
Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience
Big Island, United States
About This Activity
Experience world-class stargazing at Mauna Kea, a 13,796-foot dormant volcano hosting international observatories. The high altitude and dark skies provide unobstructed views of the Milky Way and distant galaxies. Guided tours ($255-315 per person) include sunset, hot supper, arctic parkas, and stargazing with powerful telescopes. Book well in advance as tours sell out. Arrive early to acclimatize to altitude.
Seasonal note: Clearest skies Apr-Oct; tours run year-round weather permitting
Compare with Alternatives
See how Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience stacks up against other must-see activities nearby.
See This in an Itinerary
This activity appears in 48 of our curated itineraries.
Best 5 Days in Hawaii — Without Adventure
Oahu → Maui → Big Island
Best 7 Days in Hawaii — Without Adventure
Oahu → Maui → Big Island
Best 7 Days in Hawaii — Based in Big Island
Oahu → Maui → Big Island
Best 10 Days in Hawaii — Without Adventure
Oahu → Maui → Big Island
Best 10 Days in Hawaii — Based in Big Island
Oahu → Maui → Big Island
Best 14 Days in Hawaii
Oahu → Maui → Big Island
More Activities in Big Island

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Explore Kilauea's craters, lava tubes, and Chain of Craters Road at this UNESCO World Heritage Site
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Explore Kilauea Caldera, lava tubes, and steam vents at this UNESCO volcanic park

Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Snorkel with giant manta rays during their nightly feeding off the Kona Coast

Mauna Kea Summit & Stargazing Tour
Watch sunset from the 13,796-ft Mauna Kea summit, then stargaze with telescopes
Captain Cook Monument Snorkeling
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay's coral reefs at the Captain Cook Monument
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
Walk the volcanic black sand beach and spot endangered green sea turtles resting on shore
Akaka Falls State Park
Hike a short loop trail to the 442-foot Akaka Falls through tropical forest

Papakolea Green & Punalu'u Black Sand Beaches
Hike to the rare green sand beach and visit Punalu'u's black sand shore with sea turtles