At 13,796 feet with near-zero light pollution and one of the clearest atmospheres on Earth, Mauna Kea is one of the top stargazing destinations in the world. The Visitor Information Station at 9,200 feet runs free star programs nightly. From the summit, the Milky Way blazes overhead in a way most people have never seen.
Tip: Join the free nightly star program at the VIS (no 4WD required for this elevation). For the summit, bring extreme layers — temperatures drop below 20°F at night. The Summit is sacred to Native Hawaiians; be respectful.
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