The summit of the mountain lies above the forest line and the terrain consists of mostly lava rocks and shrubs due to its alpine weather conditions. The view from Mauna Kea is breathtaking. You can see right next to it the Mauna Loa volcano and since you are in Hawaii, the nature’s diversities from low ground tropical wet temperatures to mountain high, alpine, dry and cold temperatures. It also offers one of the best star viewings in the world, as evidence of the 11 star observatories at the top.
The hiking trail is 6 mi/10 km long (one way) and starts from the Visitor center where you can leave your car. At 13130 ft/4000 m the road comes along a trail going to Waiau Lake and another one leading to the summit. The route is very well marked with iron posts every few meters in between and it does not require high skill levels.
However a good fitness condition is essential for any practitioner because of the high altitude. During winter, there is snow around the peak. Hikers should wear light and layered clothes, hiking boots and warm socks and take enough snacks and water for a four to six hours hiking itinerary, although lake Waiau is a drinkable water supply. Don’t forget to take sunglasses and sunscreen with you.
Mauna Loa is one of the five active volcanoes in the island of Hawaii, the largest one on earth in volume and in kilometers covered. Its peak stands at 13679 ft/4169 m above the sea level.
Torres del Paine is located in Southern Patagonia and is one of the numerous spectacular national parks in Chile. It was created in 1959 and UNESCO has listed the location as a Biosphere Reserve since 1978. This place is a wonder land for hikers from all over the world.
Bear Valley is a ski area located near Angels Camp, on highway 4, between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, approximately 3 hrs southeast of Sacramento, California, USA.
Volcano National park is located at 30 mi/48 km in the southwest of Hilo Town in Hawaii. The park was established in 1916 and is a combination of unique ecosystems and diverse environments that range from the sea to the summit of the world's biggest volcano, Mauna Loa, as well as Kilauea witch is the world's most active volcano.
Yosemite National Park is located near Mariposa, California, USA.
Kahului is located in Maui Island on Hawaii and is the largest city of the Island. It is considered to be a shopping destination because there are several major stores and malls.
Volcano National park is located at 30 mi/48 km in the southwest of Hilo Town in Hawaii. The park was established in 1916 and is a combination of unique ecosystems and diverse environments that range from the sea to the summit of the world's biggest volcano, Mauna Loa, as well as Kilauea which is the world's most active volcano.
Chocks beach is located in Hilo, in Hawaii, which is the most populated city of the island. Hilo is an old fashioned bay front town, with tropical rain forest climate all year long, and home of the Tsunami Museum, dedicated to the understanding of the 1946 Pacific Tsunami.
Volcano National park is located at 30 mi/48 km in the southwest of Hilo Town in Hawaii. The park was established in 1916 and is a combination of unique ecosystems and diverse environments that range from the sea, to the summit of the world's biggest volcano, Mauna Loa, as well as Kilauea witch is the world's most active volcano.
Bayfront beach is located in Hilo, Hawaii, which is the most populated city of the island. Hilo is an old fashioned bay front town, with tropical rain forest climate all year long and home of the Tsunami Museum, dedicated to the understanding of the 1946 Pacific Tsunami.
Volcano National park is located at 30 mi/48 km in the southwest of Hilo Town in Hawaii. The park was established in 1916 and is a combination of unique ecosystems and diverse environments that range from the sea to the summit of the world's biggest volcano, Mauna Loa, as well as Kilauea witch is the world's most active volcano.
Richardson's beach is located in Hilo, Hawaii, which is the most populated city of the island. Hilo is an old fashioned bay front town, with tropical rain forest climate all year long and home of the Tsunami Museum, dedicated to the understanding of the 1946 Pacific Tsunami.
Volcano National park is located at 30 mi/48 km in the southwest of Hilo Town in Hawaii. The park was established in 1916 and is a combination of unique ecosystems and diverse environments that range from the sea to the summit of the world's biggest volcano, Mauna Loa, as well as Kilauea which is the world's most active volcano.
Tombstones beach is located between Paukaa and Wainaku Village Hawaii, at about seven minutes drive from Hilo, which is the most populated city on the island.
