Sunset & Stargazing atop Mauna Kea

With a summit rising 13,803 feet (4,207m) above sea level, Mauna Kea (which means ‘White Mountain’ in Hawaiian) is the highest point in Hawai’i, a sacred cultural site and a world-renowned location for astronomical observatories. On this 8-hour guided tour you will climb above the clouds to a dramatic alpine landscape, where you’ll watch the sun sink into a sea of colour before twilight reveals a brilliant canopy of stars.

You’ll be picked up mid-afternoon (3.30-4pm) by expert guides who will share insight into the mountain’s geology, ecology and cultural significance as you make your ascent. You’ll then stop at the Mauna Kea Visitor Station to acclimate, enjoy a hearty hot meal and learn about the fascinating astronomy work that takes place here before putting on the provided insulated parkas for the final half-hour ascent to the summit. After taking ample time to catch the mountain’s otherworldly sunset, your guides will introduce you to the observatories as they begin to open and rotate into position with the setting of the sun. From here, you’ll get to view constellations and distant celestial objects through a powerful telescope, with interpretation of the night sky from Polaris to the Southern Cross—weather and natural conditions permitting.

The tour last around 8 hours from start to finish and includes:

– Convenient pickup and drop-off points.

– Informative narration from highly trained guides.

– Custom built 4×4 Mercedes Sprinter vans for safe transport to summit.

– Superb scenery and photography opportunities on the summit.

– Arctic-style hooded parkas and one time use gloves.

– 11” Celestron CPC1100 fully computerised telescopes with premium oculars operated by expert guides.

– A complete stargazing programme with visual and telescopic observations hosted by expert guides (conditions permitting).

– Dinner and hot drinks to ward off the chill while stargazing.