The Big Island is known for a lot – volcanoes, beaches, waterfalls – but one of the best things about it comes out after dark. With barely any light pollution, high elevations, and a sky that stretches forever, the Big Island is hands down one of the best places for stargazing in the world. Whether you’re looking up from Mauna Kea’s summit, pulling off Saddle Road for a quiet moment under the Milky Way, or spotting constellations from the beach, it’s an experience you’ll never forget!

Why the Big Island is Perfect for Stargazing

The stars just feel different here. Maybe it’s the stillness of the island at night, the way the sky looks bigger, or how easy it is to see shooting stars without even trying. Whatever it is, it’s something you just have to see for yourself.

Mauna Kea: The Ultimate Big Island Stargazing Spot

When people think about stargazing on the Big Island, Mauna Kea usually comes to mind first. And for good reason. Best part is, you don’t need to hike to the summit or know anything about astronomy to enjoy it. The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station – called the VIS -is where most people go, and a really special place to experience the night sky.

Located at about 9,200 feet above sea level, the VIS is high enough for jaw-dropping visibility, weather permitting, but still easily accessible in a regular rental car. It’s open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and while you can visit anytime, the real magic happens after sunset.

They also offer reservation-based stargazing nights about once a month. These free events take place at a private stargazing location where the VIS staff sets up telescopes  and shares stories about the stars. Be sure to reserve early as space is limited and spots go fast.

Even if your trip doesn’t line up with one of the official stargazing nights, it’s absolutely still worth going. You can bring your own binoculars or just stretch out on a blanket. The stars don’t disappoint.

Safety Note: If you’re thinking about continuing past the Visitor Information Station to the summit, it’s very important to read up on the risks first. The road is steep, partially unpaved, and your vehicle must have 4WD. In fact, you’ll need to check your rental agreement to make sure you’re allowed to drive past the VIS. The summit sits nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, and the elevation can cause altitude sickness. It is not recommended that children under 13, pregnant women and anyone experiencing health conditions venture above the VIS. Weather can also shift fast up there, with freezing temps, high winds and even snow. For full details, check the “Visiting Mauna Kea Safely and Responsibly” section on hilo.hawaii.edu before deciding if the summit is right for you.

Saddle Road: The Unexpected Stargazing Gem

Not everyone makes to Mauna Kea, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Saddle Road, which runs between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, is one of the island’s best-kept stargazing secrets.

On a visit to the Big Island when I was a teenager, my dad, brother, and I had planned to head up to the VIS, but time got away from us and we never made it that far. We ended up pulling over along Saddle Road and just hopping out of the car to see what we could see.

We weren’t disappointed. I’ve never seen anything like it, even to this day. The stars were everywhere – words can’t do it justice – but it felt like the heavens were literally alive. On top of that, unbeknownst to us, there was also a meteor shower happening that night. There were so many shooting stars, I didn’t even have time to make a wish before I would see the next one! We stood there a long time, just watching. Almost 27 years later, and I can still see it in my mind. It’s a core memory, and we never even made it off Saddle Road.

Quick tip: If you’re thinking about doing this yourself, make sure you find a safe pull-off spot. There are a few larger shoulder areas and gravel lots, especially between mile markers 30 and 45. Saddle Road is remote, dark, and fast-moving, so it is essential to make sure you’re parked completely off the road in a safe, visible place. We recommend scouting a safe pull-off spot during the day, since the darkness can be a little disorienting.

Volcanoes National Park: Fire and Stars

If you want an experience that feels truly out of this world, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is where you want to be. On clear nights, the sky stretches on forever – and if the lava is flowing while you’re there, the glow from the crater and the shimmer of the stars above is something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

Even if there’s no lava during your visit, the stillness and space out here are something special. You can drive through the park after dark or find a quiet place to stargaze nearby.

Just so you know: Some ares of the park may have limited access at night. It’s always good to check with the visitor center or NPS website before heading out.

Kaunaoa Beach: Big Island Stargazing on the Sand

Kaunaoa Beach – also known as Mauna Kea Beach – is one of the most accessible beaches on the Kohala Coast for stargazing. The white sand stretches wide and the waves roll in gently, making it the perfect place to view the heavens at sea level. There are 40 public parking spots for beach access, available on a first-come, first-served basis. If these spots are full, the nearby Mauna Kea Hotel charges a parking fee of approximately $21 for non-Hawaii residents.

Did you know? The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, which sits on the north end of the beach, often turns on its flood lights at night. That’s partly because this spot is popular for night snorkeling with manta rays – an incredible experience that our Big Island all-inclusive packages sometimes include. If you’re here for the stars and quiet, just take a short stroll down the beach. The farther you get from the lights, the darker the sky becomes – and the better the view.

Bonus Tip: You Don’t Have to Plan It to Experience It

One of the best things about the Big Island is that stargazing can happen almost anywhere. On a clear night, you don’t have to be on a mountain or book a special tour – you just need to be somewhere away from bright lights and look up. Whether you’re driving back to your resort, stepping out onto your balcony, or taking a quiet stroll after dinner, the stars are almost always waiting. Like mine, sometimes the best stargazing moments are the ones you didn’t plan.

Big Island All-Inclusive Packages with Stargazing

Want to include a night of stargazing in your vacation? Our Big Island All-Inclusive Premier Vacation Package includes a full-day Volcano and Stargazing Tour, which takes you through the sights of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, includes dinner, and ends with serene stargazing near Mauna Kea, weather permitting. It’s a great way to soak in the island’s beauty without having to plan a thing.

Want to make stargazing part of your Hawaiian getaway? Whether it’s a quiet night on the beach or a guided evening under the stars, we’ll help you find the perfect moment. Contact us to learn about our all-inclusive Big Island vacation packages, and discover how easy it is to build in a night (or two) of awe. All you have to do is look up – the stars are almost always waiting.