Maunakea Visitor Information Station

"At 1h30 min drive from each side of the island, this is where you will have the most impressive sunset picture from the big island. But , First, you should always call their information phone number before planning to go. They will tell you if the road for the sumit is open. They will also give you all the information's for the sunrise , sunset , and other weather information. Based on these factors, plan your timing, including 30 min of acclimatization at the visitor center. You will need a 4X4 and a least Half-tank of gas. It will take you approximately 30 min drive to reach the top. In conclusion, it is highly recommended to be 1h30 min prior sunset time at the visitor center."

"It was cold. Dress appropriately. Like cold and windy. 42 degrees cold. No. More clothes than that!! Lol... There is an informative display. However, I felt like I was at a high school science fair. It wasn't very cohesive. The gift shop prices were a bit high, but they have a captive audience, and they weren't totally outrageous. Bathrooms were small and had a line to get in-some tours were heading up the mountain, so the shuttles and tourists were there. There were three stalls, heated lamps, and cold water. Brrr.... It didn't help that the doors were open, but with that many people in line, it couldn't be helped. If you have time, make the trek. If not, you're not missing a ton if you're are only heading to the visitors center/gift shop, like we were. PLEASE NOTE: If you are going all the way up to the summit,.. BE AWARE that you NEED to have at least half tank of gas, 4x4 vehicle and be in good health. Due to elevation sickness, you will HAVE to stop at the visitors center for at least 30 minutes to an hour to acclimate to the high elevation. Don't try to be sneaky either... They physically check every vehicle leaving the parking lot heading to the summit, and you don't want to get elevation sickness that far from medical help!!"

"Beautiful sunset experience... you feel like you are in a world of your own above the clouds! Surreal...pics don't do it justice! Don't forget to dress warm...wind is very chilly! If you want to make the drive up to the top, plan in advance and confirm you have an AWD or 4 wheel drive vehicle. Plan to wait 30 minutes before you make the final drive from the visitor center. We didn't make it to the top, so these pics are all around the visitor center."

"We headed up to the visitor information center before sunset, walked up to the viewpoint (20 minutes, just follow others or talk to a ranger) for the sunset, then ate a picnic in our car and waited for the stars. The parking lot had some spots the entire time, but it was tight by 6. The stars were incredible and worth the trip. The viewpoint was incredibly windy the day we were there but also beautiful. You can't stay up at the summit past sunset. I would recommend planning your trip around the visitor information center."

"We thought we were going to the summit and watch the sun set with the observatory in the back ground however after they told us they do not recommend anyone under 13 years of age we decided to change our plans and just go across the street and hike to the top of sunset mountain I believe is what it was called. It's an easy hike but the lose lava rocks can make it slippery and parts are steep but not anything unmanageable with good shoes"