Top Things to do in Island of Hawaii
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The 7 Best Observatories & Planetariums in Island of Hawaii, Hawaii (HI)
Life on the Big Island is a little bit slower… and locals like it that way. The natural beauty and ecological features of the island are a draw for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Test your chutzpah at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the longest volcanic eruption in recorded history, or climb to the indescribably beautiful summit of Mauna Kea. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more refreshing than a quivering plate of fresh poke, followed by a fruity shave ice.
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1. Onizuka Astronomy Complex
2. Mauna Kea
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 311 reviews
Reviewed By Laura_Pandora - Minato, Japan
We almost didn't get to visit because of the protests but thankfully the access road reopened a couple of days before our arrival. The drive up to the visitor center poses no challenge. The road to the summit was closed that day because of (apparently) inclement weather conditions but we didn't have a 4WD anyway so it wasn't a big loss. Once you're at visitor center level, you absolutely need to climb the rocky outcrop across it or you'll be missing all the sights. It's a relatively easy hike and the (daytime) views from up there are magical.
3. Subaru Telescope
4. W.M. Keck Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By 415GeorgeH - San Jose, United States
We enjoyed the docent interaction at the Keck headquarters in Waimea, where it was possible to get insight into today's astronomy activities and the amazing work being performed with the optical systems on top of Mauna Kea. This trip we drove up to the mountain top (yes, you really do have to have 4WD), stopping the recommended 30 minutes at the 9,000 foot visitors center, and then proceeding to the 14,000 foot top where we were able to enter the Keck observatory visitor space and get a view of one of the two large telescopes. There are commercially available tours if you prefer to let someone else drive and have a guide along.
5. Mauna Loa Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
We are an atmospheric monitoring station that was established in 1956. Please visit our website to learn more about the atmospheric constituents that we monitor that can cause a forcing effect on our climate. We are a secure working facility with no unauthorized entry and we do not provide tours to the public. All Astronomy takes place on Mauna Kea and not on Mauna Loa so please make sure that your reviews are located under the correct attraction.
Reviewed By astromandsn
Being this high on an island in the middle of the ocean is really fun. I felt like I was back on peaks in Colorado. Don't drive it if you don't have a four-wheel drive---mostly that is to protect the road. If you are into astronomy, this is THE place to see. Also, stop in Waimea and go to the visitors center.
6. Mauna Kea Observatories
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By Geoff_Hughes_100 - Cumberland, United States
Suggest planning the date and time of your trip (if you have the luxury). Do a Google search to see if the road isn’t blocked by the protestors (there is no single website that tells you day to day - you just have to keep googling or checking recent reviews on TA) or because of weather conditions (yes it snows and winds can reach 130mph!!!). AND yes you need a 4x4 (or risk the rangers rounding you up and turning you back)..... With all that said - the view from the top is spectacular and very rarely can you find a spot in the US that you can drive to +13,000’!
7. Imiloa Astronomy Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 342 reviews
Reviewed By pocketneuroscientist
Very detailed exhibits are both kid-friendly and extremely detailed for all ranges of intellectual curiosity. I don't care much about astronomy and physics, and yet I found myself here for over 2.5 hours absorbing all of it. We went to the Skies Above Hawaii and Mauna Kea planetarium shows, and they were both different and fascinating. The Mauna Kea show was especially nice given that our Mauna Kea stargazing tour had gotten cancelled due to wind. The Skies Above Hawaii program is new, a live narration program given by a docent who is clearly loves her job.
