Resort, and Waikoloa Plaza in Waikoloa Village
- Departure Times
- afternoon
- Difficulty Level
- Moderate
- Duration
- Around 7 to 8 hours
- Food Included
- full_meal
- Free Cancellation Window
- 24 hours
- Group Size
- small
- Guided
- Yes
- Health Restrictions
- pregnancy, heart conditions
- Hotel Pickup
- Yes
- Includes
- Equipment, Guide, Photos
- Infant Policy
- prohibited
- Maximum Group Size
- 24 people
- Maximum Passengers
- 24 guests
- Meeting Location
- Kona King Kamehameha Courtyard Marriott, Queen's Marketplace in Waikoloa Beach Resort, Waikoloa Plaza in Waikoloa Village, or Maunakea Visitors Center
- Minimum Age
- 13 years
- Physical Intensity
- moderate
- Private Option
- Yes
- Private Option Available
- Yes
- Total Duration
- 450 minutes
- Transport Included
- hotel_pickup
- Weather Dependent
- Yes
- What to Bring
- Water Bottle, Hiking Shoes, Light Jacket
Frequently asked questions
How long is Maunakea Summit & Stars Adventure?
Maunakea Summit & Stars Adventure lasts about 450.
How much does Maunakea Summit & Stars Adventure cost?
Maunakea Summit & Stars Adventure costs $315 per person.
Is there a minimum age for Maunakea Summit & Stars Adventure?
The minimum age for Maunakea Summit & Stars Adventure is 13 years old.
Where does Maunakea Summit & Stars Adventure meet?
Maunakea Summit & Stars Adventure meets at Kona King Kamehameha Courtyard Marriott, Queen's Marketplace in Waikoloa Beach Resort, Waikoloa Plaza in Waikoloa Village, or Maunakea Visitors Center.
What is included with Maunakea Summit & Stars Adventure?
Maunakea Summit & Stars Adventure includes Equipment, Guide, and Photos.
What is the cancellation policy for Maunakea Summit & Stars Adventure?
Full refund with 24 hours' notice of cancellation. Private tours require 72 hours' notice for a full refund. Cancellations within the cancellation period and no-shows will be charged the full amount.
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