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All 63 Hilo Attractions »

Mauna Loa Observatory

154 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720
808 933 6965
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Ranked #2 of 38 attractions in Hilo
5.0 of 5 stars 16 Reviews
Type: Observatories/ Planetariums
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16 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    13
    3
    0
    0
    0
Date Rating
Atlanta, GA
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 26, 2012 NEW
2
people found this review helpful

This was the most amazing thing we have ever seen. You cannot take up most rental cars (even if you rent a jeep). Get a tour if you must. Its cold so bundle up (could easily be below freezing). If you can go at sunset, it is amazing to watch the sun set over the clouds. Then go back to... More

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See 2 more reviews by LadyWild76 for Hilo
Greensboro, NC
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2012

View was surreal...chilly and windy up there so be prepared. Very interesting guided tour to summit, MUST HAVE 4 WHEEL DRIVE!!! More

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Laupahoehoe
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 10, 2012

A great way to see the Big Island on a clear day! It's also lovely to stay until Sunset . . . such a beautiful view of the sky! More

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Chattanooga, Tennessee
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 20, 2012
2
people found this review helpful

We began at the gates somewhat late in the day, around 5 p.m., and we were concerned when the road became more and more narrow and we appeared to be the only humans in existence. After traversing the 10 miles, however, we were rewarded with a magnificent view of the caldera with its rising mist. The forest is beautiful with... More

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Hillsboro, Oregon
Senior Contributor
45 reviews 45 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 12, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We drove out to watch the sunset and see the stars. It was worth the drive. Words cannot express how incredible that place is. More

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See 6 more reviews by KimJ_in_Oregon for Hilo
Toronto , Canada
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 21, 2012

a tough drive and short of breath at top but a great place to visit More

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Saint Augustine Beach, Florida
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 27, 2012

The evening presentation is fabulous. Don't miss it. Be sure to have warm clothing, including gloves. More

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Vancouver Island
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 22, 2011
3
people found this review helpful

We chose to just go to the Visitor's Centre at the 9,300 foot level as it was easily accessible with our rented car on a good paved road, rather than going up to the 13,000 foot level which requires a 4 wheel drive. You can also take a tour up to the 13,000 foot level which costs around $200 and... More

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El Cajon, California
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 12, 2011
2
people found this review helpful

Make sure you have a 4-wheel drive when making the trek up there. The best time to go is just about an hour before sundown. When you get to the top you can watch a beautiful Hawaiian sunset! DRESS WARM BECAUSE IT IS FREEZING @ almost 14,000 ft. elevation. More

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See 3 more reviews by 4evertns for Hilo
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 18, 2011
1
person found this review helpful

It is an experience worth going through, dress warm , make sure you spend enough time at the visitor center 2800m to give your body a chance to adjust before you start your journey to reach 4200m. Drink water, best car 4X4, drive slowly especially down hill. More

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