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Feast your eyes on the mythical beauty of the highest point in Hawaii! Find out everything you need to know before you go with this The Hot List Mauna Kea stargazing guide.
A Dramatic Sundown Spectacle
From the earliest Polynesian voyagers who used stars to navigate across the Pacific, stargazing has always held a central place in Hawaiian culture. There is perhaps no place where this is more evident than in Big Island, a hallowed site in Hawaiian tradition and the place to do a Mauna Kea stargazing summit.
Standing proud at 13,796 feet above sea level, this dormant volcano not only connects the land to the heavens but also holds a distinguished place in the global astronomy community. Mauna Kea’s state-of-the-art telescopes transform twilight into a symphony of stars. And under the blanket of minimal light pollution, this destination unveils a cosmic panorama that has made it worthy of a feature in The Hot List!
The Mauna Kea stargazing experience is a high point – literally and figuratively – of a visit to the Big Island. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know before your trip, what other activities you can do besides stargazing, and where you can stay to enjoy more of Big Island.
Tips for A Memorable Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience
While The Hot List team encourages spontaneity, we’re also sticklers for caution. That being said, below are some vital things to keep in mind when planning your trip.
WHO ARE ALLOWED TO VISIT MAUNA KEA
Mauna Kea is a remote, high-altitude location, so it presents some risks to people with certain conditions.
For your own safety, it is advised NOT to travel to Mauna Kea if you are:
- Under 13 years old
- Intoxicated
- Have been SCUBA-diving in the last 24 hours
- Have high blood pressure
- Have a lung or heart condition
- Pregnant
Unfortunately, your furry travel companions will have to sit this one out. Save for service animals, pets are not allowed up Mauna Kea.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MAUNA KEA
- Plan your visit around summertime (May to October), as winter can get rather windy and snowy in Mauna Kea.
- If you’re planning to hike to the summit, it’s recommended to do so from March to December. Luckily, this lines up with Big Island’s lean seasons in April, May, August, September, and October.
- Regardless of the time of your visit, your Mauna Kea stargazing experience will not be affected. It’s like that saying, “as constant as the stars.”
BEST WAY TO REACH MAUNA KEA
- Hilo International Airport (ITO) is located approximately 40 miles from Mauna Kea. This airport is the closest and most convenient option for visitors to the mountain. It offers daily flights to and from various locations in Hawaii and the mainland United States.
- Kona International Airport (KOA) is another option for visitors to the mountain. It offers daily flights to and from various locations in Hawaii, the mainland United States, and international destinations. However, the distance between the airport and Mauna Kea is greater, so visitors will need to plan for a longer travel time to reach the mountain.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR MAUNA KEA
- There are no hotels or accommodations located on Mauna Kea, so visitors will need to stay in nearby towns such as Hilo or Waimea.
- If you plan to stargaze in Mauna Kea, be sure to mind your time. We recommend arriving a day before your hike or summit, so you have ample time to check in, rest, and ready your gear.
BEST MODE OF TRANSPORTATION IN MAUNA KEA
- The most common way to reach Mauna Kea is by car, but independent visitors must rent a four-wheel drive vehicle due to the steep and rocky terrain.
- If you’re not fully confident in your four-wheel driving skills, guided tours provide transportation to and from the summit.
- Be aware that some rental car companies may have restrictions on driving to Mauna Kea, so be sure to check beforehand.
MORE TIPS FOR VISITING MAUNA KEA
- Visitors should come prepared with warm clothing, as temperatures can drop below freezing at night.
- If you’re planning a daytime visit, be sure to wear sunscreen, protective clothes, and sunglasses as radiation from the sun will be more intense at that height.
- It’s important to stay hydrated and take precautions for the high altitude, such as acclimating slowly and avoiding strenuous activity.
- If you plan to reach the summit of Mauna Kea where the observatories are, be sure to take a 30-minute to one-hour stop at the midpoint or the visitor station. This will allow you to acclimate to the altitude and avoid altitude sickness.
- To maximize your Mauna Kea stargazing trip, use red lights instead of white lights. This helps preserve your night vision and minimize light pollution for other travelers who are with you.
- Visitors should also be aware of the cultural significance of Mauna Kea to native Hawaiians and show respect for the land and local traditions.
What To Do In Mauna Kea
Activities are limited in Mauna Kea, and understandably so. But this doesn’t mean that the trip is not worth your time. In fact, it’s the perfect opportunity to go on a more relaxed, contemplative adventure if you’re just coming from an action-packed one.
Here are some awesome and transformative things you can do while in Mauna Kea:
1. WATCH THE SUNSET
As a prelude to stargazing, Mauna Kea offers breathtaking views of the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy the day’s finale from various locations on the mountain, including the summit and visitor center.
2. HIKE
At a high altitude and with decreased air pressure, hiking could prove more difficult than normal. While the hike to Lake Waiau, the highest lake in Hawaii, only requires a short excursion, we’re only recommending this one for long-time climbers with the appropriate skill level or those who are up to the challenge.
3. STARGAZE
Stargazing in Mauna Kea does not require you to reach the summit. However, if you do want to venture that high, you must leave 30 minutes after sunset. This is also the reason summit tours always conduct their stargazing trips very early in the evening. Take note that at present, there are only seven tour operators authorized to transport visitors to the Mauna Kea’s summit.
Other tours don’t go as far as the summit to allow visitors ample time to watch the night sky. Most, if not all, will even supply you with snacks as well as parkas and gloves to keep you warm. They also bring their own portable telescopes and give basic lessons in stargazing! After all, what better way to study the sky than with an astronomy expert by your side?
Of course, you’re free to organize your own trip. However, this will require more meticulous planning on your part, but it will also allow you more freedom to customize your itinerary.
4. PICNIC
Having a nighttime picnic on the highest point in Hawaii is not something everyone can brag about! Pack your own food and enjoy a peaceful meal as you stargaze in Mauna Kea. Better yet, bring authentic Hawaiian snacks for an all-encompassing experience!
Just remember to pick up after yourself and dispose of your garbage responsibly or keep them in your pack until you find a disposal bin.
5. TAKE A DAYTIME TOUR
Every month, the Mauna Kea Observatories and the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center organize the Kama‘āina Observatory Experience. This community event is free of charge. However, it is more aimed at local residents who want to visit the summit and see world-class telescopes. To attend the tours, you must possess a valid Hawai‘i ID and be at least 16 years of age. On the day of the tour, you will need to present your Hawaii state ID or driver’s license.
Due to limited availability, reservations are necessary and will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. The maximum number of available reservations per tour date is 24, and each reservation can accommodate a maximum of two individuals.
Conquer New Heights with Hotala
Mauna Kea is only one of the many places that are calling your name! If you’re a novice traveler or an experienced globetrotter, Hotala is here to support you in planning your travels.
At Hotala, we bring you hot deals in the hottest destinations worldwide, so you can plan, book, and travel hassle-free. Plus, we keep a steady stream of travel content going, so you’ll never run out of ideas for adventure.
Start planning your Mauna Kea stargazing summit today!
TLDR
Discover the majesty of Mauna Kea — the highest point in Hawaii and a sacred place of worship for the gods, with Hotala’s travel guide. This guide provides valuable insights on safety precautions, best times to visit, transportation, and accommodations. Visitors can watch the sunset, stargaze, hike, have a picnic, take a daytime tour, or experience the free monthly Kama‘āina Observatory tour. The guide also emphasizes the importance of respecting the cultural significance of Mauna Kea to Native Hawaiians and preserving its heritage for future generations.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Conner Baker
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