Save
  
Ways to Experience Mauna Kea Summit
from CA$303.86
More Info
from CA$793.19
More Info
from CA$269.56
More Info
Reviews (4,527)
Filter reviews
4,527 results
Traveler rating
3,635
656
168
30
38
Traveler type
Time of year
LanguageAll languages
More languages
Traveler rating
3,635
656
168
30
38
Show reviews that mention
All reviews wheel drive visitor center mauna kea low gear warm clothes milky way altitude sickness watch the sunset ranger station sea level tallest mountain the big island high altitude rental car gravel road sun goes down bring a jacket
Selected filters
Filter
Updating list...
3,621 - 3,626 of 4,527 reviews
Reviewed September 3, 2011

We took the tour from Hawaii Forest & Trail to the Summit for sunset and a look at the stars afterward. Very happy we did it. Don't go yourself if your rental car is not 4 wheel drive. The road up is very bumpy to say the least. Forest & Trail provided warm coats which were really needed at the summit. Jon our guide was very informative and made everyone in the group feel comfortable. The view of the stars was spectacular. I highly recommend this once in a lifetime experience.

Date of experience: August 2011
Thank danielczyk12
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Reviewed September 2, 2011

This is my 43rd state to touch the highpoint and it was one of the most beautiful views I've had. The best thing is that due to the ability to drive to the top, almost anyone can see it. There is a short, easy hike to the actual US Geological marker that marks the highest point, but if that's not important to you then you can view the vista from the warmth and comfort of your car if there is not a crowd. (Only one tourist group while we were there). They were provided with parkas to stay warm. We were fine with a thin gore-tex wind shell with hood but I wished I had brought some gloves. We left from the Waikoloa Village at 4:20 am in order to get to the summit while it was still dark (11 countries have not built telescopes there for no reason). We barely made it before sunrise (with no stop at the visitor center) and driving way to fast up the mountain to suit my wife so I recommend a 3 am departure next time. It's smarter (and healthier) to stop at the visitor center for 30 minutes to an hour before proceeding upward. That would have been a perfect time to explore the sky while accliimitizing. Make sure when coming from the west that you are aware to pass beyond the first sign that says something like Mauna Kea Park and take the second entrance that says summit. Enough said here...the pictures say it all.

Date of experience: August 2011
1  Thank skidocark
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Reviewed August 31, 2011

The drive from Kona was uneventful with good roads until we got to the summit's information center which is a little above 9,000 ft. Then we had to drive the next 4 out of 8 miles on a gravel road in low gear. It took awoke to get used to this elevation (13,796) above the clouds both mentally and physically. But standing at the highest spot and looking down upon the observatories and the clouds was surreal. We went in August and still had to change from our beach wear into pants and long sleeve shirts. Recommend taking warm clothing and vehicle with enough power and clearance underneath if you intend on driving to the summit.

1  Thank LandOrSea
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Reviewed August 21, 2011

Alright, I'll admit I'm a bit of a nerd. I actually know what a Messier object is and what a sub-millimeter telescope does. But this place would be interesting to all but the most devoted of Luddites. Actually, even a Luddite would be interested in the most holy of Hawaiian religious sites. It was breathtaking being at the top at sunset, and not just because there's only 1/2 the normally available oxygen up there. It's the tallest (not highest) mountain in the world and watching the 13 different world-class observatories coming to life for their evening's work was truly the thrill of a lifetime. We used the Mauna Kea Summit Tours group and had a great time. Their post-summit star show was pretty basic but well-suited for most on the tour.

Date of experience: August 2011
Thank RoomZoom
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Reviewed August 18, 2011

A large family group ranging in age from 8-77 wanted to see the stars from Mauna Kea. All were allowed at the Visitor's Center (9,200 ft.) but only those 16 and over without health issues were allowed to the summit (almost 14,000 ft.). Those unable to go to the top were welcome to stay at the Center for hours (watching DVD's on our computer, playing on DS's, snacking) while the rest took the road to the summit and were included in a tour of one of the Keck telescopes. That evening a musical performance was offered and then the 16 inch telescopes were brought out in front of the Visitor's Center for all to look through. It was awesome just to look up at the sky! You can do all this for free, too!

Date of experience: July 2011
1  Thank shhhwhite
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
View more reviews