Experts' Choice Award Mauna Kea
What the experts agree on
Hawaii's tallest peak offers some of Earth's best stargazing from 13,796 feet, home to world-class observatories with pristine, pollution-free skies. The summit is sacred to Native Hawaiians and surprisingly gets winter snow.
“Earth's tallest volcano is sacred to Native Hawaiians, and home to a dozen world-class observatories. ”
– Atlas Obscura
Lonely Planet "Hawaii's highest peak... has a cluster of observatory domes, containing what is considered the greatest collection of astronomical telescopes in the world."
Afar Magazine "You will see all 11 observatories from 13 countries with telescopes pointing toward the heavens." Full review
Lonely Planet "The site is on the Mauna Kea Trail, 1 mile and 650ft below its intersection with the Lake Waiʻau trail. It's a registered National Historic Landmark and considered a sacred place." Full review
Where "Who would have thought that there is a word in the Hawaiian language for snow? The frosts of winter can actually be found here at the summit of Mauna Kea, the highest point in the state." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"Certainly, you're close-when measured from its base on the ocean floor, Mauna Kea reaches an amazing 13,796 feet!" Full review
Frommer's "One of the best places on earth for astronomical observations, thanks to its location in the tropics, pollution-free skies, and pitch-black nights." Full review
"There's also a brand new spa compound, 'Spa at Mauna Kea,' featuring a swimming pool and hot tub for spa guests, along with 11 treatment rooms. There are also male and female steam and..."
National Geographic "The Milky Way can clearly be seen over the Mauna Kea Observatory on the Big Island, Hawaii. Mauna Kea, the roof of Hawaii on the Big Island and sacred to the native culture, is home to a..."
Lonely Planet "It is breathless and breath-taking in the rarefied air of Mauna Kea, Hawai'i's most sacred location. Once the sun goes down, the stars come out, and with them telescopes for your viewing..."
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National Geographic "Mauna Kea's visitor center, which also serves as a base camp for the W. M. Keck Observatory, offers nightly stargazing programs. At an elevation of 9,200 ft., this observation area is..."
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