Above the Clouds
Your evening begins at sunset, high on Mauna Kea, above the sea of clouds
Hilo Stargazing
High on Mauna Kea · 9,200 ft · Hawaiʻi
Guided stargazing high on Mauna Kea, at one of the most pristine dark-sky sites on Earth. See the universe as you never have before.
The World's Premier Stargazing Destination
This isn't just stargazing. This is standing above a sea of clouds, surrounded by silence, watching the Milky Way arc overhead in breathtaking detail. Our expert astronomers guide you through an unforgettable night among the stars.
Your evening begins at sunset, high on Mauna Kea, above the sea of clouds
We begin as the sun descends below a sea of clouds, painting the sky in shades of amber and crimson. From high on Mauna Kea, watch the island slip into dusk far below as the first stars emerge.
As darkness falls, the universe reveals itself. Through professional-grade telescopes, witness Saturn's rings, Jupiter's moons, distant nebulae, and star clusters millions of light-years away, guided by expert astronomers.
Learn the Hawaiian star lore that guided Polynesian voyagers across the open ocean. Our guides weave astronomy with cultural storytelling, connecting the ancient and the cosmic under the darkest skies.
Small groups, big skies. An intimate encounter with the cosmos
Round-trip transportation from HiloComfortable 4WD vehicle with experienced mountain drivers
Professional telescope observationCelestron & Meade telescopes with expert guidance on deep-sky objects
Cold-weather gear & warm drinksParkas, gloves, hot cocoa, and light snacks for your evening under the stars
Astrophotography assistanceTips and help capturing the night sky with your own camera or phone
Duration: about 7 to 8 hoursEvening departure, return to Hilo around midnight
Small group sizesUp to 11 guests per van for an intimate, personalized experience. Private tours available.
Age 16+ recommendedHigh altitude requires reasonable fitness. Not recommended for pregnant visitors or those with respiratory conditions.
Year-round availabilityEvery season offers unique celestial highlights. Milky Way core best May to September.
Hilo Stargazing takes you high onto Mauna Kea, to a pristine dark-sky site near the Maunakea Visitor Information Station, about 9,200 feet above the Pacific. At this elevation you're above the clouds and the island's light pollution, with virtually zero glow to wash out the sky. Our expert astronomers provide professional telescopes and personalized guidance for an experience you simply can't get anywhere else on the island. (Note: commercial tours do not access the summit, which is restricted, but the dark skies here are world-class.)
Absolutely. Mauna Kea is one of the best places on Earth to see the Milky Way. The galactic core is visible from approximately May through September, and during those months it stretches brilliantly across the sky. Even outside peak Milky Way season, the dark skies reveal thousands more stars than you'd see at sea level, along with planets, nebulae, and star clusters.
Dress in warm layers. Even in summer, temperatures at 9,200 feet regularly drop below freezing at night with wind chill. We provide heavy parkas, but wearing long pants, closed-toe shoes, and bringing your own hat and gloves is strongly recommended. Think winter gear in the middle of the Pacific.
Our signature experience runs approximately 7 to 8 hours. This includes the scenic drive from Hilo up the mountain, a sunset viewing session, an extended stargazing observation of roughly 2 hours, and the return journey. We never rush. The goal is an unhurried, immersive encounter with the night sky.
Our viewing site sits at about 9,200 feet, high enough for pristine dark skies, but well below the summit, which commercial tours do not access. Altitude still affects everyone differently, so we take a gradual approach and give your body time to adjust on the way up. Guests with heart or respiratory conditions, or who are pregnant, should consult a doctor first. Our guides are trained in altitude awareness and carry supplemental oxygen as a precaution.
Shared tours are $175 per person, and a private tour is $1,600 for the whole van (up to 11 guests). Gratuity is not included. Tours begin in July 2027, and you can join the waitlist now to get 15% off our first tours before public booking opens.
Tours depart from Hilo on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. From there we drive up Mauna Kea to a pristine dark-sky viewing site near the Maunakea Visitor Information Station, about 9,200 feet above the Pacific. Round-trip transportation in a comfortable 4WD vehicle is included, so you can simply relax and watch the sky.
We are taking our first guests up Mauna Kea in July 2027. Join the waitlist now and get 15% off our very first tours, before public booking opens.
Gratuity not included · 15% waitlist discount applied to your first booking
Join the Waitlist