What is the cancellation policy for this tour?

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

How long does this tour take?

This tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos

Q: Where does this tour start?

This tour starts at: 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..

★★★★⯨ 4.8

2 hours

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Overview

Led by both an astronomer and an astro-photographer, we’re the only stargazing tour that combines expert guidance with astrophotography, offers two-hour experiences, avoids crowds, and has a stargazing guarantee.

Part 1 –
All ages welcome. We meet at our dark-sky location on the safe, comfortable slopes of Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa. Relax in a reclining folding chair, sip hot chocolate, enjoy the cool mountain air, and watch the stars appear.

Part 2 –
Using our Celestron Origin smart telescope, our astronomer brings the universe to you. No eyepiece required. Controlled by a smartphone, it produces stunning live images on-screen. See galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters in real time while your astronomer explains each object and answers your questions.

Part 3 –
While you enjoy the view, our astro-photographer captures epic images of you and your group under the night sky. Med-size digital files are emailed within 48 hours, with high-resolution upgrades available.

Gallery

Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos — photo 1

Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos — photo 2

Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos — photo 3

Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos — photo 4

Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos — photo 5

Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos — photo 6

Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos — photo 7

What's Included

✓ 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

Stop 1

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 experience includes: • A guided star talk by our astronomer using a Celestron Origin smart telescope • Close-up telescope views of deep sky objects like nebulas, star clusters, and galaxies • Complimentary portraits taken by our astro-photographer with the Milky Way as your backdrop • Medium-resolution photos included at no extra cost • A stargazing guarantee — if the stars don’t show, the tour is free

Meeting & End Point

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Meeting Point

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.

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End Point

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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 ;)

Known For:

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Special Instructions

• Reach out to us on Instagram @EpicTours or text +1 808 747 1211 for waivers/photo upgrades as well as the updated meeting location
• It is highly recommended to have a rental car to meet at the starting location.
• The nearest gas station is 20 miles away
Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions and weather