Maunakea

Hawaii

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Observatories at Mauna Kea summit, Mauna Kea.

Observatories at Mauna Kea summit, Mauna Kea.

Why visit Maunakea

Mauna Kea (White Mountain) is called Mauna O Wakea (Mountain of Wakea) by Hawaiian cultural practitioners. While all of the Big Island is considered the first-born child of Wakea (Sky Father) and Papahānaumoku (Earth Mother), Mauna Kea has always been the sacred piko (navel) connecting the land to the heavens.

Lonely planet’s trusted travel insurance provider

Dreaming of Maunakea? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

LEARN MORE

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Go to United States (USA) with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

From Bayside to Coastside: California's San Francisco Peninsula in 10 Days

10 days / 9 nights

highlights

  1. 1Scouring for offshore whales at one of the world’s tallest lighthouses
  2. 2Hiking Monterey Bay’s sprawling coastal trails for dramatic waterfront views
  3. 3Touring an organic farm with a local farmer specializing in sustainable, small-scale agriculture
from $4,940

per person

book this tripsee trip details

Explore more trips

  • Maine's Marvelous Coastline: 10 Days in Acadia, Bath, Bethel, and Camden
    The USA

    10 days / 9 nights

    Maine's Marvelous Coastline: 10 Days in Acadia, Bath, Bethel, and Camden

    FROM $3,795

    per person

    See Trip Details

Top places to visit in Maunakea

Discover the best attractions in Maunakea from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Explore all

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Maunakea