Weather can change in an instant, and it can blizzard in the winter. While stargazing, I highly suggest using the phone app Night Sky X (download before you go to the VIS though). 2. 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. 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. 44-5400 Daniel K. Inouye Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743, USA. The top itself is other-worldly. We stopped here but there was not a lot to do as the observation centre was closed no reason was given as to why. Check on current water levels when obtaining your permit. 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. Highs 37 to 61. Parking at the VIS is available for up to 115-vehicles on a first-come, first-served basis. Free cancellation: up to 48 hours before tour. The Mauna Loa Road traverses areas which contain very flammable grasses and brush. Watching the sunset over the clouds is breathtaking. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Located at the center of the Big Island, Mauna Kea is a beloved destination by locals and visitors alike for star gazing, stunning sunrises and sunsets, and the rare "Hawaiian Snow Day" in the winter months. Thick fume, image pixel size and other factors often result in image temperatures being lower than actual surface temperatures. There are also picnic tables outside the building, so you can bring dinner to eat. Facemasks are not required to enter the Visitor Center but they are encouraged. (This post was originally published on camandtheoutdoors.com). Happy customers often comment on the storytelling aspect of the tour, and on the knowledgeable explanations of objects in the sky and photographic expertise. The guys that assess you for driving to the top advised against it since the nearest gas station is over 30 miles away. Privately owned telescopes are not allowed during public stargazing events, but they are welcome all other nights (Sunday,Monday,Thursday). Subaru Weather Tower. Only saw some guides that were paid as an excursion. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). 2022-2023 Price- $281.73 plus taxes and fees. Read more about our participation. Web Visit website. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. We got to the visitor center with half a tank. The only appropriate treatment for altitude-related illnesses on Mauna Loa is evacuation to a lower elevation., preferably to sea level. 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. Summit tours do not allow children under 13 years of age on their tours because they have a much higher incidence of high altitude problems. Do not put trash in the pit toilets. Are there places to stop along the way from Kona to Maura kea visitor center All visitors should follow Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 20, entitled "Public and Commercial Activities on Mauna Kea Lands," when visiting Maunakea. The staff running the event said it was their first time seeing it as well. The story of Maunakea gets better. Phone +1 808-961-8311. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Thermal webcams record in Centigrade, conversions to Fahrenheit are provided here for your convenience: 20C=68F, 40C=104F, 60C=140F, 80C=176F. Pack extra clothing and your sleeping bag in plastic for waterproofness. Very mild (max 52F on Sun afternoon, min 46F on Thu night). Maunakea Visitor Information Station (Hilo) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Geography of Mauna Kea The maximum group size per reservation is 2 people. Station closed due to Covid. While a summit visit obviously offers added value, including it in a tour is also a trade-off with tour duration. 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. Video / Feb 27, 2023 / 09:25 PM HST. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. THIS IS A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH. All eight backcountry campsites (Kaaha, Halap, Keauhou, pua Point, Npau, Pepeiao Cabin, Red Hill Cabin and Mauna Loa Cabin) require a permit. Some expensive mugs, water bottles and sweatshirts. Mauna Kea Visitor Center Sunset Hill Trail. The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Center, located at the 9,200-foot basecamp, and provides information . 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. 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. There are special stargazing program events some Saturdays. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Winter Weather Advisory until March 2, 06:00 PM HST, Flood Advisory in effect from March 1, 09:03 PM HST until March 2, 12:00 AM HST, Excessive Rainfall and Winter Weather Forecasts, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. View from MaunaLoa Observatory (looking at Mauna Kea from the south) Subaru 10u Skymonitor (limited access) CONtinuous CAMera (CONCAM) - The night sky above Mauna Kea. Temperatures are below freezing at night all year round. Bring plenty of water and protect your skin and eyes against the intense UV radiation at the summit with sunscreen and sunglasses. Mauna Kea/Mauna Loa Weather Forecast Very little information. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. 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. 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 . Chance of precipitation 80 percent. This means that you will get to experience a personal lesson in stargazing from a seasoned expert, next to a visit to the summit during the sunset. No 2-wheel drive vehicles will be allowed past the end of the paved road just above the VIS. The cabin has 8 bunks with thin foam pads. West winds up to 10 mph. I would check locally before I booked a tour. Current weather in Mauna Kea, HI. Once the parking lots are full, all vehicles will be turned away. Please get in touch with us so we can answer it for you. Books, apparels, and souvenirs are available in the store or on the e-Store. 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. 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. Temperatures will be below freezing (max 0C on Tue night, min -4C on Fri afternoon). 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 . To get to the summit you either need to join a tour (see below) or drive a 4WD vehicle. 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. Did you notice anything damaged or dangerous conditions that rangers should be aware of? It is open Tuesdays - Sundays (closed Mondays). This is a GREAT trip, but you MUST rent a vehicle that can drive it. A gale warning means winds of 34 to 47 knots per hour are imminent or occurring. Free cancellation: up to 24 hours before tour. Be sure to bring your coats to the visitors' center toowe went from 82 degrees to 52 degrees very quickly! Seeing the sunset from the summit is more spectacular but the visitor information center is a good alternative if you cannot make it to the summit. 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. Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph. Be sure to fill up on gas before you leave though. For more information on the visitor center follow thislinkto their website. I can't figure out what's open or not. Don't be afraid, any car can make it, even when they say '4-wd only'. The nearest gas station is 35 miles away from the visitor center, and fuel is not available for purchase at Mauna Kea. Mostly sunny with isolated rain showers. Mostly clear. Share. Chance of rain 20 percent. Be prepared for severe winter conditions, including blizzards, high winds, and whiteouts. Snow accumulation up to 2 inches. 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. Tours to the summit in comparison only allow 13+ year olds. Telescopes of the MaunaKea Observatory, Hawaii. . Still very pretty, but it's likely better to go all the way to the summit. Not 2021, but we were there in Nov and they didnt have the park guide providing the free talks. It was a cloudy night with a very bright moon, but we still enjoyed it. The trail is marked with ahu (stacked rocks) and can be very easy to lose in times of low visibility. The summit cabin has 12 bunks with mattress pads. Those traveling to the summit should always use 4WD Low Range to reduce brake failure and overheating. Highs 37 to 61. Neither has public telephones or public transportation. Haleakal (/ h l i k l /; Hawaiian: [hljkla]), or the East Maui Volcano, is a massive shield volcano that forms more than 75% of the Hawaiian Island of Maui.The western 25% of the island is formed by another volcano, Mauna Kahalawai, also referred to as the West Maui Mountains.. Hi, this update was posted yesterday. Mauna Kea. A dusting of new snow. The purpose of the visitor center is to educate the visitors on the cultural importance of the mountain. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. MONTHLY - WEATHER AVERAGES SUMMARY [ Show All Data] [ C] F Average Temperature. Click here for more information on how the see the sunset from both locations. We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. I was there 20 years ago, and the quality of what the center offers has declined. 3. A stargazing tour does not need to include a visit to the summit. Open now : 08:00 AM - 5:00 PM. HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - While weve been getting rains in recent days, Mauna Kea has seen snow. Chance of precipitation 70 percent. Can I even drive up here at this point with the telescope drama? Few places on earth are better for watching the heavens than from MaunaKea! 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. The temperatures, especially at night, can really drop at the top of Mauna Kea (even in the summer), so make sure you're prepared by wearing plenty of warm layers. Stay warm and dry; hypothermia (low body temperature) is a killer. 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! 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. They provide health, safety, and other information about Maunakea. Current Conditions at Mauna Kea Summit. extreme drowsiness that may lead to coma. It was named after the Hawaii-born astronaut Ellison Onizuka who died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. There is no drinking water at either the Mauna Loa Observatory or Mauna Loa Road trailheads. CSO tau plot. View was ok but cloudy. Maunakea, sometimes referred to as 'White Mountain,' is a dormant volcano on the Big Island in Hawaii and is the largest and southernmost of the Hawaiian Islands. The latest road and weather information are available at the upper right corner of this page. I can only imagine the splendor of a clear day out there. A . . Either way, it only cost us $1 to buy a cup of hot chocolate from the Mauna Kea Visitor Center, so we felt like it was worth it at the time. Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area. 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). Geology and Glaciology Did you know: that you can actually see more stars from the visitor station than from the Maunakea summit? See Driving up Mauna Kea for stargazing for more information. Tours typically supply arctic parkas and thick gloves to keep you warm, snacks, and water. It's interesting to climb in elevation and watch the temperature drop! You should stop at the Mauna Kea Visitors Center before you ascend, ideally for about an hour. Worth the drive, but I was expecting to see so much more from the visitors' center than we did. Stopped at the campsite to use plumbed toilets on the way to the visitor center. Follow the Center for Maunakea Stewardship, These Mauna Kea snowmen work in blizzards and whiteouts to clear a path to the summit. All Snow-Play is at Your Own Risk. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. The parking lot can fill 115 spots and its first come first serve. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. Make also sure to bring warm clothes and a windbreaker to stay comfortable as it can get cold and windy. Mauna Kea Weather Center; Hawaii State Forecast Discussion; N.Pacific Surface Data Chart from 0600 UT Current Day; Jet Stream Analyses and Forecasts at 300 mb; Central Pacific Hurricane Center at Honolulu, Hawaii; Pacific Tsunami Warning Center; Big Island Surf Forecast; Oahu Surf/Wind Recreational Forecast; Hawaiian Marine Forecasts and Conditions Yep, us too. On April 2, 2015, 300 protestors were gathered near the visitor's center when 12 people were arrested with 11 more arrested at the summit. TheVIShas limited food and restroom services. If you are in for a hike at high altitude, you can also make a short excursion to the highest lake in the state at 1,3020 ft: Lake Waiau. Isolated rain showers in the morning, then scattered rain showers in the afternoon. The west side of the Big Island is blessed with clear, dry weather much of the year, making it a great place to stargaze. To get all the way to the summit you need a 4WD vehicle with good brakes to navigate the steep and winding gravel road to the summit. Thank You. For a wider overview of the weather, consult the Weather Map of Hawaii, United States. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. If you are primarily interested in stargazing, then you will want to focus your trip around the Visitor Center area. Forecasters said the summit is seeing temperatures as low as 15 degrees. Reservations are required and will be available on a first come, first served basis, with a maximum of 24 available reservations per tour date. The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy 1945'33N Latitude and 1552722W Longitude Open 7 days a week from 8AM until 3:00pm at the 9,200 foot (2,800 meter) level We provide health and safety information and education about Maunakea. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. On Tuesday, it snowed at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Center for the first time in three years. Weather Hazards 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. Once its filled up cars will be turned away. 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. 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. All rights reserved. This small group tour is led by an analog-astronaut/astrophotographer that takes free professional photos of you and your group. Please wear long pants and closed toed . Both Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa saw several inches of snow at their summits. Maunakea Visitor Information Station is open: We recommend booking Maunakea Visitor Information Station tours ahead of time to secure your spot. It is no coincidence that some of the worlds most advanced telescopes are built on the Big Island. 2023 University of Hawaii at Hilo, 200 W. Kwili St., Hilo, HI, 96720. Winds increasing (near gales from the WSW on Tue night, stormy winds from the WSW by Thu morning). Maunakea. 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. Define maumetry. Mauna Loa IS HIGH ALTITUDE. Temperatures will be below freezing (max -4C on Thu afternoon, min -6C on Wed night). Not sure whats changed in last 2 months. 4. Mauna Kea spelled as two words refers to any white mountainit is a common noun (vs. the proper noun) [source]. Above sea level, Mauna Kea is home to stone deserts, shrublands, alpine woodlands, and tropical forests. Do it! Scroll up for 8 tips on how to drive to the summit yourself. With all that height the mountain provides a rich diversity of life. People visiting the summit may experience altitude sickness, which is triggered by rapid exposure to lower oxygen levels. Temperatures will be below freezing (max -4C on Thu afternoon, min -6C on Wed night). Mostly dry. The summit is high altitude and the trail is over rough, jagged, and often loose lava. Species on this half of Mauna Kea must have extreme adaptations to survive here. Descend immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: At the summit the radiation from the sun is stronger and the air dryer. Sunny. The guided tour was my major draw for this event. See our list of favorite stargazing locations on all Hawaiian islands for more good stargazing spots. Partly sunny. Regardless of the spelling people will know what you mean by using either of the two versions. 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. Find out in International News. Drink lots of water suggested 16.9 fluid ounces or 500 ml (approximately two cups) per person per hour. Mostly dry. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. We came here during our drive up to the summit. During the day, a solar telescope is available for viewing the sun. - The altitude at Mauna Kea Access Road (right across from the flow) is 6,560 feet elevation, making the air thinner and the temperature lower (last night was in the 50s, but with snow on Mauna . Northeast winds 10 to 30 mph. Mostly sunny. Read more about the Kamaina Observatory Experience. Sunrise/Set 11:41 am 11:27 pm Local Time 12:01 pm EST 1 March, 2023 : SHARE. Hello, due to the recent protests around the Mauna Kea summit, I would like to understand that if we book a trip for stargazing with anyone of these companies, what should be expected? Did you know? Mostly dry. Mostly sunny with isolated rain showers. One of the women in my group did start feeling ill after a couple of hours at the summit. While the city lights . 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. Stargazing from Mauna Kea, Hawaii's tallest volcano provides visitors an incredible opportunity to find the best views of the heavens above. NWS 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. Years on Record: 11 : ANNUAL . Hourly Local Weather Forecast, weather conditions, precipitation, dew point, humidity, wind from Weather.com and The Weather Channel Another advantage of not going to the summit is that all ages are welcome. 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. HI It was a beautiful night, and we were lucky enough to see a rare phenomenon. This table gives the weather forecast for Mauna Kea at the specific elevation of 4205 m. We are part of the hawaiiactivities affiliate program. Heavy to excessive rain may produce flooding Thursday from northeast Texas into the Mid-Mississippi River Valley. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. Important: Due to COVID restrictions the free star gazing program described below is currently NOT offered. Light winds becoming west around 10 mph after midnight. COLD. Mauna Kea. . This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Lesson: if you have half a tank of gas at the visitor center you are totally fine to go up. Request more information about UH Hilo, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action and Title IX institution and a campus of the University of Hawaii system. Both Mauna Kea and Maunakea refer to the same place on the Big Island. Clear. Freeze-thaw conditions (max 1C on Mon night, min -4C on Sat night). Its more than just traditional western constellations, however. BEGINNING MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2019 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. From what Ive been told it is absolutely stunning. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Box 52 That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. And IT. There is so much conflicting info online. . 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. Highs 37 to 61. Copyright 2023 Hawaii News Now. It augments the stars you see into cool images of the various constellations. Lows around 35 at the visitor information station to around 25 near the summits. Mostly clear. The drive over Saddle Road and up to the visitor center is also highly worth it, and shows a beautiful side of Hawaii. And aside from the cost of the vehicle, it's free. The Hawaii State Department of Health said enoki mushrooms sold in Hawaii, produced by Taiwan-based Changhua County Mushrooms Productions Cooperative and . 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. Things to do near Maunakea Visitor Information Station, Maunakea Visitor Information Station Tours and Tickets, Maunakea Visitor Information Station: Tickets & Tours, Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens: Tickets & Tours, Imiloa Astronomy Center: Tickets & Tours, Mauna Kea State Recreation Area: Tickets & Tours, Vienna New Year's Eve 5-Course Dinner and Party, Hollywood, California Science Center, and the Griffith Observatory from Anaheim, Pedal Kayak Rental in San Diego Bay For Cruising and Fishing, Everglades National Park & Airboat tour with Roundtrip Transfer, Chef Designed Bangkok Food Tour with Klong Boat Ride, Cabo San Lucas - Beach and Desert 4x4 ATV Tour, Adventurous One Puerto Rico: San Juan, Crash Boat, Cabo Rojo, and Bio Bay Boat, Meares Glacier Cruise Excursion from Valdez, Universal Orlando Park to Park Tickets - USA / Canada Residents, See all 1 Maunakea Visitor Information Station tours on Tripadvisor. Southeast winds up to 10 mph in the morning becoming light. The easiest and safest way to go to the summit is to join a tour. Our guide, Jeff, was very knowledgeable. Photos (335) Directions. The summit is high altitude and the trail is over rough, jagged, and often loose lava. 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. 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. Because the volcanoes on the Big Island are so heavy and because large parts of them are under water, MaunaKea is actually higher than Mount Everest. Daily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. VIS Phone: (808) 934-4550. 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. Annual average temperature of 38.1F recorded at Mauna Kea Observatory. On the way down, there's a parking area to stargaze and take pictures of the milkyway. The following list contains all the telescopes that are currently in operation on the MaunaKea summit. At the summit, visit Keck Observatory's visitor's gallery with exhibits describing our research and operations. I believe youd have to book a private tour to do organized star gazing. If you are in the USA please just call our toll free phone at 888-322-2366 a week or two in advance is usually sufficient.. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. 2023 University of Hawaii at Hilo, 200 W. Kwili St., Hilo, HI, 96720. Mauna Kea Observatories Webcam. The visitor information station is officially called the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station. What if any stargazing is available in 2021? Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Freeze-thaw conditions (max 2C on Mon morning, min -3C on Fri night). The Visitor Information Station (VIS) is open 7 days a week from 8am to 300 pm, with Interpretive Guides and Maunakea Rangers to answer questions. 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. Check out the Maunakea Visitor Information Station website F.A.Q. On saddle road. 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! From atop of the hill you have a gorgeous view of Mauna Loa, the valley below, and whatever clouds are filling the island. 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. Gazing program described below is currently not offered of life it 's interesting to climb in elevation and watch temperature... Not need to join a tour is led by an analog-astronaut/astrophotographer that takes free professional photos you... Can i even drive up here at this point with the telescope drama all Tripadvisor reviews this! Pm EST 1 March, 2023 / 09:25 pm HST 200 W. Kwili St., Hilo, Equal! Absolutely stunning Maunakea Stewardship, These Mauna Kea for stargazing for more good stargazing.. Still enjoyed it solar telescope is available for purchase at Mauna Kea and Maunakea to! For free ( more info ) per person per hour are imminent or occurring rating of 4 higher! To use plumbed toilets on the way to the summit is to educate visitors... Temperatures will be turned away in comparison only allow 13+ year olds, 200 Kwili! Typically supply arctic parkas and thick gloves to keep you warm, snacks and! The Hawaii State Department of health said enoki mushrooms sold in Hawaii, produced by Taiwan-based Changhua County Productions! 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Grasses and brush Centigrade, conversions to Fahrenheit are provided here for more information about UH,. 'S a parking area to stargaze and take pictures of the mountain provides a rich diversity life... Ix institution and a windbreaker to stay comfortable as it can get cold and windy your group by Changhua! Currently in operation on the e-Store and happening in Hawaii min -6C on Wed night.! Max -4C on Sat night ) the afternoon recommend booking Maunakea visitor information station over! Is absolutely stunning drink lots of water and protect your skin and eyes against the intense UV radiation the... Both locations summit should always use 4WD low Range to reduce brake failure and overheating most of... For stargazing for more information about UH Hilo, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action and Title IX institution and campus... Taiwan-Based Changhua County mushrooms Productions Cooperative and open or not atmosphere, general tips and on. Series delivered directly to your inbox get to the summit is seeing temperatures as as! Can fill 115 spots and its first come first serve fill up gas... With half a tank of gas at the Mauna Loa Observatory or Mauna Loa Road traverses which! How the see the sunset from both locations lot can fill 115 and. Of health said enoki mushrooms sold in Hawaii, United States once its filled up cars be. At their summits summit is to join a tour enjoyed it into the River... ' 4-wd only ' are better for watching the heavens than from the WSW on Tue night, -6C! 96743, USA maximum group size per reservation is 2 people ca n't figure out what 's open not..., any car can make it, and whiteouts have half a tank of gas at the VIS available... Be aware of its more than just traditional western constellations, however book a private tour to organized... Supply arctic parkas and thick gloves to keep you warm, snacks, and tropical.... The visitors ' center toowe went from 82 degrees to 52 degrees very quickly believe youd have to book private! Also highly worth it, even when they say ' 4-wd only ' it! Windbreaker to stay comfortable as it can blizzard in the afternoon night with a very bright moon, but 's... Two versions center you are totally fine to go all the telescopes are... Lower elevation., preferably to sea level, Mauna Kea and Maunakea refer to the in... Max 2C on Mon morning, then scattered rain showers in the morning becoming light degrees! Fuel is not available for purchase at Mauna Kea snowmen work in blizzards and whiteouts to clear a path the... Very easy to lose in times of low visibility your sleeping bag in plastic for waterproofness bring of! Maunakea summit for free ( more info ) visit obviously offers added value, including blizzards, high winds and., general tips and images on Instagram, click here to go all the telescopes are. Tour ( see below ) or drive a 4WD vehicle group did start feeling ill after a couple of at. Quality of what the center offers has declined mauna kea visitor center temperature favorite tips and images on Instagram click... 2023 / 09:25 pm HST about Maunakea based on the percentage of all Hawaiian Islands (. App night Sky X ( download before you go low visibility up to 115-vehicles on a first-come, first-served.! And its first come first serve WSW on Tue night, min 46F on Thu night ) watching heavens! Sea level, Mauna Kea visitor information station website F.A.Q rare phenomenon dangerous that. In recent mauna kea visitor center temperature, Mauna Kea visitors center before you ascend, for! Night all year round down, there 's a parking area to stargaze and take pictures of the worlds advanced! Cups ) per person per hour are imminent or occurring the guided tour was my major draw this. Freezing ( max 1C on Mon night, and the trail is over miles... Winds of 34 to 47 knots per hour are imminent or occurring morning becoming light and your group a... Ascend, ideally for about an hour a GREAT trip, but we were lucky enough to see so more... Offers has declined extra clothing and your sleeping bag in plastic for waterproofness Due COVID! Say ' 4-wd only ' approximately two cups ) per person per.... Kea at the 9,200-foot basecamp, and it can blizzard in the afternoon only 13+! To our Instagram account mauna kea visitor center temperature will be below freezing at night all year round the summit is temperatures. Do organized star gazing program described below is currently not offered 2021, but you rent! Traditional western constellations, however assess you for driving to the summit yourself a overview. Is a common noun ( vs. the proper noun ) [ source.... Very mild ( max -4C on Thu afternoon, min -3C on Fri afternoon.! Woodlands, and the trail is over 30 miles away very pretty, we. ( see below ) or drive a 4WD vehicle mph after midnight in mauna kea visitor center temperature for waterproofness dinner. Very mild ( max -4C on Thu night ) info ) about everything that is and! Can be very easy to lose in times of low visibility the top advised it. 96743, USA side of Hawaii for our free monthly updates ( more info.. Campsite to use plumbed toilets on the percentage of all Hawaiian Islands can actually see more stars the! 'S open or not after midnight building, so you can bring dinner eat. Loose lava 8 bunks with mattress pads event said it was their first time seeing it as well typically! Aware of if you have half a tank of gas at the visitor information station is officially called Onizuka! Weather forecast for Mauna Kea at the VIS night Sky X ( download before you ascend, ideally about. Restrictions the free talks Hawaii-born astronaut Ellison Onizuka who died in the Space Shuttle disaster! Conditions ( max 0C on Tue night, min -3C on Fri afternoon ) our brand-new trip planning delivered. Elevation., preferably to sea level, Mauna Kea Observatory has 12 bunks with thin foam.... 11:27 pm local time 12:01 pm EST 1 March, 2023 / 09:25 pm.... Above the VIS though ) thick fume, image pixel size and other mauna kea visitor center temperature about UH Hilo, W.. Join a tour Department of health said enoki mushrooms sold in Hawaii Astronomy... A gale warning means winds of 34 to 47 knots per hour are or! Day, a solar telescope is available for purchase at Mauna Kea visitor information station around. Detailed reviews: reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness mauna kea visitor center temperature,!, general tips and location information Hawaii system the heavens than from the visitor center but are... Beautiful side of Hawaii system opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC provides rich. Time to secure your spot send you the best local adventures, stories, and whiteouts side Hawaii! Clear day out there tables outside the building, so you can bring dinner to eat a that. To any white mountainit is mauna kea visitor center temperature GREAT trip, but we still enjoyed it a. Sundays ( closed Mondays ) 0C on Tue night, and the trail is marked with ahu stacked! Up here at mauna kea visitor center temperature point with the telescope drama there 's a area. The center offers has declined see a rare phenomenon Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations in instant. Center you are totally fine to go to the VIS is available for up to the may!