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Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience with Pro Astro-Photographer
4.8
249 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.
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:
24 hours
Highlights
-
Onizuka Astronomy Complex - Guided by an experienced astronomer and astro-photographer, these tours bypass the busy Onizuka Visitor Center, opting for serene, secluded spots on Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa. Tours are scheduled to avoid bright moonlight, ensuring optimal stargazing conditions.
Each 2-hour session features:
• An informative star talk led…
- Onizuka Astronomy Complex - Guided by an experienced astronomer and astro-photographer, these tours bypass the busy Onizuka Visitor Center, opting for serene, secluded spots on Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa. Tours are scheduled to avoid bright moonlight, ensuring optimal stargazing conditions.
Each 2-hour session features:
• An informative star talk led by our astronomer with a Celestron Origin smart telescope
• Detailed telescope views of deep sky wonders such as nebulas, star clusters, and galaxies
• Complimentary portraits captured by our astro-photographer with the Milky Way as a stunning backdrop
• Medium-resolution images provided at no additional charge
• A stargazing guarantee — if the stars are not visible, the tour is complimentary
What's Included
- Parka jackets provided for warmth
- Professional photographer guide included
- Complimentary medium resolution photos
- All activities covered
- 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
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Optional Photo Upgrades Available
Additional Information
Guided by an astronomer and an astro-photographer, this is the only stargazing tour that merges expert insights with astrophotography. It offers two-hour sessions, steers clear of crowded areas, and guarantees a stargazing experience.
Part 1 –
Open to all ages. Gather at the dark-sky site on the safe, comfortable slopes of Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa, far…
Guided by an astronomer and an astro-photographer, this is the only stargazing tour that merges expert insights with astrophotography. It offers two-hour sessions, steers clear of crowded areas, and guarantees a stargazing experience.
Part 1 –
Open to all ages. Gather at the dark-sky site on the safe, comfortable slopes of Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa, far from city lights. Unwind in a reclining folding chair, savor hot chocolate, enjoy the refreshing mountain air, and watch as the stars emerge.
Part 2 –
With the Celestron Origin smart telescope, the universe is brought to you—no eyepiece needed. Operated via an iPad or smartphone, it displays breathtaking live images on-screen. Observe galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters in real time while the astronomer provides explanations and answers your questions.
Part 3 –
As you take in the sights, the astro-photographer captures stunning images of you and your group beneath the Milky Way. Medium-size digital files are included, with options for high-resolution upgrades.
- 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 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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(249 Ratings)
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Bigcj102
Aug 24, 2025
Amazing Stargazing experience with a photoshoot - Dylan and Malia led a phenomenal experience last weekend on Mauna Kea. The experience started a bit later than advertised, but that allowed us to get a better, more complete show. Dylan is super enthusiastic about space and the stars. He was a little corny, but I'd rather have someone super enthusiastic about their profession than someone just going through the motions. We thoroughly enjoyed his enthusiasm. Malia also did a phenomenal job arranging and taking amazing photographs, as well as the setup and the general event support. She was super nice and made sure everyone was comfortable and enjoying themselves. It's not a cheap experience, but I very highly recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J2050uijonp
Aug 19, 2025
Spectacular - Absolutely spectacular - highly recommend. We went as a family of 4, children 12 & 15. Both kids loved it as much as my wife & I - stunning views of the Milky Way and the night sky as we’d never seen it before, anywhere in the world. The evening was expertly guided by Dylan, whose love of astronomy made for a fascinating and entertaining evening. Malia is an incredibly talented astrophotographer and we have a priceless photo of our family in front of the Milky Way. A wonderful evening.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jane
Aug 16, 2025
Epic and highly recommend!!! - We had an absolutely unforgettable stargazing experience with Epic Tours on the Big Island. James led the tour with great care, making sure everything was smooth and well organized. Dylan was so engaged and excited to share his knowledge about the stars—it made the night feel even more magical. Malia, our photographer, was incredibly kind and helpful, making us feel comfortable while capturing the most beautiful photos. The pictures turned out gorgeous and truly captured the wonder of the night.
Seeing the Milky Way and countless stars blanketing the sky was awe-inspiring—definitely one of those bucket list moments. The entire experience was more than worth it, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Big Island.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
130ginaf
Jul 29, 2025
Like being in outer space...on a lounge chair! - Our star gazing experience was nothing short of phenomenal. It felt like we were in outer space. Our guide, Dillon, was very engaging, knowledgeable and funny. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience seeing stars, the Milky Way and even a huge shooting star. My only criticism was in the lack of clear instructions as to how to access the viewing site which turned out to be on Mauna Loa, not Mauna Kea, that evening. While at first we received a text stating that the evening's session might be canceled due to weather, we never received a follow-up message as promised. So we gambled that it was on and later, about halfway to our destination, they finally got back to us. The instructions as to how to get there could have been much clearer and therefore we went the wrong way which caused us to be about 30 minutes late. However, the program itself was so rewarding that we soon forgot about the difficult drive. Also the photos came out great and serve as one-of-a-kind souvenirs. That's why the five star rating.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Originalli
Jul 16, 2025
Awe-Inspiring, Unique and Worthwhile Experience. WOW! - I loved seeing the stars. The experienced astronomer Dylan explained the telescope and the images we were viewing. He allowed for Q&A about all sorts of super interesting space stuff. I learned a lot!
The photographer took a few groups aside at a time for pictures, and was very accommodating to our pose requests.
Coats and blankets are provided but I still recommend wearing all your layers. We’re from Canada and even we considered it quite cold!
Our tour was postponed 45 min, but they let us know in advance. The meeting spot changed after we left and we didn’t have cell service but figured it out because our group was the only one on the road and it was easy to spot the new location after driving a bit further. Check your phones regularly before departure and before arrival (if you can!)
It was expensive but my boyfriend and I highly enjoyed our time and would recommend it to others! The stargazing alone was worth it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katrinarossos
Jun 27, 2025
Unforgettable Experience! - This stargazing experience was one of the most unforgettable tours we did while in Hawaii -- truly mind boggling to see so many stars! When you arrive at the meeting point and get out of your car, you feel as if you are on another planet. Horizon to horizon you just see stars. I felt as if I was in a planetarium -- but outside. I know that this is one of those truly once in a lifetime experiences that you do not get where I live in the Northeast continental US, where you only see a portion of the night sky because of the forest. Dylan was extremely knowledgable about space and made the entire learning experience one that is digestible for the average person who may know very little about space. Would definitely go again the next time I'm on the Big Island!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabethal566wa
Jun 25, 2025
SO glad we booked!!! Straight up magical✨ - I was originally not overly excited to book, but my son really wanted to. I’m SO glad we did, because this was unlike any tour I’ve been on. I’ve never seen the night sky like this—it was captivating. The spots they take you to are (literally) off the beaten path, but so worth it. The views are truly spectacular, really there aren’t any other words to describe it. And we got the coolest pics! Overall, I’m so happy we booked it—if you’re on the fence, hopefully this helps.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jacquelynm541
Jun 19, 2025
Highlight of our Trip! - Highlight of our trip! Dylan (astronomer) was so incredibly knowledgeable and was able to find the perfect spot for stargazing! Malia (astro-photographer) was so kind and fun to work with. Her work is beautiful - highly recommend checking it out!
James (owner) has been incredibly helpful in answering all my questions. We reached out ahead of our trip to find out what date they recommended for the best stargazing while we were here.
Highly recommend - you won’t regret it!
P.S. Be sure to bring extra layers - they have extra jackets, blankets and chairs, but you’ll want all the layers you can get!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stark616
May 6, 2025
WAY Overpriced - Unfortunately I have to agree with a previous reviewer's (Overpriced Star Lecture) disappointed experience.
The positives first: friendly and knowledgable hosts, good viewing spot, beautiful stars, beautiful photos.
Why we would not recommend/do this again: the price of $598 for 2 people, plus $65 per high-resolution photo upgrade, is rather outrageous for what you get. For this price, we had anticipated a more private experience (our oversight for not seeing the 30 people max group listed), more photography time, hands-on viewing/telescope use, and inclusion of high-resolution photos.
A mere 2 photos were offered to be taken of each person/couple plus a piece of chocolate, while Dylan gave a stand-up comedy-esque lecture. Very knowledgable and well intentioned, however his approach detracted from the experience. The cosmos is incredibly magical on it's own, the added theatrics was really unnecessary and chaotic.
I understand the equipment/telescope is costly, but considering we were only offered to view on our phones via an app, it really doesn't justify putting this cost on the participants.
Also, they offer parkas which we appreciated, but I'm not sure how often they are actually washed. I stuck my hand in a pocket and my fingers landed into a mush of what must have been leftover chocolate from the last person who wore it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leah_s
Jun 24, 2025
Cancelled last min - Changed time and meetup three times before cancelling when we were already at the last meetup stop given. I understand things happen but as they don’t have a license to go to summit or to good viewing sites a little lower then they are much more susceptible to conditions. My wife went on a different one the same night, Hawaii Forest and Trails, and had an amazing and successfully experience.
Review provided by Viator