Is Mauna Kea summit tour worth it?

My visit to the summit of Mauna Kea was perhaps the most inspiring excursion I’ve ever taken. The sunset from there is MUCH different than the sunset at sea level. To me, the expense was definitely worth it. We have only done the star gazing at the Vistor’s Center.

What is found on the summit of Mauna Kea?

Mauna Kea does not have a visible summit caldera, but contains a number of small cinder and pumice cones near its summit. It stands 4,207.3 m (13,803 ft) above sea level, about 38 m (125 ft) higher than its neighbor Mauna Loa, and is the highest point in the state of Hawaii.

How much does it cost to visit Mauna Kea?

2020 Price- $238.75 plus taxes and fees.

How long does it take to drive from Mauna Kea Visitor Center to summit?

about 2 hours
Maunakea is one of the only places in the world where you can drive from sea level to 14,000 feet in about 2 hours, so altitude sickness is a high possibility.

Is Mauna Kea bigger than Mount Everest?

Mount Everest’s peak is the highest altitude above mean sea level at 29,029 feet [8,848 meters]. Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain from base to peak at more than 33,500 feet [10,210 meters].

Can you drive to the summit of Mauna Kea?

Q: Can you drive up to the MaunaKea summit? Yes, but not with any car and only during daylight hours. On the road from the visitor center to the summit only 4WD vehicles are allowed, and the summit is off-limits from half and hour after sunset. Read more about driving to the summit here.

Can I drive to Mauna Kea summit?

Is it cold in Mauna Kea?

The coldest places on the Hawaiian island chain are not on the very summits of its tallest volcanoes, Mauna Kea (19.82°N; 4,207 m) and Mauna Loa (19.48°N; 4,169 m), but within craters and caves with perennial ice.

Can you spend the night on Mauna Kea?

Q: Is going to the MaunaKea visitor center worth it? Yes! At 9,200ft (2,800m) elevation the visitor center is a great place for stargazing, especially if you visit during the free weekly stargazing events (currently unavailable due to COVID restrictions).

How to get to the summit of Mauna Kea?

If you are planning to visit the summit, we highly recommend that you stop at the Visitor Information Station (VIS) at 9,200 ft to receive a current weather update, safety information, and to adjust to the change in altitude.

How tall is Mauna Kea from sea level?

Join us on an epic adventure to one of the most amazing mountains in the world– Travel from sea level to the summit of Mauna Kea at 14,000 ft./4200 m. in one evening for trip that you’ll remember for a lifetime! Please be aware that the Onizuka Visitor’s Center is temporarily closed due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Are there any professional guides on Mauna Kea?

Professional Guides: As the pioneer guide service on Mauna Kea we have over 60 years of combined experience on the mountain. 4X4 Passenger vans: All Mercedes fleet. Large windows, custom-built coach-style seating where everybody gets a great view and plenty of room.

What kind of car can you drive to Mauna Kea?

Visitors are advised that only TRUE 4-wheel drive vehicles with LOW range may travel above the VIS. About 200 yards beyond the station, the pavement ends and the next five miles are a steep graded-gravel road. Before proceeding visitors should consult their rental vehicle company or review their contract concerning visiting the summit of Maunakea.