Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos

4.8
(249 reviews)

2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Led by both an astronomer and an astro-photographer, we’re the only stargazing tour that combines expert guidance with astrophotography, offers two-hour experiences, avoids bright crowds, and has a stargazing guarantee.

Part 1 –
All ages welcome. We meet at our dark-sky location on the safe, comfortable slopes of Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa—away from city lights. Relax in a reclining folding chair, sip hot chocolate, enjoy the cool mountain air, and watch the stars appear.

Part 2 –
Using our Celestron Origin smart telescope, we bring the universe to you—no eyepiece required. Controlled by an iPad or smartphone, it produces stunning live images on-screen. See galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters in real time while your astronomer explains each object and answers your questions.

Part 3 –
While you enjoy the view, our astro-photographer captures epic images of you and your group under the Milky Way. Medium-size digital files are included, with high-resolution upgrades available.

What's Included

Parka Jackets
Professional photographer guide
All activities
Complimentary Medium Resolution Photos
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Optional Photo Upgrades Available

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Text us 6 hours prior to your tour for an updated meeting location, we meet at other locations on Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa. If you have an international phone number, please send us a local contact number once you have it. Send us your email address if you want the photos after the tour.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Onizuka Astronomy Complex

    Led by an astronomer and astro-photographer, our tours avoid the crowded Onizuka Visitor Center and take place at quiet, remote locations on Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa. Time slots are handpicked to avoid bright moonlight and maximize your view of the night sky. Each 2-hour experience includes: • A guided star talk by our astronomer using a Celestron Origin smart telescope • Close-up telescope views of deep sky objects like nebulas, star clusters, and galaxies • Complimentary portraits taken by our astro-photographer with the Milky Way as your backdrop • Medium-resolution photos included at no extra cost • A stargazing guarantee — if the stars don’t show, the tour is free

    2 hours Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Dress code: Wear pants and closed-toed shoes
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Weather can reach 30F. We have parka jackets that have pockets and a hood, although that may not be enough for some
Supplied by Epic Tours

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Tags

Extreme Sports
Private and Luxury
4WD Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Excellent Quality
Adventure Tours
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Curated Catalog
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.8 Based on 249 249 reviews
5 stars
227
4 stars
9
3 stars
4
2 stars
3
1 star
6
Likely to sell out
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