The W. M. Keck Observatory is a two-telescope astronomical observatory at an elevation of 4,145 meters (13,600 ft) near the summit of …See more
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Apr 22, 2024
Can not emphasize the stop at 9,000 ft enough. It’s a long way up and 30-60 mins there is important. Also, the Rangers know more about your 4WD Jeep than you do. Listen carefully. If you listen to th… Full review by Bill15Q
Mar 10, 2020
We enjoyed the docent interaction at the Keck headquarters in Waimea, where it was possible to get insight into today's astronomy activities and the amazing work being performed with the optical syst… Full review by 415GeorgeH
Nov 6, 2019
While visiting Parker Ranch we found this amazing Keck Observatory. Located in downtown Waimea on the island of Hawaii. There was plenty of parking. The tours are free! Our tour guide walked us throu… Full review by KonaCoastLiving
Has anyone been at night? Do they ever open for stargazing?
A:
We went to the Observatory office in Waimea. I don’t believe they ate open to visitors at night as this is when the work is done. The road to the summit is tricky and only accessible …
We went to the Observatory office in Waimea. I don’t believe they ate open to visitors at night as this is when the work is done. The road to the summit is tricky and only accessible by 4wd and not rental cars. We have been up for sunset and stargazing in the past on organised tours.
What can we see from the visitor center? I dont have a 4WD nor the confidence to drive up to the mtn top.
A:
You really do not see much in the Visitors Center. It is just a room with a part of a telescope and pictures of the telescopes on Manua Kea. It is where all the information from Mauna …
You really do not see much in the Visitors Center. It is just a room with a part of a telescope and pictures of the telescopes on Manua Kea. It is where all the information from Mauna Key is sent and studied. You cannot tour the area. You will just get a lesson on what they are learning about the Universe. It is more like a classroom and you are given a lecture, but the girl working is very friendly and knows alot about the information being gathered from the telescopes. If it is a clear day you can see the telescopes on top of Manau Kea , but not much of a view. You have to go up Manau Kea, which is about 14 miles across from Keck Observatory. You can drive up to the visitors center and they have telescopes their you can look through. You can drive to that point on top of the mountain in a car, just not up to the very to unless you have 4 wheel drive. You do not have to take a tour, and they will lecture you their also. Very dark at night, no lights which makes it perfect for the telescopes at the very top. Be careful if you drive it at night. Very Dark. Hope this helped
Can anyone go up to the summit without taking the tour? And if so, will there be parking? I just want to see the view from the summit, sunset, etc. without taking the tour or being a part of a group. Thanks.
A:
I will make this short. You do not need to take a tour. You can drive,but not to the very top unless you have 4 wheel drive Yes there is parking and a visitors center.Very dark at night, be …
I will make this short. You do not need to take a tour. You can drive,but not to the very top unless you have 4 wheel drive Yes there is parking and a visitors center.Very dark at night, be careful driving,but do go.
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