Are guests allowed to enter the Keck Observatories?

No, the observatories on <experience tgid="36712" type="Popup" title="Mauna Kea" id="nRKNyOJU" /> are currently closed to the public.

How cold does it get at the summit of Mauna Kea?

Summit temperatures typically hover around 32°F (0°C), but wind chill can make it feel significantly colder.

What kind of telescope is used for stargazing?

<experience tgid="36712" type="Popup" title="Your stargazing tour" id="2hcKCxmy" /> provides an 11” Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, along with a Stellina digital telescope that captures deep-space images. Photos taken during your session will be emailed to you afterward.

Are children allowed on this tour?

You must be at least 13 years old due to the high altitude and safety requirements.

Is there a lot of walking involved?

Only a small amount of walking is required throughout <experience tgid="36712" type="Popup" title="the tour" id="J7bqlisG" />.

Can I explore the summit on my own?

No, due to safety rules and permit regulations, you must stay with the guide and vehicle and cannot wander off to explore independently.

What happens if the weather is cloudy?

The summit and visitor center often sit above the cloud layer, so visibility can still be good. Weather can shift quickly, and adapting to conditions is part of <experience tgid="36712" type="Popup" title="the experience" id="eLD5f1Tm" />.

Mauna Kea Stargazing Tours | Stargaze with Picnic Dinner at 1400 ft

Did you know

Snowy Mauna Kea Observatory domes at sunset in Hawaii.

Mauna Kea means “White Mountain” in Hawaiian, referring to its snowcapped peaks.
Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain on Earth when measured from its base on the ocean floor, towering over 33,000 feet (10,000 meters), even higher than Mount Everest.
Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano, and its last known eruption happened about 4,500 years ago.
The mountain is sacred in Hawaiian culture, considered the meeting point between the physical world and the spiritual realm.
Some of the world’s most advanced observatories are located here, including telescopes from 11 different countries.
You can see up to 90% of the observable universe from Mauna Kea on a clear night, thanks to its exceptionally dark skies.

Why go on a Mauna Kea stargazing tour

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Stargaze under one of the clearest skies

Mauna Kea is home to some of the clearest, darkest skies on Earth, offering unparalleled visibility of stars, planets, and deep-space objects that you simply can’t see at sea level.

A unique spot to stargaze

Reaching nearly 14,000 feet, Mauna Kea’s summit is the highest point in the Pacific, and one of the best places in the world to watch the sun set above the clouds in a surreal, otherworldly landscape.

Professional telescopes are provided for the best experience

With high-powered optical and digital telescopes, you’ll get crisp views of celestial wonders, along with captured images you can take home and share.

Warm, comfortable, and safe experience

A stargazing tour ensures you’re properly outfitted for extreme mountain conditions with warm winter gear, hot drinks, and a safe, permitted ascent led by trained mountain guides.

Learn the cultural significance of stargazing & the island’s history

Learn about Hawaiian star navigation, the cultural significance of Mauna Kea, and the deep connection between the island’s history and its skies.

Guide narrations that make the tour fun

Expert guides bring the night sky to life with cultural stories, insightful scientific explanations, and telescope demonstrations, helping you understand what you’re seeing and why it’s special.

Plan you visit

Mauna Kea Observatory domes silhouetted against a vibrant sunset sky.

Operating hours: Daily 1:40pm to 10:10pm

Best time to go on a Mauna Kea stargazing tour:

Weekdays vs. weekends: Weekdays generally offer a quieter, more relaxed experience with fewer vehicles at the summit and more space around the telescope during stargazing. Weekends tend to draw more visitors, especially around sunset, creating a livelier atmosphere but also a more crowded summit and stargazing area.
Peak season vs. low season: Peak season in Hawaiʻi typically falls between December–April and June–August, when the island sees higher visitor numbers and tours fill up quickly. The low season, usually May, September, and October, brings lighter crowds and more comfortable pacing at the summit.

Meeting points: Tours depart from several convenient pickup locations marked here on the Maps | Find on Maps
Location: The Visitor Information Station serves as the gateway for summit excursions and stargazing sessions.

How to get there:

Tour transportation: Public transportation is limited in this region, so taking the tour bus from select pick-up points is recommended.
By car: From Hilo, follow Saddle Road (Route 200) for roughly 35 miles, then turn onto Mauna Kea Access Road. The Visitor Station sits about 6 miles up the mountain.

Trekking shoes on rocky terrain with mountain view in the background.

You should be comfortable walking short distances on uneven or rocky ground during different parts of the tour.
Due to high altitude, this experience is not recommended for individuals with heart, respiratory, or circulatory issues, anyone who is pregnant, or travelers in poor health.
Children under 13 are not permitted on the tour for safety reasons related to altitude and conditions at the summit.
The weather can change quickly, and the summit road may close without notice, which may affect accessibility during your visit.

Winter clothing essentials for Rome, including a hoodie, scarf, gloves, and puffer vest.

You will be provided with warm winter parkas, gloves, and additional cold-weather gear to ensure comfort at high elevations.
A warm picnic dinner is included before heading up to the summit, and hot chocolate with a sweet treat is served during stargazing.
Small group sizes of up to 12 guests ensure a more personalized experience with easier access to the guide and equipment.
The tour offers access to two high-quality telescopes: an 11” Celestron optical telescope and a Stellina digital telescope for deep-space viewing.

Tour bus on winding road from Thera to cruise port, Santorini, Greece.

The summit experience is dependent on weather and road conditions, and access cannot be guaranteed if authorities close the route.
You must follow the guide’s instructions at all times, particularly at higher elevations where safety protocols are in place.
The tour operates on uneven and sometimes muddy terrain, so you should be prepared for varying outdoor conditions.
Return transportation must be arranged in advance, as tours end late in the evening and pickup locations may not have taxi services readily available.

Visitor tips

Arrive well-rested and hydrated to help your body adjust to the significant elevation gain during the tour.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, as some areas involve walking on rocky or uneven surfaces.
Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the journey.
Be prepared for rapidly changing weather; clear skies cannot be guaranteed, though guides will choose the best possible stargazing location.
If you’re sensitive to altitude, move slowly and inform your guide immediately if you feel lightheaded or unwell.
Charge your camera or phone beforehand, while the summit restricts extended exposure, you'll still want to capture views and the telescope images provided.

mauna kea stargazing tours

Top things to do in Hawaii

Did you know

Why go on a Mauna Kea stargazing tour

Stargaze under one of the clearest skies

A unique spot to stargaze

Professional telescopes are provided for the best experience

Warm, comfortable, and safe experience

Learn the cultural significance of stargazing & the island’s history

Guide narrations that make the tour fun

Route of your Mauna Kea stargazing tour

Top highlights of your Mauna Kea stargazing tour

Journey from sea level to nearly 14,000 feet

Plan you visit

Visitor tips

Frequently asked questions about the Mauna Kea stargazing tour

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