Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience with Pro Astro-Photographer
4.8
248 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: 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…
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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 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…

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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.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(248 Ratings)
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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
Kaitlynn_w
Apr 10, 2025
Best tour ever - Absolutely incredible!!!!! I never write reviews but I had to about this experience. We have done other star gazing tours before but nothing has compared to this one. First Dillon and James were amazing! They were so knowledgeable and I learned more than I could ever ask for! They answered all questions and were so kind we felt comfortable to ask anything! We also were completely secluded from anyone else so totally dark sky. They also provided chairs, coats and blankets so it was awesome to just snuggle up and recline to look at the stars and listen. We also got absolutely incredible pictures. The milky way is so clear it looks like it was digitally edited however thats just how amazing they are at photography. We even caught a shooting star in our photo!!! We got to see it shoot by and then looked at the camera and saw it in the image! What a cool experience! Highly Highly recommend!!!!
Review provided by Viator
Wwtara
Mar 5, 2025
Don't miss this! - Such an incredible and unique experience! We were on the fence due to price and the potential for a longer drive at night but we couldn't be more glad we booked it! The details were well communicated leading up to the event and the photos are such a fun way to remember a fantastic experience! The stars were truly breathtaking. Dylan, our astrologist, was just fantastic and his knowledge was vast and contagious. I would highly recommend this once in a lifetime experience to anyone in the area!
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Kmgreenrn
Mar 6, 2025
Pictures with stars and space - This company has you meet at the location there is no pick up and delivery back. For me this meant an hour drive on off and on rainy, curvy mountain roads. Other companies are available for the same price that offer this option. Once I arrived I had to travel upward on a dark single curvy road to get to the meeting location. It was super cold so dress really warm. take gloves and hats if you have them and wear sturdy shoes. I would do this experience again anyway. I did think the picture of me would have been better since you can't tell who I am and the picture background is light even though it was dark. There is a falling star behind me. While there I fid see a falling star behind the speaker. Another lad seen 2 falling stars. All the other pictures sent to you have to be purchased. Those pictures are awesome and reflect a lot of what we talked about. Dylan answered every question ask. He was knowledgeable about the stars, planets, nebula, galaxies, black holes, string theory, the theory of relativity , UFO, everything astronomy you could ask for. He was very enthusiastic and definitely has passion for this topic. The hand warmer helped once we figured out how to use them for this 2 hour experience.
Review provided by Viator
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
Check Availability
From $299
From $299
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
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Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).