Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos

Overview

Led by an Astronomer and Astro-Photographer, we are the only star tour operator that offers 2 hour experiences, avoids the bright moon and offers a stargazing guarantee.

The tour comes in 3 parts:

First:
Your guide will point out celestial objects and constellations with a powerful green laser pointer and answer questions about the universe.

Second:
View details of a galaxy, a nebula, a star cluster and a red giant star through a star tracker/deep space camera setup and a Unistellar EV telescope 2. We also bring binoculars and a night vision scope.

Third:
Your Astro-Photographer will take a few complimentary stellar photos of you with the Milky Way.

High Resolution upgrades are available.

Stargazing locations vary each night depending on clouds and crowds. We stargaze on the slopes of Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa, whichever spot has the best conditions.

City: Big Island of Hawaii

Sat 13 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $299.00

Make a reservation

Sat 13 Dec

Starting at $299.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Complimentary Medium Resolution Photos

Parka Jackets

Professional photographer guide

All activities

Additional Info

Service animals allowed
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Dress code: Wear pants and closed-toed shoes
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Weather can reach 30F. We have parka jackets that have pockets and a hood, although that may not be enough for some
Not recommended for travelers with any mobility/ambulatory restrictions, back, heart and hearing problems or other serious medical conditions
Pregnant Travelers should discuss with their doctor before hand.
Not suitable for some senior citizens
Not recommended for chronic complainers ;)

What To Expect

Onizuka Astronomy Complex

Lead by an astronomer and astro photographer, our experiences avoid the overcrowded Onizuka Astronomy Complex. We stargaze away from the crowds on Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa and time slots are hand selected to avoid the bright moon. Experiences are only 2 hours long and offer a stargazing guarantee or it’s free.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (238)

285lizy

Oct 2019

While the tour was delayed for an hour and didn't get started until after 12:30am due to clouds, James the tour guide does a good job in communicating the delay and gave us the option to cancel for a refund. We did stick with the tour and saw the amazing night sky up in Mauna Kea, while the cloud swept in before we could take our pictures James offered to take pictures for us again for free the next time we visit the island.

Maps86927

Sep 2019

The tour was great but the pictures where AMAZING!!! The highlight of our trip! I HIGHLY recommended this tour for anyone!

amweigand

Sep 2019

Do this tour!! Under no circumstances will you regret it. Even if you live out in the country, no sky you have ever seen will compare to the star-dusted dome that will encapsulate you on the mountain. It's absolutely stunning, as are the pictures taken by James, our awesome guide and photographer. The pictures are so unique and beautiful, that I know they are something my friend and I will look back on and treasure forever. I'm sure it would be a perfect token for couples and families to have of their trip to Hawai'i. And if you are a science or astro nerd like, this all goes double for you! I do believe the tour is subject to weather and timing, since cloud cover or rain will impede your ability to see the stars. We had a perfect night, but it may require flexibility. Also dress warm. The tour provides very thick, warm parkas, but I suggest layers and pants. Also, you may want to dress in tighter clothing so you can take off the parka for your photos and see your actual silhouette instead of, say, a baggy hoodie.