We arrived just as the sun was going down so we were only able to see a few of the views from the areas surrounding the visitor center. We did stay for the nightly star gazing event. Only bring a flashlight that has a red...More

We visited on 7/15 and it was super cloudy before sunset. The volunteers said be patient the clouds usually clear out and they did. Saw amazing views and enjoyed the laser star tour. You could see so many stars. My kids enjoyed the 35 degree...More

Six of us drove from Hilo up the saddle road and then up to the Visitor Info Station. This drive took just over an hour. We planned this trip to arrive in advance of the 6pm sequence of two movies. (They show the movies only...More

On Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights they set up a few telescopes to see points of interest. It gets pretty busy with lines at each telescope. Dress warmly. Also, there is a presentation on the first Saturday of each month on what is going...More

There is limited parking so come on time or early. When the parking lot fills up, there is no place to go. 100s of people here at night for the ranger talk. VERY COLD AND WINDY so bring layers. Would have been better on a...More

The indoor bathrooms were unavailable for use but two porta-potties were available out back for those needs. The gift shop was open and had a nice selection of observatory-related gifts. At approximately 10,000 feet above sea level, this is a good spot to spend an...More

This was awe-inspiring. We were unsure whether to attempt the summit ourselves as the guide warns about altitude sickness (more on that later) and the need to have a 4WD. However we had already rented a full size 4WD SUV and were definitely going to...More

The visitors station only opens at 12 noon, oddly. It is not the station but the drive up through a huge diversity of landscapes: forest, lava flows, grasslands, more. The clouds sweep over the hills and you may go from drizzle to dazzling sun in...More

At 9000 feet above sea level, this place is a unique location to take young and old to watch a sunset, and then stargaze afterwards. The VIS offers a movie about an hour before sunset, and then you can walk outside and look at the...More

We visited the center just for the star gazing program. We did not go up to the summit. The visitor center is at about 10,000 feet elevation so you may experience some altitude sickness. Star gazing is on specific nights every week so make sure...More