There a lot to see at the Center, the history of Honokaa is so well organized and displayed that…read moreyou can learn a lot in 30 minutes, or spend the afternoon studying photos, and looking at all the interesting artifacts. The many ethnic groups that were so important to the plantations are well represented. You will always find an knowledgable docent to answer your questions. We have been there several times, its one of our favorite places to take visitors.

From the owner: Come learn the history and culture of Honokaʻa and the Hāmākua Coast. read more

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.

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.

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.

Our concierge Dona was tremendous! She has an abundance of knowledge and access to the best…read moreexcursions/restaurants, etc. We had nine beautiful days in Maui, and Dona helped us make it our best trip ever! Jim and Lisa

Dona is excellent on helping plan our vacation here on Maui! From a beautiful greeting of fresh…read morefruits, and champagne she planned our excursions with the best and most knowledgeable places on the island. A beautiful sunset dinner cruise, snorkeling, Luau for the family. She even arranged fresh produce delivered to our condo. The Hale Hui Kia is seconds out your door to the beat beach and sunset on the island. We highly recommend this business! Thank you Dona!

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.

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

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.

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!