Maunakea Visitor Information Station — Attraction in Hawaii

I went to see the sunrise, we showed up at the visitor centre for 4:15 AM. You need to wait for at least half hour to 45 minutes to acclimatize before heading up. There weren’t many vehicles there but by 445 People were starting to move around a bit, trying to see how to get up, the way that seemed possible had cones blocking it off. A couple of vehicles went up away that said staff only and we’re doing a U-turn in the parking lot of what was blocked off from the lower parking lot where we couldn’t get to. The staff who was working there who I guess was a conservation agent was literally yelling at all of us to turn around and go through the entrance (which had cones so wasn’t possible). Anyways, we all ended up doing U-turns in that parking lot, in the future would be nice if they could verify that prior to just standing up on the road waiting for people to go up as when we did get to the top. It was really right as the sunrise was starting and actually it would’ve been better. Had we gotten up a little bit prior because we were watching the sunrise as we were driving up the mountain which isnt what you want.

They do verify before you go out that you know how to put your vehicle in 4high and 4low. Being from Quebec and driving in northern Quebec and then moving to Alberta and driving in the mountains out here and through BC or even driving through Northern Ontario the steepness of the mountain was really not that bad, we were expecting it to be pretty intense after reading some of the reviews or the website and it really wasn’t. It was normal incline and descent. If you are used to any sort of mountain driving, I am pretty sure they write it so that it’s a lot worse in case someone has never driven on any sort of incline previously. We had rented a Jeep wrangler.

Definitely recommend anyone going to the big Island to visit mauna kea I have not seen the sunset because they did say that there was a lot of people and crowds so if you’re not someone who likes crowds and lots of people, I would definitely go for the sunrise. It is worth it 100% and then four being up there it is quite cold. It was 0°C and very windy. I would definitely suggest bringing a hot thermos, some mittens and a hat your fingers...

Everyone with a decent ride can get to the Visitor Center on this site at 9,000 feet, but once there you will not be allowed to go further without a 4x4. The highest point is 13, 796 feet. 4 Miles of it beyond visitor center is gravel 4 miles are paved. The park rangers will make sure you're prepared before climbing .. If not they will not allow your entry past visitor center. So it's worth renting a 4x4 if you want full experience. Just don't tell car rental place where you're going! Also anyone with high blood pressure, asthma, heart issues, shouldn't go but that's left at your own risk if you lie to them. Coming back down they will check your brake fluid for boiling, so you can pull over at visitor center and cool of before going back down fully. The views... Breathtaking.. Pics do it no justice. Well worth the adventure..well worth the climb to get those views that are once in a life time without hiking for them. There are some interesting areas around visitor center to hike. So there's options once there without a 4x4. Bring plenty of water and snacks eat before you go and look at weather. It's a long drive and further after fully climbing. The hills get covered in fog quickly during certain conditions. Also take warm clothes, temperature drops up there nearly 20° or lower on some days! Seeing the telescopes are like being on another planet. You do not go inside those though. And very important to know there are portalets at certain levels.. the climb is bumpy and you may need a restroom break halfway up! You will get dizzy, you will feel the altitude. Be safe and walk slowly getting out of vehicle. Monitor your breathing and physical changes climbing. Most do just fine, better to be aware than not though. Enjoy and have fun! Take a day...

Just want to give some tips for viewing sunset and stars here because trying to figure it out on our own was stressful.

Expect a 50 min drive from Hilo partially through the clouds which might cause low visibility and wetness. You will be above the clouds once you get here so weather shouldn't be an issue. Show up right before sunset and climb the little hill that you can see with your back to the front door of the visitors center. If you look closely you will see people climbing up and on top. Amazing 360 sunset view and relatively easy 15 minute hike. You cannot go to the summit without a 4x4. I'm sure it's cool but we didn't feel we missed out on anything and if you are at the summit you will be forced down at sunset so all star viewing happens at the visitor center anyways. Also if you do decide to go to the summit, know you must spend a half hour at the visitor center acclimating to altitude before you are allowed up. Dress warm. Wear some layers, beanie, even gloves. It's chilly at the top. And can be windy. You will stand outside looking up at stars for a while. I don't think the $200 tours are worthwhile. We saw a few of them in groups and they generally just seemed to take you up the mountain and give you a snowsuit to wear. Also, the visitors center does a free star talk anyways right on the porch. Again, it's free and really good. You'll see someone with a green laser pointer and a large crowd around them.

That's all! Hope...