Maunakea Summit Stargazing with Hawaii Forest & Trail
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7–8 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be comfortable walking short distances over uneven terrain and able to tolerate high altitude conditions.
Overview
Journey to Maunakea’s summit with Hawaii Forest & Trail for a sunset picnic and private stargazing session. Discover deep space through powerful telescopes on this remarkable night under Hawaii’s crystal-clear skies.
Maunakea Summit & Stars Adventure
Ages 13 and older. | Rated: Easy to Moderate.
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Maunakea, where you'll savor a warm picnic dinner, witness breathtaking sunsets, and explore the stunning Hawaiian night sky. With expert guidance, enjoy a private star show using advanced telescopes, capturing images of deep space to share with loved ones. Experience the magic of the cosmos!
Maunakea Summit & Stars Adventure
Our journey from sea level to the slopes of Maunakea reveals the wonders and world-class clarity of the Hawaiian night sky.
Highlights
- Enjoy a warm picnic dinner
- Your guide will share historical accounts of early travelers through the mountain lands
- Delight in the awe-inspiring sunset over the Pacific
- Sip hot chocolate during your private star show with an 11” Celestron telescope
- View deep space objects with our Stellina digital telescope and share captured images of the Hawaiian night sky with your friends & family
Duration Around 7 to 8 hours.
Rated Easy to Moderate.
Schedule Afternoon trips depart daily from Kona King Kamehameha Courtyard Marriott, Queen’s Marketplace in Waikoloa Beach Resort, and the Waikoloa Plaza in Waikoloa Village.
Important Please note that this tour has a late return time, be sure to have return transportation confirmed and scheduled from your designated pick-up location
What's Included Picnic-style dinner, assorted teas, hot chocolate, and dessert. Warm dinner selections of Southwest Stew or Vegetarian Chili (vegan, GF). Hot Chocolate and cookies are served for dessert.
Gear Provided We provide warm wear including, hooded parkas and gloves.
What to Bring & Wear Reusable water bottle, closed-toe shoes, long pants, and a sweatshirt or sweater.
Restrictions Guests should be able to walk on uneven or rocky terrain. We sometimes encounter cool, wet, or muddy conditions. Because of altitude, this tour is not advised for those with respiratory, circulatory, or heart conditions, pregnancy, or poor health. Scuba divers should be aware of altitude dangers. No children under 13. Other tour restrictions may apply.
FAQs
What kind of telescope is used for star gazing?
We utilize an 11” Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. We also use a Stellina digital telescope to view & take photographs of deep space objects that will be emailed to you to keep & share.
What is the guide to guest ratio?
Our maximum guide-to-guest ratio is 1:12
How many guests do take up per night?
Our permit allows for a maximum of 2 vehicles per night
Do we operate the tour every night?
We go every night, weather permitting
Are children allowed on this tour?
Children under 13 are not permitted on this tour
Is there much walking/hiking on this tour?
There is approximately 150 yards of walking on this tour; rated as easy
Will I able to hike & explore the summit on my own?
Unfortunately, due to safety & permitting restrictions, guests are unable to explore the summit before sunset on their own. Our guests will need to stay near our guides & vehicles while on the tour
I would like to see a specific astronomical event from the summit. How can I arrange this?
Check out www.space.com for upcoming astronomical events, and whether they will be observable in the Hawaiian sky
Cancellation Policy
• Guests will receive a full refund with 24 hours' notice of cancellation.
• Private tours: Customers will receive a full refund with 72 hours notice of cancellation.
Cancellations within the cancellation period and “no-shows” will be charged the FULL AMOUNT of the tour.
Adventure Tips
Dress in Layers
Temperatures at Maunakea’s summit can drop sharply after sunset; bring or use provided warm clothing to stay comfortable.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Expect walking on uneven, sometimes rocky terrain; closed-toe shoes with good grip are recommended.
Hydrate Beforehand
Altitude can affect hydration; drink plenty of water before and during the tour to help reduce altitude sickness risk.
Confirm Transportation
Due to late return times, ensure your transport back from the designated pick-up point is arranged in advance.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Hawaiian hawk (ʻIo)
- Nēnē goose
History
Maunakea is a sacred mountain in Hawaiian culture, historically known as a place of spiritual significance and astronomical observation.
Conservation
Visitor access to Maunakea is carefully regulated to balance tourism with respect for native ecosystems and cultural heritage.
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Adventure Hotspots in Kailua-Kona
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-Toe Hiking Shoes
Necessary for navigating rocky and uneven walking paths comfortably and safely.
Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated helps mitigate altitude-related fatigue and discomfort.
Warm Layers
Temperatures drop sharply at the summit, so dressing warmly is critical.
fall|winter|spring specific
Camera or Smartphone
To capture memories; the digital telescope also sends deep-space photos directly to your device.