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)

Miguel S

Jul 2019

This tour was absolutely amazing! It was worth every penny. James is very knowledgeable and makes the tour very fun and interesting. Pick this stargazing tour over the others on the island. James has a unique place where the others simply don’t go. His spot has the most optimal views on the island. This tour was the highlight of our trip.

Kristin A

Jun 2019

My husband and I are still in awe after our stargazing trip with James. We originally booked the 7:30pm tour since we were traveling with an infant who wakes up very early; however, James contacted us a few days before the trip to let us know the Milky Way would not be visible until the later tour. He gave us the option to switch, but didn't pressure us. Well, we are SO APPRECIATIVE that he let us switch - even though it meant 4 hours of sleep that night! Staring up at the Milky Way was one of the coolest experiences we have had to date, and we travel often. James took us up to a secluded area (with 2 other couples), gave us a tour of the stars and took some unbelievable pictures ... which we are currently enlarging an printing for our home. Thanks, James!

JandJ2019

May 2019

We had a fantastic time with James, our guide for the night. We went to a secluded area with one other couple and he gave us a crash course in astronomy. I don't want to spoil anything, but if you are on the fence about stargazing in general, you can't miss out on this one!