Tours and Tickets to Experience Mauna Kea Summit and Observatory

• Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stars - Hilo Kona Waikoloa Pick-Up
• Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Night Star Photo
• Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour

You can drive to the summit of Mauna Kea for free, but a 4WD vehicle is required to proceed from the Visitors Information Center as the road is steep and unpaved. A guided tour offers vehicle safety and a stargazing experience. Tours typically cost around US$250 per person.

Most tours require travelers to be at least 13 or older due to the high altitude and potentially harsh conditions at the summit. Check individual tour details for specific restrictions and recommendations for young travelers or those with health conditions.

Summit visiting hours are from half an hour before sunrise through half an hour after sunset. The best way to experience Mauna Kea is to reach the summit in time for the sunset then go down to Visitor Information Center at 9,200 feet (2,800 meters) for an evening of stargazing. From late spring to fall, the clear skies create perfect conditions to watch the sun dip below the horizon and the stars take center stage.

In addition to stargazing, you can explore the summit's volcanic landscape, enjoy panoramic views of the island, and visit the Mauna Kea Observatory. Some tours include sunset viewing or hiking before the stargazing portion begins.

Bring warm clothing, sunscreen, water, and sturdy shoes. Temperatures can drop below freezing, and conditions can change quickly. Stay hydrated and keep your energy up with water and snacks. Don’t forget to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the stunning views and night sky.

No, the Mauna Kea Observatories (MKO) are private research facilities and not open to the public. However, you can visit the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy and there are plenty of guided tours that will take you to the summit of Mauna Kea for some stargazing with the operators’ own telescopes.

At 13,796 feet (4,205 meters), conditions on the Mauna Kea summit are typically chilly. Summer daytime temperatures average between freezing and 50°F (8°C). Winter temperatures range from 25 to 40°F (-4 to 4°C), but wind chill can make it seem even colder.

Yes, you can see the Milky Way from Mauna Kea. Mauna Kea is one of the best places in the world to see the Milky Way. While it is typically visible with the naked eye, the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station has a few telescopes that visitors can use. Rangers also provide astronomical information in a nightly program.