Way cool stop after our guided tour of the caldera rim and a short hike from the rim. Drinks are…read moreavailable and JUST what I needed. I'm not used to the altitude or using this much energy at this altitude. The gift shop has a good variety for what you will likely need. There are park rangers to answer your questions. I fond just standing back and listening in, there is a lot to learn!

The visitor center had historically been the first venue you come across when arriving to the park…read more Now that it is under construction, you are diverted to the former military facility that has barracks for rent. There are still guides there to greet you and manage the Junior Rangers program and to instruct you of the hazards associated with the active volcano.

I already reviewed this business but will again. Love, love, loved it! Our guide was amazing,…read moreknowledgeable & friendly cool guy who has actually lived In valley & build some homes there. He knew all about history, agriculture, you name it! Awesome! Thanks again for allowing me to review!

The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station, located at an elevation of 9,200 ft above sea level, is…read moremanaged and operated by the University of Hawai'i. Currently, the University of Hawai'i Institute for Astronomy also co-manages Mauna Kea Observatories. Mauna Kea Observatories is a group of ten independent astronomical research institutions. These non-profit institutions from various nations operate telescopes atop Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawai'i. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ASTRO DAY 2026 Presented by Mauna Kea Observatories 10am-4pm on Saturday, May 2, 2026 At Prince Kuhio Plaza I seriously became immersed with interest and curiosity for over 2+ hours, visiting nine of many participants spread throughout the plaza. I started at 9:40am and ended well past noon. Interacting, watching demonstrations, speaking to passionate and knowledgeable individuals. To actual professionals of the industry, with students and volunteers as well. In full awe and amazement, learning as an adult alongside kids who were with their parents. I couldn't have asked for a better Saturday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ W.M. Keck Observatory explained how infrared astronomy allows their telescopes to see through cosmic dust and gas found in galaxies. I watched as infrared radiation or heat was shown on their tablet through a demonstration. I selected a galaxy print that was carved out from a calendar as it was quickly transformed into a button by members of the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station. Personalizing a bookmark from the International Gemini Observatory, the meaning of this educational material was shared to myself and others with astronomical and Hawai'i values combined. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park had me view ash and Pele's hair through a magniscope, residue from an actual volcanic eruption on our island. I also saw a camera which got too close to the heat of magma and melted. Shared surface = shared energy by the University of Hawai'i Department of Physics & Astronomy. A cool and effective demonstration with metronomes. I was told Snoopy went onboard the NASA ARTEMIS I mission, and was given a NASA Solar System activity pack from the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy. I remember vividly the visit to my school by Hawai'i astronaut, Ellison Onizuka. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I spoke to a Hilo High School student about their robotics team and how they build, code and operate robots for official competitions. I watched a robot controlled + in-action by those who built it. A student at the Hawai'i Science Tech Museum table explained to me the difference between VEX IQ, VRC and VEX V5 robotics material systems used for different age groups. Similar to BattleBots on TV, I cheered with the crowd as two grade school students went into robotics combat. From various sponsors including Imiloa Astronomy Center, I received a commemorative Mauna Kea coin featuring a winning design by a Pāhoa student. Before leaving, Thelma Parker Memorial Public Library from Kamuela offered me a NASA@My Library packet. It brought me joy to see our community in a purposeful gathering, united by a goal to build relationships and exchange knowledge. Connecting expertise of all levels, a diverse group of participants and attendees of all ages fostering a collaborative environment. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ As a supporter of astronomy in Hawai'i, I have a deep appreciation for Mauna Kea Observatories. As a current resident who was born and raised on the Big Island, there's also respect for the rich culture of Hawai'i and for Mauna Kea. A dormant volcano and sacred mountain that has meaning to many, standing 13,796 ft above sea level. I believe balance is possible, a compromise moving forward. For the cultural significance of Mauna Kea connecting with science and technology. Respectfully, in harmony. To an industry that has a huge economic impact to this island, to our State. Positive and empowering. Giving back, inspiring and educating the community in more ways than ASTRO DAY 2026.

This was my 2nd time to the Big Island and 3rd attempt to see the stars. (Too much fog) The night…read morebefore we attempted to see the sunset but we missed it by 2 cars. The line was very backed up to get up to the summit because they had closed the road before, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to make it up to the summit. It was our last night on the Big Island and we rented a 4x wheel drive car just for this adventure for the day. So we woke up very early the next morning and saw the sunrise. It was beautiful! We were up at the visitor center at 4:15am and saw so many stars!!! The drive up to the summit isn't too bad, just make sure your body can handle the extreme elevation.

What an overload for the senses. There are trails of all lengths and difficulty so plan well. Bring…read morelots of water, closed toed shoes and pack food if you plan to make a day of it. The view of the active volcano is spectacular and the rangers are helpful with answering any questions. The parking is sufficient although you may have to drive around for a moment if it's busy. We did the long hike and it was rigorous, but not impossible as long as you do not have mobility issues. There are stairs and steps at the beginning and the end, but walking across the lava field is amazing. Follow the rock formations for your directions. At the end, we wanted to wash our hands, but the only place for a sink is in the volcano house. All other areas are just out houses so plan accordingly. Every purchase in the gift shops supports the Rangers and the park so be kind and pick up an item or two and even feel free to give an additional donation when you check out. There are not many gas stations on the road to the volcano coming from the south around the bottom of the island. However, gas is cheaper when you do find it then you may find in Kona.

Amazing Must hike…read morethe volcano crater One of the few places you can hike on a real volcano crater Do not miss on the Big island

In the Summit District, the 11.7 mile point-to-point Sliding Sands to Halemau'u Thru Hike is…read moreincredible--plan ahead to have someone pick you up on the other side. For the first 2/3, it's all downhill and makes for a great trail run. The way up is strenuous, but manageably short and most definitely worth it. Incredible views and you literally get to be above the clouds. Would highly recommend this hike when visiting this area of the park.

Highly recommended! Pictures don't do it justice…read more It costs $30 if you don't have a park pass. The drive to the observatory is beautiful and so is the sunset. If you are going to watch the sunset, dress warm. It's cold up there!!! You will be 10,000 feet high. There are bathrooms and you can bring food and chairs while you wait for the sunset. There are a lot of people that go so make sure to come earlier for parking.

Great place to try some free macadamia nuts!…read more I didn't realize how many flavors of macadamia nuts were available. The staff was super friendly and generous on giving away samples. Nice tour of the factory, gift shop and small eating area. The back has a nice wildlife sanctuary.

Everybody knows the infamous blue box of Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut…read more While this blue box might not be as expensive as Tiffany's, your recipient will be just as thrilled receiving this box. Mauna Loa is a premier Hawaiian brand famous for pairing dry-roasted macadamia nuts with rich chocolates. Founded in 1949 and based on the Big Island of Hawaii beneath its namesake volcano, the company is now owned by Hawaiian Host, Inc. Come here, buy some chocolates, do a tour, have some samples, and have fun.

Very cool experience to walk through 2 caves…read more Bring a flashlight / headlamp. Your phone flashlight won't be as strong but can work if you have no options. Ideal shoes would be hiking boots but gym shoes will work. There are steep steps going down and then uneven rocks until the cave. The cave is uneven as well. Parking: maybe room for 10 cars, so parking could be difficult. When we went around 1pm on a Saturday, we didn't have a problem. Park and walk across the street to enter. Bathrooms: I did see some. Didn't use them though.

When we went it was on and off raining. The stairs are quite steep- down to the two caves. One on…read morethe right and one on the left. If you have trouble with balance etc. you should consider waiting in the car as the caves were wet and slippery. Was just accross the street from the parking lot. We were there for about 1/2 an hour. And it's FREE! I enjoyed seeing what the lava had created. We went to the volcano after this. Recommend flashlights and at least one head lamp. Phone lights are just too little!

This is a NPS managed site that protects the ancient fish traps and fish catch ponds. centuries old…read more, all by hand to catch fish that come in on the tides to feed. One Way traps. A marvel to imagine

Always stop and spend time here when I'm here, serene and spiritual setting. Much of the area is…read moreposted as off-limits because of historical reverence , but unfortunately many tourists I've seen treat it as a disposable Disneyland and walk right past the signs, no respect.

Not sure how to review this. It's a lookout area. Plenty of parking. Area is well kept. It has…read moreamazing views of Waipio Valley.

This sacred and historic valley lookout is always worth a stop. If the weather is good, the views…read morewill be spectacular. Only went to the look out and didn't go down as of respect for the locals. There is a shelter with restrooms and a grill. Saw people having a picnic. Parking is on the street with paved path to the look out.

The other one-star reviews are spot-on…read more We spent more time in the dirty, stinky van, and waiting for the dirty stinky band, than we did in the wagon. The van's transmission warning light was on, my seat belt wouldn't latch, and three of the four tires were beat up and bald. For your own safety, please pick a different company. I'm sad to have to give a negative review and try to give people the benefit of the doubt when at all possible, but putting guest safety at risk like this is never acceptable.

There isn't anything more to say that Dave G. hasn't covered. So I will break my learnings down in…read morebullet points: *Fascinating history of Hawaii and why Waipio Valley went from the Valley of the Kings with a population of 3,000 to the sparsely populated land where only 50-75 Hawaiians reside today. *If you have back problems or are prone to back problems and pinched nerves, you may want to skip this tour. It's bumpy, the road down the valley is steep enough to make an atheist start getting religious. *Spray lots of OFF on your exposed body parts. There are many, many critters all too eager to feast on fresh blood, haole and otherwise. So either wear long pants or douse yourself in OFF. *It's windy at the lookout so dress in layers, light jacket or windbreaker will do. *Bathroom outside the Neptune Garden/Last Chance store is clean but bring your own toilet seat cover. *Minor detail but the website lists the meeting point address as 48-5300 Kuikuihaele Road, Honokaa, HI. We entered it in our GPS and couldn't find it because it's actually 48-5300 Kukuihaele Road, Honokaa, HI. Bonus points if you can spot the error. *Mules are smarter than horses and can pull heavier loads. Being called an ass, not so bad. *Taro is hard to grow and harvest. Appreciate your poi and taro chips for they are lovingly grown by earnest Hawaiians, one of whom is our tour guide Li'a. *Tip Bob and Li'a. These two guides are doing their part to keep the old Hawaiian spirit and culture alive so help these brah's out. *The tour lasts about 1 1/2 hours and the drive from either side of the island can take 1-2 hours one way. Grab some malasadas from Tex Drive-In on your way into the valley and stop by Jolene's for local food and Hamakua Fudge for dessert to end your day. *Lastly, show respect and pay reverence to the old Hawaii that you won't see in these Disneyfied resorts or urbanized enclaves of Hilo Hatties and ABC stores.