Visitor Information
Daily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
VIS Phone: (808) 934-4550
Come join us tonight(1/29) at 7pm for Shadow the Scientist at the VIS with Jameeka Marshall.
In this session, featuring special guest Laura-May Abron of Griffith Observatory, participants will explore the night sky while learning how amateur observing closely mirrors professional astronomy. From planning targets and assessing sky conditions to collecting and interpreting light, the fundamentals of observing are the same, only the scale changes.
We’ll begin with naked-eye and binocular targets to highlight how wide-field views and sky awareness are essential at all levels of astronomy, then transition to deep-sky observing with the Seestar S50, where features like automated pointing, tracking, and live stacking demonstrate techniques shared with professional observatories. We’ll observe planets, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies while learning how concepts such as exposure time, signal-to-noise, and image quality connect amateur stargazing to professional science.
Rangers providing safety briefing for hikers
All visitors should follow Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules, Title 20, entitled "Public and Commercial Activities on Mauna Kea Lands," when visiting Maunakea.
The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is located just down the street from CMS offices. ‘Imiloa is a gathering place that advances the integration of science and indigenous culture with a world-class stereoscopic 3D planetarium, visitor center, and Sky Garden restaurant. It is open Tuesdays - Sundays (closed Mondays).
The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station (VIS) on Maunakea is open every day of the year from 9am to 9pm at the 9,200 foot (2,804 meter) level. They provide health, safety, and other information about Maunakea.
Please view the public safety page before going up to Maunakea to understand the risks associated with high elevation. The Maunakea: Heritage and Natural Resources Guide shares additional information about Maunakea.
View of Visitor Information Station and Halepōhaku Mid-level facilities from above
Experience University of Hawaiʻi managed lands on Maunakea from anywhere with this flyover 3D-perspective animation.
Perspective Maps of Maunakea
Each map is linked to a high-resolution .jpg image file.
Halepōhaku
Astronomy Precinct
Looking north from Maunaloa towards Maunakea
