Visits to the summit require a 30 minute acclimatization stop at the 9,200-foot Onizuka Visitor’s Center, warm clothing for the summit, sunscreen for protection from excessive UV radiation, and water. Safety reminder: The summit of Maunakea at nearly 14,000-feet altitude, presents unique challenges to visitors. If you have questions about the weather and road conditions, please call (808) 935-6268. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Monday-Friday. The gallery also contains two public restrooms and a viewing area with partial views of the Keck I telescope and dome (look for the blue door). At the summit, visit Keck Observatory’s visitor’s gallery with exhibits describing our research and operations. Visitors with 4-wheel drive vehicles are permitted to drive to the 14,000-foot summit of Maunakea, weather permitting. The summit of Maunakea provides dramatic scenery and an unforgettable visitor experience. Our headquarters is located at 65-1120 Mamalahoa Hwy in the town of Waimea. We also sell merchandise, including shirts and hats. Visitors can view models and images of the twin 10-meter Keck Observatory telescopes as well as hear about our latest discoveries and outreach programs.
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to greet guests and educate them about Keck Observatory and the other Maunakea observatories. Our volunteers are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. Keck Observatory Guidestar Program, residents and visitors of the Island of Hawai’i are encouraged to visit the Observatory’s headquarters in Waimea. Keck Observatory Headquarters Welcomes All
BIG ISLAND OBSERVATORY FREE
All activities are free of charge however, due to demand we may not be able to grant every request. We offer several options which are suitable for different groups. We invite teachers and adult leaders of similar organizations to contact us and arrange a visit. A committed team of our employees specializes in leading group activities for kids to teach them about the world-class science, technology and engineering that happens here every day in Waimea. We feel that one of the best ways to give back to our local community is to help schools and other youth groups learn how Hawaii is opening the Universe to the world.
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Keck Observatory is to advance the frontiers of astronomy and share our discoveries with the world. Mahalo for understanding and for helping keep communities healthy and safe. Keck Observatory Visitor’s Center at the Observatory’s headquarters in Waimea (Kamuela) as well as the Visitor’s Gallery at our telescope facility on Maunakea are closed to the public until further notice. NOTICE: In response to heightened coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, the W.