Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station (Onizuka Center)

Stop for at least thirty minutes — the acclimatization is medically meaningful, not a formality. Two hours is better if your schedule allows. Hydrate; avoid alcohol. Bring warm clothing for evening stargazing — even in summer, evenings at the VIS can be in the thirties Fahrenheit, and the wind chill drops it further. The VIS sells minimal warm clothing but cannot outfit unprepared visitors. Treat the VIS staff and volunteers respectfully; most are dedicated educators and amateur astronomers donating their time. The VIS is the last bathroom before the summit.