Mauna Kea Summit and Observatory, Big Island of Hawaii: How to Visit and What to Do Nearby

Mauna Kea rises 4,207 meters above sea level on the Big Island of Hawai'i, the tallest peak in the Hawaiian chain and, measured from its base on the ocean floor, the tallest mountain on Earth at over 10,000 meters. The summit hosts thirteen observatory domes operated by institutions from eleven countries, taking advantage of the dry, stable atmosphere above 40 percent of Earth's atmosphere. The Visitor Information Station at the 2,800-meter level offers free stargazing programs nightly. The summit road above this point requires four-wheel drive and gains 1,400 meters over 13 kilometers of unpaved switchbacks. is just one of many options in Big Island of Hawaii. Major attractions worth considering include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Waipio Valley, and Akaka Falls.