Hilo, United States
Mauna Kea Access Rd
N/A
+1 8089612180
So glad we made this a priority for our big island trip. We first went up to the visitor’s center, which was closed due to Covid. A ranger was allowing cars up the access road to the summit. There were many signs that said “4wD only” and the ranger turned some people away. We had an all-wheel drive car, but the ranger reported that on that particular day, they were allowing all-whee drive cars up to the summit. The drive up the summit took approximately thirty minutes. The first four miles are unpaved and the last two miles were paved. We drove above the clouds and observed a beautiful sunset. So worth it! We left right at sunset to make the drive down. We arrived to the visitor’s center well after dark and enjoyed a stunning starry sky. Of note, the star gazing prediction was listed as “poor visibility” but we got lucky! Pack warm warm clothes. It’s cold on top!
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A top 5 Big Island experience. Regardless of your religion, this is a place where sanctity and spirituality are apparent and transcendent. Personally, find the telescopes a disgusting and offensive intrusion on this majestic ground, but when you look past them to the snow capped cinder cones and picturesque clouds below, its apparent that this is truly a special place
Come up for a rare opportunity to stand on top of THE TALLEST MOUNTAIN ON THE EARTH! 33,500 feet from base to summit and over 13,800 feet above sea level. Make sure you either stop at the visitor center for about 45 minutes or do deep breathing exercises all the way up. If you don't, you could get some serious altitude sickness!
Great views from up top. Only 4wd. Its winter weather. Be prepared. Can hike up 8 miles buts it 4-5 hours up 1 way.
Absolutely breathtaking! We drove up to the visitor's center at 9,200ft. Acclimated for about 30 minutes (we really needed to, because we were feeling pretty woozy). Then we drove up to the summit. It really is like another world up there. BEAUTIFUL!
Absolutely amazing. Experience a sunset here if you can, it's out of this world. Allot 30 min to acclimate at the visitor center then drive up to the summit. Drive up takes about 30 min and you need a 4-wheel drive. After the sun sets, head back down to the visitor center to do some star gazing. Download an app if you need some help identifying the stars and constellations. Try going on a less cloudy night and when the moon isn't as big. Unforgettable.
Went up on a Saturday morning, to celebrate a friend's birthday. Absolutely beautiful scenery, especially in sharp contrast with the rest of the island's lush vibrance. We greeted the sun as it broke over the mountains. Small points to knock the place: It's a heck of a trek to reach the summit. The restroom situation is hit and miss, and I couldn't find any kind of map to clue me in on where to seek them. Finally, no fire is permitted on the mountain, under pain of a 3000 dollar fine. We'd planned to cook some eggs over a camp stove while up there: A passerby warned us we could get hammered by any passing ranger. All in all, very much worth the trip. The little things I didn't care for couldn't take away from the vista and majesty. Roads are a bit rough: Bring a 4x4 if you have one.
Amazing, like no other place on earth
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