Mauna Kea Observatory: Stargazing and Summit Tour

Mauna Kea Observatory is a stargazer’s dream destination! Are you seeking a travel destination offering exceptional natural beauty and intriguing mysteries? Look no further than Mauna Kea, an awe-inspiring mountain located in Hawaii. Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano with a height of 13,803 feet and is a true bucket list adventure!

planning your trip to mauna kea observatory

What is Mauna Kea?

Mauna Kea is a massive Hawaiian shield volcano towering over 13,803 ft above sea level. It is the highest mountain in Hawaii’s archipelago and the Pacific Ocean’s most prominent peak.

What type of volcano is Mauna Kea?

First, it is a shield volcano characterized by its broad, gentle slopes. Shield volcanos have a shallow slope, with the top formed by layers of lava flow. These volcanoes let the lava flow easily and are known for their slow and rotational movement. This process creates the shield-shaped mountain, an iconic feature of Hawaii’s big island.

How old is Mauna Kea?

The Mauna Kea Volcano is nearly a million years old and took shape gradually. It started forming under the ocean’s surface around 700,000 years ago. Over the years, numerous explosive eruptions occurred, followed by slow, effusive lava flows.

As a result, Mauna Kea has formed a broad dome-shaped peak and enormous calderas. Geologists estimate that the last eruption of Mauna Kea happened about 4,500 years ago. Today, it’s regarded as a dormant volcano.

Where is Mauna Kea?

If you’re using a phone, click on the map below and use your fingers to zoom in or zoom out.

The perfect location for an observatory

It is relatively high above sea level, which means the mountain is above the lower atmospheric layers. As a result, it offers a clear view of the sky from a hidden location.

This makes it the perfect spot for observing sunrise and sunset, and the shape of the mountains provides a stunning view of the star-filled sky at night.

How many observatories are on Mauna Kea?

There are currently 13 operational telescopes on Mauna Kea. The journey to the summit of Mauna Kea is an adventure, but the real magic begins when you reach the top and find yourself surrounded by more telescopes than you can count.

Some observatories you can visit on Mauna Kea include the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope, Submillimeter Array, Very Long Baseline Array, Gemini Observatory, and many more.

Where is Mauna Kea?

Mauna Kea can be found on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is situated in the Mauna Kea Observatories, a world-renowned astronomy complex with several observatories.

These observatories include the Keck Observatory, Subaru Telescope, and Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope. The Observatory complex is accessible via Saddle Road from Hilo or Kona.

What makes Mauna Kea so unique?

Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world if you start at the base of the actual mountain. Remember that the base of Mauna Kea starts below sea level (i.e. underwater).

Mauna Kea has a rich cultural and spiritual history. The mountain is considered sacred by locals and Native Hawaiians and is an essential site of worship for them. Ancient Hawaiian temples, or “Heiaus,” are near the mountain’s base.

Additionally, the mountain is considered an ideal location for astronomical observation due to its high altitude, perfect climate, and distance from large cities.

The observatories on its summit have led scientists to make multiple groundbreaking discoveries about the universe.

What does Mauna Kea mean?

Mauna Kea is also known as the “White Mountain” due to the snow-capped peak during winter. However, the mountain is breathtaking at any time of the year. Its summit provides a spectacular view of the surrounding ocean and volcanic peaks.

The valleys and ridges surrounding the mountain are home to an abundance of flora and fauna, including rare species of birds and plants. The hill is also host to multiple hiking and nature trails.

What to do at Mauna Kea?

The summit of Mauna Kea is accessible only through guided tours due to the harsh conditions and extreme altitude. These tours, however, are an unforgettable experience, as visitors can view the stars and galaxies through high-tech telescopes.

Enjoy the stunning sunrise and sunset views from one of Hawaii’s most incredible vantage points. The mountain also provides opportunities for skiing and snowboarding during winter, with the slopes ranking amongst the best in the world.

Mauna Kea Observatory Visitor Center

The Mauna Kea visitor center was established in 1984 to provide a unique educational experience for visitors to learn about science, the universe, and Mauna Kea’s cultural and natural history.

Inside the Mauna Kea visitor center, you can explore various astronomy exhibits like the 3D space theater, interactive displays on the history of astronomy, and the difference between a telescope and a camera.

You can also learn about the mountain’s geology and cultural significance to the Native Hawaiians.

Free stargazing experience

After spending some time inside the visitor center, the fun begins with the star gazing experience right outside. Every night, visitors can enjoy a free stargazing experience with powerful telescopes operated by knowledgeable guides.

The star-gazing experience occurs in a designated area outside the visitor center. You can expect breathtaking views of the stars, planets, and nebulae. You can also learn about the constellations and how to spot them in the sky.

Dress warmly

Remember, you’ll be at a high altitude so that temperatures can drop slightly at night. Make sure to dress warmly with layers to stay comfortable throughout the night.

Food and beverages

There are no food and beverage services available at the visitor center. Be sure to pack food and a warm drink.

Reaching the Mauna Kea Observatory

We started our Mauna Kea Observatory adventure in the late afternoon. Our tour guide picked us up at a mountain base meeting point. The tour vehicles drove us up to the summit of Mauna Kea at an altitude of over 13,000 feet.

The journey up the mountain allowed us to witness some of the most incredible sceneries. The sight of the vast barren landscape against the clear blue skies was breathtakingly beautiful.

As you can see in the photo above, there’s nothing quite as spectacular as the pinks and blues as seen from such a high elevation.

The highest summit in the world

Upon reaching the summit of Mauna Kea, we were stunned by the spectacular view of the sunset. The golden-orange sun setting over the mammoth mountain landscape and sky was a unique sight that will always remain etched in our memories.

We were in awe of standing on the tallest peak in the world and could not help but appreciate the miracle that is nature.

The significance of Mauna Kea Observatory

Mauna Kea holds immense importance to Hawaii’s natives, and its peak is considered sacred. For centuries, it has served as an essential destination for local astronomy, and Hawaii observes it as one of its landmarks.

The summit also houses several observatories home to many of the world’s most advanced telescopes (we used a Celestron telescope).

The ultimate stargazing experience

As the night unfolded, we gazed at the stars through the observatory’s telescopes, and it was an experience that went beyond breathtaking.

We saw meteor showers, constellations, and shooting stars, which gave us a glimpse of the universe’s vast magnitude and beauty. It was a humbling and sublime experience that inspired us in awe.

When to visit Mauna Kea Observatory

While there is no ideal time to visit Mauna Kea, you may choose to visit Mauna Kea based on temperatures, crowds, and the best stargazing opportunities.

Winter months: November to March

The winter months are rainy on the Big Island, which may seem like a less-than-ideal time to visit Mauna Kea, but this is a fantastic time of year to go stargazing.

The winter months also mean clearer skies, less pollution, and better viewing conditions. Plus, with the winter holidays, there are often fewer tourists on the island.

Summer months: April to October

The summer months are ideal if you prefer warmer weather and long days. It is an excellent time for hiking, picnicking, and viewing the stunning landscape.

However, please note that there may be better times for stargazing than the summer months, as the skies are often more cloudy, and visibility may be compromised.

Shoulder Season: April and September

As tourism decreases during these months, April and September are the shoulder seasons. This relatively quieter season presents an opportunity to experience the island in a more relaxed and laid-back environment.

The weather is still pleasant, with a cooler climate, creating ideal conditions for stargazing.

Monthly moon phases

The best time to stargaze on Mauna Kea is during a new moon or before a full moon when the sky is darker and the stars brighter. So, it’s essential to consider the monthly moon phases when you plan your trip to the mountain.

You can find the monthly moon phase calendar online, allowing you to plan accordingly for the best stargazing conditions.

Best time of day

The best time to visit Mauna Kea is during sunset or shortly after. This is because the landscape is most beautiful during this time, and you can enjoy the “golden hour” of photography.

Moreover, the sunset view on Mauna Kea is breathtaking, creating a romantic ambiance for couples and families alike.

Best time to visit Mauna Kea Observatory?

Ultimately, it depends on what you want to experience, but consider traveling during the winter months for stargazing, April and September for a relaxing environment, and the summer for outdoor activities.

Remember to plan your trip according to the moon phases and enjoy the landscape during sunset for a magical experience. We hope this insider’s guide helps you plan your next trip to Mauna Kea and allows you to make the most of it.

Getting to Mauna Kea, Big Island

To get to Mauna Kea you’ll first need to travel to Big Island.

Flights to Big Island

The first step to planning your trip to the Big Island is finding a flight. You must book a flight to Kona International Airport on the island’s west side. The airport code is KOA, and it’s essential to remember this when searching for flights.

As you look for flights, remember that flight prices can vary significantly based on the time of year and day of the week you travel. Try to book your flights well in advance to get the best deals. If traveling during the peak season, expect to pay higher prices.

Some airlines that fly to Kona International Airport include Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines.

Car rental

Once you arrive at the airport, you’ll need a car to get around the island. While taxis and buses are available, renting a car is the most convenient option.

Several rental car companies, including:

• Alamo
• Enterprise
• Budget
• Hertz

You can always book your rental car in advance to ensure you’re available and get the best price.

You’ll need a valid driver’s license and a personal or business credit card to rent a car in Hawaii. Remember that heavy traffic can be during peak hours, and the island’s roads can be winding and narrow in some areas. Be sure to drive carefully and at a safe speed.

Accommodations on the Big Island

The Big Island of Hawaii has a variety of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels. You can also find vacation rentals, condos, and bed and breakfasts.

If you’re looking for luxury, some of the top resorts on the island include the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, and the Fairmont Orchid. The Hilton Waikoloa Village and the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa are excellent choices for mid-range accommodations.

Budget travelers can find affordable accommodations at the Kona Seaside Hotel and Uncle Billy’s Kona Bay Hotel. Book through a reputable website to avoid scams if you plan to stay in a vacation rental.

The closest lodging to Mauna Kea Observatory will be near Waimea. Try Waimea Country Lodge for around $100 per night. This lodging will put you within 20 miles of Mauna Kea.