Where NASA Photographs Black Holes: Your Mauna Kea Observatory Tour
Watch sunset from Hawaii's highest peak. View Saturn's rings, Jupiter's moons, and galaxies millions of light-years away through professional telescopes.
Rated 4.83★ by 587+ travelers • Small groups • Books out 2-3 weeks in advance
This Isn't Just Stargazing — It's Time Travel
When you gaze at light from a galaxy 2.5 million light-years away, you're literally looking back in time. At Mauna Kea's summit — 13,796 feet above the Pacific — you'll stand where the world's most powerful telescopes captured the first-ever photograph of a black hole.
14,000 Feet Above the Clouds
Feel the crisp mountain air at 40% less oxygen than sea level. Watch the sun paint the Pacific golden from Hawaii's highest accessible peak.
See the Universe Up Close
View Saturn's rings, Jupiter's four Galilean moons, and the Andromeda galaxy 2.5 million light-years away through professional telescopes.
Where NASA Makes History
Stand among billion-dollar telescopes that photographed the first black hole and discover celestial wonders invisible anywhere else on Earth.
"This was the best day of my life! This tour was absolutely amazing and so magical, I got engaged on this tour!!!"
— Gerard
September 2025
See What Awaits You at the Summit
From fiery sunsets painting the clouds golden to the Milky Way stretching across the sky, every moment at Mauna Kea is photograph-worthy.
Sunset above the clouds at 13,796 feet
World-class NASA observatory domes
High-powered telescopes reveal cosmic wonders
Dark skies bursting with stars
Convenient pickups from Kona & Waikoloa
Free Milky Way portraits included
View planets through research-grade telescopes
Your unforgettable cosmic journey
Your 6.5-Hour Journey to the Top of the Pacific
Here's exactly what happens, minute by minute. No surprises, just pure anticipation.
We Come to You
Convenient pickup from select Kona and Waikoloa locations
Scenic Ascent
Gradual climb through climate zones with Hawaiian music and cultural narration
Sunset at 13,796 Feet
Breathtaking sunset above the clouds at Mauna Kea's summit
Observatory Tour
Stand among world-class telescopes including those that photographed the first black hole
Professional Stargazing
Hot cocoa, high-powered telescopes, and constellation stories
Free Professional Photos
Complimentary Milky Way portraits captured by your guide
Return Journey
Warm parkas, comfortable ride back to your hotel
✓ What's Included
- ✓Round-trip transportation from select locations
- ✓Professional telescopes & laser pointers
- ✓Premium winter parkas & gloves (provided)
- ✓Hot chocolate & gourmet snacks
- ✓Free professional night sky photos (emailed)
- ✓Expert astronomy guide
✗ What's Not Included
- ✗Dinner (please eat before pickup)
- ✗Gratuities (optional but appreciated)
Why 587 Travelers Call This the "GOAT Experience"
Don't just take our word for it. Here's what real travelers say.
"This was the best day of my life! This tour was absolutely amazing and so magical, I got engaged on this tour!!!"
Gerard
September 2025
"Tay is extremely knowledgeable about astronomy, comfortable making information easy to understand. The day was the absolute best of my nearly 2 weeks on 4 different Hawaiian islands."
Linda
November 2025
"Amazing! The sunset at the summit was one of the most beautiful things I've seen in my life. Unmissable, worth every penny!"
Alice
November 2025
Is This Mauna Kea Observatory Tour Right for Me?
We want you to have the best experience possible. Here's everything you need to know.
Perfect For:
- ✓Couples seeking unforgettable romance
- ✓Families with teens (13+ years)
- ✓Photography enthusiasts
- ✓Science & astronomy lovers
- ✓Anyone wanting a once-in-a-lifetime experience
Not Suitable For:
- ✗Children under 13 years
- ✗Pregnant women
- ✗Those with heart or respiratory issues
- ✗Anyone who scuba dived in last 24 hours
- ✗People with severe altitude sensitivity
Altitude & Safety
We ascend gradually and provide oxygen if needed. Most guests have no issues — we monitor everyone closely.
You'll be at 13,796 feet where oxygen levels are ~40% less than sea level. The gradual ascent helps your body acclimate naturally.
Exceptional Value for a Lifetime Memory
At $289 per person, this isn't just a tour — it's a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the edge of space.
What's Included in Your $289 Experience
Flexible Booking:
- ✓Reserve now & pay later available
- ✓Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- ✓Full refund if weather cancels tour
⚠️ Tours book out 2-3 weeks in advance • Limited to small groups
Your Questions, Answered
Planning your Mauna Kea adventure? We've answered the most common questions below.
Your Cosmic Journey Awaits — Book Today
Tours filling fast for new moon periods when the stars shine brightest
Don't let this once-in-a-lifetime experience slip away. Reserve your spot on Mauna Kea today.