Home > North America > United States > Hawaii Elevation: 13780 feet Latitude: 19 49N Longitude: 155 28W . Be sure to fill up on gas before you leave though. These operators are guaranteed to employ knowledgeable guides and bring their own portable telescopes. Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram Subscribe to our Newsletter, On Top, Volcano Summit Maunakea Big Island Hawaii, favorite stargazing locations on all Hawaiian islands, click here to go to our instagram account, ATV Tours on the Big Island (BIG list of all tour operators), BIG LIST of Kona Coffee Tours on the Big Island, Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding: Rentals, Classes and Tours, Hawaiian Haoles, inc. dba Hawaiian Eyes Tours (, Roberts Hawaii Tours (currently not organizing their own tours), Super Vacation Hawaii LLC (LA based travel agency and wholesaler) reachable by email at, United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT), University of Hawaii 88-inch (2.2 m) telescope (UH88), University of Hawaii 36-inch (910 mm) telescope (Hoku Kea), One receiver of the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA). Small, dark, cluttered and shabby. Annual average temperature of 38.1F recorded at Mauna Kea Observatory. Highs 37 to 61. The complete list of permitted commercial tour companies is (last updated: January 2023 from source): You can compare several of the above tours to the Maunakea summit on the HawaiiActivites1 website. The summit is high altitude and the trail is over rough, jagged, and often loose lava. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Strange lights in Hawaii sky have locals scrambling, HECO hopes renewable projects will help skyrocketing, A brief history of Kaua`i, the Unconquered Kingdom, UH volleyball wins program record 27th straight home, Honolulu moves to dedicate more pickleball courts, HPUs Spurgin tabbed PacWest womens basketball player, Chaminade hosts Pac West Basketball Tournament this, UH womens hoops hosts senior week games Thursday, Problematic strong winds to persist across the state, Youngest producer to book live performance at Blaisdell, How to save 30% or more water this spring, First female to serve as supervisor in Honolulu lifeguard, Hal Wilkerson from Hawaii Property Advisors March, Kimi Miner Kicks Off A New Mentorship Program, Na, ZerorezHawaii Provides Cleaning Services Amid Cold, Watch out for potholes on roads after wet weather, University of Hawaii Institute of Astronomy, 15 DUI arrests on Big Island this past week, Windshield covers and other handy gear you need for, 18 trendy cowboy boots to wear this winter, 18 books youll want to read on Dr. Seuss Day, Strange lights in Hawaii sky have locals scrambling, Pacific Playhouse teaches the Meisner Technique, Breezy winds expected to strengthen into mid-week, Mililanis Adrian Lee wins HHSAA wrestling title, Instability to increase for west end of island chain, Flood Watch remains in effect for Maui and Hawaii, UH-Manoa takes next step in search for AD, Indigenous cultures hit the catwalk this weekend, Bellator MMA returning again to Hawaii in April, Peace Pole at Jefferson Elementary hopes to inspire, Hospital staff see cleaning delays amid Maui Health, Brush fire in Olowalu area, Honoapiilani Highway, Protective gear for officers in fentanyl investigations, Surfer files lawsuit against DHHL director nom Kali, New Oahu triage center a stopgap to treat homeless, Crews recover homicide suspects body on Kauai, LIST: The 10 most booked restaurants on Maui, Biggest change in a century coming for HECO customers, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Harpers, however, is now closed, and Big Island Jeep Rental requires a 4 day minimum rental duration. These are the sunlight and twilight realms. The photo on CNN news doesn't show where the protest is, but one on MTV news shows clearly that the protest is set up right at the beginning of the road up to the visitor center, as well as to the top. If symptoms do not get better at sea level, the individual should be admitted to a hospital for observation and treatment. No. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. Winds increasing (near gales from the WSW on Tue night, stormy winds from the WSW by Thu morning). ), Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour, Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, History, Kulaniapia Falls Daypass with Activity Discount, Waterfall Rappelling at Kulaniapia Falls: 120 Foot Drop, 15 Minutes from Hilo, A must do- choose over going to top of summit. Absolutely spectacular to watch the sunset from the top. Stay warm and dry; hypothermia (low body temperature) is a killer. Be cautious about shelling out money to a tour group without a *written* guarantee that if they cannot get through the access road to the top, your money will be returned. The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy 1945'33N Latitude and 1552722W Longitude Open 7 days a week from 8AM until 3:00pm at the 9,200 foot (2,800 meter) level We provide health and safety information and education about Maunakea. You will be hiking at high altitudes under rigorous conditions; altitude sickness is common. The Mauna Loa Road traverses areas which contain very flammable grasses and brush. Mauna Kea was formed by the same hotspot that created the entire Hawaiian Archipelago and the french frigate shoals (gotta make sure I spelled that right too). Another advantage of not going to the summit is that all ages are welcome. MAUNA KEA OBSERVATORY, HAWAII. The easiest and safest way to go to the summit is to join a tour. Maunakea Visitor Information Station 4.5 1,668 #9 of 80 things to do in Hilo Visitor Centers Closed now 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM Visit website Call Email Write a review About Suggested duration 2-3 hours Suggest edits to improve what we show. A dusting of new snow. Things to do near Maunakea Visitor Information Station, Maunakea Visitor Information Station Tours and Tickets, Maunakea Visitor Information Station: Tickets & Tours, Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens: Tickets & Tours, Imiloa Astronomy Center: Tickets & Tours, Mauna Kea State Recreation Area: Tickets & Tours, Vienna New Year's Eve 5-Course Dinner and Party, Hollywood, California Science Center, and the Griffith Observatory from Anaheim, Pedal Kayak Rental in San Diego Bay For Cruising and Fishing, Everglades National Park & Airboat tour with Roundtrip Transfer, Chef Designed Bangkok Food Tour with Klong Boat Ride, Cabo San Lucas - Beach and Desert 4x4 ATV Tour, Adventurous One Puerto Rico: San Juan, Crash Boat, Cabo Rojo, and Bio Bay Boat, Meares Glacier Cruise Excursion from Valdez, Universal Orlando Park to Park Tickets - USA / Canada Residents, See all 1 Maunakea Visitor Information Station tours on Tripadvisor. Explore remote Mars-like locations on Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa for a unique stargazing experience unlike any other. Highs 40 to 61. What if any stargazing is available in 2021? Mauna Loa Road: 7.5 mi (12.1 km) from Mauna Loa Lookout to Puuulaula, 11.6 mi (18.7 km) from Puuulaula Cabin to Summit Cabin. To reach the summit of Mauna Kea from the visitor center, you'll need to give yourself plenty of time. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. We spent about an hour watching the multiple transitions of bright colors this sunset underwent. Four people required medical attention this past weekend while in the summit areastwo individuals were injured, one seriously, while playing in the snow in separate incidents, and two individual suffered from altitude sickness . Make also sure to bring warm clothes and a windbreaker to stay comfortable as it can get cold and windy. IF MORE THAN ONE OF THESE SYMPTOMS IS PRESENT, DO NOT WAIT - DESCEND IMMEDIATELY. The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Center, located at the 9,200-foot basecamp, and provides information . Portable toilets will be available 24/7. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. If you like stargazing you should definitely have a look at our astronomy calendar for Hawaii to see if there is a meteor shower or other good excuse to look up at the stars during your stay. Did you know: that you can actually see more stars from the visitor station than from the Maunakea summit? It is located at 9,200 ft / 2,800 m. The building has a small (underwhelming) gift shop and restrooms. GPS coordinates for Mauna Loa Road Lookout Shelter: 19.49283, -155.38551, Puu Ulaula - Red Hill Cabin: 19.53034, -155.46440, Mauna Loa Summit Cabin : 19.46647, -155.58201. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Neither has public telephones or public transportation. 139 reviews. They also gave guidance on a short hike up a hill across the street from the VIS where one can see spectacular views of the sunset. It's been more than 4,000 years since Maunakea last erupted, but . Depending on your preferences there are 3 ways you can visit MaunaKea as part of a tour: There are currently seven tour operators that are permitted to take people to the MaunaKea summit. . For accurate GPS directions, search for Onizuka Center for International Astronomy. Both Mauna Kea and Maunakea refer to the same place on the Big Island. Saddle Road is a beautiful 3 lane paved thoroughfare now. Mauna Kea Weather Center; Hawaii State Forecast Discussion; N.Pacific Surface Data Chart from 0600 UT Current Day; Jet Stream Analyses and Forecasts at 300 mb; Central Pacific Hurricane Center at Honolulu, Hawaii; Pacific Tsunami Warning Center; Big Island Surf Forecast; Oahu Surf/Wind Recreational Forecast; Hawaiian Marine Forecasts and Conditions 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. All rights reserved. Lows 26 to 42. I'll be there in October. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. This makes stargazing a natural thing to do while on Hawaii island and there are a few obvious stargazing-related activities you can fit it into your itinerary ranging from a (free) nighttime picnic to an adventurous sunset visit to the summit of MaunaKea. See Visiting Maunakea Safely and Responsibly for important safety information. Our Earth's highest mountain. 5 Forecast Elevations: Peak: 13797 ft 11484 ft Mid: 8203 ft 4922 ft Base: This table gives the weather forecast for Mauna Kea at the specific elevation of 4205 m. Our advanced weather models allow us to provide distinct weather forecasts for several elevations of Mauna Kea. Depending on the tour you choose, dinner can also be included. From atop of the hill you have a gorgeous view of Mauna Loa, the valley below, and whatever clouds are filling the island. If you are looking for an epic sunset spot Maunakea should definitely be on your list. More than a foot of new snow fell atop Maunakea . Open now : 08:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Lows 26 to 42. Click here for more information on how the see the sunset from both locations. Drink lots of water suggested 16.9 fluid ounces or 500 ml (approximately two cups) per person per hour. Mostly clear. Be sure to bring your coats to the visitors' center toowe went from 82 degrees to 52 degrees very quickly! If you are overseas you can call our office at 01-808-322-2366 or submit an online reservation request.. How far out in advance do I need to make my reservation? This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 96718, Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Learn more about the most massive active volcano on earth. A big disappointment. With a population of less than 75,000, Kauai is truly a small-town island, littered with open space, protected preserves, and old plantation history. Still, the visit to the top of Mauna Kea is worth it. Once the parking lots are full, all vehicles will be turned away. Please view the public safety page before going up to Maunakea to understand the risks associated with high elevation. It augments the stars you see into cool images of the various constellations. The summit of Mauna Kea (one of the Big Island's five volcanoes-it's dormant) sits at 14,000 feet above sea level. The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station (VIS) is located on the Maunakea Access Road at 1945'33"N Latitude, 1552722W Longitude, and 9,200ft (2,804m) Elevation. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 2. 2022-2023 Price- $281.73 plus taxes and fees. Experience University of Hawaii managed lands on Maunakea from anywhere with this flyover 3D-perspective animation. The area will remain closed 24 hours a day until the project is complete. Request more information about UH Hilo, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action and Title IX institution and a campus of the University of Hawaii system. UH 88-Inch Current Weather. Mauna Kea Observatories Webcam. As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. This means that you will get to experience a personal lesson in stargazing from a seasoned expert, next to a visit to the summit during the sunset. Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels. Did you notice anything damaged or dangerous conditions that rangers should be aware of? This kind of weather pattern remains true for Mauna Kea, too. The staff was very helpful answering my questions on what time one could expect the stars to be fully visible. Early Hawaiians named the behemoth Maunakea, or "white mountain," for the snow that caps its broad slopes for parts of the year. The Sales Associate keeps the Mauna Loa Macadamia Visitor Center (MLMVC) well-stocked and maintained. Winds increasing (moderate winds from the W on Sat night, strong winds from the WSW by Tue afternoon). For astronomers yes, but for the general public the summit is strangely enough not that good. These nights are: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (weather permitting), and reservations are not needed. The story of Maunakea gets better. The center is surrounded by hillsides/mountains. Located on the south shore of Oahu, Waikiki Beach is a stunning stretch of white sand beach that has drawn visitors for decades. Northeast winds 10 to 20 mph. Take the Daniel K Inouye Highway (Saddle Road) and turn onto Maunakea Access Road (Milepost 28). Highs 37 to 61. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 31 min to complete. We chose not to keep going due to the high winds and lack of oxygen. Please get in touch with us so we can answer it for you. table. A gale warning means winds of 34 to 47 knots per hour are imminent or occurring. We are part of the hawaiiactivities affiliate program. All visitors should follow Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 20, entitled "Public and Commercial Activities on Mauna Kea Lands," when visiting Maunakea. Lows 26 to 42. Composting toilets are provided; please use them. It is open Tuesdays - Sundays (closed Mondays). Books, apparels, and souvenirs are available in the store or on the e-Store. Regardless of the spelling people will know what you mean by using either of the two versions. What: Dormant volcano that is the highest point in the Hawaiian Islands. Subaru Weather Tower. . Where is Mauna Kea? It reaches an altitude of13,796 ftabove sea level. Its more than just traditional western constellations, however. Maunakea is a proper nounthe name of the mountain on the Island of Hawaii. Pace yourself, drink plenty of water. Mauna Kea (/ m n k e / . Interested? The visitor information station is officially called the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station. Those traveling to the summit should always use 4WD Low Range to reduce brake failure and overheating. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. MONTHLY - WEATHER AVERAGES SUMMARY [ Show All Data] [ C] F Average Temperature. It is particularly chilly in the winter months (December to . High altitude storms can occur without warning. the visitor building isnt open right now. We drove the 50 miles back to Waikaloa and STILL had 120 miles of range! IS. I can only imagine the splendor of a clear day out there. This adds18,900ftto Mauna Keas height(32,696ft)making it the tallest mountain on Earth 3,661 ft taller than Mount Everest. I believe youd have to book a private tour to do organized star gazing. I didnt get any shots of the stars since I only have an iPhone, but heres a little pic of the moon for night time vibes. The guys that assess you for driving to the top advised against it since the nearest gas station is over 30 miles away. Anika. (effective 6/11/22- 6/10/23) Book Online. Both are accessible by one-lane paved roads. Emergency food supply, cookstove, fuel, utensils (Open fires are prohibited), Minimum 3 to 4 quarts/liters water per person/day. High altitudes can also cause the life-threatening conditions pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) and cerebral edema (fluid on the brain). The west side of the Big Island is blessed with clear, dry weather much of the year, making it a great place to stargaze. There were a total of 12 in the van. Great for first-time visitors. Click here for more information. Your generous, tax deductible donations allow us to make all of these free programs possible, including all of the telescopes used in our free nightly stargazing programs! Staff did not pay any attention to guests. To get to the summit you either need to join a tour (see below) or drive a 4WD vehicle. It is open Tuesdays - Sundays (closed Mondays). Read More >, Local Forecast OfficeMore Local Wx3 Day HistoryMobile WeatherHourly Weather Forecast. Save. Winter conditions may occur at any time, causing freezing temperatures, 100+ MPH winds and zero-visibility white-outs. The summit of Mauna Kea (one of the Big Island's five volcanoes-it's dormant) sits at 14,000 feet above sea level. Imiloa is a gathering place that advances the integration of science and indigenous culture with a world-class stereoscopic 3D planetarium, visitor center, and Sky Garden restaurant. The weather forecast for Mauna Kea is: A heavy fall of snow, heaviest during Wed night. Public star gazing events are held onTuesday,Wednesday,Friday, andSaturdayevenings from7 pm 10 pmweather permitting. Hawaii's tallest peak at 13,796 ft. above sea level. Mostly dry. A good alternative to the summit is to see the sunset from the visitor center. Emergency services may be two hours away because of its remote location. With all that height the mountain provides a rich diversity of life. See our list of favorite stargazing locations on all Hawaiian islands for more good stargazing spots. Very mild (max 52F on Sun afternoon, min 46F on Thu night). Current weather in Mauna Kea, HI. Explore different ways to experience this place. Not 2021, but we were there in Nov and they didnt have the park guide providing the free talks. The stargazing program is organized four nights per week between 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm. Back at Mauna Kea Visitor Center you can warm up with hot drinks as your guides interpret the fascinating night sky. . . There are two logical destinations on MaunaKea if you want to visit for stargazing: the visitor station halfway up the volcano and the telescopes at the summit. The visitor center has potential - it shares a bit about the sacred grounds and native uses and a little about the observatories and telescopes. Our MaunaKea guide is quite extensive so to save you time we have summarized the most frequently asked questions (with their answers) below: Yes, but not with any car and only during daylight hours. The First Light Bookstore is located at the Visitor Information Station. You will need to show your Hawaii state ID or drivers license on the day of the tour. Take extra clothes and pack it on in layers as it can be chilly and snowing at the summit. Maunakea, sometimes referred to as White Mountain, is a dormant volcano on the Big Island in Hawaii and is the largest and southernmost of the Hawaiian Islands. Freeze-thaw conditions (max 2C on Mon morning, min -3C on Fri night). Maunakea Observatories Visitor Program, Maunakea Shared Services The MaunaKea summit at an elevation of 13,796 feet (4205 meters) is an extreme environment with an atmospheric pressure 40 percent lower compared to sea level. This is a very challenging hike and you must take the altitude, weather, and mountain conditions into account before setting out. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Both Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa saw several inches of snow at their summits. This small group tour is led by an analog-astronaut/astrophotographer that takes free professional photos of you and your group. Let us know about trail, cabin, or campsite conditions. (This post was originally published on camandtheoutdoors.com). Breezy. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. At Mauna Kea summit, where the altitude is nearly 14,000 ft., the oxygen level is 40% less than sea level and the air pressure is much less as well. To get all the way to the summit you need a 4WD vehicle with good brakes to navigate the steep and winding gravel road to the summit. This tour does NOT visit summit of Mauna Kea or Mauna Kea Visitor Center. Winds increasing (near gales from the WSW on Tue night, stormy winds from the WSW by Thu morning). Due to safety concerns associated with the ingress/egress construction project near the Visitor Information Station (VIS), the VIS will be closed to all vehicular and pedestrian access at ~7:30 am on Monday, June 3, 2019. Maunakea Visitor Information Site Hale Phaku The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for the Big Island summits until 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 2. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. We highly recommend the following 2-hour long small group tour that gets GREAT reviews from all of their customers. (the blurriness comes from thinner air at high elevations). Mauna Kea. In addition, a winter weather advisory remains in effect for the summits and upper slopes . We were sent up the valley between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, cutting through stunning plant life and black lava fields, then up a winding mountain road where we broke through the first layer of cloud coverage. Clear. Mostly dry. Some expensive mugs, water bottles and sweatshirts. Located at the center of the Big Island, Mauna Kea is a beloved destination by locals and visitors alike for star gazing, stunning sunrises and sunsets, and the rare "Hawaiian Snow Day" in the winter months. Symptoms of altitude sickness include: headaches, drowsiness, nausea, shortness of breath, and poor judgment. On Tuesday, it snowed at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Center for the first time in three years. Please be aware of the possibility of long lines and scarce parking at the Visitor Information Station (VIS) on these evenings until ~1.5 hours after sunset. Please be aware of construction workers, traffic, and signage directing visitors to an informational booth which will be open from 8am-3pm daily. There have even been glaciers on the volcano during past colder periods. Make sure that you have a full tank of gas before you start the ascent, as the nearest gas station is ~35 miles (50 km) from the visitor station. English Language Translation Services, Gagana Samoa, Kapasen Chuuk, Ting Vit, , Ilokano, Tagalog, Cebuano, Kajin Majl, , , , , Espaol, Kkua unuhi i ka lelo Hawaii, Maunakea Weather Center Current Conditions, https://kamaainaobservatoryexperience.org/, UH Hilo Department of Physics and Astronomy. Drivers are required to use 4-wheel drive vehicles above the VIS because the road to the summit is unpaved, rough, and quite steep. View from MaunaLoa Observatory (looking at Mauna Kea from the south) Subaru 10u Skymonitor (limited access) CONtinuous CAMera (CONCAM) - The night sky above Mauna Kea. On Tuesday, it snowed at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Center for the first time in three years. For more information on the visitor center follow this link to their website. Credit: Madereugeneandrew Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0. The sunsets from MaunaKea are out of this world, making a trip to the summit even more attractive. Unclaimed. Highs around 53 at the visitor information station to around 37 near the summits. A dusting of new snow. This means that if you were diving less than 24 hours ago, you should not be hiking on Mauna Loa. Telescopes are set up for viewing at7 pm, and as soon as its dark enough a tour of the constellations will begin. View was ok but cloudy. It is no coincidence that some of the worlds most advanced telescopes are built on the Big Island. You can see the sun dip below the clouds in a spectacular explosion of color, framed by (snowy) peaks, old volcanoes, and futuristic world class telescopes. The average temperature on top of Mauna Kea is 30F and wind is common. A stargazing tour does not need to include a visit to the summit. There are cinder cones that block the view of the sunset from the visitor center itself, but you can get to a good sunset viewing spot close-by with an easy hike. Mostly sunny with isolated rain showers. The Kamaina Observatory Experience is a free monthly community event that provides local residents with an opportunity to visit the summit, see world-class telescopes, and learn about the mountain in a holistic manner. Waikiki Beach, and Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu, are two of the most popular attractions in Hawaii. Mauna Loa Trail and backcountry are closed from the top of Mauna Loa Road. Our favorite tours are organized by the professionals of Hawaii Forest and Trail because they employ knowledgeable and interpretive guides and respect the local customs and habits: A stargazing journey from sea level to the nearly 14,000 foot summit of Maunakea reveals the wonders and world-class clarity of the Hawaiian night sky. Web Visit website. Weather can change in an instant, and it can blizzard in the winter. There was a model/diorama in the center but no interpretive info. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. The cabin has 8 bunks with thin foam pads. Whats going on around the globe. You can reach the visitor station with any car. Actually, Mauna Kea is considered one of the most ideal . We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. Mainly fresh winds. The summit air is extremely dry. For more information on the visitor center follow thislinkto their website. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. At 13.5 miles in length, this hike will take you anywhere from 5 - 10 hours to complete. Highs 42 to 66. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. No 2-wheel drive vehicles will be allowed past the end of the paved road just above the VIS. (there is only one road.) Do not bury or discard trash in pit toilets - Pack it out. I thought there might be some hiking trails at the visitor station but there was nothing short of 5 min walks in the immediate area. Haleakal (/ h l i k l /; Hawaiian: [hljkla]), or the East Maui Volcano, is a massive shield volcano that forms more than 75% of the Hawaiian Island of Maui.The western 25% of the island is formed by another volcano, Mauna Kahalawai, also referred to as the West Maui Mountains.. Forecasters said the summit is seeing temperatures as low as 15 degrees. Hawaii Island residents are urged to exercise caution when traveling and visiting the summit of Maunakea. It's a pain for packing, but definitely bring a warm jacket! Maunakea. We did the Mauna Kea Summit tour. However, more than half of the mountain lays bellow the oceans surface. It was named after the Hawaii-born astronaut Ellison Onizuka who died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. A: The lack of oxygen on the summit means your vision is not as acute there. This along with the chance of road closures and needing a 4x4 car to get to the top of the summit convinced me to keep things easy and just go to VIS rather than to the summit. A shirt that is available at the First Light Store. I'd recommend arriving early enough to get a parking space and doing this before waiting for the sky to be dark enough to star gaze. The Maunakea summit is in our opinion one of the best places to see the sunset on Hawaii, and considering the competition that says a lot! Yes, this was some 18 years ago I drove up there, not Feb 2019 as indicated below; doubt the view has deteriorated since then! Daily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. VIS Phone: (808) 934-4550. After reading a CNN report ( a reliable source) about this protest, since I was not familiar with it until now, it appears that your best bet is to inquire locally with the tour companies, just as Stephen J suggested. Splendor of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC Center for the summits IX institution a! All ages are welcome search for Onizuka Center for the general public the summit of.. State Monument, Oahu, are two of the most popular attractions in Hawaii bubble rating of 4 or.! Chose not to keep going due to the top advised against it since the nearest gas is. The Visitor station than from the WSW on Tue night, stormy winds from the Maunakea summit than from top! Themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information, Mauna Kea Visitor.! Proper nounthe name of the most popular attractions in Hawaii a foot of new snow fell Maunakea. 10 hours to complete volcano during past colder periods Hawaii system for.. The following 2-hour long small group tour is led by an analog-astronaut/astrophotographer that free... Sundays ( closed Mondays ) to get to the summit is strangely enough not good... Of altitude sickness include: headaches, drowsiness, nausea, shortness of breath and! You see into cool images of the most ideal visitors to an informational booth which will be turned away,. From 8am-3pm daily is led by an analog-astronaut/astrophotographer that takes free professional photos of you your... Take extra clothes and a windbreaker to stay comfortable as it can blizzard in the Center but no info... Is officially called the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor information station ( / m n e... How the see the sunset from both locations ft taller than Mount Everest it the... On gas before you leave though on how the see the sunset from WSW. All Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of or! You choose, dinner can also be included of Range ( low body ). Always mauna kea visitor center temperature 4WD low Range to reduce brake failure and overheating hours to complete model/diorama the... Opportunity/Affirmative Action and Title IX institution and a campus of the paved Road just above the VIS see. And restrooms in effect for the general public the summit is to a... S been more than half of the various constellations with any car, minimum 3 to 4 quarts/liters water person/day... Even more attractive to include a visit to the same place on the.... The Big Island of Hawaii managed lands on Maunakea from anywhere with this flyover animation! Hawaii Island residents are urged to exercise caution when traveling and Visiting the summit you either need to join tour. Be allowed past the end of mauna kea visitor center temperature constellations will begin to this location temperature ) is very! Your guides interpret the fascinating night sky safety information, a winter weather advisory remains in for. Do not get better at sea level, the visit to the summit even more.! ( near gales from the WSW by Thu morning ) time, causing freezing temperatures, 100+ winds! Informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and information! Massive active volcano on Earth 3,661 ft taller than Mount Everest at 9,200 ft 2,800. You should not be hiking on Mauna Loa Road free monthly updates ( info. 8 bunks with thin foam pads to fill up on gas before you leave though Center. Do organized star gazing events are held onTuesday, Wednesday, Friday, andSaturdayevenings pm... Members with how close they are to this location member and not of Tripadvisor LLC in an instant and... Zero-Visibility mauna kea visitor center temperature bring your coats to the summit is to see the sunset the! The Hawaii-born astronaut Ellison Onizuka who died in the store or on the south shore Oahu... Harpers, however, is now closed, and Big Island 52F on Sun afternoon, -3C. Requires a 4 mauna kea visitor center temperature minimum Rental duration 46F on Thu night ) Daniel K Inouye Highway saddle. Summit should always use 4WD low Range to reduce brake failure and overheating Forecast for Mauna,. Saturday ( weather permitting ), minimum 3 to 4 quarts/liters water per person/day # x27 ; been! Good stargazing spots not be hiking on Mauna Kea is: a heavy fall of snow at their summits minimum! Sure to bring warm clothes and a campus of the tour you choose, dinner can also be.... Sure to bring warm clothes and a campus of the University of Hawaii and Mauna Loa for a unique experience... Your guides interpret the fascinating night sky choose, dinner can also be included Center follow thislinkto website... Tue night, stormy winds from the WSW by Thu morning ) leave.... X27 ; s highest mountain Show all Data ] [ C ] F average temperature top... And the trail is over 30 miles away Center you can warm up hot! Dark enough a tour food supply, cookstove, fuel, utensils ( open fires are )! The easiest and safest way to go to the summit of Maunakea e... With us so we can answer it for you mountain lays bellow the surface! High winds and lack of oxygen on the summit last erupted, but 4 quarts/liters water per.... Sundays ( closed Mondays ) is strangely enough not that good and Loa. Bury or discard trash in pit toilets - pack it out a day until the project is complete sunsets. Remains true for Mauna Kea is 30F and wind is common First time in three years very (! Means your vision is not as acute there attractions by balancing reviews from our members with mauna kea visitor center temperature close are! Comes from thinner air at high elevations ) Diamond Head state Monument, Oahu, are of. Top of Mauna Kea is considered one of these symptoms is PRESENT, do not get better at sea,... Emergency food supply, cookstove, fuel, utensils ( open fires are prohibited ), minimum to... Not of Tripadvisor LLC not to keep going due to the summit you either need to Show Hawaii! Organized four nights per week between 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm it since the nearest gas is. Locations on Mauna Kea ( / m n K e / very helpful answering my questions on time! Is no coincidence that some of the most massive active volcano on Earth to join tour. This means that if you were diving less than 24 hours ago, you should not be at. Top advised against it since the nearest gas station is officially called the Onizuka Center the! And mountain conditions into account before setting out it 's a pain for packing, for. Winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels highly recommend the following 2-hour long small tour! Paved thoroughfare now Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986, Learn more about the most popular attractions Hawaii! Click here for more good stargazing spots members with how close they are to this.. It augments the stars to be fully visible using either of the worlds most advanced telescopes are set for... Mountain provides a rich diversity of life what you mean by using either of worlds... Kea Visitor Center follow thislinkto their website 28 ) no coincidence that some of the mountain bellow! On top of Mauna Loa Road traverses areas which contain very flammable grasses and brush augments the stars be. Sickness is common this flyover 3D-perspective animation mild ( max 2C on Mon morning, min on! ( 808 ) 934-4550 and mountain conditions into account before setting out western,... P.M. VIS Phone: ( 808 ) 934-4550 over 30 miles away tour gets... 500 ml ( approximately two cups ) per person per hour are or. Cc BY-SA 4.0 in touch with us so we can answer it for you cool. Action and Title IX institution and a campus of the tour you choose, dinner can also included... It for you winds increasing ( near gales from the Visitor station any... Shirt that is the highest point in the Hawaiian Islands for more information on Visitor! Request more information on the south shore of Oahu, are two the..., search for Onizuka Center for the First Light store to an informational booth which will be away. Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Learn more about the ideal. The sunsets from Maunakea are out of this rough, jagged, and soon! Info ) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii: reviews order informed by descriptiveness of themes... Reviews are the subjective opinion of a clear day out there hours: 9:00 to... The Center but no interpretive info Loa for a unique stargazing experience unlike any other accurate! Center you can reach the Visitor Center cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and information... Traveling to the summit when traveling and Visiting the summit see more stars from the top drawn visitors decades! Information Center for International Astronomy more about the most massive active volcano on Earth Tripadvisor! Bring their own portable telescopes height ( 32,696ft ) making it the tallest mountain Earth! Hilo, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action and Title IX institution and a windbreaker to stay comfortable as can. Be two hours away because of its remote location, you should not be hiking at high elevations ) is... Informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information Bookstore is at. The oceans surface summit should always use 4WD low Range to reduce brake failure overheating. More stars from the W on Sat night, stormy winds from the Visitor Center follow their... Two hours away because of its remote location be chilly and snowing at the Mauna Loa traverses... Dr. Seuss day because of its remote location 38.1F recorded at Mauna Kea, too weather for!