Maunakea VIS

Maunakea VIS The Maunakea Visitor Information Station is OPEN! New hours: 9am - 9pm, daily. We are currently suspending our free stargazing due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station is located on Maunakea, located at the 9,200 foot (2,800 meter) level, provides health and safety information and education about Maunakea. Due to the hazards of altitude sickness, pregnant women, persons in poor health, and children under 13 should NOT venture above the Visitor Information Station. Drivers are required to

use 4-wheel drive vehicles above the VIS because the road to the summit is unpaved, rough, and quite steep. Those traveling to the summit should always used 4WD Low Range to reduce brake failure and overheating. Vehicles must be clean of mud and dirt to prevent the spread of invasive species on the mountain. Crowding during evenings: Please be aware of the possibility of long lines and scarce parking at the Visitor Information Station on any evening. We are unable to predict volume on any particular day. Summit Access Road conditions: Maunakea weather varies widely and sometimes very quickly. The latest road and weather information, as well as road closure criteria, are available at the Center for Maunakea Stewardship website or call +1 (808) 935-6268 for a recorded phone message (updated as conditions change). Alcohol and smoking are prohibited on Maunakea Visitor Station grounds.

Our thoughts are with friends and family on Kauai as we have an unexpected moment of clearing here on Maunakea. (Venus s...
09/08/2026

Our thoughts are with friends and family on Kauai as we have an unexpected moment of clearing here on Maunakea. (Venus shining after sunset) 🌅

09/06/2026

Because of all the weather from the super El Ninõ we are experiencing bad visibility and road closures due to heavy fog and clouds. Check http://mkwc.ifa.hawaii.edu/forecast/mko/ for updates

CMS Rangers sent images of the damage to the access road above Hale Pohaku. This after extensive rebuilding after the re...
08/17/2026

CMS Rangers sent images of the damage to the access road above Hale Pohaku. This after extensive rebuilding after the recent Kona low storms of a few months ago.

The Maunakea Access Road had suffered a lot of damage from Hurricane Lala. The downed trees have been cleared but the gr...
08/16/2026

The Maunakea Access Road had suffered a lot of damage from Hurricane Lala. The downed trees have been cleared but the gravel section will need extensive repairs and will be closed to all for a few days at least. As of the writing Hale Pohaku is without power like a great deal of the island

MKSS Rangers report that a fallen tree is blocking the summit access road above Mana Rd for a span of 30-40 feet, DOT ha...
08/15/2026

MKSS Rangers report that a fallen tree is blocking the summit access road above Mana Rd for a span of 30-40 feet, DOT has been notified. High winds, fog and rain continue on the summit. Shelter in place and stay safe, everyone

The Tanabata Block Party is returning for another year of free, family-friendly fun! Join us for this unique event that ...
08/10/2026

The Tanabata Block Party is returning for another year of free, family-friendly fun! Join us for this unique event that celebrates the beauty of Japanese tradition alongside the wonder of modern science.

📍 North Aʻohoku Place, Hilo
🗓 August 22, 2026, 4-9 pm

This year's event is bigger than ever! Enjoy a wide variety of food trucks, Taiko drumming performances, Tanabata storytelling, Bon dance lessons, evening stargazing, booths with hands-on science activities, and behind-the-scenes tours of the UH Institute for Astronomy, Subaru Telescope, and Gemini North Telescope base facilities.

🔗 Learn more about the 2026 Tanabata Block Party at bit.ly/TanabataBlockParty-26


Stars? Maybe, maybe not. We got rainbows though…
08/10/2026

Stars? Maybe, maybe not. We got rainbows though…

Beautiful full moon plume from episode 52 tonight
07/29/2026

Beautiful full moon plume from episode 52 tonight

07/28/2026

Heavy Load!! (These guys have serious skills)

06/16/2026

Maunakea standing watch over Hilo One this morning. (Plus your correspondent’s dog arguing with some waves)
“There are three names for Hilo. They are Hilo One (Sandy Hilo), Hilo Palikū (Steep Cliff Hilo), and Hilo Hanakahi (Hilo of Chief Hanakahi). Hilo One and Hilo Hanakahi are often heard in song. Hilo One is the fine sandy beach of Hilo Bay.

Hilo Palikū is the cliff section of Hilo north of Wailuku River, the river flowing from Waiānuenue Falls.”
From https://kawaiola.news/columns/ka-naauao-o-na-kupuna/the-hilos-the-konas-the-kohalas/ #:~:text=Hilo%20One%20and%20Hilo%20Hanakahi,river%20flowing%20from%20Wai%C4%81nuenue%20Falls.

Address

Mauna Kea Access Road
Hilo, HI
96720

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 9pm
Tuesday 9am - 9pm
Wednesday 9am - 9pm
Thursday 9am - 9pm
Friday 9am - 9pm
Saturday 9am - 9pm
Sunday 9am - 9pm

Telephone

+18089344550

Website

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