Best Mauna Kea Summit Tours from Kona & Hilo
- Eric Beuning
- May 19
- 5 min read
Updated: May 28
The first time I landed on the Big Island back in 2007, I knew I wanted to go to the summit of Mauna Kea. It's one of those Hawaiian vacation experiences that is literally and figuratively breathtaking. Over the years of visiting the Big Island, I realized that there are a few different tour options, and not every Mauna Kea summit experience is the same.
What's available can vary depending on if you're staying in Hilo or Kona. So, I thought I would break down each set of options, along with some Frequently asked questions, to help you truly elevate your Big Island vacation.
Mauna Kea Tours Departing from Kona
Mauna Kea tours departing from Kona might take half an hour or longer than a summit tour departing from Hilo. This is simply due to the logistical distance from Kona to Mauna Kea’s summit access road.
This tour has pickup points both in Kailua-Kona and Waikoloa. So, if you’re already staying in Waikoloa, it might be your best option. It takes you to the summit of Mauna Kea (13,800 ft) for a breathtaking sunset, followed by stargazing at 12,000 ft. The total tour duration is around 6 hours.
The thing I appreciate most about this tour is that they give you warm parkas, gloves, a light meal, to help keep you warm and comfortable. I’m a Minnesotan, so I’m a little more used to the cold, but if you’re from a warm home state, I’d definitely put this Mauna Kea summit tour on the top of your list.
I also liked that they take professional DSLR photos of you under the stars. Then the digital images are delivered directly to your smartphone. This is much better than trying to take pictures of the stars yourself, which is something that most smartphone cameras struggle to do well.
PRO TIP: This Mauna Kea tour sells out well in advance. So, I’d plan to reserve it early, and then you can plan your other Big Island itinerary around it.
This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Mauna Kea's astronomical wonders. You'll travel across Saddle Road between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, with informative narration on the region's geology and history. If you’re planning to take Saddle Road to Hilo later in your trip, this is also a good chance to see it without having to be behind the wheel.
The highlight is nighttime stargazing through large aperture telescopes, providing unparalleled views of galaxies, nebulae, and stellar gas clouds. I appreciated the depth of the explanation but being able to look at the stars like that with my own eyes really put me in the moment.
👉 Book the Mauna Kea Stellar Explorer Tour from Kona
Mauna Kea Tours Departing from Hilo
Maun Kea summit tours that are based out of Hilo are often a little shorter. If you’re already staying on the east side of the Island, you could visit the Kilauea Volcano in the morning and then take a sunset or evening tour of Mauna Kea.
One of the things I love about this Mauna Kea Summit Tour is that it starts from Hilo and includes short visits to Rainbow Falls and Kaumana Caves It then takes you across Saddle Road to Mauna Kea.
The tour includes large aperture telescopes that let you see the stars firsthand with greater clarity than you can ever get below the cloud deck. The guides here are also expert astronomers, which gives you a greater connection to what you’re seeing. Especially for stellar bodies that are only visible during certain times of the year.
👉 Book here: Mauna Kea Stellar Explorer Tour from Hilo
This Hawaii’s GOAT Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars tour is a smaller group experience, which I think is awesome for a family of four or fewer. It departs from Hilo and takes 7 to 8 hours. The tour includes a nice blend of natural beauty, cultural insights, and astronomical wonders. They provide warm jackets gloves, hot beverages, and snacks to keep you comfortable in the cooler summit temperatures.
They drive you to the summit of Mauna Kea to catch the golden hour sunset and the breathtaking panorama of being above the clouds. Once the sun is fully down the stars start to come out. There’s a nice, long stargazing session using a professional telescope. You get to enjoy watching the celestial world slide by as the guide captures photos of the experience that they email to you later.
Frequently asked questions about Mauna Kea Summit Tours
While touring Mauna Kea’s summit is generally safe, there are a few special things you might want to consider when planning your Big Island itinerary.
What is the best time of day to take a Mauna Kea Summit tour?
Most people choose sunset tours followed by stargazing. This gives you incredible golden hour views from the summit and access to some of the clearest night skies on Earth.
Can you drive yourself to the summit of Mauna Kea?
No, only 4WD vehicles are allowed past the visitor center to the summit, and tour companies need permits. Even if you tried to wing it, there are some challenging spots. I drive a four wheel drive SUV and I wouldn’t try to self-drive to the summit of Mauna Kea.
Are Mauna Kea Summit tours safe?
Yes, licensed tour operators are well-trained in high-altitude safety. Most tours include an acclimation stop at the Mauna Kea Visitor Center and provide warm jackets, gloves, and hot drinks.
What should I wear on a Mauna Kea summit tour?
Dress in layers. Even in summer, summit temperatures can drop below freezing. Bring a warm jacket, gloves, closed-toe shoes, and long pants. Most tours provide additional cold-weather gear.
Can you see stars without going to the summit?
Yes! The Mauna Kea Visitor Center (at 9,200 feet) also offers excellent stargazing opportunities, especially if you don’t want to go to higher altitudes.
How long is a typical Mauna Kea Summit tour?
Most tours last 6 to 8 hours. There’s usually a stop half way up to let everyone acclimate, drive to the summit, view the sunset, and enjoy guided stargazing with telescopes.
Is there an observatory visit included in the tour?
No, observatories on Mauna Kea are research facilities and not open to the public. However, guides provide telescope viewing and educational insights during the stargazing portion of the tour.
Do I need to be physically fit to go on a Mauna Kea Summit tour?
You don’t need to hike, but high altitude can be strenuous. If you have medical conditions, consult your doctor before booking. Also, children under 13, pregnant women, and those with heart or respiratory issues are not recommended to visit the summit due to high altitude.
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