07/20/2023
Mauna Kea Sunset // Nope, still not finished with Hawaii photos. These are the last ones! This is what sunset looks like from the highest point in Hawaii. Mauna Kea, a shield volcano on the Big Island, boasts the highest elevation in the state of Hawaii, the second highest peak of an island on Earth, and, standing at 33,500 ft tall, is the tallest mountain from base to tip on Earth, though a good chunk of that lies below sea level. But 13,802 ft above sea level is still pretty high for someone from North Carolina. So high, in fact, that at about 9,000 ft, you're asked to acclimate to the elevation for at least 30 minutes at the Visitor Information Station before moving on to the summit. This is also the point where any vehicle that isn't a 4-wheel drive has to stop (thank goodness we rented a Jeep). If you're approved to move on from the VIS, you continue your trek to the observatory (which isn't actually at the tallest point, but who's counting those last few feet?). When you arrive, the view is incredible. And it's COLD. We were bundled up, because the wind chill was below freezing. I had to take a potty break (yay for port-a-johns I guess) and passed a chunk of snow still hanging out in the shadow of a building. And that walk to the toilet? It was a slow walk. If I walked at a normal pace I started feeling a little nauseous and light headed. Elevation sickness is a risk at this high of an altitude because the oxygen level is 40% less than at sea level! It was a weird experience. But so worth it for the view! The second photo is of some of the telescopes. It may also be worth mentioning that Mauna Kea hasn't erupted in over 4,000 - 6,000 years, so it's thought to be dormant. You're safe on the white mountain (from volcanic eruptions at least). 🤙
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