Mauna Kea: I Drove to the Top of Hawaii | Observatories Above the Clouds

I drove to the summit of Mauna Kea on Hawaii's Big Island — 14,000 feet above sea level, above the clouds, and into one of the most surreal landscapes I've ever seen. This isn't your typical Hawaii trip. No beaches. Just a dormant volcano, a gravel road full of switchbacks, and thirteen world-class telescopes staring into the universe. 🔭 What's up there? The Mauna Kea Observatories are home to 13 telescopes from the US, Japan, Canada, the UK, and France. The conditions here are unmatched — above 40% of Earth's atmosphere, almost zero light pollution, and around 300 clear nights a year. From this mountain: In 2019 — the first-ever image of a black hole was captured Scientists discovered 45 moons of Jupiter Researchers confirmed the first Earth-sized rocky planet outside our solar system Dark energy — the force expanding our universe — was identified here ⚠️ A few things to know before you go: — You need a 4WD vehicle. No exceptions. — Children under 3 are not permitted above the checkpoint. At 14,000 ft, the air is thin enough to be dangerous for young kids who can't communicate how they feel. — Watch your body. I lasted about 10 minutes at the summit before my lips started trembling — an early sign of oxygen deprivation. Listen to your body and head down when it tells you to. 🥾 Not ready for the summit? No problem. There's a beautiful trail right at the Visitor Information Station (base camp) that's worth doing on its own — volcano views, lava fields, unique plants. Great for anyone in your group who'd rather stay at a safer altitude. 📍 Location: Mauna Kea Summit, Big Island, Hawaii 🚗 Car: Ford Bronco Sport If you make it to the Big Island — go. It's unlike anything else. #MaunaKea #Hawaii #BigIsland #Observatory #AboveTheClouds #HawaiiTravel #Telescope #BlackHole #Volcano #RoadTrip