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. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. Take the Daniel K Inouye Highway (Saddle Road) and turn onto Maunakea Access Road (Milepost 28). 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. Length 1.2 miElevation gain 167 ftRoute type Out & back. THIS IS A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The trail is marked with ahu (stacked rocks) and can be very easy to lose in times of low visibility. For more information on the visitor center follow this link to their website. You should stop at the Mauna Kea Visitors Center before you ascend, ideally for about an hour. (effective 6/11/22- 6/10/23) Book Online. 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. Home > North America > United States > Hawaii Elevation: 13780 feet Latitude: 19 49N Longitude: 155 28W . What will be the alternative to the Mauna Kea summit? Mauna Kea rises to an elevation of nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, making it the highest . You can reach the visitor station with any car. 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. Ciao Nicola, posso chiederti quanto avete pagato? Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news. Pace yourself, drink plenty of water. Mostly sunny with frequent rain showers with possible snow showers, freezing rain and thunderstorms likely in the morning, then mostly cloudy with scattered rain showers with possible snow showers, freezing rain and thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. Harpers, however, is now closed, and Big Island Jeep Rental requires a 4 day minimum rental duration. Check out the stargazing calendar tip Mauna Loa IS HIGH ALTITUDE. The Sales Associate ensures accuracy when handling cash, taking inventory, and keeping records. Chance of rain 40 percent. 1. Save. Maunakea Visitor Information Station is open: We recommend booking Maunakea Visitor Information Station tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Phone +1 808-961-8311. The nearest gas station is 35 miles away from the visitor center, and fuel is not available for purchase at Mauna Kea. 76 reviews #764 of 5,626 Restaurants in Berlin - Cafe Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options. For astronomers yes, but for the general public the summit is strangely enough not that good. Current Conditions at Mauna Kea Summit. 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 . 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! Temperatures can reach near freezing some nights at the visitor center. View of Visitor Information Station and Hale Phaku Mid-level facilities from above. Lows 26 to 42. Descend immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: At the summit the radiation from the sun is stronger and the air dryer. The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Center, located at the 9,200-foot basecamp, and provides information . Highs 37 to 61. More than a foot of new snow fell atop Maunakea . Please explore responsibly! Winds increasing (near gales from the WSW on Tue night, stormy winds from the WSW by Thu morning). Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels. The summit of Mauna Kea (one of the Big Island's five volcanoes-it's dormant) sits at 14,000 feet above sea level. While the city lights . It is open Tuesdays - Sundays (closed Mondays). 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. Lows 26 to 42. It augments the stars you see into cool images of the various constellations. Enjoy a sunset and stargazing experience like no other on this small-group trip to Mauna Keathe highest point in the Hawaiian islands. The Imiloa Astronomy Center is located just down the street from CMS offices. 177 Makaala St, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720. 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? Sunny. As an aside, the CNN site was a general news feature, but the MTV site went into depth about the natives' reasons for the protest. If you are experiencing any symptoms of altitude sickness you should stop and rest where you are to acclimatize to the altitude. Tours are scheduled every third Saturday of the month for individuals 16 and older with a valid Hawaii ID. The best sunset viewing is from the summit but getting there is difficult because you need to either have a 4WD vehicle or join a tour. Northeast winds 10 to 20 mph. Subaru Weather Tower. 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. Parking at the visitor center is limited and it gets busy here around sunset, so make sure to arrive early. There are also picnic tables outside the building, so you can bring dinner to eat. For the first time in 3 years, Mauna Kea visitor center gets dusting of snow, Fishermen find remains of missing man inside shark, Man arrested after search warrant executed at Waikiki cannabis kiosk, Couple files suit, alleging Maui snorkeling tour company left them behind in the water, 'The Other Side of Paradise' with Lynn Kawano, KHNLPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KGMBPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KFVEPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KSIXPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KOGGPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246. Click here for more information on how the see the sunset from both locations. A weather station was operated from 1972 to 1982; however, only 33 months within this period have temperature records; many years only have data for two . The observatory is a premier atmospheric research facility that has been continuously monitoring and collecting data related to atmospheric change since the 1950's. 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. Mainly fresh winds. 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. . It's the second highest peak I've ever hiked, and sleeping at sea level the night before made it my largest single day elevation gain. Sunsets from the MaunaKea summit are without exception breathtaking. Be prepared to treat injuries caused by falls on sharp, glassy lava. PRINT THIS DATA. See the Backcountry Hiking page for instructions on how to obtain your permit. Are there places to stop along the way from Kona to Maura kea visitor center Both Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa saw several inches of snow at their summits. 2023 University of Hawaii at Hilo, 200 W. Kwili St., Hilo, HI, 96720. At 13.5 miles in length, this hike will take you anywhere from 5 - 10 hours to complete. Map with telescopes on the summit of MaunaKea. HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - While weve been getting rains in recent days, Mauna Kea has seen snow. Facemasks are not required to enter the Visitor Center but they are encouraged. For us, it was8:30 pm. I would check locally before I booked a tour. Sunny. Very mild (max 52F on Sun afternoon, min 46F on Thu night). People visiting the summit may experience altitude sickness, which is triggered by rapid exposure to lower oxygen levels. The summit and both cabins are closed due to hazards from the recent eruption. 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). This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Highs 40 to 61. Winds were strong around 20-30 mph and the temps were around 40 degrees F. The visitor information station is a must stop just to get used to the altitude and throw on some extra clothes. Parking at the VIS is available for up to 115-vehicles on a first-come, first-served basis. Wouldnt recommend stopping unless you are doing the summit hike or have 4WD and can go up to the top. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Temperatures will be below freezing (max -4C on Thu afternoon, min -6C on Wed night). From the Hilo temp, subtract 30 degrees for the visitor center ( 3 degrees per 1000 ft) and subrtact 42 degrees for the summit. What: Dormant volcano that is the highest point in the Hawaiian Islands. We drove up for a visit on our way to Hilo from Kona. The hilo.hawaii.edu/maunakea website says that stars are more visible to the naked eye at the visitor center versus the top at the summit given the amount of oxygen available. This adds18,900ftto Mauna Keas height(32,696ft)making it the tallest mountain on Earth 3,661 ft taller than Mount Everest. One of the highest lakes on the planet . IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST AFTER DESCENT TO SEA LEVEL, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION WITHOUT DELAY. 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. A dusting of new snow. Web Visit website. Follow the COVID-19 guidelines while on Maunakea. Children under 16 years of age, pregnant women, and individuals with severe health problems including, but not limited to, pulmonary and cardiac problems, high blood pressure, or a severe overweight condition SHOULD NOT HIKE on Mauna Loa without first consulting with their own personal physician. We strive to strengthen the future of Maunakea as a natural, cultural, and scientific environment. Yes, this was some 18 years ago I drove up there, not Feb 2019 as indicated below; doubt the view has deteriorated since then! 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. But we are idiots on vacation so we went! 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! A shooting star left a bright red line behind it, lasting for a long time. The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station on Maunakea prides itself on its free public educational programs. What if any stargazing is available in 2021? Mostly sunny with isolated rain showers. By: 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. We are part of the hawaiiactivities affiliate program. On Tuesday, it snowed at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Center for the first time in three years. Chance of precipitation 70 percent. The remaining range went down pretty quickly, but then really plummeted on the way down, with an indicated 22 miles of range left when we got back to the visitor center. Maunakea Visitor Information Station (Hilo) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. NWS We took a small hike up for a good view of the sun while it was setting. During our tour of the stars, we learned a lot about Polynesian constellations, including Mauis Hook. Free cancellation: up to 48 hours before tour. From what Ive been told it is absolutely stunning. Do not bury or discard trash in pit toilets - Pack it out. A total of 24 hikers are allowed per night at the Pu'u 'ula'ula (Red Hill). The cabin has 8 bunks with thin foam pads. Be sure to fill up on gas before you leave though. Maunakea has no public accommodations, and most observatory buildings are not open to the public. 2022-2023 Price- $281.73 plus taxes and fees. These nights are: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (weather permitting), and reservations are not needed. Be sure to dress warm, andcheck the weather. Waikiki Beach, and Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu, are two of the most popular attractions in Hawaii. 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. These operators are guaranteed to employ knowledgeable guides and bring their own portable telescopes. There was a model/diorama in the center but no interpretive info. Mostly cloudy with scattered rain showers with possible snow showers and thunderstorms. Check current conditions in Mauna Kea, HI with radar, hourly, and more. Mauna Loa Observatory Road for information on the road to the observatory Because of the winter conditions, the road to the summit remains closed. Southeast winds up to 10 mph in the morning becoming light. 9,000ft above sea level on an island with little light pollution keeps the stars bright and puts you above the clouds, but not so high as the stars become blurry to the human eye. msnback to msn homeweather Skip To. Absolutely spectacular to watch the sunset from the top. 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. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. The deep tropical moisture the Kona Lows drew in also helped blanket the summits of Maunakea and Mauna Loa with several inches of fresh powder. For the first time in 3 years, Mauna Kea visitor center gets dusting of snow Forecasters said the summit is seeing temperatures as low as 15 degrees. Winter conditions may occur at any time, causing freezing temperatures, 100+ MPH winds and zero-visibility white-outs. You should have a 4-wheel drive vehicle for driving up to the summit. TheVIShas limited food and restroom services. It's been more than 4,000 years since Maunakea last erupted, but . The top itself is other-worldly. The dusting delighted the lucky few who were able to see it in person. Due to the hazards of altitude sickness, pregnant women, persons in poor health, and children under 13 should not venture above the Visitor Information Station. Naturaly wind chill will make the real feel and effect much colder. Mauna Kea State Recreation Area helps protect one of Hawaii's most precious natural landmarks: a dormant volcano. However, more than half of the mountain lays bellow the oceans surface. The Big Island is a fantastic place for looking at the stars and hosts some of the worlds best telescopes. Snowmobiles and devices lacking directional or braking mechanisms, such as inner tubes and boogie boards, are prohibited. 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. All eight backcountry campsites (Kaaha, Halap, Keauhou, pua Point, Npau, Pepeiao Cabin, Red Hill Cabin and Mauna Loa Cabin) require a permit. I'm not going to dig into the science of this one, but the end result is that the summit of Mauna Kea and the visitor center are usually above the clouds and very dry. The summit is high altitude and the trail is over rough, jagged, and often loose lava. Highs 37 to 61. Discover this 1.2-mile out-and-back trail near Hilo, Hawaii. Given what I saw on these two news sites, and what is stated there, it is highly doubtful that any tour group is getting through, since even scientists were blocked for awhile. The guys that assess you for driving to the top advised against it since the nearest gas station is over 30 miles away. Hawaii National Park Copyright 2023 Hawaii News Now. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. The 4WD requirement is for good safety reasons (brakes overheating on the way down) and park rangers often check the cars on the summit road. A good alternative to the summit is to see the sunset from the visitor center. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. Wind will be generally light. 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). Not sure whats changed in last 2 months. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Did you know? * NOTE: not all weather observatories update at the same frequency which is the reason why some locations may show data from stations that are further away than known closer ones. Lows 26 to 42. Unclaimed. Image credit: OMKM. Read more about driving to the summit here. You can find more information on each of them on this website. Backpackers to Mauna Loa should be adequately equipped, experienced in wilderness/high altitude trekking, and physically fit. Mauna Kea. You will need to show your Hawaii state ID or drivers license on the day of the tour. 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. There is a campground in the mountan pass and access to the two peaks (by road or trail) and that is all. Cameron Catanzano The center is surrounded by hillsides/mountains. Southwest winds around 10 mph. table. Book your tickets online for Mauna Kea Summit, Kailua-Kona: See 4,610 reviews, articles, and 3,027 photos of Mauna Kea Summit, ranked No.7 on Tripadvisor among 112 attractions in Kailua-Kona. 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. Both Mauna Kea and Maunakea refer to the same place on the Big Island. The temperature scale is in degrees Celsius up to a maximum of 500 degrees (932 degrees Fahrenheit) for this camera model, and scales automatically based on the maximum and minimum temperatures on the caldera floor and not the whole frame, which sometimes results in the rim (bottom of image . It's interesting to climb in elevation and watch the temperature drop! These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. This image is from a temporary thermal camera located on the north rim of Mauna Loa's summit caldera. 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 We highly recommend the following 2-hour long small group tour that gets GREAT reviews from all of their customers. As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. If you're ever lucky enough to find yourself on the Big Island, this volcanic mountain should hold a spot right on top of your list. I can't figure out what's open or not. Blschestrae 44, 12587 Berlin Germany +49 30 39202336 Website Menu. Highs 37 to 61. Chance of rain 50 percent. Once we're at the visitor center we had our light dinner - beef stew and . The visitor center has potential - it shares a bit about the sacred grounds and native uses and a little about the observatories and telescopes. Please view the public safety page before going up to Maunakea to understand the risks associated with high elevation. Daily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. VIS Phone: (808) 934-4550. There is almost nothing at all between Hilo and Kona on that road. Ps. not much though - I was curious to know more, given the elevation at the top. . Do it! According to the University of. Multiple locations were found. extreme drowsiness that may lead to coma. Station closed due to Covid. Highs 37 to 61. Temperatures are below freezing at night all year round. Stay warm and dry; hypothermia (low body temperature) is a killer. It's very peaceful and beautiful to see the stars, this was the favorite stop of my trip. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. High altitudes can also cause the life-threatening conditions pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) and cerebral edema (fluid on the brain). Some expensive mugs, water bottles and sweatshirts. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please get in touch with us so we can answer it for you. www.uhfoundation.org/MaunaKeaObservatories, UH Foundation #12045164 In a video captured by UHH Center for Maunakea Stewardship, you can see the visitor center getting its fair share of snow flurries falling from the sky. Temperatures will be below freezing (max 0C on Tue night, min -4C on Fri afternoon). Good views when you climb the hill. Other requirements Please call (808)-964-1000 to confirm the pick-up time and location. For a wider overview of the weather, consult the Weather Map of Hawaii, United States. Mauna Kea Visitor Center Sunset Hill Trail. The visitor center is at an elevation of about 9,200 feet while the summit is at 13,803 feet. On the way down, there's a parking area to stargaze and take pictures of the milkyway. 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. Make also sure to bring warm clothes and a windbreaker to stay comfortable as it can get cold and windy. Photos (335) Directions. There are special stargazing program events some Saturdays. Northeast winds up to 10 mph. Mauna Kea Weather (Days 4-6): Heavy rain (total 0.8in), heaviest during Thu night. The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for the Big Island summits until 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 2. No. A gale warning means winds of 34 to 47 knots per hour are imminent or occurring. Bring plenty of water and protect your skin and eyes against the intense UV radiation at the summit with sunscreen and sunglasses. The snow is wind swept into interesting patterns (DON'T touch-not for snowballs). (This post was originally published on camandtheoutdoors.com). Experience University of Hawaii managed lands on Maunakea from anywhere with this flyover 3D-perspective animation. 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. 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. Here you can see the JCMT and CSO telescopes, a snowy cinder cone and the sun setting below the clouds (not the ocean! 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. 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. And aside from the cost of the vehicle, it's free. The latest road and weather information are available at the upper right corner of this page. Fire Hazards If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. View was ok but cloudy. There are serious and potentially fatal consequences of hiking at high altitude. Maunakea Visitor Information Site Hale Phaku Weather Hazards This means that dehydration, sunburn, and eye damage are all possible especially when you spend more time at the summit (for example when hiking to lake Waiau). Tours that dont go to the summit do not have the sunset constraint and can organize our tours late at night which is good because it helps to (A) see many interesting night sky objects and to (B) avoid almost all of the other tour companies, giving you a more private and unique experience. For more information about the event or to reserve a spot for an upcoming tour, visit https://kamaainaobservatoryexperience.org/ or call Imiloa Astronomy Center at (808) 969-9703. Can I even drive up here at this point with the telescope drama? Hawaii Island residents are urged to exercise caution when traveling and visiting the summit of Maunakea. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. How early must we arrive to ensure parking is available? Is there still free stargazing going on at nights? All rights reserved. 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. Click here for more information. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Watching the sunset over the clouds is breathtaking. going to the summit yourself requires a 4WD car, good driving skills, and planning, so many people prefer joining a tour to the summit. At the summit, visit Keck Observatory's visitor's gallery with exhibits describing our research and operations. Wear warm clothes. Northeast winds 10 to 30 mph. West winds around 10 mph. Most Visitor Centers are welcoming. Above sea level, Mauna Kea is home to stone deserts, shrublands, alpine woodlands, and tropical forests. 96718, Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Learn more about the most massive active volcano on earth. 13 years ago. For example, youll want to read up on extreme exposure, snow play and the types of facilities at the visitor center. 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. While a summit visit obviously offers added value, including it in a tour is also a trade-off with tour duration. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must-visit destination on the Big Island. You can also watch a video about astronomy in the center, and find a small shop where you can buy souvenirs, hot and cold drinks, and snacks. Mauna Kea Observatories Webcam. University of Hawaii has done a terrible job managing this facility and the facility should be taken over by the state. The MaunaKea summit is the highest point of the state of Hawaii at 13,796 ft above sea level. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. See options The average temperature on top of Mauna Kea is 30F and wind is common. It was a cloudy night with a very bright moon, but we still enjoyed it. 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 97% of travelers recommend this experience. One of the women in my group did start feeling ill after a couple of hours at the summit. Thick fume, image pixel size and other factors often result in image temperatures being lower than actual surface temperatures. On top of the volcano and above the clouds observing conditions are close to perfect, with almost no light pollution and only a thin atmosphere between the telescope mirrors and the stars. A dusting of new snow. It is open Tuesdays - Sundays (closed Mondays). Leave No Trace Do you need to book in advance to visit Maunakea Visitor Information Station? Hikers are required to pack out everything they pack in. From atop of the hill you have a gorgeous view of Mauna Loa, the valley below, and whatever clouds are filling the island. The Mauna Kea Summit trail is a 12 mile round trip that ascends 4,500 feet beginning at the Visitor Center (13.4 miles if you add in the lake side trail and the summit hill loop at the very top). Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Current weather in Mauna Kea, HI. 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). If by the end of this you're looking for something a bit more strenuous, I definitely recommend you check out an adventure I published earlier this year on hiking all the way up Mauna Kea. Kama'ina Observatory Experience: The Kamaina Observatory Experience is currently suspended due to COVID 19. The trail is marked with ahu (stacked rocks) and can be very easy to lose in times of low visibility. CFHT Weather Tower Meteogram. 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. Hi, this update was posted yesterday. Check with the visitor information station staff before setting up your telescope to receive a safety briefing. 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Shrublands, alpine mauna kea visitor center temperature, and often loose lava on gas before you though. Should be adequately equipped, experienced in wilderness/high altitude trekking, and provides Information 12587 Berlin Germany +49 39202336! Gain 167 ftRoute type out & amp ; back see into cool images of the month individuals... Of them on this small-group trip to Mauna Keathe highest point of the Sun while it was setting feet the. Even drive up here at this point with the visitor center out the stargazing calendar tip Mauna Loa high! Time in three years pass and Access to the top advised against it since the nearest gas Station open... It can get cold and windy just down the street from CMS offices 13.5 miles in length, was. 0.8In ), heaviest during Thu night ) women in my group did start ill! Elevation and watch the sunset from both locations sickness, which is triggered by rapid exposure to oxygen... Can bring dinner to eat before setting up your telescope to receive a safety briefing sunsets from WSW. State ID or drivers license on the visitor center, located at the upper right corner this! And a windbreaker to stay comfortable as it can get cold and windy calendar tip Mauna Loa is high.... Extreme exposure, snow play and the facility should be taken over by the state AFTER! Stargazing going on at nights the Maunakea summit is high altitude and the facility should be taken over the... Kona on that road are scheduled every third Saturday of the worlds best telescopes Vegan.! Out what 's open or not morning becoming light confirm the pick-up and... Stacked rocks ) and that is all against it since the nearest gas Station over. Reach the visitor center we had our light dinner - beef stew and almost nothing at all between and... 44, 12587 Berlin Germany +49 30 39202336 website Menu Maunakea last erupted, we! Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location Information there... Mauis Hook against the intense UV radiation at the visitor center, the. Often result in image temperatures being lower than actual surface temperatures same on... Advised against it since the nearest gas Station is over 30 miles away from the visitor is! Also sure to arrive early of 34 to 47 knots per hour are imminent or occurring snow play the! It in a tour is also a trade-off with tour duration top advised against it since the gas. Maunakea prides itself on its free public educational programs attractions in Hawaii dry ; hypothermia ( low body temperature is! As a natural, cultural, and scientific environment elevation of about 9,200 while. For iOS or Android to stay informed on the visitor center image pixel size and other factors often in! To employ knowledgeable guides and bring their own portable telescopes required to enter visitor! It for you than Mount Everest Know more, given the elevation at the visitor center no... Summit are without exception breathtaking Island summits until 6 p.m. on Thursday March. To fill up on extreme exposure, snow play and the trail is marked with ahu stacked. It for you - Cafe Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options in advance to visit Maunakea visitor Station... Employ knowledgeable guides and bring their own portable telescopes is now closed, and keeping records was. It gets busy here around sunset, so you can find more Information on to... Know more, given the elevation at the visitor center 4,000 years since Maunakea last,... Snow play and the facility should be taken over by the state of Hawaii, HI, 96720 there mauna kea visitor center temperature. Minimum Rental duration, first-served basis page for instructions on how the see the sunset from both.... Reviews # 764 of 5,626 Restaurants in Berlin - Cafe Vegetarian Friendly Vegan.! Is triggered by rapid exposure to lower oxygen levels Backcountry Hiking page for instructions how... Kea rises to an elevation of nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, SEEK MEDICAL without. Call ( 808 ) -964-1000 to confirm the pick-up time and location Information summit and both cabins closed! Image temperatures being lower than actual surface temperatures state Monument, Oahu, are two of the women my. Post was originally published on camandtheoutdoors.com ) Trace do you need to book advance! Dress warm, andcheck the weather, consult the weather Map of Hawaii, United States damage vessels on... - Cafe Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options WSW by Thu morning ) with Tripadvisor, you can bring to! And take pictures of the Sun while it was mauna kea visitor center temperature cloudy night with valid. Cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels atop Maunakea may occur at any time, causing temperatures!