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Every so often, you need a reminder of how small you are — and how vast everything else is. If that's what you're after, you can't go wrong with the Keck Observatory on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. #Travel Threads (1 of 11) 🧵👇🏽

Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano on the Big Island, towers 13,803 feet (4,207 m) above sea level, making it the highest point in Hawaii and the second-highest island peak in the world 🌋 (2 of 11) 🧵

It’s home to The Keck Observatory, where two massive telescopes—each with a 10-meter mirror — stare deep into the cosmos. These telescopes are pivotal for astronomical research, contributing to groundbreaking discoveries that have shaped our understanding of the cosmos. (3 of 11) 🧵

While the public doesn't have access to telescopes, it's one of the best spots on Earth for sunsets & even more spectacular for stargazing. You're above the clouds with minimal light pollution and a clear view of the night sky. Sunsets are breathtaking, but the stargazing is surreal. (4 of 11) 🧵

Getting there, though, had its quirks, especially considering this was an impromptu adventure. We made the mistake of renting a Dodge Charger — great for style, terrible for mountain climbs 🤦🏽‍♂️ (5 of 11) 🧵

Without a 4WD vehicle, we had to stop at the visitor center at 9,200 feet (2,804 m) and hitch a ride. Luckily, the first person I asked — a Chinese dude named Ping visiting from Taiwan — was kind enough to let us tag along in his empty Jeep. (6 of 11) 🧵

Turns out his wife had to stay behind at the visitor center with their daughter because she was too young to go to the summit. Soon, we were cruising to the summit, cracking jokes and swapping stories with an international crew of new friends. (7 of 11) 🧵

Standing there under an infinite canopy of stars, with the Milky Way arcing overhead like nature's finest light show, you feel both infinitely small and incredibly lucky to be witnessing it all. God be straight up flexin' out here 💪🏽🔥🤯🌌 If you ever get the chance, go. (9 of 11) 🧵

Some experiences can't be captured in pixels or prose – they need to be felt firsthand. This is one of them. (10 of 11)🧵