Mauna Kea, standing at 13, 796 feet, is the tallest mountain in Hawaii. Snow capped in the winter months from November to April, the summit dominates both the views and climate around the Big Island. The summit is renowned for its exceptional star gazing with NASA telescopes keeping an eye over the northern hemisphere as well as winter snow-boarding. Public assess to telescopes is available and tours to Mauna Kea summit can be arranged to arrive for the sunset and then enjoy several hours of night time star gazing - these generally depart from Hilo on the east coast of the big Island although access can be via the remote Saddle Road from the west coast.
Our top big island travel attractions are:
1) - Archaeological sites of the ancient Hawaiians
stone foundations; temples; petroglyphs; Captain Cook memorial
2) - Volcano National Park,
lava flows; volcanic crater; walking trails; unique flora
3) - Hiking Waipio Valley,
lush valley, black sand beach, waterfalls, strenuous hiking
4) - Waterfalls and Botanical Gardens of Hilo,
Tropical rainforest, short trails, cascading waterfalls
5) - Waimea Countryside and Pololu Valley,
horse riding; cattle ranches; valley and coastal trails;
6) - Summit of Mauna Kea,
13,796 feet; observatory and star gazing; snow in winter;
7) - Kona coffee and Macadamia nut farms - South Kona
coffee tasting; tours; bed and breakfast
Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:
Cook Islands Activities Guide
Fiji Activities Guide
Samoa Activities Guide
Tonga Activities Guide
Tahiti Activities Guide
Hawaii Activities Guide
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