At just 117 feet taller than the more symmetrical Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea which literally means white mountain in Hawaiian, is the largest active volcano in the world. It is also known to be the largest mountain mass on earth tallest mountain in the world as measured from its sub-oceanic base to the summit at 13, 796 feet above sea level. The mountain is sacred to Hawaiians and their culture. It is the legendary home of the snow goddess Poliahu the formidable adversary of the fire goddess Pele. Legends tell of on-going conflicts between the two involving massive forces of fire and ice.
Today Mauna Kea is home of the largest collection of the largest telescopes in the world, the endangered wekiu bug, and is the location of the highest lake in the islands, Lake Waiau.
It’s important to know that car rental companies will allow access to the Visitor Information Center but not further. Although there are rented convertibles and other 4WD cars drive past that point, I have to say that the loose graveled road has no guard rails and is steep in areas. But the most dangerous part of the trip is not the road, but the elevation.
The elevation has been known to make drivers and passengers dizzy and even faint. The road is not lighted which makes the descent from the summit after sunset much more difficult than the ascent. Those under 13 years of age and those who are pregnant are not allowed, period. It is also important to avoid SCUBA diving at least 24 hours before or after a visit to Mauna Kea.
It’s also important to know that the summit road closes frequently in winter months due to snow. Be sure to call the Summit Road Hotline before making the long drive. Telephone: (808) 935-6268.
The Ellison Onizuka Center for International Astronomy 10,000 foot level Mauna Kea 808- 961-2180Tours are offered from the Visitor Information Station at the 9,300 foot level on Saturday afternoons at 1pm. After a short orientation and telescope viewing, visitors caravan to the summi- using their own 4WD vehicles.
Mauna Kea Summit Adventures 74-5606 Pawai Place Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 808-322-2366$200 per person. Tour lasts 8 hours and includes a mid-afternoon hotel pickup, a meal and access to the summit. Admission is free. Hours: 9a-10p daily
Lottie Tagupa is a native Hawaiian, born and raised on the island of Oahu. She has been writing about Hawaii for over 10 years and currently lives in Waimea on the Big Island.
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