Sunrise, Sunsets, Stars & Snow on the Summit of Mauna Kea
BY KAPINA LANSDALE
Big Island of Hawai’i has a variety of beauties to offer. Start your day in Hawai’i watching the sun rise from the tallest volcano on earth. Watch the sun rise from the east as the sky lights up with an array of magical colors.
Let’s not forget the “Mauna Kea sunset experience”, an above-the-clouds perspective making it one of the best places in the world to catch a sunset or gaze at the stars.
Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano that last erupted approximately 4,000 years ago. Standing tall at 13,796 feet above sea level and over 33,000 feet from the bottom of the ocean floor, Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world below sea level.
Home to the highest body of water in the state, Lake Wai‘au is a sacred lake to Hawaiians. This remarkable high-altitude lake is located more than 13,000 feet above sea level.
Occasionally Hawaiian Ali’i (royalty) would go to the top of the mountain. The last royal visitor was back in 1881, Queen Emma led her companions to the top to see the summit and so she may rejuvenate herself in the sacred Lake Wai’au.
“In Hawaiian mythology, Mauna Kea is home to the goddess Poli’ahu. In ancient times, the summit was considered the realm of the gods and was kapu (forbidden) to all except the highest chiefs and priests.”
Weather
The summit is one of the only places in the world where you can drive from sea level to 14,000 feet in about 2 hours, so altitude sickness is a high possibility. At 14,000 feet, there is 40% less oxygen than at sea level, so visitors should acclimatize to the altitude before proceeding further up the mountain.
Know that Mauna Kea weather varies greatly and can change quickly. Summit winds can reach up to 120 mph with daytime temperatures averaging between freezing and 45 degrees fahrenheit.
During the winter months Mauna Kea can get a lot of snow. Although uncommon, there have been reports of snow storms even during the summer months. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before visiting the summit and to dress warm.
Visitors Center
The Visitor Information Station (VIS) is located at the 9,200 foot level of Mauna Kea and is open daily between 9:00am and 6:00pm. Here you can enjoy the Ahinahina (silversword) garden, the First Light Book Store, picnic area, views of the sun through a solar telescope, and stargazing.
When the weather permits, local astronomers, staff and volunteers set up telescopes, offering free stargazing programs for viewing at 7:00 p.m. and use laser pointers to identify constellations, galaxies, and planet,
Due to the lack of oxygen on the summit, your vision can be impaired at this high-altitude. You can actually see more stars from the VIS than from the summit.
The fourth Saturday of each month is Malalo o ka Po Lani, a special cultural presentation of the volcano and surrounding land, told from a Hawaiian perspective.
No reservations are needed and there’s no admission fee, although the VIS does accept donations. Parking can be an issue so arrive early. There are only 115 parking stalls at the VIS and once the lot is full, cars will be turned away. Make sure to fill up your tank before the journey.
Tips for Visiting Mauna Kea
-It’s recommended that children under 13, pregnant women, and those with poor health not to go higher than the Visitor Information Station (VIS) located at the 9,200 feet level.
-At the Visitor Information Station you should also get the current weather update, safety information and adjust to the change in altitude.
-If you plan to scuba dive, it is recommended not to go up the summit within 24 hours after your drive.
-Visitors are advised that only TRUE 4-wheel drive vehicles with LOW range travel above the VIS. Roughly 200 yards beyond the station, the pavement ends and the next five miles are a steep graded-gravel road.
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