Mauna Kea in August?
 

This is a follow-up post to the thread below:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...ez74&fid=1

I'm wondering if cloud formations around Mauna Kea vary throughout the year. I'm debating still whether to spring for the 4WD and go up to the summit of Mauna Kea. I'm hoping for the kind of dazzling sunsets that I've seen in pictures. Is the air too clear in August? Is it a crapshoot? This is the last undecided part of my trip to the BI. I'm hoping for a one-of-a-kind, otherwordly experience. But it dawned on me that August may not be the same as, say, February for the right kind of atmospheric conditions (although it may be great for stargazing).
Any advice from Mauna Kea veterans would be greatly appreciated!
Alex

Go to Mauna Kea! Its worth all the time and effort. We went with a tour group and I wouldn't do it any other way. Enjoy.

Both of my visits have been in July. It is possible to have it be hazy/cloudy at the summit. The first time up was on a tour to the summit. The trip was pushed back a day because of cloudiness but the second day was great.

We are also considering driving to the summit and then back down to visitors center for stargazing after dark.

SMM - what tour group did you go with?

We went up Mauna Kea a week ago with Mauna Kea Summit Adventures

http://maunakea.com/

We were extremely pleased with them - the star gazing they lead with their own telescopes near the visitor's centre was an unexpected highlight.

The tour group was Hawaii Forest and Travel. The tour includes a well versed guide, picnic dinner,down coats,transportation to the mountain top. Our guide was personable and enthusiastic about Hawaii's flora and fauna. The food was good, go for the chicken.