---
title: Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos
lang: en
type: tour
city: Big Island
country: United States
price: 272
currency: EUR
price_unit: per_person
availability: bookable
rating: 4.77
reviews: 277
duration_minutes: 120
languages: [en]
free_cancellation: "true"
rank_in_category: 7 of 8 (Mauna Kea Summit & Stargazing)
schedule_checked: 2026-11-07
data_updated: 2026-11-08
canonical: https://guidekin.com/usa/big-island/tours/mauna-kea-stargazing-experience-photos/
---

# Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos

**Guidekin's take:** An astronomer uses a smart telescope to show galaxies and star clusters from the slopes of Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa. Parkas, hot chocolate and medium-resolution photos are included; hotel pickup and drop-off are excluded. 4.77 from 277 reviews at €272 per person for 2h.

In our comparison: #7 of 8 in Mauna Kea Summit & Stargazing, by rating weighted by review volume (table below).

## Overview

Led by an astronomer and astrophotographer, our stargazing experience combines expert astronomy, astrophotography, uncrowded locations, and our stargazing guarantee.

Part 1 –
All ages welcome. Meet at our dark-sky location on the slopes of Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa. Relax in a reclining chair, sip hot chocolate, and watch the stars appear overhead.

Part 2 –
Explore the universe with our Celestron Origin smart telescope. See live images of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters on-screen while your astronomer explains each object and answers questions. Upon availability, we also include a night vision scope and our 9.25-inch telescope for traditional eyepiece viewing.

Part 3 –
Our astrophotographer captures epic images of you under the night sky. Couples, families, and special occasions are welcome. Planning a proposal or engagement? The stars create an unforgettable backdrop. Medium-size digital photos are emailed within 48 hours, with high-resolution upgrades available.

**Pickup:** No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point

## Key facts

- Price: from €272 per person
- Duration: 2h
- Rating: 4.77/5 from 277 reviews (collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor)
- Free cancellation (see policy below)
- Operator: Epic Tours
- Group: Shared tour
- Guide languages: English
- Start times: 10 start times between 03:30 and 23:30
- Booking: Instant confirmation, mobile ticket
- Price checked on Viator: 2026-11-07

## Reviews

4.77 from 277 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.
94% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4 or 5 stars: 260 of 277.

- 5 stars: 250 (90%)
- 4 stars: 10 (4%)
- 3 stars: 4 (1%)
- 2 stars: 6 (2%)
- 1 star: 7 (3%)

## What's included

- Parka Jackets
- Professional photographer guide
- All activities
- Complimentary Medium Resolution Photos

## Not included

- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Optional Photo Upgrades Available

## Itinerary

1. **Onizuka Astronomy Complex** (1h 30m) - 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 90 minute...

## Schedule

- Runs: daily
- Departures: 10 start times between 03:30 and 23:30
- Schedule last checked: 2026-11-07
- These are published departures, not a live seat count; availability is confirmed at checkout.

## Cancellation

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

## Meeting point

Text us 6 hours before your tour for the updated meeting location. We may meet at different locations on Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa.

International number? Send us a local contact number once available.

Want your photos? Send us your email address.

Ends: back at the meeting point

## Good to know

- 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
- Not recommended for travelers with any mobility/ambulatory restrictions, back, heart and hearing problems or other serious medical conditions
- Pregnant Travelers should discuss with their doctor before hand.
- Not suitable for some senior citizens
- Not recommended for chronic complainers ;)

## Compared with other Mauna Kea Summit & Stargazing

| Tour | Price | Duration | Rating | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **This tour · #7 of 8** | €272 | 2h | 4.77 (277) | shared |
| [Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour](/usa/big-island/tours/small-group-big-island-twilight-volcano-and-stargazing-tour/?format=md) | €281 | 12h | 4.9 (1759) | shared |
| [Big Island Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stargazing](/usa/big-island/tours/big-island-mauna-kea-summit-sunset-and-stargazing/?format=md) | €291 | 7h | 4.99 (74) | shared |
| [Big Island: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour](/usa/big-island/tours/big-island-mauna-kea-summit-and-stars-small-group-adventure-tour/?format=md) | €300 | 8h | 4.85 (1686) | shared |

Ranked #7 of 8 in Mauna Kea Summit & Stargazing by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €232 to €305, median €277; typical length 7h. 0 of 8 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market.

Full list: https://guidekin.com/usa/big-island/mauna-kea-stargazing-tours/?format=md

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