The most epic experience on Hawaii’s Big Island
The breathtaking view you'll never forget
Watch an amazing Sunrise/Sunset from the summit of Mauna Kea, nearly 14,000 ft. above the Pacific Ocean. Located in the center of Hawai’i Island, Mauna Kea has an unobstructed view of the horizon and offers a breathtaking vista that is hard to match. This view, coupled with its famous clear skies and dry crisp air, creates the perfect condition for absolutely stunning scenery.
My God, it's full of stars!
Mauna Kea is also known as one of the best stargazing spots in the world for its air clarity and total darkness. Our tours include ample time to explore the amazing star-filled night sky from where ancient Hawaiians believed the earth meets the universe.
Tour Details
| Tour | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stars Tour | Mauna Kea Sunrise & Stars Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $265 (plus tax & fees) | $265 (plus tax & fees) |
| Age Restriction | 13-84* | 13-84* |
| Availability | Daily (weather permitting) | Non-scheduled |
| Minimum Participants | 3** | 3** |
| Maximum Occupancy Per Vehicle | 12 | 12 |
| Departure Time | Early afternoon (time varies with season) | After midnight (time varies with season) |
| Returning Time | Late night (time varies with season) | Early morning (time varies with season) |
| Tour Duration | 7-8 hours | 7-8 hours |
| Time Spent at the Summit | Approx. 1hr during sunset | Approx. 1hr during sunrise |
| Stargazing | Approx. 1hr guided with computerized telescope*** | Approx. 30min unguided (no telescope) |
| Gear Provided | Heavy-duty hooded parka | Heavy-duty hooded parka |
| Food Provided | Light snacks and hot chocolate | Light snacks and hot chocolate |
| Vehicle | 4×4 passenger van | 4×4 passenger van |
Please note;
- Our tours do not include meals. We provide light snacks and you are welcome to bring your own.
- Please bring warm clothes to wear under the provided parka. Read the FAQ to learn more about our Mauna Kea Tours.
- We strongly encourage you to bring water. Drinking water will reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
- You will be standing outside for roughly an hour while stargazing. If you have difficulty standing, please let us know in advance.
- Gratuity is not included in the tour price but tips are greatly appreciated.
*Children 12 or younger are not allowed on our tours due to the high altitude. Seniors 85 or older may only participate in our Private Charter Tours for our guides to be more attentive to their health during the tour.
**If the number of participants does not reach 3 by 24 hours before the tour departs, the tour will be canceled. Customers who have already applied will have the option to pay the difference to avoid cancellation.
3 convenient locations to catch your tour van
We provide 3 convenient pickup points in Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa Beach Resort, and Onizuka Visitor Center. Select an ideal location according to where you are staying or your activity of the day.
Don’t have a car? Or just don’t feel like driving? No worries! We can pick you up at major hotels and condos on the west side of the island. (Subject to an additional fee)
E Ola Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is one of the most sacred sites for native Hawaiians and the Hawaiian culture. We are dedicated to promoting a deep appreciation of and respect for the natural beauty, culture, people, and history of Mauna Kea and Hawaiʻi Island. E Ola Mauna Kea – Let Mauna Kea Live!
We continue to receive and pass on the traditional teachings of Kumu Kaela Ching, our exclusive advisor to the Hawaiian culture.
Tours operated by Taikobo Hawaii, Inc.
Taikobo Hawaii, Inc. has been providing guided tours to the summit of Mauna Kea since 1983 as well as other famous tourist destinations on the Big Island of Hawaii. We are one of the few companies that are officially authorized by The Office of Maunakea Management (part of the University of Hawaii at Hilo) to conduct commercial tours in this Hawaiian sanctuary.
We are dedicated to promoting a deep appreciation and respect for the natural beauty, culture, and history of the Big Island of Hawaii and the Hawaiian People by providing a variety of safe, enjoyable, and educational tours to visitors from all over the world, and by focusing company resources on the development of hospitable and knowledgeable guides and safe and comfortable tour vehicles.
https://taikobo.com
Tripadvisor
COVID-19 Health & Safety Policy
Although Hawaii’s indoor mask mandate is no longer in effect, masks are still recommended in our tour van to lower the risk of transmission. It is wise to wear a mask while indoors with people whose vaccination status is unknown and when you are unable to maintain physical distancing.
Our health policy is subject to change in the future due to State of Hawaii regulations and recommendations.
Updated: March 26, 2022