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    Recommended Reviews - Mauna Kea

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    Reviews With Photos

    Paul N.

    Make sure you do all your research on Mauna Kea prior to going! Best to book a tour with one of the many local companies, as they have trained professionals and tour guides who are knowledgeable about procedures and the history behind Mauna Kea. If you do go up on your own, you must have a 4-drive vehicle like a Jeep, and many rental car companies will not let you go up to Mauna Kea's summit, at least not beyond the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station (VIS). One thing to keep in mind that even during the summer months, it can and does get cold and freezing at the higher altitudes. I've been told that the summer months are much better in terms of making it to the summit of Mauna Kea than any other times of the year because of the weather conditions. You do have to spend at least 30 minutes at the VIS to acclimate to the higher altitudes prior to going to the summit. Best to bring plenty of water and snacks along with a beanie cap and mittens. You don't want to be like some crazy hikers whom we saw at the summit with only shorts and a shirt on (and barely any hiking gear on them)! And at that high an altitude, you don't want to move around too quickly due to lower levels of oxygen, and you might feel light-headed and a bit dazed at times.

    Rainbow driving to visitor center
    Nikki J.

    I am so glad I made it to Mauna Kea. I only went to the visitor center cause I was worried about altitude. 1st definitely take heed that it is cold even at the visitor center! It is also windy. I didn't bring gloves, but you'll definitely need those too. We arrived right in time for the sunset, it wasn't super crowded. It was beautiful to watch the sun disappear in the hills. It's also surreal that when you turn to the side opposite the sun, the landscape looks so different. Then, once the sunset the stars were an added bonus. You really can see them so clear, also beautiful. Pics were taken on my iPhone 13!

    Sunset
    Nicole F.

    We were hoping to catch the sunset and stars from the summit during our trip. We had several rainy days that were forecasted but still attempted to go and were so glad we did. It rained the majority of the drive to the volcano but once we started climbing higher we were above the clouds and the sun was shining. Once you arrive at the visitors center all cars are required to stop and check in here. If you are planning to go to the summit to watch the sunrise, you will need an all-wheel drive vehicle and an informational talk with the park ranger prior to your ascent. While we did have an all-wheel drive vehicle that could drive to the summit we chose to stay at the visitor's center. The workers at the visitor's center suggested this small "hike" up this hill to get the best view of the sunset, we did it and it was amazing. Afterwards we waited in our car and hung out at the visitor's center waiting for the sun to completely set so we can stargaze. The temperature drops quickly so be sure to bring warm layers, it was about 40 degrees at the visitors center once the sun was completely gone. Another reason why we forwent going to the summit was 30 minutes after the sunsets is when you have to depart down the mountain to the visitors center. If you want to stargaze, parking is at the visitor's center and started to fill up and eventually get full when everyone at the summit was coming down. Seeing the starts was beautiful. You can see the milky way with the naked eye. The visitor's center also had a scheduled little informational talk in where they talked about the ancient Hawaiians using the stars for navigation and pointed those out along with visible constellations. They used a laser pointer that pointed directly what they wanted you to look at. Totally worth a visit and this visit we did was free.

    Minie M.

    Great place to stop and aclimate yourself to 9000 ft altitude. Staff is welcoming and super helpful. ;-)

    Sydney C.

    Mauna Kea is the highest point in the state of Hawai'i. It's one of the only places in the world where you can drive from sea level to 14,000 feet in about two hours, so altitude sickness is very possible. It is highly recommended to do your research beforehand and stop by the visitor center before you head on up. We were glad we stopped by the visitor center to get information on how to use the different gears on our Jeep and when to switch from 4H/4L. Thanks to the kind staff for helping us newbies! Tips: - You need 4WD. There is no way you're going to make it up/down without it. The road is rough and steep. - Spend ~30 minutes at the visitor center to acclimate to the change in elevation. - Make sure you have lots of water. - If you feel nauseous, lightheaded, or sick at any point, turn back. The lack of oxygen at such a high elevation can be dangerous. - Bring a jacket, it's chilly at the top. The drive was very bumpy when you were on the gravel. Sometimes we'd feel our car slip over rocks and it was a bit scary. We didn't have too much of a problem with the elevation - my friend felt a bit of nausea, but we made it up to the top!! Go us! Views were stunning. You felt like you were on top of the world. We were way above the clouds. It was so beautiful with all the snow! We were so lucky we were visiting when it just snowed! I think without it, it would look very barren & dull.

    Summit
    Jenna L.

    This is a MUST SEE! First and foremost YOU MUST HAVE A 4WD VEHICLE TO GO TO THE SUMMIT! Anyone can go to the visitor center, but the ranger won't let you up to the summit unless you have at least a half tank of gas and your vehicle is 4WD capable. They will look in your car to check. They also want you to acclimate to the elevation for at least 30 minutes at the visitor center. The drive to the summit is easy and only 8 miles. Road is half paved and half gravel. You don't need off-roading experience to make the drive either.

    Talara T.

    Must visit spot while on the Big Island! Fun fact: Mauna Kea is the tallest volcano and mountain in the world, measured from base to peak. You can drive yourself to the visitor center, or to the summit with a 4 wheel drive or on a tour service. Children under 13 (I think?) can't pass the visitor center due to the elevation, so that's as far as we made it. Bring some warm clothes, it was about 50 degrees at that point. They have an informational center with bathrooms available. A local astrology group sets up their telescopes certain nights. Arrive before sunset so you can find parking.

    Rachie P.

    When we took our trip to the Hawaii island we went in the dead of summer's tropical heat! The elevation is so high on this mountain that it is freezing cold even then. We went up the winding road with much caution. One wrong move and it feels like you'll be rolling down the mountain. As we went higher and higher up there were many warning signs about the elevation and not to bring children past a certain point, so we parked in the "safe zone". All I can remember was after we washed our hands and got out of the bathroom, we were frozen. There's a store in the parking area that sells lots of cool souvenirs, clothing, and snacks. I definitely would like to make another trip higher up when the kids are older for sure. Mostly for educational purposes and the views!

    Lauren K.

    So I read lots of reviews, articles, and their website. We did not want to pay over 200 dollars a person so we did this on our own. 1) pack winter clothes and binocular 2) bring your own hot chocolate, water, and snacks 3) rent 4×4 car 4) call the morning of to get the weather report We left from Waikoloa at 3pm. Don't do that. It took us 50 minutes to get to the visitor center and stayed 30 minutes to hang out (recommended before going any higher) There was so much parking. If i do it again, I would leave at 4:30. We waited too long. Bring a snack and hang out. After the sunset, go back to the visitor center for star gazing. We used a phone app to identify dufferent stars. Must do.

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    Ask the Community - Mauna Kea

    Review Highlights - Mauna Kea

    Make sure you dress warm and bring your blankets because it gets very cold in the evening, the temperatures drop drastically.

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    The Naha Stone - Naha Stone

    The Naha Stone

    4.7(3 reviews)
    25.5 mi

    "We all long for fairytales in a world full of nightmares... believe... & you're halfway there..."…read more Location: Hilo, Big Island, Hawai'i. Who doesn't enjoy an ancient story? Thor and the Throne of Asgard; Arthur and Excalibur; Tomoe Gozen and the Battle of Azawa in 1184. Not all stories are truth, but always remember there's a reason it was told. Today, many pass-by the Hilo Library, tourists and locals alike, and fail to notice the two heavy stones that rests in front. The larger one is called the Naha Stone. According to legend it had a duel purpose in ancient Hawai'i... First, the 7,000 lbs. Naha Stone, said to be brought over by canoe from the island of Kauai, had magical powers. Legend say whoever was able to move it would be the first King of the Hawaiian islands. At the age of 14, a young Kamehameha decided to try to move this large stone (risking death if he failed). He tried many times, finally moving it with his great strength. The prophecy was then fulfilled when he became King Kamehameha the Great and unified all the islands under his mighty rule. Second, In ancient Hawai'i, it was used to find out who belonged to the ruling Naha clan. After a baby was born, it was placed on top of this stone. If it remained calm, the baby was Naha. If it cried, it wasn't. I can only imagine the outcome of the later. In the end, it always starts from the beginning, and where we all came from. Maybe the Naha Stone is not for everyone, as the previous reviewer mentions, some might be bored (looking at large rocks lol). To me, it's all about respecting the past and understanding the great cultures of our world. And yes, I moved the Naha... slight exaggeration lol, but I did feel the Mana, I hope you do too... And so the ancient story goes...

    As a you learn Hawaiian history as a kid in Hawaii you undoubtedly learn about Kamehameha the Great…read morelifting the Naha Stone and about what a feat of strength it was. I am sure every local kid has envisioned it in some capacity. The Naha Stone was very easy to find and sit fronting the Hilo Public Library which I think is absolutely fantastic. Of course we didn't really try to lift it and only posed for the photo.

    Photos
    The Naha Stone
    The Naha Stone
    The Naha Stone

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    Big Island Candies - Snack bar.

    Big Island Candies

    4.6(677 reviews)
    27.2 mi
    $$

    Make sure to check this place out if you're in the area! We stopped by around 8:30 AM and honestly…read moreweren't even sure it was open at first--the building looks pretty dark from the outside because of the tint. But as soon as we walked in, we were warmly greeted by the wonderful staff, and the whole vibe completely changed. Inside, the space is bright, inviting, and thoughtfully set up. We were offered samples of their Kona coffee along with a couple of treats of the day, which was such a nice touch. As you walk around, you can actually watch them making their delicious goodies, which makes the experience even more fun and tempting. The shop was beautifully decorated for the upcoming Easter holiday, and they also had some really lovely gift boxes--perfect if you're looking to bring something home for family or friends. There's also a small area where you can grab drinks (and possibly ice cream too). I ordered a green tea latte, and it was absolutely wonderful. Overall, such a cozy, welcoming spot with great treats and friendly service. Definitely worth stopping by--whether you're craving something sweet or looking to pick up a thoughtful gift!

    I was quite impressed with the operation they have going at Big Island Candies…read more This place is incredible! They offer a large variety of candies that are made right there in the store. You can watch the hard workers diligently making fresh and delicious candies! The store is full of different types of candies wrapped nicely that make the perfect gift.

    Photos
    Big Island Candies - Interior.

    Interior.

    Big Island Candies
    Big Island Candies

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    Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

    Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

    4.7(395 reviews)
    24.3 mi

    I'm smiling just thinking about this place because if I could ever imagine a tropical paradise,…read morethis would be it. Best money spent on the Big lsland. At $35 for adults, $25 for kids aged 6-12, and free for kids 5 and under-- it's money well spent. Some might call this place pricey but after coming here, I disagree. Places like this are so rare and unique that they can just take my money. I've never been to a garden so full of exotic plants, flowers that I'd never seen before, mini waterfalls, a pond, and to top it all off-- getting to see the ocean waves crashing onto the lava rocks at the end of the garden. Prior to this I had never seen orchids growing in the wild off of tree trunks. These guys were everywhere here. And how do I know this place is cool even for Gen Z?-- I caught my 20 year old nephew taking videos of a beautiful flower that he was admiring. Of course I didn't make a huge deal out of it because he would have blown me off. Once you walk the paths and over the bridges, you can see how meticulously this garden is maintained. When you find out the history of how Mr. Dan Lutkenhouse Sr. and his wife Pauline who bought this parcel of land back in 1977 and decided to turn it into a garden, you'll be even more amazed. There was no machinery used to turn this place into the garden it is today. It was 40 years of Dan and his assistant Terry Takiue who worked with *just* cane knives, sickles, picks, shovels and a chainsaw to clear paths through the jungle. Another fun fact: He had no formal training in botanical gardening... Insert mind blown emoji here... Can you imagine that?? I can only respect that these guys did this just so that we could enjoy this garden paradise for us and future generations to see. Bravo to this place coming from our fam that came and loved it.

    The variety of plant life here is huge. The walkways for the most part are very steep and paved…read more but there are also handrails and benches. The grounds are spectacular with so many varieties of flowers and flowering plants. The waterways and waterfalls have a calming effect splashing over rocks and between ferns. There is a small gift shop, but as far as refreshments go, they only sell popsicles or small boxes of water.

    Photos
    Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden - August 27, 2023

    August 27, 2023

    Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden - Feathery canopy keeps you cool as you walk

    Feathery canopy keeps you cool as you walk

    Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

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    Lyman Museum and Mission House - Mission House

    Lyman Museum and Mission House

    4.7(58 reviews)
    25.6 mi

    Been many years since visiting Lyman Museum and was happy to see the very modern display and very…read moreclean interior. This museum has probably on of the best mineral displays in the whole country. I was kind of shocked to see some minerals I've never ever heard of. The Hawaiian display was also good, with a brief history about the Hawaiian nation and how it came about. Also shows how the sugar plantation life and when immigrant workers started coming to Hawaii . A great place for locals to revisit and spend some time and energy to look back into the early days and the hard lives they lived. All staff were very friendly and very welcoming and informative when some questions were asked . A great place for visiting tourist to visit at a small cost to them.

    After experiencing the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens (please reference my review if…read moreinterested), we made the 18 minute drive to Lyman Museum. I must admit, when Google Maps announced our arrival, I was skeptical of the museum based on the appearance of the building. However, that feeling dissipated when we entered the building and were greeted by a friendly employee at the front counter. After paying the very small admission fee, another friendly employee gave us a brief overview of how to navigate the exhibits. The first exhibit was centered on one of my favorite childhood interests...volcanoes! I was taking a walk down memory lane as I relearned the root cause of volcanic eruptions and the history of Hawaii's active volcanoes. Afterwards, we learned about the various habitat types, mammals, and birds. The next following exhibits were focused on Hawaii's complicated (in my opinion) history. Although all of the content was interesting to some capacity; the following three topics stood out: sugar plantations, the educational system, and the annexation of Hawaii by the United States. Although the information is presented in an unbiased form, it shaped my opinion of how native Hawaiians (along with other ethnic groups) were mistreated, the United States' role in attempting to completely sanitize the Hawaiian education system (i.e., being punished for speaking their native language in school), and the events that led to the Hawaiian government being overthrown by the United States. As most museums, I walked away with mixed feelings. I learned a lot about Hawaiian culture, but also felt torn in my decision to visit (support) a place that has been essentially cleansed of its true culture and taken over by Americans (yes I know that there are other places that have been similarly impacted). I highly recommend that visitors take the time out of their vacation to visit this museum and enlighten themselves with Hawaiian history.

    Photos
    Lyman Museum and Mission House - Just one window in the crystals and gemstones room

    Just one window in the crystals and gemstones room

    Lyman Museum and Mission House
    Lyman Museum and Mission House - Museum exhibits

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    Museum exhibits

    Rainbow Falls

    Rainbow Falls

    4.2(382 reviews)
    24.5 mi

    Amazing and beautiful area to have a picnic and take family out for an hour or two…read more Cute trail small hike for the kids to enjoy. Lots of landscape to take advantage if you are looking for a nice photo opportunity. $10 for parking and $5 for each person. Very reasonable. The scan code was easy to use and fast for payment. There was nice ambassadors helping not just one person so it made it a fast experience and they were informative of where we could walk and viewpoints. Great customer service. Restrooms were cleaned. The informational boards had graffiti on it.

    God's gift to man I tell ya!…read more This was a quick stop as we toured a bit of Hilo, and I'd say it's a "must stop" if you're here for a short visit. It's definitely, and annoying touristy, so just keep that in mind. Yes, I'm one of them, so I hated myself lol. Features to highlight: ~ A big parking lot with tour busses parked. As well as cars full of people causing traffic. ~ A fairly long line for the restroom. A perfect stop for bus tours. ~ From the parking lot, you'll see the people along the fence-line checking out the falls. Taking pics, selfies, tiky-tok'ing etc etc. ~ Don't get me wrong with the negativity, it is fairly picturesque! I just cropped the tourists out. The day was sorta cloudy, so we didn't see any rainbows coming from the falls. ~ Take the stone steps to the right, up to the top, and you'll be gifted with a different perspective of the river above and the falls. ~ As you walk along the railing, you'll also be drawn into the tall trees that lead to the giant banyan tree. I'm pretty amazed with how vibrant a tree can be, and how much shade these large banyans provide. ~ We only spent about 15-20 minutes here, but we full-on enjoyed every minute of it! Side story that you don't have to read: As I was walking past everyone. A family had asked if I could take a picture of them. I kindly said, "Sure." Then some other random bonehead tourist stopped me and said, "I'll take their picture!" Fine, whatever dude, here's their phone. As I walked away, I heard Mr. Bonehead say, "I'll take several angles and we'll do a funny one, OK?" Hahaha, I looked back at the family, and they looked super annoyed.

    Photos
    Rainbow Falls
    Rainbow Falls - Fall from the guided area

    Fall from the guided area

    Rainbow Falls - Top of waterfall

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    Top of waterfall

    Singing Bridge

    Singing Bridge

    2.7(3 reviews)
    25.7 mi

    The Singing Bridge, also known as the Wailuku Bridge or Airplane Bridge, is located where the…read moreWailuku River meets the ocean. As you may be able to guess, it is called the Singing Bridge because the steel grate surface that allows water through makes a distinctive sound as you drive across it. It's right along Bayfront and if you're driving between Hilo and Kona, or any of the other attractions north of Hilo, such as Akaka Falls, then you will most likely have the chance to drive over it. It's a pretty cool thing to experience. It just sounds cool to drive across, and if you look down, you can see the river/ocean!

    This is a joke, right? I thought the Musical Road grooves in Lancaster, California were lame (see…read morevideo at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ef93WmlEho0). Furthermore, the slippery metal grates aren't very safe to drive. But hey, it causes the car to vibrate and shimmy. Let's turn a risky road hazard into a playful jest. In all honesty, the bridge sang better than Kim Kardashian. A "hi" point of Hilo was Coconut Island while the musical bridge was a definite "lo" point of Hilo. Another interesting fact about Hilo are its many sister cities in Europe like Maxmin in Ireland, Guttenbad in Germany, and Vestwurst in Austria. And before anyone writes me to say I'm an idiot (which I stupidly know), I realize that Hilo is not pronounced high-low, but hea-low.

    Photos
    Singing Bridge - Wailuku Bridge during the 1946 tidal wave.  Water level is usually about 25 feet lower!

    Wailuku Bridge during the 1946 tidal wave. Water level is usually about 25 feet lower!

    Singing Bridge - Singing Bridge

    Singing Bridge

    Singing Bridge

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    Mauna Kea - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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