| Mauna Kea, the "White Mountain" is 13,796 feet | | | | During the winter, you can ski or snowboard on |
| from the ground, and located on the "Big Island" | | | | the mountain. You will feel dizzy and somewhat |
| of Hawaii. This is a dormant volcano, estimated to | | | | disoriented. Make sure you stay hydrated and |
| be around one million years old. The summit | | | | stick a candy bar in your pocket in case you feel |
| offers a wonderful view of the island. The Mauna | | | | light headed. Watching the sunset from the |
| Kea Observatory, which is located on the summit, | | | | summit is an experience you will remember all of |
| is the largest in the world, bringing in scientists | | | | your life. |
| from around the world. Right across from the | | | | The view from the summit is breathtaking. Don't |
| Mauna Kea Summit, you will see its sister volcano | | | | forget to bring your camera. There are about |
| Mauna Loa (Long Mountain). This is an active | | | | twenty four telescopes scattered around the |
| volcano | | | | mountain top. When you get to the top, you |
| To get to Mauna Kea, you need a four wheel | | | | realize why the Apollo astronauts trained there. It |
| drive vehicle to tackle the Saddle Road. The drive | | | | is sparse and "moonlike". You can take a tour of |
| is quite an adventure. This road was built during | | | | the University of Hawaii's telescopes during the |
| World War II. They have repaved it since, but it is | | | | weekends. Call ahead and book. |
| a dangerously winding road. Stop at the Onizuka | | | | If you don't want to drive yourself to the Mauna |
| Center for International Astronomy to get | | | | Kea summit there are several tour groups that |
| acclimated. The center is at 9,200 feet. The | | | | will. They provide information, warm outer |
| visitor's center is very interesting. You need to | | | | clothing, and food. If you really want a challenge, |
| stay at least an hour for your body to adjust to | | | | you can hike to the summit from the visitor's |
| the altitude. Any one with respiratory problems, | | | | center. This is a grueling hike, even for the most |
| small children, or pregnant women should not go | | | | experienced hiker. |
| above this point. The summit only has about 60 | | | | While descending the mountain, a few miles after |
| percent oxygen content of air. | | | | the visitor's center, you may see the smoldering |
| Once you get to the summit, it is usually very | | | | Pu'u 'O'o cone from the Kilauea Volcano 30 miles |
| cold and windy. It is suggested to bring a coat, | | | | away. |
| hat and gloves. Many times it is snow covered. | | | | |