Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea at a Glance
Mauna Kea today is a dormant volcano that sits on the island of Hawaii. Peaking at 4,207.3 meters over sea level, it's the tallest point in Hawaii and the earth's second-tallest peak of an island. The peak is around 38 meters higher than Mauna Loa, which is a more massive nearby neighbor.
Situated in the north-central area of Hawaii's Big Island, Mauna Kea truly delivers an adventure of a lifetime. It's a majestic place full of contradictions but famous for its ocean-scape, fauna, and flora. This frequent snow-shrouded dormant volcano extends almost 14,000 feet into the sky, and the land on it, scrubby alpine meadows which give way to astonishing moon-rock landscapes, cannot appear more different than a marine paradise. However, this destination offers far more than just a stroll along the beach; it's where tradition and ancient culture meet modern research among one of the greatest backdrops imaginable.
Here's my list of amazing reasons why you ought to think of visiting Mauna Kea while going on the next Big Island exploration.
9 Amazing Reasons to Visit Mauna Kea
1. It's One of the Most Sacred Places in Hawaii
Although Mauna Kea is spectacular by itself, towering nearly 14,000 feet into the air, this is a treasured spot for Native Hawaiians. In their creation traditions, the Sky Father and Earth Mother created the islands together. Mauna Kea was narrated as their first-born mountain child and is thought of as the center of the Big Island. Goddesses and gods were worshipped here, and evidence can yet be observed in the wooden and stone altars dotted along the mountainside.
Mauna Kea in addition serves as a burial ground, or cemetery, for notable high-ranking people such as chiefs and priests, and today religious ceremonies continue on the calm volcano.
Although not walled, bear in mind that Mauna Kea is in fact a sanctuary, and really one of Hawaii's most sacred spaces. So, take nothing, walk lightly, and, most of all, treat this area with the deepest respect that it deserves.
2. You'll Be Walking in the Clouds
While making the 6-mile drive up to its visitor information center, you'll see the air grow clearly thinner. You're now at around 9,200 feet; it's highly recommended to pull over here for the sake of acclimating prior to continuing to the summit. There's a ton of information here educating you about Mauna Kea's scientific and cultural importance. Kind rangers and guides are nearby ready to answer your questions. You'll find souvenirs and snacks for sale at the center's shop.
As you proceed further up toward the summit, most likely you'll experience the similar odd, exhilarating sensation that many have had: it was astonishing to be going up the front of this natural wonder, and then realizing what you're firstly assumed was just fog was really feathery, floating clouds!
3. See the Marvelous Transformation from Sand to Snow
It's a jaw-dropping experience that you could have breakfast on one of the beaches in the morning, enjoy the surf and sun, and in only many hours, you could find yourself in the center of a thoroughly different landscape, 1000s of feet over sea level, covered with fresh snow! As it diminishes during the summer months, it was completely prevalent in the wintertime. The experience from sand to snow rather dramatically fast is one of the high points which makes Mauna Kea so unique and significant.
4. The Hike is Unbelievable
Be well-informed: you must be tough and in fair physical shape to tackle Mauna Kia's hiking trail, that begins close to the Visitor Information Center. Also, know this hike is intended for seasoned hikers, for the back-woods-trail is 12 miles, including a 4,600-foot slow climb to the top. Take on either the 8, 9, or 10-hour challenge and you'll enjoy stunning landscapes, a fine view of Lake Waiau, and even a lifetime of boasting rights. However, be fully prepared: take a lot of water, sunscreen, and even fuel.
Bear in mind, it's very rude and offensive to Native Hawaiians to climb the whole way up to the peak of the summit.
5. Watching the Observatories
Several notable people in the scientific world regard Mauna Kea to be the best astronomical research site in the world. The mountain's high altitude together with peaceful, dry air and black skies, makes Mauna Kea the ideal spot to observe space clearly from Earth. From 1960s, a total of 13 observatories have been constructed here. Situated close to the summit, they add to that otherworldly feeling of Mauna Kea.
6. The White-Knuckle Drive
They say coming here is half the thrill. There's no manner of escaping this one: it's intense. But only consider doing it if the weather is especially fair and the path up there is ice and snow free. The partly paved road has a challenging steep grade, with many sudden turns, zero guardrails, and creepy traffic signs. That told, the drive up there and down, makes the summit for a memory you'll never forget. Ensure for safety's sake to take it slow driving up, and down, and always keep your eyes looking directly ahead.
7. You'll Observe One of the Greatest Sunsets Anywhere
If you've arrived at the summit and the time is right, stay a bit longer. Way up there, you'll imagine as though you're seeing the sun set from the height of the world. Locals claim it's a great way to catch a memorable sky scene filled with blazing color.
8. Gaze at the Sky at Night
Once it becomes dark, the show isn't over at Mauna Kea. Try to spend a little more time close to the Visitor's Information Center to catch more than a peek of an unbelievable night sky. Most probably you've never observed the stars exactly like this. For example, constellations are plainly observable, and telescopes set up by volunteers shall aid you see far more clearly. Just invest a few minutes gazing up at the glowing night sky and you'll understand why Mauna Kea is so important, scientifically as spiritually.
9. Mauna Kea Beach
Located behind the Mauna Kea Hotel, the white sandy beach is perfect for several beach activities from swimming, boogie boarding, beach walking, to name a few. It's not overcrowded, so there's plenty of room.
Now, you can carve out some time to relax under the warm sun and enjoy the peaceful waters. Snorkel out and observe colorful tropical fish. If the waves are high enough, this sheltered area is an ideal site to brush up on your surfing skills.
