Mauna Kea
Open
Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Address
Mauna Kea Access Rd, Hilo, HI 96720, USA

Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea Access Rd, Hilo, HI 96720, USA

RATING (4.8)

Reviews

Casher
Casher
in the last week

Stunning otherworldly location! Could be mistaken for the surface of Mars. A must see if you have even a passing interest in astronomy, although do not underestimate the altitude, especially if you drive up. Take time to acclimatize both at the half way point and at the top as the dizziness can catch you. Also, your rental car contract will probably exclude this location, but we had no dramas driving up to the top. It's an easy road to navigate in the summer.

Jared McCullough
Jared McCullough
3 months ago

What an incredible mountain. It's considered sacred to native Hawaiians so please respect that. It's so one of the most amazing drives in all the world. Where else can you gain so much elevation and change temperatures so quickly? Nowhere I can think of. It was 92 degrees in Kona and 39 degrees on summit, less than two hours later. A must do for Hawaii. The sign says 4x4 vehicles only to the summit but the road isn't that bad. I saw a couple sedans make it to the top no problem.

chris b
chris b
4 months ago

Read all the reviews prior.. this is the truth..Do you need 4x4 no... I literally watched a rental mustang and Hyundai go up, is it more comfortable in a 4x4, I'm sure. Do take a hour to adjust at the visitor station. Do take really warm clothes, once the sun sets winter is coming..(GOT) you do feel funky because of the altitude. Other then that the views, sunset, stars, are amazing

Bill De Garmo
Bill De Garmo
6 months ago

I think the picture says it all. Sunset viewed from the summit of Mauna Kea. It's quite a journey but well worth the effort. Four wheel drive or all wheel drive vehicle required for your safety. Air is thin & temperatures are cool & often windy. Be prepared with warm clothing regardless of the time of year you visit. Enjoy, it's quite beautiful!

Joe Lizik
Joe Lizik
4 months ago

By itself, it's pretty cool to see the top of the mountain. Currently the visitor center is closed for remodeling. Would highly recommend coming the first time on a tour group to hear some neat history. Definitely need a 4 wheel vehicle to drive up. Also jeans and a winter coat as it gets to about freezing at dusk. Rangers kick everyone out after sunset so plan accordingly.

Open
Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Address
Mauna Kea Access Rd, Hilo, HI 96720, USA