Mauna Kea

12 Best Places to Stargaze Around the World

"The summit on Hawaii Island hosts an observatory complex that includes 13 of the world's largest and most powerful telescopes. The peak is one of the only places where you can drive from sea level to nearly 14,000 feet in under two hours, making it accessible for families; stop at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station (at 9,200 feet) to acclimatize and reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Note that a four-wheel drive is required for the final ascent to the summit and that most Hawaii rental companies prohibit driving on unpaved roads, though guided tours are available. Starry rewards include clear views of many Northern Hemisphere wonders—the Milky Way, the bands of Jupiter, and constellations like Ursa Major and Orion—and, because of proximity to the equator, about 80 percent of Southern Hemisphere stars are visible here, meaning roughly 85 percent of all the stars seen from Earth can be viewed from the summit." - Skye Sherman Skye Sherman Skye Sherman is a travel writer based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Aside from traveling, she's also a pilot, scuba diver, bookworm, and fourth-generation Floridian. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Palm Beach Illustrated, Atlas Obscura, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines