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
Hawaii Related Maps and Info
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 Name | Mauna Kea Summit |
| Location | Hilo / Hawaii Island, Hawaii, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | 19.8207° N, 155.4681° W (approx.) |
| Total Area | Summit area within Mauna Kea Science Reserve and Mauna Kea Access Roads |
| Established | Designated as Mauna Kea Science Reserve in 1968; summit preserved for cultural and scientific purposes |
| Founder | State of Hawaii / University of Hawaii (for observatories) |
| Managed By | University of Hawaii, Mauna Kea Observatories, and State of Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources |
| Region | Hawai‘i Island / Big Island, Hawaii |
| Address | Mauna Kea Summit, Saddle Road / Mauna Kea Access Rd, Hilo, HI 96720, USA |
| Zip Code | 96720 |
| Area Code | 808 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Hawaii-Aleutian Time (HST) – UTC−10 (no daylight saving) |
| Theme / Concept | Volcanic 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 Attractions | Mauna Kea Observatories - Pu‘u Wēkiu Summit - Sunset & Stargazing - Snow Activities (seasonal) - Cultural Sites |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 75,000–100,000 |
| Entry Fee Type | Free public access; observatory tours may require reservation and fees |
| Ticket Price Range | Observatory Tours: $25–$50 per person depending on tour |
| Ticket Options | Guided Summit Tours - Stargazing Programs - Visitor Center Programs - Self-Guided Scenic Viewing |
| Best Time to Visit | April–October (clear weather, best for stargazing); Winter months for occasional snow |
| Nearby Airport | Hilo International Airport (ITO) – 50 miles (80 km); Kona International Airport (KOA) – 90 miles (145 km) |
| Transportation | Car access via Saddle Road & Mauna Kea Access Road - Guided tour vans - Hiking trails - Visitor center shuttles |
| Official Website | https://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)
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