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. Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour 719 Recommended Day Trips from $287.96 per adult Experience Our Honey Farm And Beekeeping Tour 101 Recommended Walking Tours from $25.00 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stars Free Astro Photos Hilo Kona Waikoloa Pick Up 173 Recommended Adventure Tours from $259.00 See our list of favorite stargazing locations on all Hawaiian islands for more good stargazing spots. (source). 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. Mauna Kea/Mauna Loa Weather Forecast You will be hiking at high altitudes under rigorous conditions; altitude sickness is common. Our human vision does not work that well at the high elevation of the summit, and you can see the stars better with the naked eye from the visitor center. Mauna Kea is one of six volcanoes that formed the Big Island. ), MaunaKea last erupted more than 4,000 years ago and is no longer considered an active volcano. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. Maunakea Visitor Information Station: Very Little Information - See 1,668 traveler reviews, 594 candid photos, and great deals for Hilo, HI, at Tripadvisor. 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. At 13.5 miles in length, this hike will take you anywhere from 5 - 10 hours to complete. Be prepared for winter weather and use adequate cold-weather clothing. A gale warning has been posted for Big Island leeward and southeast waters until 6 p.m. Thursday. Telescopes are set up for viewing at7 pm, and as soon as its dark enough a tour of the constellations will begin. If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, you can join a free escorted summit tour, offered 1-4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, from the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station (Onizuka Center). Telescopes of the MaunaKea Observatory, Hawaii. Tours to the summit in comparison only allow 13+ year olds. Current Conditions at Mauna Kea Summit. Stargazing from Mauna Kea, Hawaii's tallest volcano provides visitors an incredible opportunity to find the best views of the heavens above. 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. Mostly dry. Weather can change in an instant, and it can blizzard in the winter. Mauna Kea weather: http://hokukea.soest.hawaii.edu/ Current road conditions to the summit: call (808) 935-6268 (July, 2020) Visitor Center Hours: (808) 961-2180 website: http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/vis/ Keep in mind there is no food or gas available on Mauna Kea. Photos (335) Directions. In this guide we explain how you can visit the Maunakea Visitor Center and see the telescopes and sunset at the summit. From atop of the hill you have a gorgeous view of Mauna Loa, the valley below, and whatever clouds are filling the island. Although Mauna Kea is usually shrouded in clouds, the clouds all hang out around 6,000 feet due to a phenomenon related to trade wind inversion. 2. Mauna Loa Observatory (MLO) is located on the north flank of Mauna Loa Volcano, on the Big Island of Hawaii, at an elevation of 3397 meters, or 11,135 feet above sea level. Actually, Mauna Kea is considered one of the most ideal . A hike up the 13,678 foot (4,170 m) Mauna Loa can be rewarding, but poses a significant challenge. 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. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Another advantage of not going to the summit is that all ages are welcome. PRINT THIS DATA. Kama'ina Observatory Experience: The Kamaina Observatory Experience is currently suspended due to COVID 19. Maunakea is also distant from city lights making it easier to see different galaxies that lie at the edge of the universe. Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. According to the University of Hawaii Institute of Astronomy,the summit of Maunakea hosts the worlds largest astronomical observatory, with telescopes operated from eleven countries. The area will remain closed 24 hours a day until the project is complete. Health Hazards Directions from Kona (64 mi) and Hilo (43 mi) to the summit of MaunaKea. Is there still free stargazing going on at nights? The cabin has 8 bunks with thin foam pads. The Big Island is a fantastic place for looking at the stars and hosts some of the worlds best telescopes. May be worth checking their web site before planning visit to see when open and best to to visit. A heavy fall of snow, heaviest during Wed night. Our drive up from the coast to the visitor was amazing. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. The summit air is extremely dry. Its height and location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean (almost no light pollution) have made it an ideal place for viewing sunset above the clouds and for stargazing. Daily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. VIS Phone: (808) 934-4550. Mild temperatures (max 48F on Tue afternoon, min 45F on Mon night). Did you notice anything damaged or dangerous conditions that rangers should be aware of? This tour lets you see the sunset among some of the world's best telescopes and then takes you for a private star show at 9000 ft. with an 11 Celestron telescope. Its more than just traditional western constellations, however. Each map is linked to a high-resolution .jpg image file. Facemasks are not required to enter the Visitor Center but they are encouraged. There are serious and potentially fatal consequences of hiking at high altitude. 177 Makaala St, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720. It is organized by the Maunakea Observatories and the Imiloa Astronomy Center. Review. Most Visitor Centers are welcoming. People come to the dormant volcano to hike, bike and film on Maunakea. Plus, post sunset, you'll be stargazing on an alpine summit often buffeted by brutal winds and temperatures as low as 12 degrees Fahrenheit. We met Jeff at Queens Market in Waikoloa. It takes about an hour to drive from the Kilauea Visitor Center via Mauna Loa Road to the trailhead, and two hours to drive to the Observatory trailhead via Saddle Road. Wind will be generally light. Northeast winds up to 10 mph. Save. Protect yourself with appropriate clothing, sunscreen and sunglasses. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. Winds increasing (near gales from the WSW on Tue night, stormy winds from the WSW by Thu morning). 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). According to the University of Hawaii Institute of Astronomy, Maunakea is one of the best astronomical observing sites due to the atmosphere above the mountain being extremely dry. IS. The latest road and weather information are available at the upper right corner of this page. People visiting the summit may experience altitude sickness, which is triggered by rapid exposure to lower oxygen levels. . A total of 28 hikers are allowed at the Mauna Loa summit cabin area. Mauna Kea, HI Weather Forecast | AccuWeather Daily Monthly Orange Volcano Watch Current Weather 11:13 PM 71 F RealFeel 71 Air Quality Fair Wind SW 6 mph Wind Gusts 7 mph Cloudy More. On the way down, there's a parking area to stargaze and take pictures of the milkyway. Lows 26 to 42. Staff use a laser pointer to teach you about all the constellations out in the sky. Light winds becoming west around 10 mph after midnight. 1: Kauai Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: The Npali Coast 6: Kauai Itinerary 7: Kauai blog posts. THIS IS A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH. There have even been glaciers on the volcano during past colder periods. We came here during our drive up to the summit. Please try another search. 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. Lows 26 to 42. If you are primarily interested in stargazing, then you will want to focus your trip around the Visitor Center area. Experience University of Hawaii managed lands on Maunakea from anywhere with this flyover 3D-perspective animation. The forecast predicts periods of snow and freezing rain to impact summits above 10,500 feet. 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. I can't figure out what's open or not. There is no more free stargazing unless you want to risk it and hope there's an amateur astronomer with a telescope there when you go. Chance of precipitation 80 percent. Mauna Kea rises to an elevation of nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, making it the highest . Please wear long pants and closed toed . Be aware that you need to stop at the visitor center for a while to help your body acclimatize to the large altitude difference between Kona/Hilo and the summit (13,796 ft). A stargazing tour does not need to include a visit to the summit. You can visit the summit and see the telescopes during daytime and stay for up to 30 minutes after the sun has set. Please be aware of construction workers, traffic, and signage directing visitors to an informational booth which will be open from 8am-3pm daily. The drive over Saddle Road and up to the visitor center is also highly worth it, and shows a beautiful side of Hawaii. going to the summit yourself requires a 4WD car, good driving skills, and planning, so many people prefer joining a tour to the summit. The easiest and safest way to go to the summit is to join a tour. Read More >, Local Forecast OfficeMore Local Wx3 Day HistoryMobile WeatherHourly Weather Forecast. Weather Hazards Mainly fresh winds. This kind of weather pattern remains true for Mauna Kea, too. more. The west side of the Big Island is blessed with clear, dry weather much of the year, making it a great place to stargaze. We had not planned on going there but were taken as part of an island tour. For more information on the geography of Mauna Kea follow thislinkto Nat Geo. The only cure is to descend. Be sure to fill up on gas before you leave though. Anika. Cameron Catanzano Luckily we didnt have a problem during our stay. When it is in operation, it is a monthly community event that welcomes Hawaii residents to the science reserve atop Maunakea to see world-class telescopes and learn about the cultural and environmental importance of the mountain. West winds up to 10 mph. Mauna Kea Observatories Webcam. Please explore responsibly! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Hi, this update was posted yesterday. Winds decreasing (gales from the WSW on Fri night, fresh winds from the WSW by Mon afternoon). Please adhere to safety barriers and social distancing according to local, state and federal guidelines. 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 Share. There is a campground in the mountan pass and access to the two peaks (by road or trail) and that is all. . These nights are: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (weather permitting), and reservations are not needed. The visitor center is at an altitude of 9,200ft, so you might want to hike R1 or one of the many trails beginning at the visitors center before driving to the top, which is at about 13,800ft. Lows 26 to 42. 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). You can find more information on each of them on this website. Northeast winds 10 to 20 mph. There is so much conflicting info online. Length 1.2 miElevation gain 167 ftRoute type Out & back. Please get in touch with us so we can answer it for you. Freeze-thaw conditions (max 2C on Mon morning, min -3C on Fri night). The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Center, located at the 9,200-foot basecamp, and provides information . This one seems basically placed there as a roadblock to keep the public from going to the Mauna Kea summit which they have every right to do as a public road and area. For both types of tours the stargazing itself happens at comparable elevation (so the quality of the night sky is the same), but tours that go to the summit must leave there within 30 minutes after sunset, and thus their stargazing always happens early in the night. 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