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)

Preparation Checklist: Important Things To Remember When Visiting MLO
Download Checklist in Adobe (.pdf)

Before going up to observatory

  • Bring your own drinking water.
  • Bring your own food. We do not provide food at the observatory.
  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a jacket; the UV radiation is very high at the observatory.
  • Fill your car with gas before leaving for the observatory. There is no gas available at the observatory.
  • Check weather conditions, especially summit conditions, from the National Weather Service forcast page.
  • Bring jackets and other warm clothing. There may be arctic conditions at the station.
  • Check the MLO web site for any special information. The website is found at: http://www.mlo.noaa.gov
  • Drive slowly and carefully on the MLO access road. The road is single lane and has many blind hills and turns. Please drive with your headlights on.
  • Do not drive while on the cell phone. Pull off to the side and stop the car while on the phone

While at the Observatory

  • Sign guest book in Keeling Building.
  • Check with MLO staff if you are encountering any problems, or need assistance.
  • Keep MLO staff work areas clear (i.e., tables in center of Keeling Building and areas in front of existing instruments - all instruments are checked daily).
  • MLO is on a water catchment system, please conserve water. Be sure the sink's water faucet is closed when done.
  • Be courteous to other visiting groups.
  • Do not touch other projects' computers or instruments.
  • Telephones - DO NOT make any long distance toll calls from MLO phone unless you are charging it to your phone card or calling collect. A non-toll charge is anywhere on the Big Island, everywhere else has a toll charge. You need to dial 9 to get an outside line. Ask permission from MLO staff first.
  • No Smoking at the site.
  • Before leaving observatory, please take care of your own trash (bring down and dispose of your trash when you're done). Please help keep the facility CLEAN!