Watch sunset from Maunakea, then stargaze with an 11-inch Celestron telescope
Around 7 to 8 hours
Dinner, hot chocolate, parkas
Travel from sea level to the slopes of Maunakea for sunset views and a guided night-sky experience. After dark, use an 11-inch Celestron telescope and a Stellina digital telescope to view deep-space objects and capture photos.
Ages 13+ only. Not advised for pregnancy, respiratory, circulatory, or heart conditions, or poor health; do not go within 24 hours after scuba diving. Expect uneven or rocky terrain and possible cool, wet, or muddy conditions, and plan for a late return.
Full refund with 24 hours' notice of cancellation. Private tours: full refund with 72 hours notice. Cancellations within the cancellation period and no-shows are charged the full amount of the tour.
We utilize an 11" Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and a digital telescope to view and photograph deep space objects.
Our maximum guide-to-guest ratio is 1:12.
Our permit allows for a maximum of 2 vehicles per night.
Hawaii Forest & Trail has built a strong reputation across a wide range of Big Island experiences, from Mauna Kea summit and stargazing tours to waterfall hikes, birding excursions, and volcano adventures. The variety alone is impressive, but what consistently stands out in traveler feedback is the quality of the guides. Names like Jason, Dave, Jeff, Jon, Willy, and Wilson come up again and again, each praised for deep local knowledge, genuine enthusiasm, and a talent for making guests feel looked after throughout the day. Small group sizes and thoughtful logistics seem to be part of the formula here. Even self-described hardcore birders who prefer going solo have come away pleasantly surprised, noting that the pacing and group dynamics actually enhanced the experience rather than getting in the way. Tours are described as well-organized, with comfortable transportation, meals included on longer outings, and guides who weave in Hawaiian culture, history, and geology naturally throughout. With a near-perfect rating across hundreds of reviews, this is clearly a provider that delivers consistently, not just on the headline experience but on the details that make a trip memorable. If you're visiting the Big Island and want a guided outdoor experience that feels personal rather than generic, this is a strong choice.
Great tour! Our guide Dave was fantastic, we learned so much about the Volcanos, Hawaii in general, and of course how chocolate is made. Highly recommend this tour!
Sara Chaffee
May 14, 2026
Great tour! Our guide Dave was fantastic, we learned so much about the Volcanos, Hawaii in general, and of course how chocolate is made. Highly recommend this tour!
Sara Chaffee
May 14, 2026