Mauna Kea (guidelines, sick, guide)

[hotzcatz]

And when going to the observatory "Beware of Invisible Cows". There's a sign warning you of them and everything.

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by hotzcatz

And when going to the observatory "Beware of Invisible Cows". There's a sign warning you of them and everything.

Hey, I think that belongs on my "... that make visitors go "Wha?" thread.

Oh, wait, that just reminded me of one...

[mdand3boys]

It is more than just having 4wd. You a vehicle with a transfer case that has a low range option. You don't need 4wd for the trip UP - you need a low range transfer case. The main issue is in the descent so you don't fry your brakes and speed up rapidly and drive over the cliff. You put the vehicle in low range and shift the trans (even an auto trans) into the lowest gear you have.

Many of the little SUV's do not have a low range transfer case and should not be taken up there.

[DavidAMIs]

I loved Mauna Kea when I was there! It really put life into perspective for me, just a bit more. Unfortunately I was not prepared for it. I didn't even think to pack a decent sweater since I was going to Hawaii so all I had on was a t-shirt and a thin long-sleeve. The temp dropped from 72 to 32. Our driver (the farm host I was staying with) drove straight up without stopping. There is a place to stop and acclimate to the altitude but he told us that in all the years he's gone up he's only stopped twice.

Prepare for that trip! And take care of yourself. The air is thin up there so people tend to get lightheaded. I know I did, and I sat down for a little while while gazing towards Haleakala.

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by DavidAMIs

Our driver (the farm host I was staying with) drove straight up without stopping. There is a place to stop and acclimate to the altitude but he told us that in all the years he's gone up he's only stopped twice.

They should have warning signs that say "Beware of Kama'aina!"

Geez, the standard recommendation is that you stop at the visitor's center for at least 30 minutes to acclimatize yourself to the thinner air before pushing on up to the top. People do get altitude sickness. The top is 1,000' higher than Berthoud Pass in Colorado, and it is higher than most unpressurized private planes fly.

Please do take the recommendations seriously. It should be fun, not an ordeal.

[WiscHaole]

Is it possible to snowboard at the summit? I have heard its possible, but I dont know the details. Im from Wisconsin, so playing in the snow is like second nature.

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by WiscHaole

Is it possible to snowboard at the summit? I have heard its possible, but I dont know the details. Im from Wisconsin, so playing in the snow is like second nature.

Here's a pretty good answer to your question: Big Island Hawaii Skiing

In brief, yes, but there are no lifts, no amenities. It's 4WD skiing in the wilderness.

[WiscHaole]

Thanks Open

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by WiscHaole

Thanks Open

My alias is OpenD, one of my favorite tunings for playing slack-key guitar.

You are very welcome. I could not, would not have made it here on the Big island without a lot of help from others, and I like to pay it forward.

OpenD

[DavidAMIs]

Originally Posted by OpenD

My alias is OpenD, one of my favorite tunings for playing slack-key guitar.

That's awesome! I gotta try some slack-key myself soon.

My farm host was a crazy guy, a bit. LOL! He did tell us that when it snowed people would sled or ski down the hill and then drive/walk back up to meet their friends. That's pretty awesome. There were a lot of people up there when I went. A few tours, a few hikers hiking on the trails, and there is usually a man up there walking around with some oxygen for anyone who's feeling light headed. Just don't fart up there... LOL!