Welcome to MKVIS
Aloha! Welcome to the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station on Maunakea, at 19°45′33″N Latitude and 155°27′22″W Longitude.
Open every day of the year from 9AM until 10PM at the 9,200 foot (2,800 meter) level, we provide health and safety information and education about this amazing place, and we hold Free stargazing programs at the Visitor Station every night. Check our Calendar of Events for upcoming outreach events and the Saturday program schedule.
Due to the hazards of altitude sickness, children under 16 should not venture above the Visitor Information Station AND those traveling in groups of 10 or more require an approved special request from the Visitor Information Station.
Summit Access Road conditions: Maunakea weather varies widely. A calm sunny day may quickly become treacherous with hurricane force winds and blizzard conditions. Summit winds above 120 mph are not uncommon. Snowstorms have even occurred during the summer months.
When conditions are too dangerous, the Summit Access road is closed to ensure everyone's safety. The road is re-opened as soon as the weather and the roads are safe again.
Traffic delays and road closures on the summit access road may also occur due to the use and transport of heavy equipment, slow vehicle movements, deliveries, road maintenance, stalled or abandoned vehicles, hikers and bikers. Remember that dust, fog or snow can reduce visibility and slow traffic.
The latest road and weather information, as well as road closure criteria, are available at the "Current Summit & Road Conditions" section on the right side of this page, or go to the "Road Conditions" section of the Maunakea Weather Center website; http://mkwc.ifa.hawaii.edu/ . Or you can call 935-6268 for a recorded phone message (updated as conditions change).
Mahalo for your understanding.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
