Where is Mauna Kea Summit,Hilo, Hawaii?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Mauna Kea Summit is located in Hawaii, USA on the Big Island. It lies between Hilo and Kailua-Kona and is situated in the Hawaiian volcanic region. It is famous for being the tallest mountain in Hawaii and a world-class site for stargazing and observatories.

Mauna Kea Summit Location Map,Hilo, Hawaii

Top Attractions Inside Mauna Kea Summit

  • Mauna Kea Observatories – World-class astronomical observatories offering stargazing and tours.
  • Sunset & Sunrise Views – Breathtaking vistas from the summit of Hawaii’s highest peak.
  • Visitor Information Station – Educational exhibits and acclimatization before ascending to the summit.
  • Mauna Kea Summit Trail – Hiking opportunities showcasing volcanic landscapes and panoramic views.
  • Snow and Ice (Seasonal) – Rare snowfall providing unique alpine scenery in Hawaii.
  • Cultural Sites – Sacred Hawaiian sites and historical markers near the summit.
  • Stargazing Programs – Evening programs with telescopes and astronomy guides for celestial observation.

Mauna Kea Summit Facts

Official NameMauna Kea Summit
LocationHilo / Hawaii Island, Hawaii, USA
Latitude & Longitude19.8207° N, 155.4681° W (approx.)
Total AreaSummit area within Mauna Kea Science Reserve and Mauna Kea Access Roads
EstablishedDesignated as Mauna Kea Science Reserve in 1968; summit preserved for cultural and scientific purposes
FounderState of Hawaii / University of Hawaii (for observatories)
Managed ByUniversity of Hawaii, Mauna Kea Observatories, and State of Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources
RegionHawai‘i Island / Big Island, Hawaii
AddressMauna Kea Summit, Saddle Road / Mauna Kea Access Rd, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Zip Code96720
Area Code808
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneHawaii-Aleutian Time (HST) – UTC−10 (no daylight saving)
Theme / ConceptVolcanic Summit, Astronomy, Cultural Preservation, Hiking, Scenic Vistas, Snow in Winter
Sections (Areas)Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station - Summit Access Road - Science Reserve / Observatories - Pu‘u Wēkiu (highest peak) - Alpine Desert Zones
Famous AttractionsMauna Kea Observatories - Pu‘u Wēkiu Summit - Sunset & Stargazing - Snow Activities (seasonal) - Cultural Sites
Annual VisitorsApprox. 75,000–100,000
Entry Fee TypeFree public access; observatory tours may require reservation and fees
Ticket Price RangeObservatory Tours: ~$25–$50 per person depending on tour
Ticket OptionsGuided Summit Tours - Stargazing Programs - Visitor Center Programs - Self-Guided Scenic Viewing
Best Time to VisitApril–October (clear weather, best for stargazing); Winter months for occasional snow
Nearby AirportHilo International Airport (ITO) – ~50 miles (80 km); Kona International Airport (KOA) – ~90 miles (145 km)
TransportationCar access via Saddle Road & Mauna Kea Access Road - Guided tour vans - Hiking trails - Visitor center shuttles
Official Websitehttps://www.maunakea.com/

Distances from Mauna Kea Summit to Nearby Landmarks

  • Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Mauna Kea Observatory – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Onizuka Center for International Astronomy – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Mauna Kea Access Road Entrance – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Waimea, HI – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Hilo, HI – 75 km (46.6 mi)
  • Hamakua Coast – 80 km (49.7 mi)
  • Pololu Valley Lookout – 120 km (74.6 mi)
  • Akaka Falls State Park – 85 km (52.8 mi)
  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – 130 km (80.8 mi)
  • Kohala Mountains – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Kohala Coast Resorts – 60 km (37.3 mi)
  • Mauna Loa Summit – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Pu’u Huluhulu – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Mauna Kea Ice Age Trail – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Waipi’o Valley – 150 km (93.2 mi)
  • Honokaa, HI – 90 km (55.9 mi)
  • Kilauea Visitor Center – 135 km (83.9 mi)
  • Puu Oo Crater – 140 km (87 mi)
  • Hawai‘i Belt Road (Route 200) – 10 km (6.2 mi)