Mauna Kea Summit Adventures

Yes, guests need to be at least 13 years old. We can not accept children under the age of 13 on either the standard tour or private tours.

Yes, 2 passengers minimum.

Yes, we do. Charters, Groups, Private Sunrise, Day, and Evening Tours are 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!

No, we do not provide telescopes. We conduct our stargazing show with a laser pointer.

No, commercial tour companies are not allowed to use the telescopes at the Visitor’s Center.

No, most of the observatories are not open to the public for tours. The ones that do allow public entry are closed by the time our tour reaches the summit. If you are interested in touring an observatory specifically, please check out our Mauna Kea Day tour or schedule a private tour. Please be aware that only the Keck Observatory allows public access, and only during weekdays. If you are interested in the Subaru telescope, you will have to make reservations with them personally.

The tour costs $240 per person, and we offer the lowest rates for Mauna Kea Summit tours on the Big Island.

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 excess alcohol 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.

No, we don’t but ask your guide nicely, and he/she may make a food stop for you.  If not, bring your own food with you.  We recommend a light meal for your Mauna Kea Tour.

Guests should bring warm layers, closed-toe shoes, and water. However, jackets are available upon request. If you need to use one of our jackets, please let us know when you book your tour. We have sizes S-3XL.

No, our goal is to reach the summit. Sunsets and stargazing are definitely a bonus, but we cannot guarantee them. We have no control over weather or cloud cover. If the road is closed, the tour will be cancelled. If you still wish to try to go to the VIS even if the road may remain closed, no refund will be offered at that point.

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.

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.

No, we do not have the space to accommodate large bags or equipment in our vehicles. Guests are limited to small bags only.

It all depends on the rental company and if they allow it.  Your vehicle needs to be 4WD, and you’ll need to discuss with your rental car company to see what their limitations are.