We are an atmospheric monitoring station that was established in 1956. Please visit our website to learn more about the atmospheric constituents …
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4.5/5 · 132 reviews
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Stargazing
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Sep 28, 2023
Amazing trip! We went to go star gazing at night however the road is blocked by a lava flow around the 9000 foot level. I do hope they repair the road its an amazing sight day or night. Still worth t… Full review by Will f
May 11, 2023
The best spot in the world for stargazing! Sadly we couldn’t go all the way up to the observatory because the ask you to arrive at least one hour before the sunset starts (at least 5:30 pm). There is… Full review by sampaes86
Dec 29, 2021
Note: observatory was closed to the public due to covid but we went for the view at 11K ft. The road is not for the faint of heart. It's 15 miles of hell. Undulating, climbing paved road that made ev… Full review by Oregoniansescaping
Hi, I am planning to visit the Big Island in the beginning of January and the two summits, if possible. There are some of the questions I have. About Mauna Loa, How far does the road reach from the top and how difficult is it, especially on descent? Does the road covered with snow? Where is the observatory located on this route? How difficult is it to hike at such elevation? Thank you a lot ! George
A:
You will need to book the trip with a local company. They are well advertised. They pick you up from a pre determined spot in a local shopping area and then take you in their 4 X4 …
You will need to book the trip with a local company. They are well advertised. They pick you up from a pre determined spot in a local shopping area and then take you in their 4 X4 truck. You cannot hike up this road. Ordinary car will not go to the top because it is very steep and the last half mile is covered in ice. It is hard ice at the top so it is very slippery. The top is at 14,000 ft or so ASL so it is quit difficult. You can get breathless and might experience some head ache. Drink plenty of water. But don't let this worry you, if you are sensible, don't run when you are at the top, you will be ok. The sun set views at the top are breath taking (really, and no pun intended!!). There are 14 different observatories (if I remember correctly), all at the very top. You can not go inside them as they are for professional scientists. You do your start gazing at about 8000 ft ASL. The guide will carry a huge telescope and will set it up. This is great fun to watch the night sky. Choose a night which is dark, like nearer to the no-moon night. The spectacle of night sky is amazing. This will be one of your best nights. And yes, must carry many layers of warm clothing: it does get very very cold. Enjoy.
do very interested tourist get to view through the telescopes?
A:
NO!!! If you want to look through a telescope go to the astronomical observatory on Mauna KEA. Mauna Loa is a different mountain with an atmospheric observatory and …
NO!!! If you want to look through a telescope go to the astronomical observatory on Mauna KEA. Mauna Loa is a different mountain with an atmospheric observatory and no telescopes.
Mauna loa or Muana Kea? I want to know which one has better views and if I should plan to see both places if I have the time?
A:
There a good views from both mountains if it is a clear day but both are so different. From Mauna Loa you can see the observatories twinkling in the sunshine on Mauna Kea. …
There a good views from both mountains if it is a clear day but both are so different. From Mauna Loa you can see the observatories twinkling in the sunshine on Mauna Kea. You can only drive up to 11,000ft on Mauna Loa and only as far as the visitor centre on Mauna Kea unless you have a 4x4. So many things to think about. Volcanic tubes and Lava fields on Mauna Loa. Try searching more on the internet to get more perspective and comments
Tom,what was the name of the company that toom you there.We would love to do that. Dan
A:
I didn't go with a tour or company, We hiked from the visitor center to the top, or if you have a rental car, you can drive to the top. About 1:15 drive to the West of Hilo to the Visitor …
I didn't go with a tour or company, We hiked from the visitor center to the top, or if you have a rental car, you can drive to the top. About 1:15 drive to the West of Hilo to the Visitor Center. I think you'd enjoy your freedom in your own car and drive there in the late afternoon. Reason is the setting sun to the West of Summit can be, and usually is, incredibly beautiful. Depending on the day, when you come off the mountain, they may have a learning session, telescopes, etc. at the visitor's center on the way down. Don't miss this evening beauty, it is incredible!! :)
There were tours for watching the sunrise and sunset. I took the sunset tour and I believe it cost about $100 to $125. That included a box dinner that wasn't all that bad. I booked the …
There were tours for watching the sunrise and sunset. I took the sunset tour and I believe it cost about $100 to $125. That included a box dinner that wasn't all that bad. I booked the tour at my hotel and we were picked up about 3pm. It took about an hour to reach the place where we had dinner, then we went up the mountain. Its quite a trip and the road is not all that good. I would not recommend trying it in a rental car or even in a jeep. The vehicle we were in was a specially constructed multiwheel drive van. We were told that the tow fee if you break down is very expensive. After viewing the sunset we went back down the mountain to the park HQ and then went out to an area and did some star gazing. The tour guide/driver was knowledgeable and it was worth the time and expense to take the trip.
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Frequently asked questions
Q:
When did MLO begin?
A:
The MLO slope building was constructed in 1956, and MLO attained full operational status during the International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957. It began continuous …
The MLO slope building was constructed in 1956, and MLO attained full operational status during the International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957. It began continuous atmospheric carbon...
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