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Hawaii
island employs snow plows above the 9,000 foot level on Mauna
Kea. At 13,796 feet (4,205 meters), Mauna Kea is the tallest
mountain in the Pacific Basin. Snow storms can occur year
round, usually when thunder and lightning strike at sea level.
The winter storm on December 14, 2001, recorded high winds
of 80 mph. The summit is windy most of the year, although
some days feel balmy under a tropical sun strong enough to
fry unprotected skin. Mauna Kea hosts a large astronomy complex
with the clearest skies in the world. The first land to see
sunrise in Hawaii, the mountain is revered by Hawaiians and
holds archeological sites in addition to an adze quarry used
by early Polynesians throughout the Pacific. The last ice
age dumped 200 feet on Mauna Kea, leaving behind a layer of
permafrost. Nestled near the top, Lake Waiau shimmers as the
wind skips across its surface. Endangered species endemic
to Mauna Kea cling to life in this harsh environment. Hikers
need plenty of water, weather protection and stamina for the
decreased oxygen level. Hiking Mauna Kea is like moving in
slow motion and it's humbling to learn that early Hawaiians
made the journey from sea level to the summit region bare
foot with no Gore Tex.
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