Mauna Kea (White Mountain) is Hawaii's highest peak, and its 4140m (13,796ft) summit has a cluster of observatory domes, containing what is considered the greatest collection of astronomical telescopes in the world. The Onizuka Center offers displays and stargazing, while a rugged 9.7km (6mi) hiking trail leads from here to the summit.

In Hilo, visit the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center, a planetarium and museum about modern science and ancient Hawaiian voyaging - and a good complement to visiting the summit.