Payment Details
When do we pay?This product requires a Pre-Payment by credit card. A voucher will be sent to you via email. Just print it off and follow the instructions.
Cancellation Policy
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If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
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If you cancel between 6 and 3 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 per cent cancellation fee.
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If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 per cent cancellation fee.
Why Choose Us?We've been providing quality sightseeing and adventure for over 10 years. We're a member of the BBB and Chamber of Commerce.
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Tickets & ConfirmationImmediately after submitting your reservation you will receive a receipt of booking by email. Within 48 hours (often on the very same day!) of submitting your reservation you will receive a voucher confirming all details. Simply print your voucher and present it on the day of your activity, show or tour. A contact number will be provided to reconfirm.
Starpoints:
- Complimentary pickup and return to the Waikoloa King's Shops or our Kona Headquarters.
- Enjoy a leisurely drive to Parker Ranch for a picnic dinner (included).
- After dinner, make the 35-minute drive to the summit of Mauna Kea!
- Listen as our professional guides provide narration on Hawaii's remarkable natural, cultural & geologic history.
- The drive to the summit of Mauna Kea is one you'll never forget.
- It's hard to believe you're in Hawaii as you climb to 13,500 feet above sea level!
- Watch a breathtaking sunset from atop Mauna Kea - a truly memorable experience.
- Experience the spiritual energy of what many believe to be the most sacred place in all Hawaii!
- Stop at the Visitor's Center, where we will set up telescopes for our very own private Star Party!
- Bring your camera - this is definitely one tour you won't want to forget!
Description
In the field provided, please enter each guest's Parka Size (Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large or XX-Large).
Meet at our Kona Headquarters or at the Waikoloa Kings Shops (an approximately 30-minute drive from Kona). Then, leave the Kings Shops behind and travel to Parker Ranch for dinner (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes).
Then get ready for an amazing journey to the summit of Mauna Kea (35 minutes approximately). Enjoy the constantly changing scenery as you listen to your Naturalist Guide's interpretation of Hawaii's remarkable natural, cultural & geologic history.
You'll never forget the drive to the summit of Mauna Kea. It's hard to believe you're in Hawaii as you climb to an elevation 13,500 feet above sea level. Once at the summit, enjoy spectacular views of the horizon, Haleakala on Maui, Mauna Kea's world-class array of telescopes & the famous Mauna Kea sunset.
At the summit, you'll experience the spiritual energy of what many Hawaiians believe to be the most sacred place in all the islands. Stand on top of the world's tallest mountain, which rises from the ocean floor to over 31,000 feet high.
In your hooded parka (included), you'll stand in awe of both nature's sublime creation and man's astonishing technological achievements.
After sunset, we'll descend to the Visitor's Information Station, which sits at an elevation of 9,000 feet. Here, we'll set up our own telescope and have a sky party. Wrapped warmly in Arctic parkas, with hot beverages and chocolate macadamia nut cookies, you will marvel at the brilliance of the Hawaiian sky.
Enjoy as your Naturalist Guide's entertaining talk story of the infinite world of the observable universe offers you a personal and educational look at the heavens. After this once-in-a-lifetime experience, we'll return you to Waikoloa & Kona.
Dinner Menu
Choose From:
Paniolo Beef Stew
OR
Hearty Vegetable Stew
All entrees served with Minestrone Soup, wild rice medley, fresh grilled vegetables & Chocolate Coma cookies (chocolate chips, cherries, almonds and oatmeal).
Restrictions:
- Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain.
- We sometimes encounter cool, wet or muddy conditions.
- Because of high altitude this tour is not advised for those with respiratory, circulatory or heart conditions, women who are pregnant or those in poor health.
- Scuba divers should be aware of altitude dangers.
- Children 15 years old & under are not allowed.
Weather Conditions:
Reviews & ratings from fellow travelers
Read what other travelers think about the Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Adventure (Hike). We only accept reviews from actual, confirmed travelers who purchased the tour / activity from us, so you can be sure the reviews are unbiased and authentic.
Sort by
This was an amazing experience. Our guide was knowledgeable about so many things - history, wildlife, astronomy, culture, ecology, and more. He was thorough in explaining procedure and emphasizing safety, a delightful conversationalist and very witty. The tour itself was fabulous: the sunset gorgeous, the stars and moon brilliant, the food great. This was an inspiring and awesome adventure. We highly recommend it.
Reviewed by: Valerie O., Canada, March 2010
The trip was great and our guide was superb -- very knowledgeable, nice and fun. Also a good driver, which is important on that trip!
Reviewed by: Anonymous, USA, March 2010
I had a wonderful experience. It was great having a very knowledgable guide. I would definitely recommend this tour!
Reviewed by: Anonymous, USA, November 2009
Great tour, wonderful views of the sun setting over Mauna Kea and seeing the stars once the sun has set! Strongly recommend to anyone interested in doing this tour!
Reviewed by: Daniel E., Australia, September 2009
The tour guide is very knowledgeable and the view up there is FANTASTIC! We will highly recommend this tour to other people. There is no other way to get there to enjoy this kind of view.
Reviewed by: Peian H., USA, February 2009
AMAZING!
Reviewed by: Irma S., USA, August 2008
This was an amazing adventure, from the very informative drive to 7,000 feet where we had a delicious meal, to the top of the mountain over 13,000 feet, and back down to 9,000 feet to do our own star gazing. I was especially impressed by our very knowledgeable guide who knew about the island, as well as sharing a wealth of knowledge about the stars, astrology vs. astronomy, and the importance of "star gazing" over the millenia.
I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who visits the Big Island.
Reviewed by: Fred R., USA, June 2008
The fact that the guide was so knowledgeable with the constellations and night sky made the trip very memorable. To be able to see the ring around Saturn was unbelievable. And the weather cooperated as well.
Now, if there was a more pleasant way to get to the summit without having to travel the Saddle Road.
Reviewed by: Katherine B., USA, March 2008
Very knowledgeable and friendly staff made the trip worthwhile.
Reviewed by: Patricia J., Canada, December 2007
More than I expected. I would highly recommend to everyone. A night I won't forget. Thanks!
Reviewed by: John H., USA, November 2007
Recent photos from fellow travelers
Here are recent candid photos of the Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Adventure (Hike). If you want to share your own tour photos, simply email your photos to tourphotos@thereservationcenter.com with your Booking ID Number. Please note: We only accept photos from actual, confirmed travelers to Big Island who purchased this tour / activity directly from us. Thanks in advance for sharing!
Mauna Kea
Approaching sunset
Photo by: Carol P, United States of America, September 2009
Above the clouds
Great view from above
Photo by: Carol P, United States of America, September 2009
Observatory
As the sun starts to go down
Photo by: Carol P, United States of America, September 2009
Cloud City
Looks like an ocean of fluff
Photo by: Carol P, United States of America, September 2009
Ovservatory
Zoomed in
Photo by: Carol P, United States of America, September 2009
