Mauna Kea in Hawaii - Driving to the Summit of this Grand Volcano

The summit of Mauna Kea is known as Puu Wekiu which is at an elevation of 13, 796 feet. This is actually the highest point of land in the Pacific Basin. A fascinating fact about Mauna Kea is when measured from the underside of the ocean floor, it reaches not quite 30, 000 feet which may allow it to be the tallest peak on the planet.

Visitors flock to Mauna Kea for a number of reasons. You will find 11 domes and 13 telescopes at the peak of Mauna Kea which attracts professional and amateur astronomers alike. The others come for the amazing viewpoints, unique bird watching and rugged hiking. The others arrived at Mauna Kea simply to say they did so.

The drive up Mauna Kea takes about an hour or so. In the beginning, the driver might find typical Hawaiian tropical vegetation. As you pass sea level, the landscape changes to grass pastures after which in to raggedy looking forests of koa and ohia trees. These thin out at 6, 000 feet and the landscape becomes dominated by barren lava flows. The sub alpine regions found following the 6, 500 foot level still support several koa and ohia trees as well as the rare mamane tree. All vegetation beyond 8, 500 feet becomes very scarce.

The mountain hosts some exceptional bird watching. The rare, yellow-crowned palila bird is visible here. The jeopardized Hawaiian honey-creeper is visible here aswell. This bird only feeds on the seed pods from the scarce mamane tree. Less rare, but nonetheless interesting birds like the uau (Hawaiian petrels), nene (Hawaiian geese), io (Hawaiian hawks) may also be seen on Mauna Kea.

The initial step to reaching Mauna Kea would be to drive Saddle Road (Route 200). This road is listed as off-limits by most of the car rental agencies. Thrifty enables its rental cars on saddle road but advises from this practice. The roads are narrow with little if any shoulders and you will find no emergency phones with this route in the event you encounter an issue.

You just take the switch off from Saddle Road to Hale Pohaku and the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station. This leg lasts 7 miles and takes the traveler to 9, 300 feet. This section could be driven with a normal car however it does feature very steep and windy roads. If you're driving a Thrifty rental car, visitors Center is so far as you're permitted to go. Harper's Car and Truck Rental (harpershawaii. com) does rent vehicles for the precise reason for getting from visitors Center to the observatory.

Please make sure to bring warm clothing with this journey. Even yet in summer time temperatures can reach the reduced 40s. Also ensure that you fill the vehicle's gas tank prior to going. The steep grade and nothing pushes the vehicle in to inadequate fuel useage and there's nowhere to fill at the very top.