About Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is the dormant volcano at the heart of Hawaiʻi Island, rising to 4,207 metres, and its summit is home to some of the world's major astronomical observatories. Above the cloud layer the air is dry and still, which makes the night sky exceptionally clear, while winter storms can leave snow on the summit cones. These Mauna Kea live cams come from the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope and the Subaru Telescope, with streams run by the Asahi Shimbun in collaboration with the observatories.
Which Mauna Kea webcam to check first
Start with the CFHT west view after dark for stars over the summit ridge, then switch to the Subaru east view towards the sunrise side. By day, the observatory webcam page shows the domes, the cloud level and any snow.
Before you go to Mauna Kea
The summit road climbs to over 4,000 metres and is steep and unpaved in places, and it closes in snow and ice. Check the Maunakea access information and the National Weather Service forecast before you drive up, and allow time to acclimatise at the visitor station.
Live cameras and modelled weather can be delayed, incomplete or offline. Check official weather, access and safety information before you make plans.
