ApproachPark your car at the Ellison Onizuka Visitor Center at 9200 feet.
Route Description Topographic
Trailmap
(click to enlarge)
 | The trail starts a few hundred feet north of the Visitor Center, and follows the "abandoned dirt road", which diverges from the main summit road. The dirt road splits to the northeast and rejoins the main road at the 10000-foot level. Parking may be possible at a turnout on the main road, in front of the sign marked "Mauna Kea Ice Age Trail", but you should inquire before doing this. From 10000-11000 feet, the hike climbs relatively steeply over well-behaved scree (perfect for fast descents). From 11000 to around 12800, the trail's incline lessens somewhat, and the dominant rock type becomes the blocky "a'a" lava rocks (more treacherous on descent). The trail is well-marked with tall iron poles every 500 feet or so, making it nearly impossible to lose during the day. A steep climb takes you from 12800 to 13100 feet, at which point you join a spur trail from the summit road. Soon after, the trail forks. The left fork leads to Lake Waiau (13020 feet). Take the right fork to reach the summit. The prominent cone to your east is not the summit proper, but rather 13441-foot Pu'u Hau Kea. Crest a 13200-foot saddle and slowly descend over 1/2 mile until you meet the summit road and obtain your first views of the telescopes. It is customary to walk along the saddle road for the next mile, until 13700 feet. The true summit is separated from the true highpoint by approximately 1/4 mile and a small saddle.
Essential GearThis is a hike, not a climb. Go light and fast! Most people will not need hiking boots, as the trail is in fine shape. Wind is omnipresent, and summit temperatures normally hover around freezing, plus or minus 10° F. This makes for fairly cold, but not extremely cold, wind chills. Bring plenty of water, but not too much. Lake Waiau will provide a reliable supply in a pinch, and likely requires no treatment, though the algae that greens its waters may put off many prospective drinkers. The Keck Telescope apparently gives tours and has public bathrooms. Sunscreen.
Miscellaneous InfoIf you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.
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Big Island Peaks
