Maunakea Summit & Stars

Enjoy breathtaking views of the night sky atop Maunakea

Details

The journey from sea level to the nearly 14,000 foot summit of Maunakea reveals the wonders and world-class clarity of the Hawaiian night sky. Enjoy a warm picnic dinner at a private location and learn about Hawaiian star navigation. You will learn about the historical accounts of early travelers through the mountain regions and delight in the awe-inspiring Hawaiian sunset at the top of Mauna Kea, the highest point in the Pacific. The tour will then descend to a lower elevation at 9,000 ft. as the sun slips over the horizon and you'll sip hot chocolate during a private star show with a 11” Celestron telescope. We will then descend to a lower elevation after the sun slips under the horizon and you'll sip hot chocolate during a private star show with your interpretive guide and a top-of-the-line telescope.

Highlights

Enjoy a warm picnic dinner and learn about Hawaiian star navigation.

Learn about the historical accounts of early travelers through the mountain regions.

Delight in the awe-inspiring Hawaiian sunset at the top of Maunakea, the highest point in the Pacific.

Descend to a lower elevation after the sun sets and sip hot chocolate during a private star show with our 11” Celestron telescope.

FAQ

Time: Tour is approx. 7-8 hours. Travel time round-trip is approx. 3.5 hours from Waikoloa resorts.

Restrictions: Weather changes can occur quickly, and the access road to the summit can close without warning; therefore they cannot guarantee access to the summit or favorable conditions. Guests should be able to walk on uneven or rocky terrain. The temperature can dip below freezing when at high elevations on the mountain. They sometimes encounter cold, wet, or muddy conditions. Due to the high altitude, this tour is not advised for those with respiratory, circulatory or heart conditions, pregnancy, or poor health. If you plan to scuba dive, do not plan to go to the summit within 24 hours after you dive due to the altitude. No children under 13. Other tour restrictions may apply – please contact Hawaii Forest & Trail at 808.331.8505 for more information.

What to Bring & Wear: Reusable water bottle, Closed-toe shoes, Warm Socks and/or leggings, long pants, and a sweatshirt or sweater. Winter parkas and gloves are provided.

Feed

Malama'aina and join us for an impactful service project at the Waikoloa Dry Forest, before ascending Maunakea for sunset and stargazing. Adventure is calling!

2 years ago

Last Friday, our guests got a special treat—a surprise visit from an ‘Io (Hawaiian hawk) soaring gracefully over our lunch spot and treating us to a few flybys! 🦅 Moments like these make our adventures unforgettable. 🌿 Experience the magic of Kohala for yourself—there’s always something incredible waiting to be discovered.

5 months ago

Happy Earth Day! 🌎🌿 From reducing waste and being energy-efficient to educating our guests about the flora and fauna that make Hawai'i so special, a major part of our mission is to preserve the splendor of Hawaii Nei for future generations. Join us on Wednesdays for our Maunakea Summit & Stars Giveback Experience to learn about the endemic plants of Hawaii and participate in a service project!

a year ago

Lilikoi, commonly known as Passionfruit, thrives in tropical regions with warm climates like Hawai'i! Join us for an adventure and see if you can spot some Lilikoi growing along our hiking trail!

a year ago