W.M. Keck Observatory


Lodging

VSQ Bedroom VSQ Kitchen Common Area Bath

 

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Content

Policies

Reservations

Room Rates

Check-in

Amenities

Transportation

Additional Lodging

VSQ (Visiting Scientist Quarters)

The VSQ is a lodging facility for working observers, located on the WMKO headquarters campus. There are 10 bed/bath suites and a Common building. The Common building includes a self-service kitchen, dining area, office, laundry, TV and game lounge.

Alternate lodging
Observers may choose to stay off site, see details below.

Policies

  • No smoking.
  • Infants and children under 16 years of age are not allowed to stay in VSQ Rooms.
  • Check-in 5:00pm --- Checkout 2:30pm.
    • Early arrivals, late departures may use the Common building.
  • A maximum of 3 rooms per observing team when demand is high.
  • Confirmed reservations subject to cancellation.
  • VSQ House Rules

Reservations

  • VSQ Reservation Request Form
  • Reservation requests should be submitted as early as possible.
    • Requests received less than 14 days before arrival, lose priority.
  • Submit a separate reservation request for each team member.
  • Credit card confirmation is required to complete room request.
    • MasterCard, Visa and Amex are accepted.
    • Card is charged at check out. Receipt is emailed to observer.
  • Review your VSQ Confirmation receipt for access code to observing wing and VSQ Commons.

Room Rate

  • $125.00 per night inclusive of taxes (no meals).

Location

65-1120 Mamalahoa Hwy.
Kamuela, Hawaii, 97843
USA

map of headquarters

Phone: 808-885-7887

Business Office Hours

WMKO headquarters is located in the town of Waimea (Kamuela post office) on the island of Hawaii. WMKO headquarters is adjacent to a shopping center and within walking distance of restaurants, post office, banks, lodging and hospital.

Check in / Check out

  • Traditional reception services are not available.
  • Prior to arrival, it is the observer's responsibility to review the VSQ Confirmation receipt by email for access code to Observing wing and VSQ Commons. Or call VSQ coordinator during business hours to gain access.
  • NEW! Room assignments will be emailed at 4:00pm on day of check-in.
  • Check in time is 5:00pm. Early arrivals may use the Commons building.
    • Upon entry to VSQ room - flip sign on the front door to room to indicate check in.
  • Check out time is 2:30pm. Late departures may use the Commons building.
    • Upon departure from VSQ room - flip sign on the front door to indicate check out.

Amenities

  • Room
    • Queen bed
    • TV
    • Wi-Fi
    • Alarm clock
    • Telephone (local calls only)
  • Common Building
    • Kitchen
    • Pre/Post Observing office
    • TV
    • Washer/Dryer
    • Beach gear

Transportation

  • Air - most visitors fly into Kona Airport.
    • Kona Airport (KOA) is a 38 mile, 45 minute drive to WMKO HQ
    • Hilo Airport (ITO) is a 58 mile, 1 hour and 45 minute drive to WMKO HQ.
  • Car rental - most major car rental companies serve both Kona and Hilo airports.
    • Reserve early, cars can be sold out during holidays and special events.
  • See Transportation webpage for more details on alternative transportation.

Additional Lodging Options

   

For questions concerning VSQ accommodations email vsq@keck.hawaii.edu

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2021Jul15 gm