Mauna Kea - Window to the Universe

Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii is the tallest peak in the Hawaiian Island standing at 13,796 feet above the ocean floor. The second of the 5 islands that make up the island of Hawaii, On the way up to the top of the mountain, there is a Visitor Center where you can stop and learn about the work going on at the mountain top observatory on Mauna Kea. At the peak, the air is thin and clear with little light pollution. This creates an ideal environment for the astronomical community so Mauna Kea is home to at least two dozen of the world's telescopes including the powerful Keck telescope with a 33 foot wide viewing surface.

Tours of the University of Hawaii telescopes are given Saturdays and Sundays. The Keck telescope has a Visitor's Center and is open weekdays. The drive from Saddle Road is just a little over 14 1/2 miles to the summit. After the Visitor Center most of the road is primarily gravel but it is easily passable even in a regular passenger car so a trip to the top is definitely possible for visitors wanting to get a bird's eye view of the island from the side of the mountain. Be sure to check weather conditions before you go during winter months since there is often snow and windy conditions at the top. On a clear day, the view from the top is fabulous and well worth the drive to the summit.