One of the highlights of the trip was absolutely the summit of Mauna Kea to see the Observatory and view the stars after dark. Thanks to Hawaii Forest and Trail for this outstanding trip – definitely consider them if you are visiting!

The tour included transportation to the Visitors Center, where we stopped for dinner and to acclimate to the elevation, and then the final drive up a very bumpy dirt road to the summit. The road is intentionally not paved all the way up to discourage too much traffic. Mission accomplished! However, the view of the sunset from the summit and the Milky Way after dark – well worth the bumps. We even got to see the rings of Saturn.