Mauna Loa Observatory in Hilo

Mauna Loa Observatory is located on the slopes of the Mauna Loa volcano, one of the five volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii. It is a world-renowned research facility that monitors atmospheric conditions, including carbon dioxide levels, to better understand the effects of climate change on the environment. Established in 1957, it is one of the oldest continuous monitoring stations in the world and is operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The observatory is open to visitors and offers guided tours that provide insight into the facility's history, scientific research, and its importance in climate change studies. It is a unique and educational tourist attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the earth's atmosphere and the importance of environmental monitoring.