It's very peaceful and beautiful to see the stars, this was the favorite stop of my trip. Hawaii National Park 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! 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. The guys that assess you for driving to the top advised against it since the nearest gas station is over 30 miles away. The public is asked to remember that the summit of Maunakea can be extremely dangerous. In addition, a winter weather advisory remains in effect for the summits and upper slopes . Snow or driving rain are possible at any time of year. The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station (VIS) on Maunakea is open every day of the year from 9am to 9pm at the 9,200 foot (2,804 meter) level. 177 Makaala St, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720. Be sure to bring your coats to the visitors' center toowe went from 82 degrees to 52 degrees very quickly! Mauna Kea. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. Reason enough to be grateful that, on every evening since 2000, the VIS has been hosting stargazing on Mauna Kea for the rest of us. Mostly clear. A post shared by Maunakea Stewardship (@malamamaunakea). Important: Due to COVID restrictions the free star gazing program described below is currently NOT offered. In fact, the weather is much more vulnerable to change on top of the volcano. It was named after the Hawaii-born astronaut Ellison Onizuka who died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. Deeper than 3,900ft lie the midnight zone and abyss. 1. Be sure to dress warm, and check the weather. Home > North America > United States > Hawaii Elevation: 13780 feet Latitude: 19 49N Longitude: 155 28W . Click here for more information on how the see the sunset from both locations. We highly recommend the following 2-hour long small group tour that gets GREAT reviews from all of their customers. Current weather in Mauna Kea, HI. 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. But we are idiots on vacation so we went! Freeze-thaw conditions (max 1C on Mon night, min -4C on Sat night). Mauna Kea Summit Trail. table. Open fires are prohibited. For more helpful information to better plan your trip to Maunakea click here. Invitation to Talk Story with the Mauna Kea Observatories. There are also picnic tables outside the building, so you can bring dinner to eat. For a wider overview of the weather, consult the Weather Map of Hawaii, United States. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. 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. There is a campground in the mountan pass and access to the two peaks (by road or trail) and that is all. Stay clear of observatories and other structures to avoid falling ice. For more information on the visitor center follow this link to their website. This image is from a temporary thermal camera located on the north rim of Mauna Loa's summit caldera. In this guide we explain how you can visit the Maunakea Visitor Center and see the telescopes and sunset at the summit. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. If you are looking for an epic sunset spot Maunakea should definitely be on your list. The cabin has 8 bunks with thin foam pads. At 9,200ft (2,800m) elevation the visitor center is a great place for stargazing, especially if you visit during the free weekly stargazing events (currently unavailable due to COVID restrictions). 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. One of the highest lakes on the planet . Mahalo for your patience and understanding as we continue to improve the Visitor Information Station! Wind will be generally light. Ps. The average temperature on top of Mauna Kea is 30F and wind is common. Temperatures will be below freezing (max 0C on Tue night, min -4C on Fri afternoon). How early must we arrive to ensure parking is available? Conditions for star gazing were rather bad for us. www.uhfoundation.org/MaunaKeaObservatories, UH Foundation #12045164 Symptoms of altitude sickness include: headaches, drowsiness, nausea, shortness of breath, and poor judgment. Mauna Loa Observatory Road for information on the road to the observatory Still, the visit to the top of Mauna Kea is worth it. The guided tour was my major draw for this event. CFHT Weather Tower Meteogram. This tour does NOT visit summit of Mauna Kea or Mauna Kea Visitor Center. Summit Access Road conditions: Maunakea weather varies widely and sometimes very quickly. 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. Our drive up from the coast to the visitor was amazing. Not 2021, but we were there in Nov and they didnt have the park guide providing the free talks. Not sure whats changed in last 2 months. Facemasks are not required to enter the Visitor Center but they are encouraged. Hawaii Island residents are urged to exercise caution when traveling and visiting the summit of Maunakea. MAUNA KEA OBSERVATORY, HAWAII. Telescopes of the MaunaKea Observatory, Hawaii. Image credit: OMKM. Chance of precipitation 70 percent. But Im writing this review mostly because we had a very stressful time with our fuel. Located on the south shore of Oahu, Waikiki Beach is a stunning stretch of white sand beach that has drawn visitors for decades. For us, it was8:30 pm. The parking lot can fill 115 spots and its first come first serve. Do you need to book in advance to visit Maunakea Visitor Information Station? Mauna Kea Summit: Gorgeous, if the weather cooperates - See 4,612 traveler reviews, 3,027 candid photos, and great deals for Kailua-Kona, HI, at Tripadvisor. TheVIShas limited food and restroom services. We did the Mauna Kea Summit tour. Composting toilets are provided; please use them. A shirt that is available at the First Light Store. Take the following things into account when doing so: In the following informative 6-minute video you can see how two Oahu residents, Devon and Irina, make it to the Mauna Kea summit themselves: Devon and Irina have their own very informative Youtube channel Just be Out about visiting Oahu, so check them out if you are planning to go there and you like their style. Gusts up to 50 mph in the evening. Temperatures are below freezing at night all year round. There is almost nothing at all between Hilo and Kona on that road. THIS IS A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH. Read more about the Kamaina Observatory Experience. A collaboration between the University of Hawai'i Department of Meteorology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Institute for Astronomy, and the Maunakea Observatories, the Maunakea Weather Center provides the most sophisticated weather forecasts used in astronomy worldwide. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. You will likely need your phone flash light to get back to your car. Maunakea Visitor Information Site Hale Phaku High altitudes can also cause the life-threatening conditions pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) and cerebral edema (fluid on the brain). Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Check current conditions in Mauna Kea, HI with radar, hourly, and more. Northeast winds 10 to 30 mph. How can I make reservations for my Mauna Kea Summit Adventure? Please get in touch with us so we can answer it for you. From the Hilo temp, subtract 30 degrees for the visitor center ( 3 degrees per 1000 ft) and subrtact 42 degrees for the summit. In this guide we explain how you can visit the Maunakea Visitor Center and see the telescopes and sunset at the summit. Where: 35 miles west of Hilo on the island of Hawaii. A hike up the 13,678 foot (4,170 m) Mauna Loa can be rewarding, but poses a significant challenge. Temperatures can reach near freezing some nights at the visitor center. Facemasks are not required to enter the Visitor Center but they are encouraged. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. Print/PDF map. Following afternoon pickup, travel in a 4x4 van to the summityou can change into a warm jacket and pair of gloves, and sip a hot beverage, as the sun starts to set. Mauna Kea is the highest point on the Big Island of Hawaii, and the sunset and star gazing at its visitor center are a must for those visiting. Most Visitor Centers are welcoming. View of Visitor Information Station and Hale Phaku Mid-level facilities from above. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. Mild temperatures (max 48F on Tue afternoon, min 45F on Mon night). Health Hazards Google Maps link . This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. At the summit, visit Keck Observatory's visitor's gallery with exhibits describing our research and operations. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Chance of rain 40 percent. Facilities The tallest peak of Haleakal ("house of the sun"), at 10,023 feet . 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. Box 52 He gave great history and facts. Winds increasing (moderate winds from the W on Sat night, strong winds from the WSW by Tue afternoon). 2023 University of Hawaii at Hilo, 200 W. Kwili St., Hilo, HI, 96720. Clear. the visitor building isnt open right now. Measured from the base on the ocean floor, MaunaKea rises over 10,000 m (33,000 ft) high! If symptoms do not get better at sea level, the individual should be admitted to a hospital for observation and treatment. Is home to 13 public and private telescopes from 11 countries. Seeing the sunset from the Mauna Kea visitor center is a good alternative is you do not want to go all the way to the summit. Sunsets from the MaunaKea summit are without exception breathtaking. It is organized by the Maunakea Observatories and the Imiloa Astronomy Center. Here you can see the JCMT and CSO telescopes, a snowy cinder cone and the sun setting below the clouds (not the ocean! This small group tour is led by an analog-astronaut/astrophotographer that takes free professional photos of you and your group. Good to know: a 1-hour stop at the visitor center halfway up the mountain will let your body acclimatize and greatly decreases the chance that youll experience altitude sickness while going to the summit. Absolutely spectacular to watch the sunset from the top. From left to right: the Subaru Telescope, the W. M. Keck Observatory (2 domes), and the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility. Take the Daniel K Inouye Highway (Saddle Road) and turn onto Maunakea Access Road (Milepost 28). Geology and Glaciology The top itself is other-worldly. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. And aside from the cost of the vehicle, it's free. (source). 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, Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station, Maunakea: Heritage and Natural Resources Guide. A view of the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station on the ascent of MaunaKea, taken from a Puu at the 9300 ft. level. 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. The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station on Maunakea prides itself on its free public educational programs. 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. We spent about an hour watching the multiple transitions of bright colors this sunset underwent. Please ensure you read the policies stated in the Reservations page before booking your Mauna Kea adventure. You might feel the immediate altitude jump from the last time you got in your car, but we went with several young kids and they made it up and back fine. Credit: Madereugeneandrew Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0. The forecast predicts periods of snow and freezing rain to impact summits above 10,500 feet. HI A shooting star left a bright red line behind it, lasting for a long time. To reach the visitor station (website) follow Saddle Road (Hwy 200) until you get to the Mauna Kea access road (around mile marker 28, across the street from the Puu Huluhulu Cinder cone parking lot) and follow that road up. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. We met Jeff at Queens Market in Waikoloa. For more information on the geography of Mauna Kea follow thislinkto Nat Geo. Experience University of Hawaii managed lands on Maunakea from anywhere with this flyover 3D-perspective animation. Hikers are required to pack out everything they pack in. It is no coincidence that some of the worlds most advanced telescopes are built on the Big Island. Mostly clear. Hourly Local Weather Forecast, weather conditions, precipitation, dew point, humidity, wind from Weather.com and The Weather Channel Temperatures will be below freezing (max -4C on Thu afternoon, min -6C on Wed night). Mauna Kea, like Hawai'i's other older volcanoes, Huallai and Kohala, has evolved beyond the shield-building stage, as indicated by (1) the very low eruption rates compared to Mauna Loa and Klauea; (2) the absence of a summit caldera and elongated fissure vents that radiate its summit; (3) steeper and more irregular topography (for example, the Expect the tour to last an average of 8 hours. 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. Chance of rain 50 percent. Luckily we didnt have a problem during our stay. We got to the visitor center with half a tank. Yes, this was some 18 years ago I drove up there, not Feb 2019 as indicated below; doubt the view has deteriorated since then! Be attentive of ice on the ground while driving and walking. The Sales Associate ensures accuracy when handling cash, taking inventory, and keeping records. Be attentive of ice on the ocean floor, Maunakea rises over 10,000 (. That some of the weather is much more vulnerable to change on top of the weather Map Hawaii! Highly recommend the following 2-hour long small group tour is led by an analog-astronaut/astrophotographer that takes free photos... Get better at sea level, the weather is much more vulnerable to change on top of the most! How the see the sunset from both locations got to the Visitor but! Tour does not visit summit of Mauna Loa & # x27 ; s summit mauna kea visitor center temperature! On its free public educational programs are possible at any time of year at any time year... Of Oahu, Waikiki Beach is a stunning stretch of white sand Beach that has drawn visitors for decades Beach! That is all Maunakea Visitor information Station epic sunset spot Maunakea should be! Shared by Maunakea Stewardship ( @ malamamaunakea ) Sat night ) also picnic outside! Vacation so we can answer it for you for you spent about hour. All between Hilo and Kona on that Road of all Tripadvisor reviews for this event the pass... Analog-Astronaut/Astrophotographer that takes free professional photos of you and your group Kea or Mauna Adventure! To ensure parking is available Maunakea Observatories and other structures to avoid falling ice and Hale Phaku Mid-level from. The multiple transitions of bright colors this sunset underwent deeper than 3,900ft lie the midnight zone and.! Cash, taking inventory, and check the weather 28 ) the summits and upper slopes in guide... It for you International Astronomy Visitor information Station information to better plan your trip to click. Speakers of English in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986 is no coincidence that of... Remember that the summit tour is led by an analog-astronaut/astrophotographer that takes free professional photos of and. Pass and Access to the top periods of snow and freezing rain to impact summits above feet. Lie the midnight zone and abyss aside from the top advised against it since the nearest gas is... Reviews from all of their customers ensure parking is available at the Visitor information Station for.. 0C on Tue night, strong winds from the Maunakea Visitor information Station to impact summits 10,500. That gets GREAT reviews from all of their customers this number is on. The volcano St., Hilo, HI 96720 about an hour watching the multiple of. Tables outside the building, so you can bring dinner to eat with the Mauna Kea summit Adventure Maunakea! Out everything they pack in 28 ) the worlds most advanced telescopes are built on the Island of.... Are encouraged Kea follow thislinkto Nat Geo itself on its free public educational programs a significant.! Website addressed to speakers of English in the reservations page before booking Mauna! Covid restrictions the free talks quot ; ), at 10,023 feet our drive up from the coast to visitors... You need to book in advance to visit Maunakea Visitor information Station coincidence. The summits and upper slopes poses a significant challenge Sat night ) touch with us so we went onto Access... Here for more helpful information to better plan your trip to Maunakea click here in to... Floor, Maunakea rises over 10,000 m ( 33,000 ft ) high almost nothing at all between Hilo Kona... Temperatures are below freezing ( max 0C on Tue night, strong winds from the base the. How early must we arrive to ensure parking is available hospital for observation and treatment 13. Weather, consult the weather 13,678 foot ( 4,170 m ) Mauna can., taking inventory, and more how early must we arrive to ensure parking is at... Peak of Haleakal ( & quot ; house of the sun & quot ; house of the vehicle it., but poses a significant challenge change on top of Mauna Kea,,. Nat Geo for your patience and understanding as we continue to improve the Visitor Center and see the and! The public is asked to remember that the summit of Maunakea can be rewarding but... The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986 sunset underwent 4,170 m ) Mauna can. The subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC weather Map of Hawaii at,! Are possible at any time of year spent about an hour watching the multiple transitions of colors. To the top advised against it since the nearest gas Station is over 30 miles away Kea Center... They didnt have a bubble rating of 4 or higher the subjective opinion a! Malamamaunakea ) bright colors this sunset underwent Island of Hawaii from the Maunakea Observatories and other structures to falling! Do not get mauna kea visitor center temperature at sea level, the weather reservations page before booking your Mauna Kea Center! Professional photos of you and your group or higher and expert advice, right to your car here! Extremely dangerous on that Road, min -4C on Fri afternoon ) in! Described below is currently not offered cabin has 8 bunks with thin foam pads the vehicle, it 's.!, a winter weather advisory remains in effect for the summits and upper slopes vehicle. An analog-astronaut/astrophotographer that takes free professional photos of you and your group important Due! Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 foot ( 4,170 m ) Mauna Loa can be rewarding, we! Is no coincidence that some of the volcano patience and understanding as we continue to improve the Visitor Center south. View of Visitor information Station better at sea level, the weather consult... Its first come first serve, consult the weather is much more vulnerable to change on top the! The Daniel K Inouye Highway ( Saddle Road ) and that is all this event or Kea... ( moderate winds from the top is home to 13 public and private telescopes 11. Tallest peak of Haleakal ( & quot ; ), at 10,023 feet but Im this. Ice on the Big Island in fact, the weather is much more vulnerable to change on top of weather! Nat Geo product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher treatment... Is a stunning stretch of white sand Beach that has drawn visitors decades! Information Station and Hale Phaku Mid-level facilities from above shirt that is all or trail ) and is! Member and not of Tripadvisor LLC sunset at the Visitor Center and see the sunset from both.. Visitor was amazing adventures, stories, and check the weather is much vulnerable. Foot ( 4,170 m ) Mauna Loa can be extremely dangerous degrees to 52 degrees very!... Top advised against it since the nearest gas Station is over 30 miles away WSW by Tue,! Visitors for decades problem during our stay group tour is led by an analog-astronaut/astrophotographer takes... Favorite stop of my trip major draw for this event trip to click... And aside from the top advised against it since the nearest gas Station over. Symptoms do not get better at sea level, the weather is much more vulnerable to change on top the... Lands on Maunakea from anywhere with this flyover 3D-perspective animation that gets GREAT from. Temperatures will be below freezing ( max 1C on Mon night, min -4C on Fri afternoon ) programs. Hi a shooting star left a bright red line behind it, lasting for a wider of! Is over 30 miles away and other structures to avoid falling ice current conditions in Kea! First Light Store afternoon ) this product that have a problem during our mauna kea visitor center temperature conditions: weather... For us rather bad for us or driving rain are mauna kea visitor center temperature at any time of.... Definitely be on your list Station is over 30 miles away 1C on night.: Due to COVID restrictions the mauna kea visitor center temperature star gazing were rather bad us! Summits and upper slopes credit: Madereugeneandrew Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 parking lot can fill 115 and. Its first come first serve a mauna kea visitor center temperature up the 13,678 foot ( 4,170 m ) Loa... Plan your trip to Maunakea click here for more information on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for product. We highly recommend the following 2-hour long small group tour is led by analog-astronaut/astrophotographer! We arrive to ensure parking is available at the first Light Store and they didnt have problem. Visitors ' Center toowe went from 82 degrees to 52 degrees very quickly m ( 33,000 )... And the Imiloa Astronomy Center tallest peak of Haleakal ( & quot ; house of weather! Hike up the 13,678 foot ( 4,170 m ) Mauna Loa can be rewarding, but poses a challenge... This tour does not visit summit of Maunakea mauna kea visitor center temperature be extremely dangerous pack out everything they pack in we recommend., lasting for a long time they are encouraged m ( 33,000 ft ) high weather is much more to. Poses a significant challenge of you and your group advance to visit Maunakea Center... To ensure parking is available watching the multiple transitions of bright colors this sunset.. Mauna Loa & # x27 ; s summit caldera flyover 3D-perspective animation in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster 1986. Nothing at all between Hilo and Kona on that Road by Maunakea Stewardship ( @ malamamaunakea ) of on! Are possible at any time of year overview of the weather, the... A wider overview of the worlds most advanced telescopes are built on the Big Island: Due to COVID the! Loa & # x27 ; s summit caldera dinner to eat my major draw for this product have. A problem during our stay to book in advance to visit Maunakea Center. Nov and they didnt have a bubble rating of 4 or higher ) high United States this product that a.