Definitely a must see! You cannot go to Hawaii without experiencing the sunset and the stars on the Mauna Kea! Going to the visitor center is however sufficiant, the view is amazing and you can go for free with your car. The best activity on the island!
it's hard to get up there -- 2+ hours from kona to the visitor center, then another 30-45mins up a 4x4/dirt road. but the sunset view from up there is worth it.
once it was completely dark, best star-gazing experience ever.
i just wish the road was better and for there to be actual toilets on top.
My husband's bucket list included driving to the top of Mauna Kea and so it's the first thing we did after arriving on The Big Island. They advise you to use a 4 wheel drive vehicle and they are right. We drove a 4 cylinder car with front wheel drive and it took everything that car had to make the trip. We stopped at the 9,000 ft. mark to hang out at the station before heading to the top - they tell you to stay there for at least 30 minutes to acclimate your body. Regardless, I still felt light headed at the top. The observatory at the top offers a full presentation so you understand the significance of the mountain and how it is utilized. I'm not a fan of heights, so I was relieved when we started back down!
So cool to see the sunset from this high altitude. High over the cloudes. In freezing conditions on a paradise Island, great.
The star gazing was not at it best because it was full moon. I´m sure it can be amazing. A must do when on Big Island
Ok , here's the deal: Prior to my visit to the Big Island I did A LOT of research wether to drive up Mauna Kea in a 4x4 or a regular rental. For all of you that are asking the same question, let me tell you this: We did it in a two-wheel drive Nissan Altima and we where perfectly fine! There is an unpaved road for less than 5 miles between the visitor center and the summit.
Although the weather in the valley was very rainy the road itself was dry. Once you're above the clouds there is was no problem at all. Maybe we where just lucky but I don't see the point in renting a 4x4 for double the price. However I cannot advise to do as we did. The drive up a regular car worked out for us - it might not for you.
Whichever way of acending you choose, Mauna Kea is worth it. Awesome views and maybe the most beautiful sunset I've ever seen.
At last, two more things:
1. bring warm clothes and GLOVES!!!
2. if you can choose, don't go during full moon. The moon is too bright and you can't see as many stars.
Anyway, have a great trip!
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