The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station (VIS) All About the Mauna Kea Stargazing Program Free, fun, and a perfect cap to your Big Island vacation, the Mauna Kea stargazing program at the summit of Hawaii’s tallest volcano provides visitors a guided educational opportunity to learn more about the observatories present on the volcano while helping amateur stargazers find the best views of the heavens above. Positioned at 9,200 feet above sea level, the trip up the mountain from the coast can be a staggering one – the Mauna Kea visitor center recommends guests take a break halfway up to acclimate themselves to the altitude change before proceeding further.