The Big Island Insider's Guide: Summit of Mauna Kea

View of Mauna Kea from Saddle Road

The summit of Mauna Kea is just an awesome place to go. It is the largest volcano in the State of Hawaii and rises approximately 14,000 feet above sea level. It is one of the best places in the world for astronomical observation. Currently, there are 13 observation facilities on Mauna Kea. The use of Mauna Kea for astronomical observation is highly debated because of it's cultural significance to native Hawaiians. In addition, the volcano has flora and fauna that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Anyhow, if you are visiting the Big Island and have some time to spare (and access to a 4x4 vehicle), I would recommend this trek.

Driving up the mountain

The thing that locals like about Mauna Kea is that it is our only access to snow in the state. The summit usually receives snow during winter storms in February of March. Many outsiders would not consider it quality snow. It is wet, mushy, and after a while, it gets hard and icy. As a tourist, I'm sure you wouldn't really get the appeal, but to many locals this is our only experience of snow. So don't go for the snow. Go for the view, go to see the massive telescopes, go for the natural history, go because it was and is a sacred place, but don't go for the snow. You will be disappointed.

To get to the summit of Mauna Kea, you will need access to a 4x4 vehicle. Most rental car companies will NOT allow you to take their rental cars up the the summit. From what I know, the only rental car company that allows their 4x4 vehicles to be taken to the summit is Harper. The same rule applies to taking vehicles down to Waipio Valley. There are also numerous tour companies that go to the summit. This would be a great idea, as their tour guides can tell you a lot more Mauna Kea trivia than I can. It really is a place to learn.

I absolutely love this photo. I will name it "Shining Heavens".

Quick tips:

1. It is advised that children under the age of 16, pregnant women, or people with certain health conditions NOT visit the summit due to an increased likelihood of altitude sickness. Even people in good health can get altitude sickness. Personally, I get a splitting headache after an hour or so. The high altitide does not bother some people.

2. Stop at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Center for at least ONE HOUR. This will let your body acclimate to the high altitude and make it easier for your body to adjust when you get to the summit.

3. For all you EXPERIENCED hikers, you can supposedly hike to the summit. I would not recommend this for the average person. There is also hiking you can do once at the summit to Lake Waiau.

4. Prior to visiting the summit, check the road conditions, as the road is sometimes closed due to poor road conditions (online or call 808-935-6268).

5. It's windy. Bring a jacket.

6. Wear sunscreen and sunglasses. You are that much closer to the sun. Fourteen thousand feet makes a difference, trust me.

7. Even though Mauna Kea is considered a volcano, it is dormant meaning that you don't have to worry about it erupting while you're up there. It will be fine.