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Ellison Onizuka Visitor Center (Hawaii's Big Island)

More Hawaii's Big Island Activities

Location: 9,000 feet up Mauna Kea

Our thoughts: The Ellison Onizuka Visitor Center, named in honor of the Hawaii native and Challenger astronaut, was one stop on our trip up Mauna Kea with Hawaii Forest & Trail. Guests hang out at the visitor center for about 30 minutes to acclimatize (and use the bathroom). While there you can have a snack, learn about Onizuka, astronomy, Mauna Kea and more. It's a neat stop that yields some tremendous pictures.

You can drive up Mauna Kea Road yourself to check it out but we - and your rental car company - advise against it. Take a guided tour and enjoy. If you have the time, check out some of the hands-on computer exhibits.

Tip: Take advantage of the bathroom.

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