Maunakea Observatories Support Services — Attraction in Hawaii

This is a wonderful vista that's spoiled by the headlights and taillights of arriving and departing automobiles.

The otherwise dark sky is constantly blighted by them.

They could solve the problem by blocking off the parking lot from the viewing area with fencing.

I suggest steel poles embedded in concrete and fabric and cord fencing that can be easily removed during the off-season.

The high altitude allows you to see the Southern Cross, which is a treat for those of us from the Northern Hemisphere.

There is no view of the sunset (the center is on the south east corner of the peak), so if that matters to you, come quite a while before sunset and go on to the very peak. You will need a serious vehicle to get there, and you're not allowed to pass the Visitor center on the way to the peak after sunset for safety reasons.

The Visitor center is truly very cold. Wear long pants, and a seriously warm coat and sweater. I imagine the peak is even colder.

Still, the Visitor center is worth the time and the effort to get there. Just not as awe-inspiring as a truly dark sky...

Overpriced with staff that don't seem to care. After a 1.5 hour drive from Kona to the VIS to watch a cultural presentation myself and my wife we sitting outside of the VIS waiting for it to begin... It began without us. There is a sitting room with a TV inside the building and not information was given from anyone. We had asked and was told it would be announced... so we waited. Around 6 we finally went and sat inside of the building waiting for it to begin... and waited... and waited.... people would ask at the front and they were told that nothing was going to start until 6:45 or 7.... so we waited. Finally at 6:30 we heard it was in another building far south of the VIS... and that we should have read it on the board outside.... we went outside... nothing on the board "oh, I guess someone forgot to write it on there."

Needless to say, I was EXTREMELY unimpressed....

After such a long drive and of course the return trip.... to have them not care at all was absolutely disappointing! Thanks...

At 9200 ft, great place to watch the sunset and then guided star gazing. The drive to the visitor centre was phenomenal - very steep drive. We left Hilo around 5pm and that was perfect. The road was excellent. We arrived at the visitor centre around 6pm, allowing us enough time to walk up the small hill for a spectacular sunset view. We stayed until 9:30pm for a very informative guide to the stars. We were there on a no moonlight night. It was as if we could touch the stars.

Best time to go is arrive there around an hour before sunset. Enough time to see the landscape around and stay back to watch the stars. The roads are excellent so no concern driving back to your hotel after dark.

We did not drive to the summit as we did not have adequate vehicle. The problem is not so much going up the mountain but rather on the way down and brakes. There are many pictures of vehicles with...