Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
935-6268; 1pm Sat & Sun)
The Visitor Information Station offers free sum-
mit tours, but you must provide your own 4WD transportation (or hitch a lift from
someone who does). No reservations are needed; simply arrive by 1pm to join the tour.
Tours don't go in bad weather, so be sure to call ahead.
The first hour is spent watching videos about Mauna Kea as you acclimatize, then you
caravan to the summit, where you hear a talk on the history and workings of the summit
telescopes. The tours then visit at least one telescope, usually the WM Keck's 10m tele-
scope. Tours depart from the summit at about 4:30pm, but most people stay for sunset
and come down on their own. Pregnant women, children under 16, and those with circu-
latory and respiratory conditions are not allowed, nor are those who have been scuba
diving in the past 24 hours.
Subaru Telescope
GUIDED TOUR
(
www.naoj.org/Information/Tour/Summit
;
10:30am, 11:30am & 1:30pm)
The only
public telescope tour on the summit takes in the world's largest single-piece mirror tele-
scope up to 15 weekdays per month (40min, in English and Japanese). Advance online
reservations and personal transportation required.
Hawaii Forest & Trail
GUIDED TOUR
pany, with diverse operations on the Big Island, has a meal stop in a tent on the ruins of a
former ranch. Its guides are extremely knowledgeable, take you to the summit, and con-
duct a fine tour of the heavens by laser pointer. Departs from Kona, Waikoloa, and the
junction of Hwy 190 and Hwy 200. Participants must be 16 years old.
Mauna Kea Summit Adventures
GUIDED TOUR
pany to do summit tours, starting over 20 years ago. It remains a high-quality outfit.
Meals are outside at the Visitor Information Station. Picks up in Kona, Waikoloa, and the
junction of Hwy 190 and Hwy 200. Participants must be 13 years old. Book online two
weeks in advance for a 15% discount.
Orientation
The Mauna Kea Access Rd is near mile marker 28 on Saddle Rd. From the Saddle Rd
junction, it's paved for 6 miles to the Visitor Information Station. It takes about 50
