Mauna Loa Observatory
Mauna Loa Observatory
4.5
About
We are an atmospheric monitoring station that was established in 1956. Please visit our website to learn more about the atmospheric constituents that we monitor that can cause a forcing effect on our climate. We are a secure working facility with no unauthorized entry and we do not provide tours to the public. All Astronomy takes place on Mauna Kea and not on Mauna Loa so please make sure that your reviews are located under the correct attraction.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Mauna Loa Observatory and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
230 within 3 miles
Attractions
90 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
132 reviews
Excellent
83
Very good
35
Average
10
Poor
3
Terrible
1
arno1
Hilo, HI115 contributions
Jun 2012 • Friends
Warning....some of these reviews refer to Mauna KEA which has a road to the top and can be easily visited with a rented 4x4...although some do experience the effects of altitude....
Mauna LOA observatory is at the end of an 18 mile one lane, although recently reconditioned road, that goes off to the left of Saddle Road just before the Mauna Kea access road if you are coming from Hilo, just after if you are coming from Kona.
The Observatory is at 11,500ft and a 4 mile to the Caldera, 6 mile to the summit hiking trail starts just past the Observatory. This is a scientific outpost in a VERY remote area and is not open for casual visitors....however if you do some research and Googling around it is a NOAA facility and visits can be arranged specially for educational groups.
The NOAA website for this facility also contains a "Tour guide" with points of interest noted in miles and tenths from the Saddle road.
A four wheel drive vehicle is NOT required to get to the Observatory however be warned that the "Road" marked on some maps from this point to the summit is a crude emergency route that would tax the most rugged vehicles and WILL destroy any car or 4x4 rental jeep in a short distance....and you will find locked gates long before reaching the caldera, if you make it that far.
For hikers...you are on your own...and should report any hike to the National Park Service at Kilauea before doing this and let your hotel or friends know what you are doing and your projected return time. Leave early in the morning, four or six miles sounds easy....its not, and you may experience altitude sickness....as happened to a VERY fit group of Euro kids I recently advised who left way too late intending to hike to the cabin but one girl was hit by sickness and they had to descend at night...a scary prospect. However that said the trail is well marked with stone cairns within sight of each other...but stick to the trail as ML has patches of impassable A'a lava that you do not want to get into.
As with any other part of the Island and indeed the world...do not leave ANYTHING of value in your car while you hike.
Please go to both the NOAA site and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park sites before attempting the hike....the reward for a simple drive up to the Observatory is spectacular views of the massive ML lava flows of past times and amazing views of the other Volcanoes forming the Big Island, the NOAA visitor guide will give you plenty of other interesting lava tubes and formations to visit on the way, be warned that there are NO services, water or toilets of any kind..be prepared..ENJOY !!
Mauna LOA observatory is at the end of an 18 mile one lane, although recently reconditioned road, that goes off to the left of Saddle Road just before the Mauna Kea access road if you are coming from Hilo, just after if you are coming from Kona.
The Observatory is at 11,500ft and a 4 mile to the Caldera, 6 mile to the summit hiking trail starts just past the Observatory. This is a scientific outpost in a VERY remote area and is not open for casual visitors....however if you do some research and Googling around it is a NOAA facility and visits can be arranged specially for educational groups.
The NOAA website for this facility also contains a "Tour guide" with points of interest noted in miles and tenths from the Saddle road.
A four wheel drive vehicle is NOT required to get to the Observatory however be warned that the "Road" marked on some maps from this point to the summit is a crude emergency route that would tax the most rugged vehicles and WILL destroy any car or 4x4 rental jeep in a short distance....and you will find locked gates long before reaching the caldera, if you make it that far.
For hikers...you are on your own...and should report any hike to the National Park Service at Kilauea before doing this and let your hotel or friends know what you are doing and your projected return time. Leave early in the morning, four or six miles sounds easy....its not, and you may experience altitude sickness....as happened to a VERY fit group of Euro kids I recently advised who left way too late intending to hike to the cabin but one girl was hit by sickness and they had to descend at night...a scary prospect. However that said the trail is well marked with stone cairns within sight of each other...but stick to the trail as ML has patches of impassable A'a lava that you do not want to get into.
As with any other part of the Island and indeed the world...do not leave ANYTHING of value in your car while you hike.
Please go to both the NOAA site and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park sites before attempting the hike....the reward for a simple drive up to the Observatory is spectacular views of the massive ML lava flows of past times and amazing views of the other Volcanoes forming the Big Island, the NOAA visitor guide will give you plenty of other interesting lava tubes and formations to visit on the way, be warned that there are NO services, water or toilets of any kind..be prepared..ENJOY !!
Written June 4, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
808HawaiiTraveller
Kailua-Kona, HI1 contribution
May 2017 • Solo
Aloha!
I live on the Big Island and came across this to see people are accidently posting reviews here when they actually mean to post for MAUNA KEA! Mauna Kea has a visitor center and is a famous tourist attraction for stargazing. Mauna Loa is just a big mountain (crater) with no visitor center etc. It is more for extreme hikers. I guess you could also drive up to watch the sunset/get some views. There is no lava up here either as one post mentioned- for that, you would need to go to Kilauea (the Hawaii Volcanos National Park). There can sometimes be snow at the top of this mountain in the winter which would make the road dangerous, so it's worth checking the weather conditions.
I live on the Big Island and came across this to see people are accidently posting reviews here when they actually mean to post for MAUNA KEA! Mauna Kea has a visitor center and is a famous tourist attraction for stargazing. Mauna Loa is just a big mountain (crater) with no visitor center etc. It is more for extreme hikers. I guess you could also drive up to watch the sunset/get some views. There is no lava up here either as one post mentioned- for that, you would need to go to Kilauea (the Hawaii Volcanos National Park). There can sometimes be snow at the top of this mountain in the winter which would make the road dangerous, so it's worth checking the weather conditions.
Written May 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PASH3
Hilo, HI17 contributions
Jul 2012 • Business
Don't get confused between "Mauna Kea" Observatory and "Mauna Loa" Observatory as some visitors are. I am a retired science teacher, live in Hawaii, who has escorted students up several times to both observatories. If your tour time is precious, don't waste it driving up Mauna "Loa". Although you get nice views as you drive to the Observatory, the place itself is a working site. No visitor information center. No telescopes to see. The ride is about an hour on a gravel road from the Saddle Road turnoff and so it is about 2 hours from Hilo. You also cannot drive to the summit, but about 3/4 of the way up because it is considered an active volcano and usually erupts every 10-15 years (has been quiet 30 years because of continuous Kilauea eruption). You can hike up to the summit, but research thoroughly before you hike. Many of the reviews of Mauna Loa Observatory that rave about it are really about Mauna Kea Observatory which has a visitor center, and you can drive to the summit although most Rental Car companies don't permit the drive on the Saddle Road.
Written January 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WeLoveDisneyland
Forked River NJ288 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
Several reviews have this place confused with Mauna Kea. We knew this was a working weather station (atmospheric research facility) and made special arrangements for a tour. The drive up is not as scary as Mauna Kea- across the street. The planetary observatories are on the north side of Saddle Road and this one is on the SOUTH side. You pass through a nene sanctuary on the way to Mauna Loa. Read about BOTH mountains before you go! The sunset while coming down was stunning. Beware of thick FOG on the Saddle Road. It can be dangerous. TIme your visits carefully, don't rush and have adequate food and water. This truly is the middle of nowhere. Come up with a FULL tank of gas. You can get by with a regular car on the road to Manua Loa but 4 wheel drive is preferable. Go to Harper's car and truck rental. (In Hilo and Kona.)
Written March 31, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PhineusJWhoopee
Herndon, VA12 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
Many of the reviews on this page are for the other mountain, Mauna Kea, which has several astronomical observatories and a visitor center open to the public at 9800' altitude. Mauna Loa is an atmospheric observatory, and has no facilities or visitors' center. THERE IS NO ORGANIZED STARGAZING HERE - that's on Mauna Kea.
Written January 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Renee C
Eugene, OR181 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
As other reviewers have said, Mauna Loa is the other, less talked about very tall mountain on the island. The observatory is an atmospheric research facility, nothing to do with stars, and no public access.
The reason to go here is the views from the drive up and the hiking trails at the top. We didn't go on the hiking trails because they are really only suitable for committed hikers with experience at high (11,000+ ft) elevation.
The views from the road up (accessed off the Saddle Road) were superb though. When the clouds cleared, Mauna Kea (the mountain with the star observatory) could be seen in all its glory. Also, huge expanses of old lava flows could be seen; the juxtaposition of the different colors and types (especially aa and pahoehoe) was spectacular.
There's also some lava tubes that can be explored. Pull off at power pole 138. Standing by the pole with your back to the road, walk to the pahoehoe lava flow on your right (pahoehoe is the smooth ropey lava, aa is the loose, sharp lava at the pole). Walk out onto the pahoehoe lava and start looking; it's a bit like an Easter egg hunt, but there's a number of them just off the road. Access is at places where the tube roof has caved in. Use caution though; the loose lava at the caved in hole isn't always safe to climb on. Additionally, be sure to wear tennis shoes or boots and long pants. You'll need good footing and the lava is sharp enough to give a good cut to legs that bump it. I've heard that some of the tubes are long enough to get into complete dark, but we didn't find those.
Lastly, be aware that the road is narrow and twisty. It's literally one lane; the only way to pass is for one person to use a pull out to get all the way off the road. The twists and humps in the road make a lot of blind spots so drive slow. If you're not experienced with that sort of road, don't worry; it's a good one for beginners since there's almost no one else. Drive with the window part way down and the radio off. You'll only encounter a handful of other cars in the several hour drive and will be able to hear them well in advance.
The reason to go here is the views from the drive up and the hiking trails at the top. We didn't go on the hiking trails because they are really only suitable for committed hikers with experience at high (11,000+ ft) elevation.
The views from the road up (accessed off the Saddle Road) were superb though. When the clouds cleared, Mauna Kea (the mountain with the star observatory) could be seen in all its glory. Also, huge expanses of old lava flows could be seen; the juxtaposition of the different colors and types (especially aa and pahoehoe) was spectacular.
There's also some lava tubes that can be explored. Pull off at power pole 138. Standing by the pole with your back to the road, walk to the pahoehoe lava flow on your right (pahoehoe is the smooth ropey lava, aa is the loose, sharp lava at the pole). Walk out onto the pahoehoe lava and start looking; it's a bit like an Easter egg hunt, but there's a number of them just off the road. Access is at places where the tube roof has caved in. Use caution though; the loose lava at the caved in hole isn't always safe to climb on. Additionally, be sure to wear tennis shoes or boots and long pants. You'll need good footing and the lava is sharp enough to give a good cut to legs that bump it. I've heard that some of the tubes are long enough to get into complete dark, but we didn't find those.
Lastly, be aware that the road is narrow and twisty. It's literally one lane; the only way to pass is for one person to use a pull out to get all the way off the road. The twists and humps in the road make a lot of blind spots so drive slow. If you're not experienced with that sort of road, don't worry; it's a good one for beginners since there's almost no one else. Drive with the window part way down and the radio off. You'll only encounter a handful of other cars in the several hour drive and will be able to hear them well in advance.
Written April 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IJS-64
Stockholm, Sweden51 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
The observatory is on Mauna Kea. The other mountain south of Mauna Kea is Mauna Loa. From the Saddle Road, which goes from the eastern side of Hawaii to the western side of the island, there is a road up to Mauna Kea. Along the road there are all kinds av warning signs, but with a good car there will be no problems reaching the top of the mountain. The road is around 20 km, and only a part of it has a gravel surface. No need for a 4x4, even if a sign says so. Once on the top, there is parking space near the observatory. There is a short hike to an even higher summit nearby, which is the absolute top of the mountain. Now you are 4.207 m over sea level, and most people can feel a slight height sickness. When you drive down, try not to use the brakes of the car that much. Drive with a low gear instead so as not to overheat the brakes and loose them.
Written March 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dan h
Iowa14 contributions
Mar 2016 • Friends
People write here drive to LOA-not so easy.To MAUNA KEA-YES,but to Mauna Loa-HUGE DIFFERENCE.
There is one car black top road to sign for hiking trail-nice scenic drive.
From there is "road" almost to the top (500 yards),but even in Wrangler-you will damage undercarriage and it will take you over 3 hours each way once you get on this "road".Also there is gate after about 2.5 hours crawling over rocks and it may be locked.
You can go to the end of the black top,park and I believe the hike is about 6 miles.
SO AGAIN people write here about drive to MAUNA KEA-but this thread is about MAUNA LOA-never recently (1984) active volcano.
There is one car black top road to sign for hiking trail-nice scenic drive.
From there is "road" almost to the top (500 yards),but even in Wrangler-you will damage undercarriage and it will take you over 3 hours each way once you get on this "road".Also there is gate after about 2.5 hours crawling over rocks and it may be locked.
You can go to the end of the black top,park and I believe the hike is about 6 miles.
SO AGAIN people write here about drive to MAUNA KEA-but this thread is about MAUNA LOA-never recently (1984) active volcano.
Written March 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MPackardM
Dallas, TX32 contributions
Nov 2012
We absolutely loved this drive - and don't be intimidated by the warnings. In good weather, a 2 wheel drive car is fine - we did it in a small Ford sedan. Lots of interesting perspectives on the island and a very memorable part of our time on the Big Island.
Written November 12, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark C
Sheboygan Falls, WI231 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
As has been noted here, this is NOT the astronomical observatory, it's a weather observatory and is not open to the public, although their website does offer that if you want a tour, you can call them. We didn't have time for that, as our intention was to hike the Observatory Trail to the summit of Mauna Loa (we failed, this is a tough hike). That said, this was still a good day. We arrived early in the morning before the clouds built up, and the view across the valley to Mauna Kea and the actual astronomical observatory were breathtaking, worth the 20 miles of winding one lane road with dozens of blind hills and corners - go slowly here. There is parking for about 3 vehicles just outside the observatory where you can pick up the trail, at about 11000 feet. If you intend to hike, come prepared, the air is thin and it's cool to cold all day, year round. Daytime highs rarely reach 60 F and nights are commonly in the 20s F. Bring extra food and water in case you get stuck out overnight, it would be impossible to follow this trail in the dark as it's just rock cairns (ahu in Hawaiian) made of lava, which don't stand out well against the hundreds of acres of lava on which they're built. It's fairly steep and again, the altitude makes it tough. It's also rocky and uneven, have light but sturdy footwear. To add to the challenge, most afternoons clouds will build up and move up the mountain reducing visibility and adding a damp chill to the air. But the views are incredible. If you do go here, please turn off your engine and run it as little as possible near the observatory, as the emissions will interfere with their measurements.
Written May 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
I am planning to visit the Big Island in the beginning of January and the two summits, if possible. There are some of the questions I have.
About Mauna Loa, How far does the road reach from the top and how difficult is it, especially on descent? Does the road covered with snow? Where is the observatory located on this route? How difficult is it to hike at such elevation?
Thank you a lot !
George
Written August 1, 2019
You will need to book the trip with a local company. They are well advertised. They pick you up from a pre determined spot in a local shopping area and then take you in their 4 X4 truck. You cannot hike up this road.
Ordinary car will not go to the top because it is very steep and the last half mile is covered in ice. It is hard ice at the top so it is very slippery.
The top is at 14,000 ft or so ASL so it is quit difficult. You can get breathless and might experience some head ache. Drink plenty of water. But don't let this worry you, if you are sensible, don't run when you are at the top, you will be ok. The sun set views at the top are breath taking (really, and no pun intended!!).
There are 14 different observatories (if I remember correctly), all at the very top. You can not go inside them as they are for professional scientists.
You do your start gazing at about 8000 ft ASL. The guide will carry a huge telescope and will set it up. This is great fun to watch the night sky. Choose a night which is dark, like nearer to the no-moon night. The spectacle of night sky is amazing. This will be one of your best nights.
And yes, must carry many layers of warm clothing: it does get very very cold.
Enjoy.
Written August 2, 2019
Melia M
Red Bud, Illinois
do very interested tourist get to view through the telescopes?
Written April 3, 2018
NO!!! If you want to look through a telescope go to the astronomical observatory on Mauna KEA. Mauna Loa is a different mountain with an atmospheric observatory and no telescopes.
Written April 4, 2018
Mauna loa or Muana Kea?
I want to know which one has better views and if I should plan to see both places if I have the time?
Written October 5, 2017
There a good views from both mountains if it is a clear day but both are so different. From Mauna Loa you can see the observatories twinkling in the sunshine on Mauna Kea. You can only drive up to 11,000ft on Mauna Loa and only as far as the visitor centre on Mauna Kea unless you have a 4x4. So many things to think about. Volcanic tubes and Lava fields on Mauna Loa. Try searching more on the internet to get more perspective and comments
Written November 1, 2017
Tom,what was the name of the company that toom you there.We would love to do that.
Dan
Written March 19, 2017
Again,you guys are talking about wrong mountain. You all drove to Mauna Kea. This post is about Mauna Loa. I actually just made it up to Mauna Loa yesterday, it was several hours trip. Anyone can drive up to Kea, but Loa is different story,i will make new post.
Written March 20, 2017
There are tours by appointment only. We did not do a tour. There are plenty of state park volunteers who are very knowledgeable. There are telescopes set up to see planets and stars. It varies during the year.
Written March 14, 2017
What are the hours of operation and how much does it cost to get in?
Written December 16, 2014
You would have to check their website. We just drove up to see the view at 11,000ft. You may be thinking of Mauna Kea where the telescopes are. That is open everyday I think. During the day you can take a tour of the Keck Twin telescopes. The rangers will take you in. Stop at the visitor center to find out when they are going in. Everyone has to be off the top 1/2 hour after sun set but there is a parking lot at 12,000 ft to star watch and the visitor center is open late. You will see a cloud running across the center of the sky. That is the Milkyway Galaxy. They set up telescopes to view stars and planets with. It is at 9,500 ft. Dress warm it goes down to the 30s You must have 4wd to go to top. Need more info just ask. I have been to the big island and Maui 5 times.
Written December 17, 2014
Showing results 1-6 of 6
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing