Images of Onizuka Center for International Astronomy
Onizuka Center for International Astronomy and its collection
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The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy, also known as Hale Pōhaku, is a complex of support facilities for the Mauna Kea Observatory on Hawaiʻi island. It is located at the 9,300-foot elevation, south of the summit. The center consists of dormitories with sleeping accommodation for 72, as well as a main building which houses shared facilities such as a cafeteria, laundry, and common room. However, there is no admission to these support facilities for the general public.
Visitor Information Station at the Onizuka Center
Just below the support complex, a Visitor Information Station has its own parking lot for visitors. The VIS houses informational displays, and shows videos depicting the history and work of the observatories, as well as the geology, ecology and cultural significance of Mauna Kea. A VIS staff member or volunteer usually presents a star and constellation tour, using a small laser to point out features in the sky. Amateur astronomers also come here to set up their own telescopes, since the altitude is already high enough for the seeing to be much better than at lower elevations.
Visiting the Keck Observatory and Subaru Telescope
The Keck Observatory on the summit has a visitor gallery which is usually open between 10am and 4pm on weekdays. Free tours of the Subaru Telescope can be reserved on its web site. However, only observatory staff and visiting scientists are allowed inside observatory facilities. Some commercial tours continue from the center to the summit daily, from morning twilight before sunrise until it is closed to the public after sunset.
ENOnizuka Center for International Astronomy Astronomer's Mid-Level Facility
EN Hale Pōhaku
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