Anytime is good I should imagine, there is always snow on the top though

I don't believe so. As another commenter noted: unless you pre-arrange with someone. Easiest is to sign up with one of the licensed tours. I suppose you could try calling them and asking if they'd be willing to pick you up at the visitor center if that works out better for you logistically (coming from Hilo, for example), but I wouldn't ask for or expect a discount.

I think the reservations are just for tours. The weather changes quickly up on the summit. We had to wait thirty minutes when the rangers closed the road. After that they only allowed the more experienced travel tour drivers to drive up to the summit.

Probably so if you can keep them entertained. It’s a long drive, we went through a tour in a group of people, approximately 18. I would drive but make sure you have extra warm clothing. As if you were going to the snow. It’s nearly 14,000 feet at the summit. The tour company provided parkas and it was still freezing. But I’m from Southern California I’m probably not a good judge of cold. But there was ice on the ground and the temp was below freezing, 30degrees. Dress appropriately or at least bring jackets and wear long pants and long sleeves. The kids will love the view of the stars, if you take the sunrise or the sunset tour. It feels like you can reach out and touch the stars. I didn’t think the road was too rough.

I understand the sky is clear and dark in Africa. I have been to a lot of open, dark areas in US, but I have never seen as many stars as Mauna Kea. There is a reason they have so many telescopes up there. The area, even at sea level, has strict anti-light pollution requirements. Also, the clouds and humidity were below the 10,000 ft level which makes the sky clearer. For me personally, seeing the telescope that helped develop an image of a black hole made the trip worthwhile. Good luck.

We just drove ourselves. You need a 4WD car. And a mandatory stop at the Park-ranger station on your way up.

when we went up visitors centre was closed- dont know when it will reopen- road was open when we went -but as mainly gravel from here and steep-recomend 4 wheel drive

There isn't a road thru it. You could hike the 11 or so miles but would need to get a ride from the Mauna Loa side over to the Mauna Kea side. The road down the Mauna loa Side is accessed from the saddle road and is about 45 minutes at 25 mph. Rises from about 6000 ft elevation to about 10500 at the road end. It is a nice hike across the lava field into the park.

Hi Yes you can view from the first stop, the Visitor Center. It was closed when I was there but no matter. We also stopped there because we had a 10 year old and it was not recommended that he go higher. You will see very well from around that center. Have a great vacation and hope it won’t be block.

The access road is completely blocked by protesters 24/7 with no expected end. For the foreseeable future no visitor can access the Visitor Information Station, the mauna’s summit, or any point in between.