Mauna Kea is the Earth's window to the Universe. This soaring summit on the Big Island hosts the world's largest astronomical observatory, with telescopes operated by astronomers from all over the world.

Mauna Kea is an exceptional astronomical observing site. The atmosphere above the mountain is very dry. This is valuable when measuring infrared and sub millimeter radiation from space. Mauna Kea also tends to be above the clouds, so it is almost always clear.

Telescopes on Mauna Kea often get to assist in planetary missions. One such mission is called Deep Impact, and its goal is to smash into a comet!

Mauna Kea, one of the original Rock Resorts is renowned for its collection of art and antiques that line corridors, walkways and landings of the hotel. The Mauna Kea's understated elegance is the perfect setting for superb Pacific and Asian art selections and traditional Hawaiian quilts. Art tours are conducted twice a week for guests and outsiders.

For spectacular ocean views, Mauna Kea Golf Course - one of the toughest oceanside courses in the world. The grounds include 13 tennis courts.

The Mauna Kea rises elegantly and unpretentiously above one of the loveliest white sand beaches in Hawaii. The south end of the beach, further from the hotel, is open to the public with a couple of dozen parking spaces set aside for public use at the end of the roadway that passes by the hotel and the golf club house. Occasionally in the winter, waves get brisk and choppy but otherwise the water is perfect for swimming from one end of the bay to the other.