Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is a dormant shield volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii, known worldwide for world-class astronomical observatories at its summit and cultural significance to native Hawaiians. The high-altitude terrain features dramatic lunar landscapes, alpine tundra, and protected watershed areas, with access typically via Hapuna Beach or Waimea base points.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Oceania |
| Subregion | Polynesia |
| Country | United States |
| State | Hawaii |
| County | Hawaiʻi County |
| District | Hawaiʻi Island |
| City | Waimea |
| Timezone | PacificHonolulu |
| Latitude | -19.8207 |
| Longitude | -155.4681 |
| Maps |
4:13 PM LOCAL TIMEMauna Kea rises approximately 13,796 ft. (4,205 m) above sea level and about 33,500 ft. (10,210 m) from its base on the ocean floor, making it one of the tallest mountains on Earth when measured from base to summit. The volcano is a stratovolcano with a broad, gentle summit caldera, attracting world-leading telescopes from the US, Europe, and Asia that require extremely dry and stable atmospheric conditions. Visitors often start from lower elevation trailheads near Waimea or Hapuna Beach, where permitted access rules apply—especially at the summit, where altitude sickness precautions and strict environmental guidelines are mandatory. Beyond astronomy and scientific research, Mauna Kea holds profound spiritual and cultural importance to native Hawaiian communities, who view the summit as a sacrosanct focal point of origin stories. The mountain environment encompasses lunar-like volcanic cones, high-elevation nāmaka (native grasses), and protected water catchments, which require careful stewardship and respect.
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