This was a highlight for us. We drove up to the 9500 foot lodge with our standard car and there was no problem. The rental companies tell you not to take the car up to the summit at 13,700 feet, so we didn't. Others did drive up without a problem. The view is beyond spectacular - above the clouds. It... More

The best part of our 8-day trip to Ohau and the Big Island. Before driving up to the summit, we stayed about 40 minutes at the visitor center as instructed to adjust our body to the mountain level. On the way to the summit, we saw couple of amazing views. On the summit, it seemed that we were on top... More

Worth seeing at least once, beautiful countryside on the ride here, good visitor center a few thousand feet below the summit. If you go up to the summit, dress warm! the air is thin and cold, and the wind is biting, but the view is worth the trouble. There were still some piles of snow in a few spots,(Hawaiian snow!)... More

Being above the clouds looking at some of the most advanced telescopes in the world was humbling. Stargazing at night at the visitor's center was fantastic. Saw things I'd never even heard of.

we managed to coax our SUV all the way to the summit of Mauna Kea (the road is impressive considering the height) and were glad we made the effort. the day was crystal clear and the view was astonishing, especially with all the telescopes up there. Probably best not attempted in a saloon car but a decent SUV or 4x4... More

The telescopes, adventures of the rough roads, the scenery,---dodging astronomers---the best telescopes in the world brings you closer to understanding our universe...

The tour operators charge $200/person and it takes 8-9 hours of your time. While we did hear some interesting lava information and get a pretty view from the summit and of the stars - just not worth the money and time it takes. I would have rather spent it doing 3 other shorter activites.

I live on the Big Island and have been to the top of Mauna Kea probably something like 10 times now, as we always take friends who visit us in Hawaii to the top. I never get tired of going up there as it is always different. You can do this on a tour or you can do it yourself,... More

We were watching the weather for a clear night to get to the visitor's center to see the stars. When I called to speak with a young man and I was asking him about the best time to arrive, he actually recommended NOT arriving right at 6:00 pm becasue it would be very crowded with tour buses and lots of... More