Mauna Kea, the tallest peak in Hawaii, towers over Hawaii’s Big Island, rising over 4,000 metres above sea level – and impressively, would be more than twice the height of Mount Everest if it was measured from the base of the volcano at the bottom of the sea. Over a million years old, Mauna Kea, with its snowy peak, is an iconic symbol of the island and from the top, visitors will be rewarded with captivating views out over the ocean.
You can drive out to Mauna Kea by joining one of the four-wheel-drive tours run by experts who will tell you much more about the volcano, its science and its environment. These tours are the most comfortable and safest way of exploring the area.
Head for the Visitor Information Station on your way up the volcano. This is the ideal location to acclimatise to the altitude. Open every day through the year, the station is packed with useful information and you can even see the world’s largest telescopes, and find out the reason why astrologers flock to Mauna Kea.
The road to the volcano’s summit is a steep gravel road. When you reach the summit, you’ll be travelling over the hardened lava of the volcano and through bleak and barren surroundings. It’s a surreal experience and you’ll feel like you’re in another world. Understandably, very little vegetation can survive in this environment. Temperatures at the peak are very chilly so be prepared to wrap up and remember to bring a pair of gloves. If you arrive here in the evening, you’ll witness incredible views of the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean.
The access road for Mauna Kea is about 45 kilometres from Hilo, whilst the summit is a further 24 kilometres along it. You can drive yourself, but it’s advisable to check your car rental details as some deals restrict you from coming here. If you do drive, parking is available at the Visitor Information Station and at the summit. The safest option however would be to take a tour from either Hilo or Waikoloa.
