Nightly Stargazing Activities

Looking to see some stars on Maunakea? Join us at the Maunakea Visitor Information Station (VIS) at ~ 9200 ft/ 2800 m on any night for a spectacular view of stars, constellations, satellites, and more (weather permitting). Due to our location, most nights you’ll find us above the clouds and nearly touching the stars, but you’re always welcome to check out the weather forecast for the mountain. Don’t want to drive at night? Come check us out during the day for a spectacular view of the island!

The VIS is open from 9 am to 9 pm, 365 days a year. This includes, the gift shop, the exhibit area, the flushing toilets, and the availability of our staff. There is no registration, entrance, or parking fees to come up to the VIS.

If you decide to come to the VIS past business hours, please make sure you adhere to the UH Rules and Regulations of no camping, sleeping, or starting fires. See the full list of Rules to Abide by on Maunakea.

What is there to do at the VIS?

During the day you are welcome to enjoy our gift shop and exhibit hall, take a short walk through our ʻĀhinahina (Silversword) enclosure, take a slightly longer walk to Puʻukalepeamoa (Sunset Hill), or simply enjoy the views from the VIS and talk with our staff and the rangers.

Most people come in the evening to enjoy an astonishing sunset view from Pu’ukalepeamoa and then stick around after twilight ends to watch the stars fill the sky. Don’t forget to check the moon illumination and our weather before coming up!

Although we do not have any formal nighttime programs at the VIS, you are still welcome to stop by and look up. After twilight ends the VIS staff will step outside and give a laser guided presentation. Topics will vary depending on VIS staff and time of year. Enjoy presentations about Greek constellations, Hawaiian starlines, Wayfinding (Hawaiian Navigation), important objects and discoveries in space, astrophotography, or take part in some Q&A about Maunakea and astronomy to get those burning questions answered! Please do keep in mind that this is weather and staff dependent.

Are there telescopes at the VIS in the evening?

There are no public use telescopes at the VIS. We halted our nightly telescope program in 2019 due to safety concerns and overcrowding that was causing environmental damage.

If you are interested in looking through telescopes you can check out our once-a-month free event. This event has limited capacity and does require a reservation. See the Telescope Experience at the VIS for more information.

Is there food/drinks at the VIS?

There are small snacks for purchase, upon availability. There is no hot cocoa, coffee, or other beverages beside water.

When bringing your own food and drink to Maunakea, please make sure to properly dispose of it in our trash cans. Maunakea is a delicate ecosystem; any food or drink dumped on our grounds invites invasive species that destroy our ecosystem.

Open flames are not permitted on Maunakea due to the fire hazard, so please leave your camping stoves at home!

Heading to the summit of Maunakea?

Make sure to check the weather, rules, and safety guidelines before driving up.

Arrive at the VIS early. We encourage you to arrive 1.5 - 2 hours before sunset to ensure you acclimate appropriately and have enough time to drive to the summit.

Please keep in mind that during holiday seasons and school breaks we have an increased amount of visitors that often create long lines heading to the summit. Be prepared to wait.

See the full list of restrictions and safety guidelines.

I have a few more questions, who can I call?

• VIS Phone (9 am to 9 pm HST): (808) 934-4550
• Maunakea Weather Hotline: (808) 935-6268. This is an automated hotline.
• Ranger Emergency Line: (808) 960-2952. Please only call this number if you are experiencing a minor emergency while on Maunakea.
• For major emergencies call 911.

Happy viewing!