🌌 Hawaii Forest & Trail - Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Adventure
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the summit of Mauna Kea, known to be the best location for stargazing in the world. Watching a sunset and the stars from atop Mauna Kea’s summit at 13,803 feet (4,207 m) is an awe-inspiring experience.
Your adventure begins with a ride up the Mauna Kea access road, where you’ll get to see the changing landscapes, from desolate lava flows and rolling pasturelands to sub-alpine dryforests.
Prior to heading up to the summit, you’ll be served a hot picnic-style dinner. You’ll then continue up the mountain, and once at the summit, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the entire Big Island. From up here, you can even see Mt. Haleakala on the neighbor island of Maui. It might be hard to believe that you’re standing on the world’s tallest mountain when measured from the ocean floor, rising over 32,000 feet (9,754 m) to its summit.
After the sun sets, the tour continues to the Visitor Information Station, located at 9,000 feet (2,743 m), where we’ll set up our own telescope to do some stargazing. You’ll also be served hot beverages.
🌟 Tour Highlights
- Enjoy a warm picnic dinner on the beautiful mountain while learning about Hawaiian star navigation
- Your guide will share historic accounts of early travelers through the mountain lands
- Delight in the awe-inspiring sunset at the top of Mauna Kea, the highest point in the Pacific
- Stand amidst the world’s largest collection of research telescopes
- Descend to a lower elevation after the sun sets and sip hot chocolate during a private star show with our 11” Celestron telescope
🎟️ Tour Inclusions
- Dinner choice of one of the following: Southwest Chicken Stew or Vegan Chili (gluten free)
- Assorted teas
- Hot chocolate
- Warm hooded parkas and gloves are provided
Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Adventure FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How cold does it get at the summit of Mauna Kea?
The average summit temperature is around freezing, and wind can make it feel even colder after sunset. Warm hooded parkas and gloves are provided, but guests should still wear long pants, closed-toed shoes and layered clothing.
Why does the stargazing portion take place below the summit?
After sunset, the tour descends to approximately 9,000 feet for the private star show. This lower elevation provides a comfortable location for telescope viewing while guests enjoy hot chocolate and learn about Hawaiian star navigation and the night sky.
Who should not take the Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Adventure?
Because the tour reaches 13,803 feet, it is not recommended for pregnant guests or people with certain heart, circulatory or respiratory conditions. Children under 13 are not permitted, and guests who have been scuba diving within the previous 24 hours should not participate.