Mauna Kea, Hawaii, USA Sunrise Sunset Times (2024)

FAQs

What is the best time to go to Mauna Kea? ›

Sunrise and sunset are great times to visit Mauna Kea. Enjoy stargazing (offered nightly from 6 to 10pm) andhot chocolate (available for purchase) at the Visitor Information Station, or rise bright and early to drive up to the summit in time to watch the sunrise.

From 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, you can drive beyond the visitor center on a very steep, partially paved road to the summit of Mauna Kea. Since the summit is closed at night, you cannot really stargaze from the summit, but you can enjoy an amazing view and sunrise or sunset.

On June 21, the summer solstice and longest day of the year for the northern hemisphere, the day length ranges from about 13 � hours in Hawaii to 24 hours in northern Alaska. On December 21, the shortest day of the year, the day length ranges from almost 11 hours in Hawaii to 0 hours in Northern Alaska.

The summit of Mauna Kea is open to visitors with a 4 wheel-drive vehicle during the day and for sunset, but is closed from 30 minutes after sunset, to 30 minutes before sunrise.

The access road from Saddle Road to the Visitor Information Station has many steep inclines. The speed limit is 30 and 40 mph, as posted. The road above the Visitor Information Station to the summit requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Above the Visitor Information Station the road is not paved.

The summit is not accessible after sunset unless you book a summit and stargazing tour. They are quite expensive, so if you're looking to experience the stars yourself you can drive up to the visitor center at 9,200ft elevation (not to the summit).

The views at the top were SO spectacular and the sunset was one of the coolest we have ever seen. Reaching the summit of Mauna Kea was a highlight of our time in Hawaii. Being at 13,000+ feet in elevation was an experience. We took the trip up in a 4x4 van and it was definitely something we will remember forever.

You will need a 4WD or advanced hiking skills to get to the Mauna Kea summit to watch the sunrise or sunset. Take the Mauna Kea access road, you will first stop by the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Center to get a safety debrief by one of the staffs.

Mauna Kea Summit Trail

The hike typically takes 7-8 hours for someone who is in fit physical condition. Fill out a form at the Visitor Center and leave it in the drop box before you leave, then check in when you get back so they know you are okay.

The golden hour in Oahu typically occurs around an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset, but it can vary depending on the season, so you'll want to check the approximate time in this guide or check the real-time hours from a mobile app.

Why is Hawaii sunset so early? ›

Hawaii's sunsets may seem early compared to other locations primarily due to its position near the equator and its time zone.

the scientific reason behind it

The Terrain - Due to the islands being made of one or more volcanoes, the volcanic dust gets blown along from East to West which also helps with scattering. This also causes the sunsets to be more vivid in colour than the sunrise.

How cold is it at the Mauna Kea summit area? The average temperature near the summit is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 Celsius. The wind-chill factor may dip the temperature far below freezing. Freezing in Hawaii!

Daily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. See Visiting Maunakea Safely and Responsibly for important safety information. Due to the hazards of altitude sickness, pregnant women, persons in poor health, and children under 13 should not venture above the Visitor Information Station.

Warm Clothing: If you intend to do much hiking on the big volcanoes or in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, you will need plenty of warm clothing. The summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are over 13,000 feet, so you'll need winter hats, gloves, coats, and other warm gear to attempt a summit climb safely.

A very big yes. Without even going the whole way up (which requires 4x4 and snow gear much of the year), the Maunakea Visitor Information Station at 9,200' (2,800 m) is unreal. Imagine looking up and seeing the milky way as exactly that.

Road is steep and narrow, but well worth the trip. Plenty of parking around the amazing telescopes and observatories. Spectacular views WHEN the sky is clear!!

Mauna Kea Summit Trail

The hike typically takes 7-8 hours for someone who is in fit physical condition. Fill out a form at the Visitor Center and leave it in the drop box before you leave, then check in when you get back so they know you are okay.