Hawaii Big Island Mauna Kea Observatory

Tripadvisor (116) · Observatory in Island Of Hawaii, United States
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The Mauna Kea Observatories are a group of independent astronomical research facilities and large telescope observatories that are located at …

Reviews

Tripadvisor
4.5/5 · 116 reviews
Recent reviews
Stargazing
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Jul 10, 2024
We didn't make it to the top (you need 4WD), just the visitors center, but the stargazing was great from the visitors center, totally worth it. Get there a little early before parking really fills up… Full review by MattIowa
Mar 5, 2020
We came up with the Hawaii Forest & Trails group, and were able to do a little stargazing, although the weather was horrid on our day. Next time we're on the Big Island we'll definitely go up again.… Full review by Flutist60
Feb 11, 2020
Suggest planning the date and time of your trip (if you have the luxury). Do a Google search to see if the road isn’t blocked by the protestors (there is no single website that tells you day to day -… Full review by Geoff_Hughes_100

Questions & answers

Q:
Wondering about the drive back down from Mauna Kea Visitor Center to Waimea after dark. Is visibility OK? Road in …
Q:
Wondering about the drive back down from Mauna Kea Visitor Center to Waimea after dark. Is visibility OK? Road in decent condition? Thanks for any info!
A:
Yes. It is safe since roads are decent. Few times, here and there, you may have to put high beam. But otherwise not a challenging drive. ( btw we left around 9PM from observatory)
Q:
You manage to go to observatory (13,000 feet) with 2WD?!
A:
No, only able to access the visitor centre with 2WD. The CCTV in the visitor centre shows you the conditions at the summit. Unfortunately it was cloudy (foggy) at the summit and …
A:
No, only able to access the visitor centre with 2WD. The CCTV in the visitor centre shows you the conditions at the summit. Unfortunately it was cloudy (foggy) at the summit and there would have been little point to go farther. Great trip anyway! Next visit in 2018 I'll have 4WD.
A:
Answer by 531JimB · Jan 22, 2018
Q:
If you are going for the stargazing how early is it recommended that you arrive? I hear that they turn away cars after a …
Q:
If you are going for the stargazing how early is it recommended that you arrive? I hear that they turn away cars after a certain amount. Thanks!
A:
Hi, we went around 7 PM and left around 9PM. When we were leaving, we saw many folks coming at that time. So car parking is not an issue. Also, they do not have maximum people limit.
A:
Answer by Sonali G · Sep 24, 2017
Q:
Hey, do you need to make reservations to be able to see from the telescopes??
A:
No. reservations not required.
A:
Answer by Sonali G · Sep 24, 2017
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