Measurements at the Mauna Loa Observatory stopped after the 2022 eruption of the Mauna Loa volcano, when lava flow crossed the access road and took out power lines to the facility. The observatory remains inaccessible by vehicle and without power from the local utility company.
Observatory staff has established limited solar power in four observatory buildings and restored approximately 33 percent of the measurements onsite, including the Global Monitoring Laboratory and Scripps critical CO2 records and other atmospheric measurements.
Media can contact: Theo Stein (303) 819-7409 (theo.stein@noaa.gov) or Karin Vergoth 303-632-6413 (karin.vergoth@noaa.gov)
Tours of the Mauna Loa Observatory may be scheduled by appointment only. Due to busy and constantly changing work schedules, tours may only be scheduled within 2 weeks of the requested tour date. To inquire about a tour, please fill out our REQUEST A TOUR FORM . Thank you for your request.
The MLO office in Hilo is mainly administrative, but there is a small visitor center with displays of atmospheric research equipment and results. Guided office tours with hands-on displays can be arranged on selected weekdays. Office tours have been used in the past as activities for school groups and classes. To schedule a tour, please fill out our REQUEST A TOUR FORM . Please require a few weeks in advance notice before your arrival date.
Transportation is not provided for you to the mountain site, or to the MLO office, due to federal policy. All housing and transportation needs must be arranged on one's own.
Mauna Loa Observatory is a remote, high-altitude facility. Reviewing the information below is strongly recommended to ensure your visit is safe and you are well prepared.
If you must cancel a trip after a visitation has been confirmed, please contact your MLO tour representative as soon as possible.