Is it hard to breathe on Mauna Kea?

The summit elevation is 13,796 feet (4,205m). The oxygen level in the body is greatly reduced at this altitude and visitors can experience shortness of breath, impaired judgment, and other symptoms.

Can you camp on top of Mauna Kea?

There is no camping available adjacent to the summit, although you can rent cabins at nearby Mauna Kea State Recreation area. From either the Hilo side or the Kona side, take HI-200 (Saddle Road) toward the center of the islands.

Can you go to the top of Mauna Loa?

Running through a lunar landscape, the road to the summit is called Mauna Loa Scenic Drive (or Mauna Loa Observatory Road). It’s a 17-mile (one way) roughly paved narrow road built through lava. Near the summit sits a premier atmospheric research called Mauna Loa Observatory.

Is it safe to drive up Mauna Kea?

Q: Can you drive up to the MaunaKea summit? Yes, but not with any car and only during daylight hours. On the road from the visitor center to the summit only 4WD vehicles are allowed, and the summit is off-limits from half and hour after sunset.

How do you get to the top of Mauna Kea?

There are four ways to get to the summit.

1. Rent a Four-Wheel Drive Car. If you are planning to visit Mauna Kea independently, definitely rent a four-wheel-drive car.
2. Take a Mauna Kea summit Tour.
3. Hitchhike to the Summit.
4. Hike the 8-Hour Trail.

How cold is it on top of Maunakea?

32 degrees Fahrenheit
How cold is it at the Mauna Kea summit area? The average temperature near the summit is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 Celsius. The wind-chill factor may dip the temperature far below freezing.

What is the highest point in Hawaii?

13,803′
Mauna Kea/Elevation

Can you drive to the top of the Big Island?

A 43 mile scenic drive takes you from sea level in Hilo (or Kona or Waimea) up to the summit of Mauna Kea at 13,796 to the astronomical observatories at the top! The drive takes you through just about every ecosystem on the island.

How bad is the road to Mauna Kea?

The road to the summit, with asphalt and gravel sections, is called Mauna Kea Access Road. It’s a 14,7-mile narrow road built in 1964. It can be dangerous, particularly in bad weather. This is one of the toughest drives in the world.

Who should not travel to Mauna Kea?

Pregnant women should not travel to Mauna Kea because of the decreased oxygen available for mother and child. We do not take children under 13 years of age to the summit because they have a much higher incidence of high altitude problems.

Is Mauna Kea dangerous for people with heart disease?

Mauna Kea has 40\% less oxygen than sea level and 40\% less air pressure than sea level. This lack of vital oxygen can be a very serious problem for persons with HEART or LUNG disease.

What is the weather like on Mauna Kea?

Mauna Kea is a very high mountain and like all high mountains it has it’s measure of unpredictable weather. If we decide to make the trip your odds of encountering adverse weather is about 1/25 according to our trip logs. We do not cancel our trips solely due to a few high clouds or a bit less than perfect stargazing conditions.

Can I drive to the summit of Maunakea?

Visitors are advised that only TRUE 4-wheel drive vehicles with LOW range may travel above the VIS. About 200 yards beyond the station, the pavement ends and the next five miles are a steep graded-gravel road. Before proceeding visitors should consult their rental vehicle company or review their contract concerning visiting the summit of Maunakea.