Canada France Hawaii Telescope

The Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) is a non-profit organization that operates a world class 3.6-meter telescope atop Maunakea, a dormant Hawaiian volcano rising 4,200 meters above the Pacific Ocean. The Observatory headquarters are located in Waimea (Kamuela), where CFHT has been part of the community since 1977. The CFHT team of some 50 people includes engineers, technicians, astronomers, and administrators.

CFHT is a joint research facility of:

• National Research Council of Canada,
  • see also Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre
• Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique of France, and
  • see also CNRS/INSU
• University of Hawaiʻi.
  • see also UH/Institute for Astronomy

Visiting the Summit

Due to staffing constraints, we are unable to give summit tours to visitors who request them. If you plan on visiting Maunakea or driving to the summit, we recommend reading the Visiting Maunakea Safely and Responsibly page from the Center from Maunakea Stewardship. Keep in mind that the summit of Mauna Kea is almost 14,000ft (~4200m) above sea level. People who suffer from heart conditions, breathing problems, vertigo are discouraged from visiting the summit. Children under the age of 16 and pregnant woman are also advised against visiting the summit. The summit is very isolated, there are no emergency medical facilities of any kind or public services.

A trip to 'Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai'i is also highly recommended. They are located in Hilo and they work to combine the science and culture of Hawai'i.

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Thank you to UCommunity - UPrinting Sponsorship Program for our upcoming line of Solar System stickers for keiki!