FAQ

Since our tours won’t be going to extreme altitudes, any age can join. Our max altitude is around 9k feet. Doctors recommend staying below that altitude to minimize any potential altitude sickness. It is extremely rare that anyone ever feels sick on our tours.

Our stargazing experience typically lasts between 90 minutes and 2 hours. This allows plenty of time to explore the night sky with our astronomer, view multiple deep-space objects through the telescope, and take complimentary group photos under the stars.

Some guests choose to take photos earlier and depart sooner, while others stay for the full experience. The tour is designed to be relaxed and flexible.

Do we watch the sunset on the stargazing tour?

Our stargazing tours typically begin a few hours after sunset to ensure the best possible night-sky conditions. While sunset is not part of the guided experience, guests are welcome to enjoy sunset on their own beforehand and still have plenty of time to arrive at the meeting location.

Sunset recommendations

Where is the best place to watch sunset before the tour?

Many guests enjoy watching sunset at Mauna Kea Beach before their stargazing experience. It is a popular spot for sunset, dinner, and evening manta ray viewing, making it easy to enjoy mantas and stargazing in the same night before heading up the mountain.

Another excellent option is Sunset Hill, located directly across from the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station. This short five to ten minute walk up a small hill offers sweeping views above the clouds and vibrant sunset colors over the western horizon. We recommend arriving about thirty minutes before sunset, dressing warmly, and enjoying the views before continuing on to your stargazing location.

Can we visit the Mauna Kea summit for sunset?

If you plan to visit the Mauna Kea summit for sunset on your own, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is required to drive beyond the visitor station. Rental agreements are often checked, and non-4×4 vehicles are not permitted on the summit road. Guests should arrive well before sunset, as the road closes at sunset and all vehicles must descend promptly. Warm layers are essential due to cold and windy conditions at the summit.

No. The Mauna Kea summit is closed after sunset and is only accessible to rangers, staff, and cultural practitioners. All tour companies and private individuals descend to lower elevations after sunset to stargaze.

Most stargazing takes place near the visitor center, which can become crowded. We avoid that area and instead choose a quieter, secluded location based on nightly conditions.

What telescope do you use?

We use the Celestron Origin smart telescope during our stargazing tours.

What makes this telescope different?

It’s a modern, computer-guided telescope that uses advanced imaging technology to reveal deep-space objects in real time. Instead of a traditional eyepiece, it displays bright, detailed views on a screen.

Do we look through an eyepiece?

No. The telescope collects light over time and shows the image digitally, so everyone in your group can see the same object at once without taking turns.

What kinds of objects can we see?

Depending on conditions, you may see galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. This technology allows faint deep-sky objects to appear much clearer than with standard visual telescopes.

Will someone explain what we’re seeing?

Yes. Our astronomer guides the experience, explaining each object as it appears and sharing what makes it unique and scientifically interesting.

Are photos included?

Yes. Images captured through the telescope are included with our complimentary photo package.

Is this good for kids and beginners?

Absolutely. Because the images are displayed clearly and explained in simple terms, it’s engaging and easy to follow for all ages.

During the tour, our astro-photographer will take complimentary private group photos of your party under the night sky. Our astronomer will also capture telescope images of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters viewed that evening. These digital photos are included with your tour and are perfect for sharing on social media.

After the tour, photos are typically delivered within 24 to 48 hours. Guests receive a standard-resolution photo package at no additional cost. If you would like to upgrade to high-resolution images for printing or personal keepsakes, upgrades can be purchased before the tour or anytime afterward. High-resolution files are saved indefinitely, so there is no pressure to decide right away.

Photo upgrades are available here

We may choose to delay the tour in hopes of clearer skies. If a delay is not feasible, the tour will be canceled and guests will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.

If a cloud delay exceeds 90 minutes, a full refund will be issued. Delays of less than 90 minutes are not eligible for a refund.

We carefully select our stargazing location each night based on real-time cloud cover and crowd conditions to provide the best possible experience. If the skies do not cooperate, we do not force the tour.

If weather prevents quality stargazing, we may delay the start time. If conditions do not improve or a delay is not possible, the tour will be canceled. In those cases, guests receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.

If you do not get an epic stargazing experience, you do not pay.

Yes. Complimentary parka jackets are provided to help keep guests warm during the tour. Stargazing takes place at higher elevations where temperatures can drop quickly after sunset. Our parkas come in a range of sizes that you can pick out upon arrival.

For the best photos, we recommend darker, neutral, or earth-tone clothing and avoiding bright whites, neon colors, or large logos. Layers photograph well and help with comfort. Closed-toe shoes are recommended, and hats or beanies can be a nice touch for warmth and photos.

Thoughtful clothing choices help the night sky stand out and result in more natural, cinematic images.

Not usually. Our guides head up the mountain a few hours before the tour to scout the best possible stargazing location, away from clouds and crowds. If it looks like the clouds will not clear in time, we send a text about 90 minutes before the tour to let guests know if it needs to be canceled or postponed. This helps guests avoid unnecessary driving and lost vacation time.

Guests receive a 100 percent refund if we cancel due to weather.

Most nights, clouds begin to clear after sunset, which makes it difficult to provide more than about 90 minutes notice.

Any date or time available on our online calendar is a great option. Tours are scheduled to avoid full moon conditions, and booking earlier in your trip gives you the best chance to see the stars. If weather does not cooperate, we will attempt to reschedule guests when possible.