Mauna Kea Sunrise Tour

Mauna Kea Summit is home to the worlds largest and most powerful telescopes and has atmospheric clarity better than anywhere else on earth. You'll see breathtaking views from Hawaii's tallest volcano. On most mornings you can see from North Kona all the way around the north tip of the island and all the way down to Volcanoes National Park! Lucky for you, all of our Mauna Kea tours are also Photo Tours! We are the only Mauna Kea tour company that gives you Free Photos on every tour. Our Photographer Guides will take pictures of the stars in the sky, telescopes and if you're not too shy, pictures of you that can be shared with all of your friends and family! The summit of Mauna Kea is unforgettable. It's hard to believe you're in Hawaii as you've climbed to 13,796 feet above sea level amongst over 100 cinder cones and above the clouds. Once at the summit we are afforded spectacular views of the horizon, Haleakala on Maui, Volcanoes National Park, Hilo, Mauna Loa and Hualalai, and Mauna Keas world-class array of telescopes. Mauna Kea is the actually the worlds tallest mountain, rising over 32,000 feet from the ocean floor to its summit, which is considered by many Hawaiians to be the most sacred place in all of Polynesia. You'll stand in awe at both natures sublime creation and mans astonishing technological achievements. Starting out from Kona or Waikoloa, we travel up the coast over desolate lava flows for about an hour before proceeding past the rolling pasturelands on the flanks of Mauna Kea at the Mauna Kea Visitors Center. We will first spend some time acclimating at the 9,200 level, stargazing and taking some AstroPhotography pictures while enjoying a light breakfast consisting of water, juice, Starbucks Frappuccino, yogurt, fruit and an assortment of granola bars. After breakfast and with a jacket in hand, well make the 30-minute drive to the summit. From the summit, we will witness the light slowly starting to appear from behind the clouds as we are 3 miles above sea level! 30 minutes later, you'll see the first glimpse of the sun peaking through the clouds out on the horizon. After the truly majestic sunrise, we will also drive around to all of the telescopes and take some more pictures. After the tour, we will head back down for a couple more pictures at scenic locations and then drop-off at your resort.