Mauna Kea Summit & Observatory
Mauna Kea Summit & Observatory
Mauna Kea Summit & Observatory

Mauna Kea Summit & Observatory Tours and Tickets

3,593 reviews

The Mauna Kea Summit and Observatory is a top destination for stargazing. On Hawaii’s tallest mountain at 13,796 feet (4,138 meters), the observatory information center is a highlight of many visitors’ trips to the Big Island of Hawaii. Here, you can see some of the world’s largest telescopes, including equipment from Canada, France, and the University of Hawaii.

  • Mauna Kea Access Road, Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii, Hawaii, 96720

Tours and Tickets to Experience Mauna Kea Summit & Observatory

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What are people saying about Mauna Kea Summit & Observatory

Jeffrey_M, Nov 2024
Mauna Kea with James - so much fun!
Travel to the summit of Mauna Kea with a small group lets you meet new people and share the experience, which is great if you're traveling solo like I was (layover on business trip). Our guide, James, was not only personable but also knowledgeable and considerate of everyone's comfort and safety. He also made clear the plan and itinerary, and what we needed to be thinking about while on the tour (eating, hydration, etc.). A very well run tour!
Kathy_A, Oct 2024
Great trip-Wes was wonderful
Wes was a wonderful guide and driver. He took great photos of us all, explained the history of the area, was concerned about our well being and safety at such a high altitude. We all were fortunate enough to see the comet on our stargazing portion of the trip even though the moon added a bit too much brightness to the sky
Tanvi_D, Jul 2024
Once in a lifetime experience
Jeff was amazing, caring and very informative. He kept checking on everyone to ensure no one is getting sick or feeling uneasy due to the high elevation. The van was super clean and very comfortable. Highly recommend.
Devanshi_P, Dec 2024
Absolutely thrilling...
Absolutely thrilling experience! Jeff was the best guide with a ton of information to share. Got to learn about the history of volcanoes on the island, see the stunning observatories on Mauna Kea, and marvel at the night sky with awesome insights from Jeff.
People Also Ask
Q:Can you tour Mauna Kea Observatory?
A:
No, the Mauna Kea Observatories (MKO) are private research facilities and not open to the public. However, you can visit the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy and there are plenty of guided tours that will take you to the summit of Mauna Kea for some stargazing with the operators’ own telescopes.
Q:How cold is Mauna Kea summit?
A:
At 13,796 feet (4,205 meters), conditions on the Mauna Kea summit are typically chilly. Summer daytime temperatures average between freezing and 50°F (8°C). Winter temperatures range from 25 to 40°F (-4 to 4°C), but wind chill can make it seem even colder.
Q:Can you see the Milky Way from Mauna Kea?
A:
Yes, you can see the Milky Way from Mauna Kea. Mauna Kea is one of the best places in the world to see the Milky Way. While it is typically visible with the naked eye, the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station has a few telescopes that visitors can use. Rangers also provide astronomical information in a nightly program.
Q:What time should I get to Mauna Kea?
A:
Summit visiting hours are from half an hour before sunrise through half an hour after sunset. The best way to experience Mauna Kea is to reach the summit in time for the sunset then go down to Visitor Information Center at 9,200 feet (2,800 meters) for an evening of stargazing.