Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars
Overview
Delight in the awe-inspiring sunset at the top of Mauna Kea, the highest point in the Pacific.
Your guide will share historic accounts of the Big Island. Stand amidst the world’s largest collection of research telescopes.
Two of the eight telescopes which took the first photos of the black hole are here.
Sip a hot beverage during your private star show and view planets with a professional telescope (Weather Permitting).
Your guide will take astrophotography photos of you with our camera and email them to you.
What's Included
- FREE night photo with our professional camera
- Snacks and a hot beverage
- Jackets and gloves to keep you warm
- Transportation in a comfortable 4X4 van
- Professional telescope (Weather Permitting)
- Experienced tour guide
- Dinner (Travelers may bring their own)
- Private Tour
Meeting Location
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
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Mauna Kea Summit
4 hours Admission Ticket Included
Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Astronomer's Mid-Level Facility
30 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not allowed for travelers under 13 years old
- Not allowed for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not allowed for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Weather can change rapidly (snow, fog, 120+ mph winds are possible year-round)
- Road closures may occur due to ice, snow, poor visibility, strong winds, or safety conditions
- No smoking, alcohol, or illegal drugs at any time.
- Please respect the mountain — leave no trash behind.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-270152P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.87 out of 5 stars based on 1,829 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (HST).
- FREE night photo with our professional camera.
- Snacks and a hot beverage.
- Jackets and gloves to keep you warm.
- Transportation in a comfortable 4X4 van.
- Professional telescope (Weather Permitting).
- Experienced tour guide.
- Dinner (Travelers may bring their own).
- Private Tour.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 13..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not allowed for travelers under 13 years old
- Not allowed for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not allowed for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- FREE night photo with our professional camera
- Snacks and a hot beverage
- Jackets and gloves to keep you warm
- Transportation in a comfortable 4X4 van
- Professional telescope (Weather Permitting)
- Experienced tour guide
- Dinner (Travelers may bring their own)
- Private Tour
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not allowed for travelers under 13 years old
- Not allowed for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not allowed for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Weather can change rapidly (snow, fog, 120+ mph winds are possible year-round)
- Road closures may occur due to ice, snow, poor visibility, strong winds, or safety conditions
- No smoking, alcohol, or illegal drugs at any time.
- Please respect the mountain — leave no trash behind.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
