Take a picturesque drive from Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo to the spectacular Mauna Kea Summit. Mauna Kea has the distinction of being the tallest sea mountain in the world, rising a colossal 13,796 feet above sea level and over 33,000 feet from the ocean floor. It’s must-see on your Hawaiian vacation!
According to Hawaiian mythology, Mauna Kea was the home of snow goddess Poli‘ahu. In ancient times, the summit was deemed sacred and only accessible to the highest chiefs and priests; it was strictly forbidden to anyone else. Mauna Kea is best known today as a dormant volcano that last erupted around 4,000 years ago.
Due to its high altitude and remote location in the Pacific Ocean, Mauna Kea offers one of the clearest night skies on Earth, making it an ideal spot for stargazing. It’s also the site of the world's largest observatory for optical, infrared and submillimeter astronomy. Climb the summit during the day to witness a breathtaking sunset; afterward, head back to the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station to enjoy a mesmerizing view of the stars.
(NOTE: The summit is open to the public, but the summit telescope facilities are closed to visitors.)
If you’re ready for a real Hawaiian adventure, you can hike the six-mile trail to the summit of Mauna Kea, which ranges in height from 9,200 to 13,800 feet. The views along the way are worth the effort. Depending on the time of you that you hike, you might even witness the rare sight of snow in Hawai’i's frozen tundra!
(NOTE: Be aware that 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 hours.)