The Mauna Kea Summit Evening Tour
Join us on an epic adventure to one of the most amazing mountains in the world-- Travel from sea level to the summit of Mauna Kea at 14,000 ft./4200 m. in one evening for trip that you'll remember for a lifetime!
What We Offer:
- A small group tour with a maximum of 13 passengers.*
- A professionally guided, informative tour in a 4wd van or SUV. Relax knowing you are in good hands with our drivers!
- A brief stop at Rainbow Falls in Hilo (for guests picked up in Hilo only.)
- A chance to learn about a place rich with cultural, astronomical, and geological history.
- A view from the summit at sunset**
- Starshow at 9,000 ft. with our trained guides using a handheld laser**
- Jackets are available upon request.
- A tour departure from Hilo. We offer pickups at most of the major hotels in Hilo, or we can meet guests at the Onizuka Visitors Center.
- For guests in Kona or Waikoloa, we require a minimum of 4 guests in order to utilize our transport provider to our meeting point. If you are located in Kona and would like to take our tour, please contact us for more details at +1-808-339-0921 or by email at reservations@arnottslodge.com.
*This tour currently has a minimum requirement of 2 passengers to run.
**Weather permitting.
***Arnott's Lodge may occasionally offer a daytime tour to Mauna Kea. Check our calendar for availability. The schedule for this tour is different from our regularly scheduled evening tour.
Lodge Guest Discount! Guests who stay at least one night at our lodge in Hilo are eligible for a discount on the Mauna Kea Summit Evening Tour. The tour must be taken within 30 days of the lodge stay date. Please contact us if you are one of our lodge guests and would like to take this tour.
What to bring: Closed-toe footwear, warm clothing, a light dinner, water, sun protection, and your camera.
We highly recommend that guests bring their own binoculars if possible, as it can enhance your experience tremendously when you have equipment that you are familiar with. Ensure that you have practice using them and that you are comfortable with adjusting them as needed. For an article on why using binoculars can be great for stargazing, click here.
Our goal: Our main objective is to reach the summit of Mauna Kea. We understand that our guests come to visit Mauna Kea for many different reasons. Whether your goal is to try to understand the cultural and spiritual importance, to add the mountain to your list of high points visited, or to study its unique geology and history; we are here to help you reach the top.
Weather: Mauna Kea is occasionally hit by passing clouds or bad weather which does not close the road. If the road is open to the summit, our tour WILL proceed. We cannot guarantee that you will see sunset or stars as we have no control of cloud coverage and spontaneous weather. Both the phase of the moon and cloud coverage can affect stargazing (See here.) Check out Mauna Kea's webcam http://mkwc.ifa.hawaii.edu/current/cams/
Restrictions:
This tour is not recommended for anyone with heart or respiratory problems, high blood pressure, motion sickness, back pain, pregnant women, children, anyone in poor health, or anyone who has scuba-dived within the last 48 hours. We strongly recommend that you not take this tour if you have indulged in alcohol to excess the night before, or if you have had any alcohol to drink the day of your tour. You must be 13+ to take this tour. As a general health indicator all guests must be able to walk at least 100 yards briskly and to climb into the van unaided. If you have a health condition that you believe may be affected by altitude changes, or if you are unsure, please consult your doctor before booking this tour. Step stools are rated for 250 lbs/115 kg and guest must be able to occupy a single seat space. Please read our FAQ on Mauna Kea.
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Charters, groups, private Sunrise, Day and Evening Tours also available; inquire at info@arnottslodge.com or call/text/whatsapp us at 808-339-0921 for availability.
Please read our detailed page along with our terms and conditions on Mauna Kea before booking!
We have a 48 hour cancellation policy. If you cancel outside of 48 hours to the date of your scheduled tour, a $49 cancellation fee will be assessed. If you cancel within 48 hours of the date of your scheduled tour, there is no refund offered for any reason. This includes unforeseen events, illnesses, and injury. We always recommend travel insurance in case of unforeseen events.
Road closures: If we are aware of a road closure that will affect the course of the tour before the tour begins, we will let you know and offer you the option to continue with the tour or reschedule (if possible). If you choose to continue with the tour knowing that a road is or may be closed and you may not make it to the summit, no refund will be offered in that instance.
Please ensure that you provide the correct contact contact information during your booking. Our staff will send you a confirmation notice containing information about this excursion, including meeting times, meeting location, and any preparations necessary. Please read and keep this emailed notice to make sure you are properly informed for this tour.
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