Hawaiʻi Island's other big volcano
Mauna Kea summit and stargazing tours
Kīlauea is the active one. Mauna Kea is the tall one: sunset above the clouds, then stars through a telescope.
Tours compared
| Tour | Adult price | Ages | Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset & Stars + free astro photos | $266 | 13+ | 4x4 transport, warm jackets and gloves, hot drinks, astro photos |
| Small-group adventure | $295 | 13+ | Picnic, hooded parkas, Celestron telescopes, hot chocolate and dessert |
| Best summit tour + free photos | $297 | 16 to 70 | Dinner at the Onizuka complex, telescope, laser star talk; max 12 guests |
| Stargazing + astrophotography | $307 | 13 to 55 (confirm) | Professional astrophotographer, photo link after, warm gear, hot drinks |
Most leave hotels around 1 to 3 pm and get back around 10 to 11 pm. One listing shows a child price under 12 while also saying under-13s are not allowed on most tours; confirm ages before you book.
Who should skip the summit
- Anyone with a heart or breathing condition
- Anyone pregnant
- Anyone who went scuba diving in the last 24 hours
- Kids under 13 on most tours
Tours stop at the visitor station, about 9,200 feet, so your body can adjust before the summit.
Can you combine it with the volcano?
Some long Kona tours do both: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park by day, then a stargazing stop on Mauna Kea on the way back. Expect 11 to 12 hours. See tours compared.
Questions people ask
How much is a Mauna Kea summit tour?
The sunset and stargazing tours we found cost $266 to $307 per adult.
Who should not go to the Mauna Kea summit?
People with heart or breathing conditions, anyone pregnant, and anyone who has gone scuba diving in the last 24 hours. Most tours also set a minimum age of 13.
Can I drive to the top of Mauna Kea myself?
Only in a 4WD vehicle above the visitor station, and most rental car companies ban their cars on the summit road. That is the main reason people book a tour.