Summit of Maunakea

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Your tour begins at the pier where you'll board an air-conditioned 4x4 van and drive through historic downtown Hilo, passing Rainbow Falls, the Mauna Loa lava flows and the Kipuka Pu'u Huluhulu Native Tree Sanctuary, en route to Maunakea on a new scenic highway.

Maunakea is a sacred place with an ancient history, cultural sites and unique beauty created by fire and ice. The ancient Hawaiians considered Maunakea home of Poli'ahu, the snow goddess, and used the mountain as a burial site of high chiefs.

Today, the mountain is the world's premier site for astronomy. Your first stop on the mountain is the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy where we will acclimate on the way up and have lunch on the way down. They also have a store with a wide range of warm and cold beverages, snacks and souvenirs.

From the center, you'll re-board the van for the ride up to the summit at 13,796 feet above sea level and the Keck Observatory Visitor Gallery. Bring your camera for views unlike any other throughout the islands. As this tour travels to almost 14,000 feet in elevation, plesae read the Special Notes section before booking.

We'll head back to the Onizuka Visitor Center for a picnic-style lunch before returning to the pier where your ship awaits you.

Special Notes:

Minimum age is 16 years old and maximum weight is 250 lbs. Approximately 2 hours of this tour are spent at an elevation of 9,000 feet and 30 minutes at an elevation of almost 14,000 feet above sea level. Your picnic lunch is served at an elevation of approximately 9,200 feet. Guests must be in good health and be able to walk briskly unaided at least 100 yards. Guests with heart or respiratory conditions, who have recently scuba dived or pregnant women may be risking serious health issues and turnaround of the tour before reaching the summit. The tour operator reserves the right to refuse participation to anyone who seems likely to have difficulty at high altitude. There are no medical services near Maunakea.

Weather conditions can close the road to Maunakea or Keck Observatory without warning. The observatory may close on short notice for maintenance. In instances when weather will not allow the opening of the road to the summit of Maunakea, you will be advised on the day and offered the option to cancel.

Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots. Warm jackets are provided, but dress appropriately as it is chilly at the summit.