Mauna Kea Observatories

The otherworldly landscape of Hawaii's highest summit is ideal for stargazing

At 13,796 feet above sea level, Mauna Kea has the highest summit in the state of Hawaii. 

Its altitude and climate conditions make it ideal for stargazing, so there are 13 independent, multi-national astronomical research facilities located there … which means that you, too, can see the stars almost as well as the scientists can. 

The observatories at the summit are private, but you can check out the free stargazing program at the Visitor’s Center every night and the escorted summit tours on Saturdays and Sundays.