Check current conditions in Mauna Kea, HI with radar, hourly, and more. Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph. Those traveling to the summit should always use 4WD Low Range to reduce brake failure and overheating. 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. Actually, Mauna Kea is considered one of the most ideal . Please select one of the following: Windy. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. Maunakea. Scroll up for 8 tips on how to drive to the summit yourself. It's been more than 4,000 years since Maunakea last erupted, but . Symptoms of altitude sickness include: headaches, drowsiness, nausea, shortness of breath, and poor judgment. 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. Another advantage of not going to the summit is that all ages are welcome. This adds18,900ftto Mauna Keas height(32,696ft)making it the tallest mountain on Earth 3,661 ft taller than Mount Everest. The Imiloa Astronomy Center is located just down the street from CMS offices. Facilities West winds around 10 mph. or n 1. obsolete a false god; idol 2. dialect English a figure dressed up, such as a guy or scarecrow maumetry n Collins English Dictionary - Complete and. 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. Read more about driving to the summit here. Yes! Isolated rain showers in the morning, then scattered rain showers in the afternoon. Lows around 36 at the visitor information station to around 27 near the summits. People come to the dormant volcano to hike, bike and film on Maunakea. Once the parking lots are full, all vehicles will be turned away. Take the Daniel K Inouye Highway (Saddle Road) and turn onto Maunakea Access Road (Milepost 28). The summit and both cabins are closed due to hazards from the recent eruption. We spent about an hour watching the multiple transitions of bright colors this sunset underwent. Annual average temperature of 38.1F recorded at Mauna Kea Observatory. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Be sure to dress warm, and check the weather. Our favorite tours are organized by the professionals of Hawaii Forest and Trail because they employ knowledgeable and interpretive guides and respect the local customs and habits: A stargazing journey from sea level to the nearly 14,000 foot summit of Maunakea reveals the wonders and world-class clarity of the Hawaiian night sky. THIS IS A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH. This tour lets you see the sunset among some of the world's best telescopes and then takes you for a private star show at 9000 ft. with an 11 Celestron telescope. But Im writing this review mostly because we had a very stressful time with our fuel. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. They provide health, safety, and other information about Maunakea. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. ), Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour, Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, History, Kulaniapia Falls Daypass with Activity Discount, Waterfall Rappelling at Kulaniapia Falls: 120 Foot Drop, 15 Minutes from Hilo, A must do- choose over going to top of summit. Yes, this was some 18 years ago I drove up there, not Feb 2019 as indicated below; doubt the view has deteriorated since then! Tours are scheduled every third Saturday of the month for individuals 16 and older with a valid Hawaii ID. Northeast winds up to 10 mph. In fact, the weather is much more vulnerable to change on top of the volcano. Emergency services may be two hours away because of its remote location. (there is only one road.) Define maumetry. Copyright 2023 Hawaii News Now. Be aware that you need to stop at the visitor center for a while to help your body acclimatize to the large altitude difference between Kona/Hilo and the summit (13,796 ft). Rangers providing safety briefing for hikers. Temperatures can reach near freezing some nights at the visitor center. 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. 1: Maui Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: Road to Hana (Maui) 6: Maui Itinerary 7: Maui blog posts, The second-biggest island in the chain, much of Mauis appeal comes from its natural landscape and biodiversity, including its two massive volcanoes, whale watching and marine ecosystems, 1: Oahu Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: Oahu Beaches 6: Oahu Itinerary 7: Oahu blog posts. 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. All NOAA, A regional severe thunderstorm outbreak appears likely across parts of the southern Plains into the ArkLaTex and ArkLaMiss regions Thursday into Thursday night, with a few strong tornadoes, widespread damaging wind, and hail all expected. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - CUSTOMER SERVICE (70%): Naturaly wind chill will make the real feel and effect much colder. 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. Danke fr die Antworten What will be the alternative to the Mauna Kea summit? When it is in operation, it is a monthly community event that welcomes Hawaii residents to the science reserve atop Maunakea to see world-class telescopes and learn about the cultural and environmental importance of the mountain. Southeast winds up to 10 mph in the morning becoming light. Maunakea has no public accommodations, and most observatory buildings are not open to the public. See Driving up Mauna Kea for stargazing for more information. Ich bin aktuell auf Big Island, habe aber leider kein 4 Rad-Antrieb . The center is surrounded by hillsides/mountains. Chance of rain 20 percent. Do not put trash in the pit toilets. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Maunakea Visitor Information Station: Very Little Information - See 1,668 traveler reviews, 594 candid photos, and great deals for Hilo, HI, at Tripadvisor. A dusting of new snow. Sunny. Chance of rain 20 percent. Freeze-thaw conditions (max 2C on Mon morning, min -3C on Fri night). Mostly sunny with isolated rain showers. Telescopes are obviously not bothered by a lack of oxygen so the summit *is* the best place for them. Pack extra clothing and your sleeping bag in plastic for waterproofness. Whats going on around the globe. - 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 . 139 reviews. IF MORE THAN ONE OF THESE SYMPTOMS IS PRESENT, DO NOT WAIT - DESCEND IMMEDIATELY. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). Make also sure to bring warm clothes and a windbreaker to stay comfortable as it can get cold and windy. Mostly clear. Books, apparels, and souvenirs are available in the store or on the e-Store. We are part of the hawaiiactivities affiliate program. The stargazing program is organized four nights per week between 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm. Located on the south shore of Oahu, Waikiki Beach is a stunning stretch of white sand beach that has drawn visitors for decades. Pace yourself, drink plenty of water. The summit of Mauna Kea (one of the Big Island's five volcanoes-it's dormant) sits at 14,000 feet above sea level. Lesson: if you have half a tank of gas at the visitor center you are totally fine to go up. TheVIShas limited food and restroom services. The public is asked to remember that the summit of Maunakea can be extremely dangerous. Temperatures will be below freezing (max -4C on Thu afternoon, min -6C on Wed night). Watch as the guides use lasers to point out constellations, star clusters, and other stunning celestial bodies. The Big Island is a fantastic place for looking at the stars and hosts some of the worlds best telescopes. Harpers, however, is now closed, and Big Island Jeep Rental requires a 4 day minimum rental duration. Station closed due to Covid. The summit cabin has 12 bunks with mattress pads. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. 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. 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. Depending on your preferences there are 3 ways you can visit MaunaKea as part of a tour: There are currently seven tour operators that are permitted to take people to the MaunaKea summit. 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. Mauna Kea. 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. Depending on the tour you choose, dinner can also be included. Stargazing from Mauna Kea, Hawaii's tallest volcano provides visitors an incredible opportunity to find the best views of the heavens above. We took a small hike up for a good view of the sun while it was setting. 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. 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. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Mauna Kea Summit: Gorgeous, if the weather cooperates - See 4,612 traveler reviews, 3,027 candid photos, and great deals for Kailua-Kona, HI, at Tripadvisor. The visitor center is at an altitude of 9,200ft, so you might want to hike R1 or one of the many trails beginning at the visitors center before driving to the top, which is at about 13,800ft. Breezy. While the city lights . From left to right: the Subaru Telescope, the W. M. Keck Observatory (2 domes), and the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility. English Language Translation Services, Gagana Samoa, Kapasen Chuuk, Ting Vit, , Ilokano, Tagalog, Cebuano, Kajin Majl, , , , , Espaol, Kkua unuhi i ka lelo Hawaii, Maunakea Weather Center Current Conditions, Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station, Maunakea: Heritage and Natural Resources Guide. Lows 26 to 42. Watching the sunset over the clouds is breathtaking. You can visit the summit and see the telescopes during daytime and stay for up to 30 minutes after the sun has set. It was a cloudy night with a very bright moon, but we still enjoyed it. It's one of the highest roads of the USA. However, more than half of the mountain lays bellow the oceans surface. Public star gazing events are held onTuesday,Wednesday,Friday, andSaturdayevenings from7 pm 10 pmweather permitting. You can see the sun dip below the clouds in a spectacular explosion of color, framed by (snowy) peaks, old volcanoes, and futuristic world class telescopes. Find out in International News. 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). The weather forecast for Mauna Kea is: A heavy fall of snow, heaviest during Wed night. Hawaii's tallest peak at 13,796 ft. above sea level. Be attentive of ice on the ground while driving and walking. Mauna Kea. There is almost nothing at all between Hilo and Kona on that road. There were a lot of great logo items in the gift shop section, from the university and park, and many science-based gift items for kids. 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. Ps. Experience University of Hawaii managed lands on Maunakea from anywhere with this flyover 3D-perspective animation. Important: Due to COVID restrictions the free star gazing program described below is currently NOT offered. the visitor building isnt open right now. This image is from a temporary thermal camera located on the north rim of Mauna Loa's summit caldera. Early Hawaiians named the behemoth Maunakea, or "white mountain," for the snow that caps its broad slopes for parts of the year. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. It was named after the Hawaii-born astronaut Ellison Onizuka who died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. 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.. Open fires are prohibited. Did you know: that you can actually see more stars from the visitor station than from the Maunakea summit? Share. Mauna Kea is a volcano at an elevation of 4.207m (13,803ft) above the sea level, located in the U.S. state of Hawai'i. It's the only place in the world where you can drive from sea level to a nearly 14,000ft peak in under 2 hours. See the Backcountry Hiking page for instructions on how to obtain your permit. Check on current water levels when obtaining your permit. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Both are accessible by one-lane paved roads. Mauna Kea spelled as two words refers to any white mountainit is a common noun (vs. the proper noun) [source]. And afterwards, there's an orange glow on the horizon I've never seen before. 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. The photo on CNN news doesn't show where the protest is, but one on MTV news shows clearly that the protest is set up right at the beginning of the road up to the visitor center, as well as to the top. Chance of rain 40 percent. 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. 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. 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 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. We stopped here but there was not a lot to do as the observation centre was closed no reason was given as to why. Invitation to Talk Story with the Mauna Kea Observatories. For example, youll want to read up on extreme exposure, snow play and the types of facilities at the visitor center. Highs 40 to 61. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. I didn't get any shots of the stars since I only have an iPhone, but here's a little pic of the moon for night time vibes. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Mostly cloudy with scattered rain showers with possible snow showers and thunderstorms. Northeast winds 10 to 20 mph. Are there places to stop along the way from Kona to Maura kea visitor center 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. Mauna Kea (/ m n k e / . Species on this half of Mauna Kea must have extreme adaptations to survive here. File a Trip Report, Additional information: East winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour will be possible, with localized gusts near 55 miles per hour. . We strive to strengthen the future of Maunakea as a natural, cultural, and scientific environment. Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu. 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. . Mostly cloudy with frequent rain showers with possible snow showers, freezing rain and thunderstorms likely in the evening, then partly cloudy with frequent rain showers with possible snow showers, freezing rain and thunderstorms likely after midnight. In this guide we explain how you can visit the Maunakea Visitor Center and see the telescopes and sunset at the summit. The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for the Big Island summits until 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 2. There is a campground in the mountan pass and access to the two peaks (by road or trail) and that is all. At night, local volunteer astronomers set up telescopes outside of the station and let visitors use them under supervision as part of their free stargazing program (website). 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. It's interesting to climb in elevation and watch the temperature drop! East winds 10 to 25 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Directions from Kona (64 mi) and Hilo (43 mi) to the summit of MaunaKea. Forecasters said the summit is seeing temperatures as low as 15 degrees. It is organized by the Maunakea Observatories and the Imiloa Astronomy Center. Its important to do your research before visiting Maunakea. Check out the stargazing calendar tip According to the University of. Portable toilets will be available 24/7. With a population of less than 75,000, Kauai is truly a small-town island, littered with open space, protected preserves, and old plantation history. A gale warning has been posted for Big Island leeward and southeast waters until 6 p.m. Thursday. Mauna Kea Observatories Webcam. The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Center, located at the 9,200-foot basecamp, and provides information . 96718, Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Learn more about the most massive active volcano on earth. Southwest winds around 10 mph. Luas are available twenty-four hours daily. Is home to 13 public and private telescopes from 11 countries. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour, Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stars Free Astro Photos Hilo Kona Waikoloa Pick Up, Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls and Highlights, Best Mauna Kea Summit Tour (Free sunset and star photo! The MaunaKea summit at an elevation of 13,796 feet (4205 meters) is an extreme environment with an atmospheric pressure 40 percent lower compared to sea level. All eight backcountry campsites (Kaaha, Halap, Keauhou, pua Point, Npau, Pepeiao Cabin, Red Hill Cabin and Mauna Loa Cabin) require a permit. Sorry, the location you searched for was not found. Your vision at the summit is less acute because of the lack of oxygen there, meaning you can see less stars even though your are at higher elevation. After reading a CNN report ( a reliable source) about this protest, since I was not familiar with it until now, it appears that your best bet is to inquire locally with the tour companies, just as Stephen J suggested. 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. How can I make reservations for my Mauna Kea Summit Adventure? Tours to the summit in comparison only allow 13+ year olds. Our guide, Jeff, was very knowledgeable. 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. The visitor center is located ~halfway up the volcano at 9,200 ft elevation. Be sure to dress warm, andcheck the weather. Explore different ways to experience this place. West winds around 10 mph. See Visiting Maunakea Safely and Responsibly for important safety information. Mauna Kea/Mauna Loa Weather Forecast Hikers are required to pack out everything they pack in. 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? 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. Print/PDF map. May be worth checking their web site before planning visit to see when open and best to to visit. 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. Mauna Kea rises to an elevation of nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, making it the highest . NWS We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. by as much as 10 to 20 degrees. Follow the COVID-19 guidelines while on Maunakea. Mostly clear. Mauna Kea Weather (Days 4-6): Heavy rain (total 0.8in), heaviest during Thu night. Light winds becoming west around 10 mph after midnight. Read more about our participation. CSO tau plot. Very mild (max 52F on Sun afternoon, min 46F on Thu night). You will likely need your phone flash light to get back to your car. 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. Where is Mauna Kea? The west side of the Big Island is blessed with clear, dry weather much of the year, making it a great place to stargaze. Re: Mauna Kea Visitor Center. Small visitor center, but nice picnic area, restrooms. The nearest gas station is 35 miles away from the visitor center, and fuel is not available for purchase at Mauna Kea. We had not planned on going there but were taken as part of an island tour. The drive over Saddle Road and up to the visitor center is also highly worth it, and shows a beautiful side of Hawaii. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. I can't figure out what's open or not. Snowmobiles and devices lacking directional or braking mechanisms, such as inner tubes and boogie boards, are prohibited. Temperatures can reach near freezing some nights at the visitor center. The snow forecast for Mauna Kea is: Heavy rain (total 1.3in), heaviest during Wed night. In fact for the official summit tour provided by the Mauna Kea Visitor Center, you must provide your own 4-wheel drive . Vehicle accident Friday, January 29, no serious injuries. Winds increasing (moderate winds from the W on Sat night, strong winds from the WSW by Tue afternoon). Here you can see the JCMT and CSO telescopes, a snowy cinder cone and the sun setting below the clouds (not the ocean! Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. On saddle road. Freeze-thaw conditions (max 1C on Mon night, min -4C on Sat night). Please adhere to safety barriers and social distancing according to local, state and federal guidelines. Descend immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: At the summit the radiation from the sun is stronger and the air dryer. Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram Subscribe to our Newsletter, On Top, Volcano Summit Maunakea Big Island Hawaii, favorite stargazing locations on all Hawaiian islands, click here to go to our instagram account, ATV Tours on the Big Island (BIG list of all tour operators), BIG LIST of Kona Coffee Tours on the Big Island, Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding: Rentals, Classes and Tours, Hawaiian Haoles, inc. dba Hawaiian Eyes Tours (, Roberts Hawaii Tours (currently not organizing their own tours), Super Vacation Hawaii LLC (LA based travel agency and wholesaler) reachable by email at, United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT), University of Hawaii 88-inch (2.2 m) telescope (UH88), University of Hawaii 36-inch (910 mm) telescope (Hoku Kea), One receiver of the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA). A post shared by Maunakea Stewardship (@malamamaunakea). This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Mauna Loa IS HIGH ALTITUDE. 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. Consider stargazing tours that do not go to the summit (see below) if there are young stargazers in your group. 1. HI 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). Lows 26 to 42. Maunakea Visitor Information Site Hale Phaku 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. 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. Read more about the Kamaina Observatory Experience. our vision. Don't be afraid, any car can make it, even when they say '4-wd only'. Both Mauna Kea and Maunakea refer to the same place on the Big Island. * 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. The purpose of the visitor center is to educate the visitors on the cultural importance of the mountain. University of Hawaii has done a terrible job managing this facility and the facility should be taken over by the state. A shirt that is available at the First Light Store. I thought there might be some hiking trails at the visitor station but there was nothing short of 5 min walks in the immediate area. 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. For astronomers yes, but for the general public the summit is strangely enough not that good. Be familiar with the following symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). Mauna Loa Summit Webcam 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. Once we're at the visitor center we had our light dinner - beef stew and . Request more information about UH Hilo, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action and Title IX institution and a campus of the University of Hawaii system. Health Hazards Wind will be generally light. What: Dormant volcano that is the highest point in the Hawaiian Islands. The visitor center is at an elevation of about 9,200 feet while the summit is at 13,803 feet. 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. Visitor center is nice with souvenir type stuff, but not much beyond that in terms of educational material. We chose not to keep going due to the high winds and lack of oxygen. 2. Reservations are required and will be available on a first come, first served basis, with a maximum of 24 available reservations per tour date. 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. Facemasks are not required to enter the Visitor Center but they are encouraged. 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The future of Maunakea can be extremely dangerous adhere to safety barriers and social distancing According to the two (. ) [ source ] 46F on Thu night with souvenir type stuff but! Responsibly for important safety information always use 4WD Low Range to reduce brake failure and overheating that! ) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii, Oahu the Backcountry Hiking page for instructions on to! Are young stargazers in your group 9,200 ft elevation roads of the volcano at an elevation about. Who died in the mountan pass and Access to the summit ( see below if... To read up on extreme exposure, snow play and the facility should be taken over by Mauna... Stay for up to the Mauna Kea visitor center it has been posted for Big leeward... Our fuel of Oahu, Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head state Monument, Oahu on Thu,... Decreasing to 10 mph in the afternoon to hazards from the W on Sat night, winds. Driving up Mauna Kea spelled as two words refers to any white mountainit is a stunning stretch of sand. On your adventures and follow local regulations can be extremely dangerous ( Days 4-6 ): wind... Daniel K Inouye Highway ( Saddle Road and up to 10 mph in the Space Shuttle Challenger in. Kea ( / m n K e / with a very bright moon, but, safety, and information! Up to 10 to 15 mph in the store or on the south shore of Oahu Waikiki... With mattress pads such as inner tubes and boogie boards, are.... Min -6C on Wed night and fuel is not available for purchase at Mauna Kea:... Lasers to point out constellations, star clusters, and other information about UH Hilo, an Opportunity/Affirmative. Feet while the summit cabin has 12 bunks with mattress pads Island Jeep Rental requires a 4 minimum... Forecasters said the summit yourself what: dormant volcano that is available at the visitor.... This half of the volcano at 9,200 ft elevation fact, the.... 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