Mauna Kea

At 13,796ft/4205m Mauna Kea (White Mountain) is not only the highest mountain in the Hawaiian islands but in the whole of the Pacific region. Add to that the extra 18,050ft/5500m under the sea and it becomes the highest mountain in the world. In contrast to Mauna Loa, which is administered by the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea is governed directly by the State of Hawaii. Its summit covered by snow all year round, Mauna Kea is a popular skiing resort from December to May - a fact which often escapes visitors to Hawaii.

An experienced driver using a four-wheel drive vehicle could reach the summit via Saddle Road (road 200). Saddle Road begins in Hilo and continues across the plateau between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa to Waimea and from there via road 190 to Kona - the shortest route but one which, because of poor driving conditions, takes longer than following road 19 along the coast. Before starting the drive it is advisable to check the weather forecast. The ascent begins about 26 miles/42km out of Hilo at a turning off Saddle Road. Hale Pohaku is 4 miles/6km further, home to some of the Mauna Kea Observatory employees. After a short distance, at the Kilohana viewing point, the road forks, offering the choice of a 6 mile/9.6km trail or remaining on the road which leads to the observatory.

Trees soon give way to barren land covered with the remains of red lava. Those who undertake the ascent are rewarded with a fantastic view, provided the cloud cover is not too low. This route also passes Waiau (water whirlpool), which, at 12,143ft/3700m, is the third highest lake in the United States.

The summit is snow-covered for most of the year, offering an opportunity to go skiing in the Tropics!

The unusual height and thin air make the ascent very long and strenuous - care should be taken not to over-exert oneself.