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Hilo: Mauna Kea Summit Tour

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$255.00 /person
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About the activity

Experience the magic of Mauna Kea on a guided tour from Hilo. Witness a stunning sunset from the summit, enjoy a stargazing session (weather permitting), and learn about the mountain’s history.

  • Free cancellation
    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
  • Instant confirmation & Mobile tickets
    Receive your ticket right away. Use your phone or print your voucher.
  • Live guiding
    English
  • Duration
    6 hours
  • Includes
    • Small group tour with a maximum of 13 passengers
    • Professionally guided tour in a 4WD van or SUV
    • Stop at Rainbow Falls in Hilo (for guests picked up in Hilo only)
    • Cultural, astronomical, and geological history insights
    • View from the summit at sunset
    • Stargazing with trained guides using a handheld laser (weather permitting)
    • Jackets available upon request
    • Tour departure from Hilo with hotel pickups or meeting at Onizuka Visitors Center
    • Dinner
    • Drinks
    • Binoculars
Highlights & Description

Highlights

  • Feel the thrill of ascending to the summit of Mauna Kea at 14,000 feet
  • Witness a breathtaking sunset from the summit of Hawaii’s highest peak
  • Enjoy a stargazing session with a trained guide and a handheld laser
  • Learn about the cultural, astronomical, and geological history of Mauna Kea
  • Travel in a comfortable 4WD vehicle with a professional guide

Description

Begin your journey in Hilo at 2:30 p.m., where the lush rainforests and flowing waterfalls of Waianuenue (Rainbow Falls) offer a striking contrast to the otherworldly terrain you’ll encounter 14,000 feet above sea level.

Travel from the historic downtown area, past the Japanese gardens of Liliuokalani Park, and up through the diverse microclimates that make the Big Island so unique.

As you travel through the misty saddle between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, notice the gradual transformation of the landscape into the Mars-like terrain of the summit area.

Reach the summit of Mauna Kea and watch the golden light bathe the volcanic landscape in warm hues as the shadow of Mauna Kea stretches across the island.

After sunset, enjoy a star show above 9,000 ft. with your trained guides using a handheld laser (weather permitting: stargazing is not guaranteed. While we will always stargaze when available, we do not have control over weather conditions).

Good to know before you go
  • Tour proceeds if the road to the summit is open, regardless of weather.
  • We cannot guarantee sunset or star visibility.
  • Guests must be able to walk at least 100 yards briskly and climb into the van unaided.
  • Step stools are rated for 250 lbs/115 kg
  • Consult a doctor if unsure about health conditions related to altitude changes
Meeting point

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cancellation policy for this activity?
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
2. When will I receive the confirmation of my booking?
You will receive an email notification right after your successful payment. If you don't see it in your inbox, check your spam or junk mail folder. When the payment is completed you have the option to download your ticket directly.
3. Are mobile tickets enough or do I have to print them?
Tickets don't need to be printed. You can show your ticket from your smartphone as a PDF.
  • Participant
    0-99 years
May 2026
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