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I believe you’d have to book a private tour to do organized star gazing. the visitor building isn’t open right now. They are blocking the road to the top so to watch sunset you must be there no later than 5p for the 5:45 sunset. And have a true 4x4. Recommendation is to stay at visitor center elevation for 30 min to acclimate to altitude. Still we sat in the parking lot and stargazed on our own. Not sure if the bathrooms are open so plan ahead. …
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Date of experience: November 2020
2 Helpful votes
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The visitor information station is a must stop just to get used to the altitude and throw on some extra clothes. One of the women in my group did start feeling ill after a couple of hours at the summit. This is a GREAT trip, but you MUST rent a vehicle that can drive it. Weather can change in an instant, and it can blizzard in the winter. And IT. IS. COLD. Watching the sunset over the clouds is breathtaking. And afterwards, there's an orange glow on the horizon I've never seen before. The snow is wind swept into interesting patterns (DON'T touch-not for snowballs). On the way down, there's a parking area to stargaze and take pictures of the milkyway. And aside from the cost of the vehicle, it's free.…
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Date of experience: February 2020
1 Helpful vote
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The visitors center was open but the gift shop was closed. Not much going on only a video going with astronomical photography showing. No explaination as to why it was shut up. They did have a scope focused on the sun with filters but not much else.
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Date of experience: January 2020
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I was there 20 years ago, and the quality of what the center offers has declined. Still, the visit to the top of Mauna Kea is worth it. Don't be afraid, any car can make it, even when they say '4-wd only'.
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Date of experience: February 2020
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