The Maunakea Observatories are a group of independent institutions with telescopes on the summit of Maunakea, on Hawaiʻi Island. Maunakea holds major spiritual significance to Native Hawaiians: its summit region is considered a traditional cultural property, and rock piles that look natural may be markers or altars protected by law. Most observatory buildings are not open to the public, and there are no public accommodations on the mountain. The first stop is the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station, on the Maunakea Access Road off the Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road). The station charges no entrance or parking fee, and the University of Hawaiʻi asks everyone going higher to acclimate there for at least half an hour. There are no public telescopes at the station, though a free telescope event is held once a month by reservation. Above the station the road is unpaved, rough and steep, and four-wheel drive is required. Children under thirteen, pregnant visitors and people in poor health should not go above the station, and neither should anyone who has been scuba diving in the past day. The summit area is closed to visitors from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise. Winter weather can arrive at any time, with freezing temperatures, very strong winds and whiteouts, and there are no public gas stations in the area, so start with enough fuel. Clean your vehicle and gear before you go to prevent the spread of invasive species; visibly dirty or muddy vehicles are turned away. Drones are not allowed, and phones and radios above the station are for emergencies. Respect the cultural sites and leave every rock as you found it.
Four-wheel drive is required above the Visitor Information Station; acclimate there for at least half an hour first.