Mauna Kea Summit Trips on the Island of Hawaii

Mauna Kea is home to the world's largest telescopes and has atmospheric clarity better than anywhere else on earth! Cutting edge science and new understandings of our universe are constantly flowing from the summit. Mauna Kea has something for everyone, with wonderful Ice age scouring, road cuts revealing strata and a well-defined Volcanic history. This tour leaves Hilo or Kona at seasonally adjusted times, stops briefly at a store for food shopping, then goes directly to the Onizuka Visitor Center at 9200ft. There are hot drinks and snacks available there as well as a large range of Mountain and Astronomy related souvenirs and educational materials available for purchase. Following this 30 minute acclimatization stop at the VIS we will continue on to 13,600ft where your guide will explain the various telescopes in view. You then ascend the last few hundred feet to the road highpoint where those in good physical condition may hike to the actual summit if they wish, and if conditions permit. The summit hike and sunset are often at the same time affording spectacular views of sunset and the famous "Shadow" to the East. Following this we descend to the Visitor Center for hot drinks and bathrooms, and then go to our own Starshow location where binoculars are made available and our guide, using a high powered visible laser, leads you on a journey to major celestial objects and Polynesian navigational Stars.

Restrictions:

People with respiratory, heart, and severe overweight conditions, pregnant women and children under 16 are advised not to go above the 9,200 ft. level where the visitor center is located. Do not go to the summit within 24 hours of scuba diving.

Tour Length: Approximately 6-7 hours departing from Hilo or 8 to 9 hours departing from Kona or west Hawaii resorts/hotels.