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- Mauna Kea
13,803 ft · Hawaiian Volcanoes, Hawaii
Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is a 13,803 ft peak in the Hawaiian Volcanoes, Hawaii. The standard route is the Humu'ula Trail: 13 mi, 4,914 ft of gain, Class 1.
Mauna Kea at a glance
- Elevation13,803 ft4,207 m
- RouteHumu'ula TrailClass 1
- Distance13 mi4,914 ft gain
- Time8 – 12 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonMay – Sep
- RangeHawaiian VolcanoesHawaii
Climbing the Humu'ula Trail
From Hilo or Kona on Hawaii's Big Island, drive to the Mauna Kea Visitor Station at 9,000 feet. The Humu'ula Trail is the standard hiking route, gaining over 4,600 feet to the summit. The high altitude (13,803 feet) causes problems for many visitors, especially those arriving directly from sea level. Strong sun, wind, and cold temperatures are common at the summit. Check for cultural closures or road restrictions before visiting, as the summit area is sacred to Native Hawaiians. Observatory tours are separate from hiking access. Acclimatization at the visitor station is recommended.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (40–55 L)
Water
First-Aid Kit
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Hiking Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Heavyweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- High altitude
- High winds
- Dry conditions
- Storms
- Low visibility
- Altitude sickness
Mauna Kea on Yak
Climbers have shared 5 climbs of Mauna Kea on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Mauna Kea
50 State HighpointsFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mauna Kea?
Mauna Kea is 13,803 feet (4,207 m) tall. It is in the Hawaiian Volcanoes, Hawaii.
Is Mauna Kea the highest point in Hawaii?
Yes. At 13,803 feet, Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii.
How hard is it to hike Mauna Kea?
The Humu'ula Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 13 miles with 4,914 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mauna Kea?
Most people take 8 – 12 hours round trip on the Humu'ula Trail, covering 13 miles with 4,914 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Mauna Kea?
The Humu'ula Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 13 miles with 4,914 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Mauna Kea?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mauna Kea reaches 13,803 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
When is the best time to hike Mauna Kea?
The usual hiking window is May to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Mauna Kea?
The Humu'ula Trail starts at about 9,170 feet, roughly 4,633 feet below the summit.
Climb Mauna Kea with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list