The station does not provide any transportation to the summit.

After the orientation, we will caravan up to the summit. The drive to the summit takes about half an hour and the speed limit is 25 miles an hour. The tour will go into at least one of the Mauna Kea Observatories and will end between 4:15 and 4:30 pm on the summit. Those wishing to stay at the summit after that time may do so.

Very important note: Be sure that you have a full tank of fuel in the vehicle you are driving to Mauna Kea. The steep grade combined with the lower oxygen level makes internal combustion engines run inefficiently. Fuel is NOT available for purchase on Mauna Kea!

SUMMIT TOUR REQUIREMENTS

• All participants in the Summit Tour must have their own 4-wheel drive transportation to the summit.
• Everyone must be at least 16 years of age
• No one may be pregnant.
• Persons who are extremely over-weight, in poor health, and those with a history of heart or respiratory problems should check with their personal physician before planning a trip to the summit of Mauna Kea (considered to be HIGH ALTITUDE -- 13,796 feet above sea level).
• No one should have been SCUBA diving in the previous 24 hours.
• All of these regulations are strictly enforced!


Please call the road report number, (808) 935 - 6268, to hear a recording of the current road conditions on the summit. The summit tour will happen as long as the road is open. However, the road is subject to closure at any time if bad weather should occur.