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Mauna Kea Observatories - Mauna Kea Summit Visit

Visiting Mauna Kea Observatories and Mauna Kea Summit 13,796 feet (4,200 m)

Mauna Kea summit can be conveniently reached from vacation homes on the Kohala Coast. You drive through Waimea town or through Waikoloa Village, take Hwy 190 in the direction to Saddle Rd. Saddle Rd leads to Mauna Kea access Rd. Now, car rental companies allow Saddle Rd. usage. Same applies to any other paved roads on the Big Island. It will take you about 1 - 1.5 hr driving time from Kawaihae area to the Mauna Kea Visitor Center.

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Driving on Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea is a very remote location. It has no public accommodations, food, or gasoline service. The observatory buildings are usually closed to the public. There are no permanent restrooms above the Visitor Information Station. The only public telephone above Hale Pohaku is an emergency phone in the entrance to the University of Hawaii 2.2-m Telescope building. Vehicles should be in good working condition with good brakes and sufficient fuel to return to Hilo or Waimea. Emergency services, including medical assistance, may be two hours away.

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