Mauna Kea: Silverswords, Lake Waiau, the Summit, and More
Being on Mauna Kea is always a treat! This day, we visit the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station (the "VIS"), the protected silversword area nearby, Lake Waiau, and the summit.
Please be advised that regular vehicles can drive as far as the VIS but only true 4WD with low gears can proceed any further. One can park at the VIS and hike up to the summit, using the trail at the VIS, but as in the case with Mauna Loa, be aware of the risks with altitude hiking. (See my Mauna Loa video: • Day Hike to Mauna Loa Volcano Summit ) There are tours who will take you to the summit for sunset viewing.
Mauna Kea is a particularly sacred place for native Hawaiians; please, engage your activities while observing respect and aloha: do not throw rocks, do not disturb offerings, do not blast music, leave no trace, and etc.
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🔹 About silverswords:
https://www.hawaii-guide.com/content/...
and
https://hilo.hawaii.edu/maunakea/libr...
🔹 About timestamp 0:22 - Hale Pohaku:
https://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/images/aer...
🔹 About the VIS (Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station):
https://hilo.hawaii.edu/maunakea/visi...
and
https://hilo.hawaii.edu/maunakea/visi...
🔹 About Lake Waiau:
https://keolamagazine.com/culture/lak...
and
https://www.honolulumagazine.com/the-...
and
https://www.lovebigisland.com/quick-a...
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Timestamps:
0:08 - at the VIS (1st time)
0:15 - silversword area
0:57 - driving beyond the VIS
1:52 - beginning hike to Lake Waiau
2:58 - Lake Waiau
10:44 - continuing onto the summit
13:41 - arriving at the top
14:23 - beginning the walk to the true summit
15:57 - at the summit heiau
17:40 - the drive back down to the VIS
22:39 - back at the VIS
22:08 - we go off-road for a picnic
23:41 - getting back onto the Saddle
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Music is from YouTube library:
1. "Alone," by Emmit Fenn
2. "Alyssa," by The Mini Vandals
3. "Apex," by Aakash Gandhi
4. "Beyond," by Patrick Patrikios
5. "Mountain," by JVNA