Mauna Kea Tour: Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Adventure

General Information

Schedule: Afternoon trips depart daily from Hawaii Forest and Trail Headquarters, Waikoloa Kings’ Shops, and the Junction of Highways 190 and 200. 7 - 8 hours round trip.
Rated: Easy to Moderate; ages 16 and over.
Included in the Tour: Picnic style dinner, assorted teas, hot chocolate, and dessert.  Dinner selections are either Barbecue Chicken (served hot) with Homemade Cornbread and Coleslaw; or a Vegetarian Spinach Wrap (served cold) with Glazed Carrots and Tabouleh.
Gear Provided: Hooded parkas and warm gloves.
Prices: Adult: $192.00, plus tax.
Group Size: Tour limited to a maximum of 14 guests.
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, pregnancy or poor health. Scuba divers should be aware of altitude dangers. No children under 16. Other tour restrictions may apply.
What to Bring & Wear: Closed toe shoes, long pants and a sweatshirt or sweater.

Full Description

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 13,796 feet above sea level. Once at the summit we are afforded spectacular views of the horizon, Haleakala on Maui, Mauna Loa and Hualalai, and Mauna Kea’s world-class array of telescopes.  Mauna Kea is the world’s tallest mountain, rising over 32,000 feet from the ocean floor to its summit, which is considered by many Hawaiians to be the most sacred place in all the islands.  In your hooded parka you’ll stand in awe at both nature’s sublime creation and man’s astonishing technological achievements.

Starting out from our headquarters in Kona, we travel up the coast over desolate lava flows for about a half hour before proceeding up the rolling pasturelands on the flanks of Mauna Kea. Turning onto the Saddle Road that traverses the island between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, you’ll see a dramatic and diverse landscape of ranchland, sub-alpine dryforest and rainforest (with striking features such as cinder cones, lava flows, lava tubes and kipuka).  We arrive at our private dinner location at Humuula approximately 2 hours before sunset for a hot, picnic dinner served family style.  After dinner and with a winter-style parka in hand, we’ll make the 45 minute drive to the summit.  As your make your way up, you’ll be fascinated by your Interpretive Guide’s interpretation of Hawaii’s remarkable natural, cultural, and geologic history.

After sunset we descend to the Visitor’s Information Station at 9,000 foot elevation. Here we set up our own telescope and have a star gazing party. Wrapped warm in Arctic parkas, enjoying hot beverages and cookies, you will marvel at the brilliance of the Hawaiian night sky.  Your Interpretive Guide will share with you stories of the observable universe, and offer you a personal and educational look at the heavens.

FAQs

  1. Are guests allowed to go into the observatories? Some observatories are open to the public daily until 4 PM. As our tour arrives after this time, the observatories are closed to visitors.
  2. How cold is it at the summit of Mauna Kea? Average mean temperature is freezing.
  3. Is the vehicle ride bumpy and windy? The access road to the summit of Mauna Kea is four-wheel drive only, so it can be bumpy. Our custom off-road motor coaches will get you to the top and back in safety and comfort.
  4. What kind of telescope is used for star gazing? We utilize an 11” Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope.
  5. What is the guide to guest ratio? Our maximum guide to guest ratio is 1:14.
  6. How many guests do take up per night? Our permit allows for a maximum of 2 vehicles per night and our vans carry a maximum of 14 passengers.
  7. Do we go up to Mauna Kea summit every night? We go every night, weather permitting.
  8. Are children allowed on this tour? Children under 16 are not permitted on this tour due to altitude.
  9. Is there much walking / hiking on this tour? There is minimal walking on this tour, the maximum being about 150 yards.
  10. I would like to see a specific astronomical event from the summit. How can I arrange this? Check out www.space.com/nightsky for upcoming astronomical events, and whether they will be observable in the Hawaiian sky.
  11. Will there be snow on our trip? Snow is seasonal at Mauna Kea, with the heaviest snowfall occurring during the winter months.
  12. What if it’s cloudy on Mauna Kea? The summit of Mauna Kea is normally above the clouds. If the weather (clouds, snow, ice or high winds) cause us to cancel the tour, there is no charge, of course.

 

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Comments

We appreciate your comments! If you've taken a tour and would like to share your feedback, please leave a comment. If you have questions regarding tour specifics, like times, reservations or other details prior to your tour, please use the contact form.

By Trinity Godden on 2012/01/04

The views were amazing I’D GO THERE ANYTIME!!!!

By Randy & Gail on 2011/12/25

We went on the Mauna Kea S&S on November 14, 2011 and had a terrific time!  Our dedicated tour guide Nate shared with us his wealth of knowledge on wildlife, the cosmos, geology, ecology, flora & fauna, and Hawaii history, interwoven with a much appreciated witty sense of humor.  The sunset was spectular, and the stargazing was inspiring yet introspectively humbling.  Our time on the tour was everything we hoped it would be.  Thanks Nate.

By Leanne and Peter on 2011/11/06

We were very lucky to take this particular tour on thursday the 31st of October.  Our tour guide John was simply fantastic.  He displayed a passion for his work which was shared and enjoyed by everyone.  He was professional in every way and very knowledgable on all aspects of the tour agenda.  He made every effort to allow everyone to experience as much as possible over the course of long and full day.  We definitely had an experience which will last with us for many years.

By Larri Spengler on 2011/09/29

I have another question about your Mauna Kea tour.  Your web information says there is a stop for a picnic-style dinner at Humuula.  What kind of place is the stop?  Is it indoors, outdoors, a restaurant, a park, what?  Are there bathrooms available there?

Thank you.

Hawaii Forest & Trail:  We stop at the historic Humuula Sheep Station, once part of the famous Parker Ranch.  The facilities are rustic; we eat outdoors on picnic tables under tents.  There are porta-potties on site.

By DeWayne on 2011/08/25

My wife and I went on this wonderful tour 18 August 2011 with Jon as our expert guide.  Jon was very engaging with everyone on the tour and kept everyone interest throughout the evening with his antidotal information about Hawaiian landmarks; local customs; the history of Mauna Kea and the struggle to startup the observatories.  The night of our tour was perfect, not very cold and the sunset at the summit was perfect. I have never seen the Milky Way as bright and clear in many years.  Jon kept everyone entertained with the help of the telescope and provided a most enjoyable evening viewing the stars.  I HIGHLY recommend this tour for anyone with an interest in experiencing a sunset at the summit and a beautiful and educational tour of the night sky.  Jon was terrific.

Sincerely,

DeWayne

By CHARLIE AND CHRISSY JENKINS on 2011/08/23

THIS WAS A WONDERFUL TOUR OUR GUIDE WAS VERY KNOWLEDGABLE AND SEEMED PASSIONATE ABOUT HIS JOB. WE HIGHLY RECOMEND THIS TOUR
CHARLIE AND CHRISSY JENKINS

By Debbie Matteson on 2011/08/12

We took this tour in Aug and were disappointed to find ourselves in the clouds at sunset!  However, we still enjoyed the adventure of the trip up the mountain and our guide, Nate,  found a clear spot for some stargazing later.  Nate’s enthusiasm for his subject and awe at the majesty of his surroundings was contagious and we were thrilled with our adventure.  We saw Saturn for the first time and even took a closer look at the moon!  Thanks Nate for a such a good time!

By Don Murray on 2011/07/28

We have an astronomy enthused 7 year old who is excited about the Mauna Kea observatory tour.  What is the process required to allow him to go to the summit?

Hawaii Forest & Trail:  Aloha and thanks for dropping us a line.  Unfortunately, children under 13 are not permitted at the summit.  We can, however, have you and your son remain at the Visitor Information Station at the 9,000’ elevation for sunset. There are several exhibits to view, a short video, plus a nice hike to the top of a hill to watch the sunset.  You’ll meet up with the rest of the tour after nightfall for the stargazing portion.

By george on 2011/07/24

Where is the Hawaii Forest and Trail Headquarters located?
Is this the same tour which Pleasant Holiday book..
I was told your tour was the best….

REPLAY FROM HAWAII FOREST & TRAIL:
We’re located at 74-5035B Queen Kaahumanu Highway in Kailua-Kona.  Our office is across the street from Honokohau Harbor behind the Tesoro Service Station.

By Morrison on 2011/07/19

I just wanted to write to complement the tour guide I had last night (7/18/11) for the Mauna Kea tour. Nate was skillful with his driving, knowledgable with the information, and frequently humorous. I had a great time on the tour and would recommend it to anyone looking to learn a bit more about astronomy and see some amazing sights at the same time.

By Michael and Sara Anderson and Family on 2011/06/27

Went on your Manua Kea trip with Blake as our guide. There were 6 of us, My family of 5 and my wifes mom who was not to sure about the trip due to the altitude. We were given instuction on how to breath and the precautions of what to expect at that height and he was right. Light headed and cold this was a great trip. The sun set and stars were like seeing them in a new way. Our children will not soon forget this experience. The food at camp was good and cookies and hot chocolate was nice while looking through the telescope. Thank you Blake for your wealth of knowledge of the island the summit and the stars. Michael and Sara Anderson

By Christina Chiu on 2011/04/28

hello - I am very interested in your Mauna Kea summit tour, but I have difficulties in altitudes >3200 m ...  Do you actually go up as high as 13796 ft?  Looking forward to your anwser!  Thanks!

HAWAII FOREST & TRAIL:  We do travel to the summit at 13,796 feet.  Guests who do not wish to venture to the summit can remain at the 9,000 foot elevation at the Ellison Onizuka Visitor Information Center to catch the sunset.  The group returns to the VIS approximately 45 minutes after sunset and this is where we conduct our private stargazing program with dessert.

By Nefer Hammonds on 2011/03/01

I went on this wonderful tour with you in 2003, but I got had problems with the altitude and got a terrible headache.  Since then, my breathing has gotten somewhat worse, but it was so amazing I want to try again.  Maybe I should not go with a group because I may need to stop and turn back. I really want to go with you again, but I am afraid I may not be able to take the altitude this time. Can individuals go up to the summit themselves or do you need some kind of permit to be admitted up there? 
ANSWER FROM HAWAII FOREST & TRAIL:  Individuals can travel to the summit themselves, although it is advised that people with respiratory or heart conditions, children under 16, and expectant mothers not travel above the 9,000 elevation.  You can catch a spectacular sunset at the Visitor Information Center at 9,000 from the small hill, or puu, just to the west.

By Tom & stacey on 2011/02/14

We took the Mauna kea summit tour om 2/14/11 with nate as our tour guide.
Of all the guides we have had to date, Nate was the best.
He has a great wealth of knowledge and is easy to engage in conversation.

By Daniel on 2011/01/28

I took this tour on January 15, Jon was our tour guide.  He provided a great trip; his enthusiasm kept everyone interested and entertained.  His knowledge of the island, the customs and the stars made the trip educational and fun.  This was a great tour and I would recommend it to anyone with even a mild interest in seeing a sunset you won’t soon forget and stargazing.  Excellent service!

By Hawaii Forest & Trail on 2011/01/10

@Don:  Children age 13 - 15 can travel to the summit with an additional waiver.  Under 12 can remain at the Visitor Information Station at 9,000 feet with a parent or guardian.

By Don Gensler on 2011/01/09

Still prohibit children on Mauna Kea tours:  11yr & 14yr?

By Chris on 2011/01/07

Aloha Everyone,

We apologize for the delayed response but we were having problems with our comments section!

@Gillian:  We do have availability on April 4th for Mauna Kea.  Please use our reservation system to book (http://www.hawaii-forest.com/index.php/reservations/hawaii_observatory_tour_mauna_kea_stars_adventure) or contact us toll free at 800-464-1993.

@Sarah:  This trip does tend to sell out 3 - 7 nights in advance.  We have a 24 hour cancellation policy so we recommend guests book as soon as they know what day they want to go.

@Simon:  Thank you very much for the recommendation!  The summit of Mauna Kea is a very special place for many reasons.  We’re happy we were able to share it with you and we’ll pass your feedback along to Blake.

By Gillian Lamont on 2011/01/04

Hi, my husband and myself are interested in booking on to the Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Trip. We will be on the island the first week of April and our preferred date is Monday 4th. Please let us know if this might be possible.
Kind Regards
Gillian

By Sarah on 2010/12/27

If we are there on the Big Island roughly January 15-20, may we make a reservation then?  Thanks.

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