Ready to explore this trail?
View Trail Map in AppRegional Classic
A must do route for the area handpicked by local experts.
Hikers must complete a mandatory registration form at the Maunakea Visitor Information Station before starting and check out upon return. No permits or fees are required.
The summit road and trail may close during severe winter weather or high winds.
The visitor center parking lot is located at 9,200 feet, where staying for at least 30 minutes to acclimatize is highly recommended.
Due to interference with the radio telescopes, cellular phone use is restricted to emergency calls only. A public, emergency telephone is located at the University of Hawaiʻi 2.2 meter Telescope.
Path Type
There and Back
This route begins and ends at the Maunakea Visitor Information Station at 9,200 feet after climbing approximately 4,600 vertical feet and turning around near the summit of Mauna Kea.
Start by walking 0.2 miles up the access road to the Humu'ula Trailhead on the left. The first 2 miles climb steeply through loose volcanic cinder and sand, which can make footing difficult. At 4.4 miles, reach the junction with the spur trail to Lake Waiau on the left. Turn left for a short detour to view the sacred lake, or bear right to continue climbing towards the summit.
Continue up the trail to reach the Mauna Kea Access Road junction at 5.0 miles. Turn left onto the Mauna Kea Access Road and follow it for the final stretch, passing the astronomical observatories. The route ends at the summit ridge. Respect local cultural requests to not climb the final sacred summit mound.
Retrace your steps to return to the visitor center.
All Clear
All Clear
All Clear
All Clear
Looking for more condition reports?
Contributors
