When the clouds cleared, Mauna Kea (the mountain with the star observatory) could be seen in all its glory. The views from the road up (accessed off the Saddle Road) were superb though. We didn't go on the hiking trails because they are really only suitable for committed hikers with experience at high (11,000+ ft) elevation. The reason to go here is the views from the drive up and the hiking trails at the top. The observatory is an atmospheric research facility, nothing to do with stars, and no public access. Many of the reviews of Mauna Loa Observatory that rave about it are really about Mauna Kea Observatory which has a visitor center, and you can drive to the summit although most Rental Car companies don't permit the drive on the Saddle Road.Īs other reviewers have said, Mauna Loa is the other, less talked about very tall mountain on the island. You can hike up to the summit, but research thoroughly before you hike. You also cannot drive to the summit, but about 3/4 of the way up because it is considered an active volcano and usually erupts every 10-15 years (has been quiet 30 years because of continuous Kilauea eruption). The ride is about an hour on a gravel road from the Saddle Road turnoff and so it is about 2 hours from Hilo.
Although you get nice views as you drive to the Observatory, the place itself is a working site. If your tour time is precious, don't waste it driving up Mauna "Loa". I am a retired science teacher, live in Hawaii, who has escorted students up several times to both observatories. Please go to both the NOAA site and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park sites before attempting the hike.the reward for a simple drive up to the Observatory is spectacular views of the massive ML lava flows of past times and amazing views of the other Volcanoes forming the Big Island, the NOAA visitor guide will give you plenty of other interesting lava tubes and formations to visit on the way, be warned that there are NO services, water or toilets of any kind.be prepared.ENJOY !!ĭon't get confused between "Mauna Kea" Observatory and "Mauna Loa" Observatory as some visitors are.
However that said the trail is well marked with stone cairns within sight of each other.but stick to the trail as ML has patches of impassable A'a lava that you do not want to get into.Īs with any other part of the Island and indeed the world.do not leave ANYTHING of value in your car while you hike. Leave early in the morning, four or six miles sounds s not, and you may experience altitude sickness.as happened to a VERY fit group of Euro kids I recently advised who left way too late intending to hike to the cabin but one girl was hit by sickness and they had to descend at night.a scary prospect. The NOAA website for this facility also contains a "Tour guide" with points of interest noted in miles and tenths from the Saddle road.Ī four wheel drive vehicle is NOT required to get to the Observatory however be warned that the "Road" marked on some maps from this point to the summit is a crude emergency route that would tax the most rugged vehicles and WILL destroy any car or 4x4 rental jeep in a short distance.and you will find locked gates long before reaching the caldera, if you make it that far.įor hikers.you are on your own.and should report any hike to the National Park Service at Kilauea before doing this and let your hotel or friends know what you are doing and your projected return time. This is a scientific outpost in a VERY remote area and is not open for casual visitors.however if you do some research and Googling around it is a NOAA facility and visits can be arranged specially for educational groups. The Observatory is at 11,500ft and a 4 mile to the Caldera, 6 mile to the summit hiking trail starts just past the Observatory.
Mauna LOA observatory is at the end of an 18 mile one lane, although recently reconditioned road, that goes off to the left of Saddle Road just before the Mauna Kea access road if you are coming from Hilo, just after if you are coming from Kona. Warning.some of these reviews refer to Mauna KEA which has a road to the top and can be easily visited with a rented 4x4.although some do experience the effects of altitude.
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