Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience with Pro Astro-Photographer
4.8
208 Ratings
Hawaii County
Experience the ultimate stargazing adventure on Mauna Kea with a pro astro-photographer and analog-astronaut. Discover celestial objects, view deep space with a telescope, and capture stunning photos with the Milky Way.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Mauna Kea - Enjoy a unique stargazing experience with free photos of your trip.
What's Included
  • Parka jackets provided for warmth
  • Professional photographer guide included
  • Complimentary medium resolution photos
  • All activities covered
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Optional Photo Upgrades Available
Additional Information

Guided by a seasoned Analog-Astronaut and a professional Astro-Photographer, we are the only stargazing firm that purposely avoids the moon’s brightness and meticulously chooses our times and locations to provide you with the best possible stargazing experience.

Our tour is split into three segments:

Opening Segment:
Your guide will highlight different stars, galaxies and constellations using a high-power green laser pointer, while sharing stories and experiences from their time as an Analog-Astronaut, among other things.

Middle Segment:
Experience the live intricacies of the cosmos via a high-tech, light-sensitive camera attached to a telescope. This will allow you stunning views of celestial bodies such as nebulae and galaxies that you might not have thought possible.

Closing Segment:
Your Astro-Photographer will capture a few impressive snaps of you with the Milky Way as your backdrop.

All standard resolution photos that are taken during our venture are included in the cost.

Options for upgrading to high-resolution images are readily available.

The location of the stargazing changes nightly based on factors like cloud cover and crowd levels. Typically, we set up at the peaks of Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa, selecting whichever spot provides the most favorable conditions.

  • 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 ;)
Location
Pu'u Huluhulu Cinder cone parking lot
Text us prior to your tour for an updated meeting spot. We might not be meeting at this location.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(208 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
749gretchens
May 15, 2024
EPIC stargazing!! - This was one of the most fabulous tours I have ever taken! We originally booked the 7-9pm tour, but due to weather and clouds, James contacted us and gave us an option to get a refund or do the 3:30 am tour. I am so glad we decided that the few hours of sleep we would be missing would not be remembered and to go on this tour. He knew exactly where to go for some EPIC star gazing. He is quite passionate and knowledgeable about the stars and the natural world. This should definitely be on your list if you are coming to the Big Island!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q1266ybsarahc
Apr 9, 2024
Truly a highlight of our honeymoon! - Breathtaking blanket of stars! Great memories, awesome expert guide, and photos for the record books. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fearless48647024393
Apr 8, 2024
A gorgeous tour - Really exciting and unforgettable star-gazing experience with James, the pro. Seeing the most amazing sky in my life and luckily seeing shooting stars . Highly recommend this tour with James!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bjorn_q
Mar 30, 2024
Fun and knowledgeable... - Fun and knowledgeable guides, would highly recommend to anyone looking for a detailed explanation of the night sky.
Review provided by Viator
Enriqueme2024sr
Mar 23, 2024
Fantastic tour and tour guide !!!! So recommended !! - Absolutely fantastic. James was so easy going, informative and inspirational. If he recommends to go forward with the tour, do it!! We had a great time during the tour and pictures were breathtaking🤩. James is such a great host and he really made the experience easy and enjoyable even though I had to wake up at 2AM (I’m not a morning person 😅). We love the tour and it was so worth it. Thank you James!!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amy_c
Mar 20, 2024
Amazing - The whole experience was amazing! We really enjoyed the knowledge and humor of James. The whole experience was enhanced by the beautiful photographs and that we were able to get one of a kind photos. Thank you!
Review provided by Viator
Jessica_travels14
Mar 17, 2024
Epic Tours Stargazing - We had an amazing experience stargazing with James! We happened to arrive in Kona during a couple of their very few cloudy days, and James still managed to find clear skies for perfect viewing. Had we booked with anyone else, it would’ve been cancelled. He was professional, flexible, and shared a ton of interesting information about the stars. We did a few excursions on this trip, but this was the favorite! Definitely recommend the photo upgrade too. The quality is so worth it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christine_b
Mar 15, 2024
Don’t hesitate, book! - James was phenomenal! We got cancelled from a different company and lucked out to get into this one instead. He is so knowledgeable and was creative finding a good location. The picture was so fun too…. Absolutely a Hawaii must-do!
Review provided by Viator
Roving610789
Feb 21, 2024
Most EPIC night sky experience EVER! - This was an amazing experience. I went solo and my guide was so accommodating, knowledgeable, and fun - the moon wasn’t out so the stars were incredibly visible! James, our guide, pointed out many interesting things and did a great job! This is one of the most unique things I’ve done on the Island of Hawai’i! I highly recommend this - nowhere else have I seen a night sky like this!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ryan_j
Mar 21, 2024
Massively overpriced - This massively overpriced tour is nothing you can’t do yourself for free. The “telescope” was a camera with a zoom lens. Mostly just a bunch of pointing out constellations with a laser pointer - something you can do with an app on your iPhone.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 14 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today