BEfore going up the mountian we started at the suitable names Maune Kea Resort (owned by a mr Rockefeller...). Not much to complain bout there, slightly windy, but nice snorkeling and coral reefs as well as perfect white beach sand.
The road up to mauna Kea rises quickly along the sabble road on which you start driving into the clouds. once you turn off towards the Mauna Kea observatories the clouds might lighten up. A mandatory stop and half hour acklimatization at 9 200 ft (~2750 m) helps but only ever so slightly.
Once you reach the top one can see about 10 nice and unique telescopes which offers some of the best observation conditions in the world. and from the picture one can see how we now all off a sudden is practically completely above the clouds.
The summit is at the end of a short hiking trail which only takes a few minutes, the minor rise doeshowever quickly take your breath away with the views and thin air combined.
The top also contains a small ceremonial spot where Leis, Fruit and other things have been offered and left.
The main hotspot activity have since moved further south though and create the mountain Mauna Loa. It is less than 100 ft lower than Mauna Kea, and even from the top is hard to distinguish which is highest.
If you are in to snow sports (or in this case snow-juggling) Mauna Kea offers ne of only 2 spots on hawai'i where you can practice your skills, in January and February there is even some mild ability to do skiing, but you have to make your way up the slope by own power each run...
Stats:
State: Hawai'i
High point: Mauna Kea
Elevation: 13796 ft (4205.0 m)
Date: March 22, 2011
Total elevation to date: 179067 ft (54580 m)
Access: drive-up, hike
Difficulty rating (of 10): 2
Potential Difficulties: acute mountain sickness, inclement weather
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