A scenic drive from the DoubleTree Grand Naniloa Hilo, discover Mauna Kea Summit. At 13,796 feet above sea level – and over 33,000 feet from the bottom of the ocean floor – it’s the tallest sea mountain in the world. And it’s must-see on your Hawaiian vacation!
In Hawaiian mythology, Mauna Kea is home to the snow 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. Today, Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano that last erupted approximately 4,000 years ago.
Mauna Kea’s altitude and isolation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean make it one of the clearest places on the planet for viewing the night sky – which is why it is home to the world’s largest observatory for optical, infrared and submillimeter astronomy. Ascend the summit during the day to watch the sunset, then return to the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station to view the stars.
(NOTE: The summit is open to the public, but the summit telescope facilities are CLOSED to visitors.)
For those in search of a truly exhilarating Hawaiian adventure, the six-mile hiking trail to the summit of Mauna Kea climbs from 9,200 to 13,800 feet. But the views are well worth the trek. If you come at the right time of year, you may even see snow in Hawaii’s frozen tundra!
(NOTE: Hiking to the true summit is discouraged as it is considered a sacred site. The average round-trip hiking time for experienced hikers is approximately eight (8) hours.
