Mauna Kea Observatory Complex

Mauna Kea Observatory Complex is a mountain Paauhau-Paauilo located in United States.

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  • Phone

    (808) 961-2180

  • Website

    ifa.hawaii.edu/mko

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  • Type

    Mountain

Address

John A. Burns Way Paauhau-Paauilo , HI United States

Comments / 31


Keywords:

sunsets summit stargaze telescope tours Observatory
Richard Bowers

Visited here with Mauna Kea Summit Tours . With a tour group, see the sunset and star party. On your own, consider the hike if you can get here before 8am, then get down the hill before dark

Adam Stallman

Probably the best place to go stargazing on the world. They won't let you on the summit after 10pm but you can still view from the visitor center . Also, check out the Silverswords on the trail .

???? @yanceyu ????

Make sure you stop at the ranger station to get acclimated to the elevation . Stay there for about 45minutes and bring tylenol and drink lots of water.

Bérenger

Just amazing. Go up there for sunset . Bring a blanket. Enjoy. Then down to the visitor center for the public telescopes and tours .

Rushi Gandhi

Unbelievably spectacular view of the gorgeous sunsets ! A must do!

Jessica Halloran

Try to make it to the top just before sunset for beautiful views , especially on a cloudy day.

angel mels

Went there Jan 2010. Slipery road for 2wd but we made it :) Amazing sunset with the view of observatory domes. Very very freezing cold! After sunset , joined Stargazing at the visitor center . Glorious!

Eric Gaby

The views are awesome up here. I was a little light-headed from the high altitude.

Jeiran Hasan

At night they take out the telescopes and you can star gaze!

Lori B

Beautiful- A must do 6 mile drive! Can be cold and treacherous weather/fog/snow! Know your conditions!

Jon DaMove'

You definately need 4x4 and winter gear if ur going to the to, stop @ the Visitor Info Center on the way up to adjust to altitude..

Aaron Landry

Bring your jacket , warm hat and gloves. Watch a sunset from here, then go down to the visitors center to stargaze .

Anu

go online to time your trip to make sure you can see the sunset

Helen Limm

You'll definitely feel shortness of breath. Bring water, and a heavy jacket .

Jon DaMove'

You definately need 4x4 and winter gear if ur going to the top, stop by the Visitor Info Center @ 9000ft. to get adjusted to altitude...

Island Bruin

Sunset on top of the mountain , above the clouds.

Whit Maull

Stars. Lots of stars.

Glenn Fujimura

Amazing, beautiful. Drive down a bit and pull over for some wonderful stargazing until you get cold.

K2

Breath taking

Julie Gordon

Here for Sunset and St

Casimir

Did the summit with my 1wd bike it was totally worth it!!

Chuck Soell

If my Jetta can make it to the top multiple times so can your car.

Conor Satchell

Ben Farwell has never been Hawaii. So don't listen to him

harryh

We drove up in a 2wd Nissan Altima. It was a little sketchy , but worked out ok. Just go slow.

Eric O

Sleep at 14,000 feet is bad for you. Stay awake during your observing run!

Ken Williamson

Spectacular views !!

natassia

Perfect viewing spot to watch a sunset or sunrise

Ben Farwell

Eh I just dont see what's so great about this spot.. Nothing like the view you get here on the eastern shore

Iris Robert

Best sunset of my life!

natassia

Get your 2wd up to the summit !!!!

Matthew Richmond

on the list

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8.3
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Check the live cams and weather reports on the visitor center website before you go. It's a MUST do! Incredible experience. - RC

8.3
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Spectacular experience star-gazing here. It gets cold though, so bring warm clothes - ???????????????????????????? ????????????????????????

7.3
Scenic Lookout
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6 to 10 PM observation rocks. Pick a no moon night. Go around back to restroom area to see the Milky Way in summer. - Dan S

8.9
Tourist Information
Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station

Amazing place... More than 4500 mts above ocean and with different temperature and landscape from the rest of Big Island... MUST SEE PLACE.... - Luciana Santo

Preserve
Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Preserve

Great viewing area if you can't make it up to the top! - Emme Kim

9.0
State / Provincial Park
Mauna Kea State Park

AWSOME & A MUST DO TO THE SUMMIT - with Greg from Manua Kea Summit Adventures (educated geologist/astronomer) very knowledgable, organised, great food Can't speak highly enough!!! - Dani Cunningham