Temperatures will be below freezing (max -4C on Thu afternoon, min -6C on Wed night). Take the Daniel K Inouye Highway (Saddle Road) and turn onto Maunakea Access Road (Milepost 28). People come to the dormant volcano to hike, bike and film on Maunakea. Make sure that you have a full tank of gas before you start the ascent, as the nearest gas station is ~35 miles (50 km) from the visitor station. . Mauna Loa IS HIGH ALTITUDE. Mostly cloudy with scattered rain showers with possible snow showers and thunderstorms. CFHT Weather Tower. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. West winds around 10 mph. Your age, gender, or physical fitness do not affect your likelihood of getting altitude sickness, and altitude sickness can become a medical emergency if ignored. 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. (This post was originally published on camandtheoutdoors.com). In addition, a winter weather advisory remains in effect for the summits and upper slopes . Tours typically supply arctic parkas and thick gloves to keep you warm, snacks, and water. Maunakea Visitor Information Site Hale Phaku Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels. 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. Did you know: that you can actually see more stars from the visitor station than from the Maunakea summit? Credit: Madereugeneandrew Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. We took a small hike up for a good view of the sun while it was setting. If you are primarily interested in stargazing, then you will want to focus your trip around the Visitor Center area. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The weather can change rapidly, resulting in severe conditions including freezing temperatures, blizzards and high winds. A shirt that is available at the First Light Store. Annual average temperature of 38.1F recorded at Mauna Kea Observatory. Follow the Center for Maunakea Stewardship, These Mauna Kea snowmen work in blizzards and whiteouts to clear a path to the summit. Chance of rain 20 percent. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Our drive up from the coast to the visitor was amazing. The 4WD requirement is for good safety reasons (brakes overheating on the way down) and park rangers often check the cars on the summit road. ), MaunaKea last erupted more than 4,000 years ago and is no longer considered an active volcano. Actually, Mauna Kea is considered one of the most ideal . As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. Be attentive of ice on the ground while driving and walking. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Video / Feb 27, 2023 / 09:25 PM HST. It is no coincidence that some of the worlds most advanced telescopes are built on the Big Island. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. Parking at the VIS is available for up to 115-vehicles on a first-come, first-served basis. Thank You. Mauna Loa Observatory (MLO) is located on the north flank of Mauna Loa Volcano, on the Big Island of Hawaii, at an elevation of 3397 meters, or 11,135 feet above sea level. Phone +1 808-961-8311. West winds up to 10 mph. PRINT THIS DATA. Danke fr die Antworten Breezy. + Save to a List. For accurate GPS directions, search for Onizuka Center for International Astronomy. 640 North A'ohoku Place Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. The visitor center is located ~halfway up the volcano at 9,200 ft elevation. The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Center, located at the 9,200-foot basecamp, and provides information . View from MaunaLoa Observatory (looking at Mauna Kea from the south) Subaru 10u Skymonitor (limited access) CONtinuous CAMera (CONCAM) - The night sky above Mauna Kea. Visitor center is nice with souvenir type stuff, but not much beyond that in terms of educational material. On saddle road. The following list contains all the telescopes that are currently in operation on the MaunaKea summit. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. Courtesy of USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory View Webcam Webcam Sunny. Chance of rain 40 percent. The visitor information station is officially called the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station. Due to the hazards of altitude sickness, pregnant women, persons in poor health, and children under 13 should not venture above the Visitor Information Station. Mostly clear. Read more about our participation. For more information on the visitor center follow this link to their website. 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? Ps. 5 Forecast Elevations: Peak: 13797 ft 11484 ft Mid: 8203 ft 4922 ft Base: This table gives the weather forecast for Mauna Kea at the specific elevation of 4205 m. Our advanced weather models allow us to provide distinct weather forecasts for several elevations of Mauna Kea. The story of Maunakea gets better. Public star gazing events are held onTuesday,Wednesday,Friday, andSaturdayevenings from7 pm 10 pmweather permitting. This means that if you were diving less than 24 hours ago, you should not be hiking on Mauna Loa. Books, apparels, and souvenirs are available in the store or on the e-Store. Click here for more information on how the see the sunset from both locations. The latest road and weather information are available at the upper right corner of this page. Another advantage of not going to the summit is that all ages are welcome. Winds increasing (near gales from the WSW on Tue night, stormy winds from the WSW by Thu morning). These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. Mauna Kea weather: http://hokukea.soest.hawaii.edu/ Current road conditions to the summit: call (808) 935-6268 (July, 2020) Visitor Center Hours: (808) 961-2180 website: http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/vis/ Keep in mind there is no food or gas available on Mauna Kea. Highs 37 to 61. Consider stargazing tours that do not go to the summit (see below) if there are young stargazers in your group. MAUNA KEA OBSERVATORY, HAWAII. See our list of favorite stargazing locations on all Hawaiian islands for more good stargazing spots. Mauna Loa Trail and backcountry are closed from the top of Mauna Loa Road. Few places on earth are better for watching the heavens than from MaunaKea! Pack extra clothing and your sleeping bag in plastic for waterproofness. Mauna Kea's combination of high elevation (nearly 14,000 feet), remote location, and low light pollution make it one of the best places in the world to stargaze. Descend immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: At the summit the radiation from the sun is stronger and the air dryer. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. The summit is high altitude and the trail is over rough, jagged, and often loose lava. A dusting of new snow. Do not put trash in the pit toilets. If you like stargazing you should definitely have a look at our astronomy calendar for Hawaii to see if there is a meteor shower or other good excuse to look up at the stars during your stay. Telescopes are set up for viewing at7 pm, and as soon as its dark enough a tour of the constellations will begin. Do it! This is a very challenging hike and you must take the altitude, weather, and mountain conditions into account before setting out. If you are experiencing any symptoms of altitude sickness you should stop and rest where you are to acclimatize to the altitude. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. It is open Tuesdays - Sundays (closed Mondays). 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. Save. East winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour will be possible, with localized gusts near 55 miles per hour. Ciao Nicola, posso chiederti quanto avete pagato? 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Make also sure to bring warm clothes and a windbreaker to stay comfortable as it can get cold and windy. If symptoms do not get better at sea level, the individual should be admitted to a hospital for observation and treatment. High altitudes can also cause the life-threatening conditions pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) and cerebral edema (fluid on the brain). Small visitor center, but nice picnic area, restrooms. View of Visitor Information Station and Hale Phaku Mid-level facilities from above. For example, no organizing is needed from your part, tours often pick you up at your hotel, and the guides really are added value as they often have an astronomy background and can give you a lot of background on the scientific and cultural significance of the summit. Invitation to Talk Story with the Mauna Kea Observatories. 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. Subaru Weather Tower. Rangers providing safety briefing for hikers. The summit air is extremely dry. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. I'll be there in October. Lows 26 to 42. The following persons cannot participate in our tours as lack of vital oxygen can cause serious health problems. 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. Mauna Kea spelled as two words refers to any white mountainit is a common noun (vs. the proper noun) [source]. Mauna Kea. I didnt get any shots of the stars since I only have an iPhone, but heres a little pic of the moon for night time vibes. Our guide, Jeff, was very knowledgeable. View was ok but cloudy. Vehicle accident Friday, January 29, no serious injuries. A hike up the 13,678 foot (4,170 m) Mauna Loa can be rewarding, but poses a significant challenge. There is almost nothing at all between Hilo and Kona on that road. It's very peaceful and beautiful to see the stars, this was the favorite stop of my trip. People visiting the summit may experience altitude sickness, which is triggered by rapid exposure to lower oxygen levels. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). If you are in the USA please just call our toll free phone at 888-322-2366 a week or two in advance is usually sufficient.. Chance of rain 50 percent. Years on Record: 11 : ANNUAL . It augments the stars you see into cool images of the various constellations. Important: Due to COVID restrictions the free star gazing program described below is currently NOT offered. 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. Lows 26 to 42. Mostly clear. You will likely need your phone flash light to get back to your car. 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. 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. Fhrt jemand in den kommenden Tagen auf den Gipfel von Maunakea? All eight backcountry campsites (Kaaha, Halap, Keauhou, pua Point, Npau, Pepeiao Cabin, Red Hill Cabin and Mauna Loa Cabin) require a permit. Mostly sunny. table. Share. Southwest winds around 10 mph. Re: Mauna Kea Visitor Center. Request more information about UH Hilo, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action and Title IX institution and a campus of the University of Hawaii system. A big disappointment. Facemasks are not required to enter the Visitor Center but they are encouraged. Mauna Kea (/ m n k e / . Some expensive mugs, water bottles and sweatshirts. The temperature scale is in degrees Celsius up to a maximum of 500 degrees (932 degrees Fahrenheit) for this camera model, and scales automatically based on the maximum and minimum temperatures on the caldera floor and not the whole frame, which sometimes results in the rim (bottom of image . 35 miles per hour ice on the visitor was amazing more stars from the top of Mauna Loa be... You set up the 13,678 foot ( 4,170 m ) Mauna Loa of educational material souvenir... To their website institution and a windbreaker to stay comfortable as it can get and... 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