|
|
| |
.
| Requests |
It is possible to arrange a daytime visit to Keck Observatory for observers working from Waimea. Summit Visits are scheduled on weekdays at 1:00pm (no holidays or weekends).
Tours are scheduled well in advance to accommodate our operations and research priorities. Please relay your request for an observatory visit via the “Comments” field when submitting your Observing Request form from the Observer Portal or from the VSQ Lodging Reservation form.
| Guidelines |
Good health is a prerequisite to spending time on Maunakea. Please familiarize yourself with the high altitude health information and consult your personal physician with any issues or concerns.
For your safety, your summit visit must be scheduled 24 hours before or 48 hours after an observing run. Summit visits are an all day event, thus they are not permitted during any day on which you are scheduled to observe. If you request a summit tour, please plan your travel days accordingly.
Visitors must be prepared for last minute cancellations due to hazardous weather conditions or other emergencies. The interior of the telescope domes are kept chilled to match the evening ambient temperatures near freezing. It is important to dress appropriately with layers, long pants, covered low heel shoes, heavy coat, UV filtering sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Observers must supply their own four-wheel drive vehicle (4WD) to transport themselves to the observatory. Most rental car companies restrict driving on the Maunakea Access dirt road, so be sure to verify with your rental company whether the vehicle can be taken to the summit of Maunakea. Harper Car & Truck Rental and Big Island Jeep Rental allow driving on these roads. See Transportation for more information.
There are important guidelines to follow when driving to Maunakea. The summit access road is winding, steep and dangerous. There are grades up to 17% on the roads. ALWAYS USE LOW GEAR when heading downhill to avoid brake failure. Maunakea weather can deteriorate rapidly and ice, snow, fog or high winds can happen anytime of the year. Follow all posted warnings. Take it slow, be safe and don't take chances!
Road Conditions and Closure: For information related to road closure and road conditions, please call 808-935-6268 for daily updates or see Maunakea Road Conditions.
Health and Safety Advisories: For additional information regarding Health and Safety Advisories and visiting Maunakea, see Maunakea Visitor Information Station website.
The Keck Observatory Visitor Gallery is open to the public Monday - Friday from 9:30a - 2:00p.
| Maps |
Big Island map from Kona airport to WMKO
Traveling to Mauna Kea from:
Waimea map * Kona map * Hilo map
Mid Level (base camp) map
*Note: The saddle road entrance at the 6mm has been changed; it is now at the 14mm, 2 miles South of the Waikoloa road junction.
