Mauna Kea(edit)

Overview

This hike is over 12 miles round trip and can take up to eight hours so get an early start. Make sure that you gear up appropriately. The top of Mauna Kea has the same conditions as other tall mountain peaks and should be planned for similarly. Because of the lowered levels of atmospheric protection, gearing up on higher-UV protection sunscreen is highly recommended – as is packing extra water, sturdy hiking boots, and emergency gear. There are no services on the summit, so planning ahead and preparing for the worst with first aid, extra rations, and cold weather gear is a must

There are two hikes on Mauna Kea: The full Mauna Kea Summit Trail (Humu’ula Trail) and a shorter hike to Lake Waiau.

Mauna Kea Summit Trail
The Mauna Kea Summit trail is a 12 mile round trip that ascends 4,500 feet beginning at the Visitor Center (13.4 miles if you add in the lake side trail and the summit hill loop at the very top). This is a very challenging hike and you must take the altitude, weather, and mountain conditions into account before setting out. You’ll also want to start out early in the day so you can be off the mountain before dark. The hike typically takes 7-8 hours for someone who is in fit physical condition.

Fill out a form at the Visitor Center and leave it in the drop box before you leave, then check in when you get back so they know you are okay. From there, you’ll walk a short stretch up the road and head down the two lane trail to the left for about a quarter mile.

From the visitor center, you will see a trail heading up hill on the left which is the Humu’ula Trail. Following this trail will take you past historic sites, incredible cinder cone landscapes, and the trailhead to Lake Waiau. Take a side jaunt to see the lake (totally worth it) then continue on to intersect with the road. The first two miles are very steep and the entire trail is rough terrain with loose rock so hiking poles are a real plus for this hike.

You’ll be on the road side for around a mile of the hike so be careful to watch for cars. There are no restrooms until you reach the parking area at the top so you will need to pack all waste and garbage with you. You can stop at the summit parking area and use the restroom and enjoy the views or continue on to the top. The final stretch of the climb to the summit starts where you see the parking area, then follow the trail around a half mile to the top. This area is considered sacred so please treat it with respect.

Getting Started

You can access the Mauna Kea Visitor Center via Saddle Road (Highway 200). The turnoff onto the Mauna Kea Access road is near the 28 mile marker and is marked with a sign. You then follow Mauna Kea road about 6 miles upslope to the Visitor Information Station around the 9,200 foot elevation.