Travel time up Mauna Kea (Honolulu, Hilo: rental car, rentals, transfer)

[Snikt]

I was thinking it would be cool to get some sunrise shots from the summit of Mauna Kea when I visit next month.

If I'm staying in Hilo, how long does it take to get to the summit and when should I leave?

Can I even drive to the summit before sunrise? Not sure if there is a gate or anything open during the day.

Thanks

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

You've talked about a couple of 4-wheel drive trips you'll be making. One thing I'd like to point out is that I've heard that the Jeeps that are rented here (except Harpers) don't really have true 4-wheel drive (something to do with the low range transfer case?). Maybe others on the forum have had the experience with this and can give you more information.

The drive should be doable in an hour. Sunrise is about 6:00 here.

check out the great pictures on this thread: Need advice: Should I rent a 4-wheel drive on BI? (Honolulu: rental car, rentals)

[Snikt]

Originally Posted by Dreaming of Hawaii

You've talked about a couple of 4-wheel drive trips you'll be making. One thing I'd like to point out is that I've heard that the Jeeps that are rented here (except Harpers) don't really have true 4-wheel drive (something to do with the low range transfer case?). Maybe others on the forum have had the experience with this and can give you more information.

The drive should be doable in an hour. Sunrise is about 6:00 here.

check out the great pictures on this thread: Need advice: Should I rent a 4-wheel drive on BI? (Honolulu: rental car, rentals)

It says it's a Wrangler, so it should be true 4WD since you can't get a 2WD one and they all come with 4-HI and 4-LO in any model.

I'm getting a bunch of extra ideas in case my 4WD plans don't work out then I can always do something else

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by Snikt

I was thinking it would be cool to get some sunrise shots from the summit of Mauna Kea when I visit next month.

If I'm staying in Hilo, how long does it take to get to the summit and when should I leave?

Here's a pretty good fact sheet on making that trip.

Visiting Mauna Kea

It's 34 miles from Hilo to the Visitor's Center; about an hour or more, then another half hour up to the summit. I'd allow 2 hours to be sure, and sunrise Mid May is about 5:45am, so you should leave about 3:45am.

On the other hand, you may wish to seriously consider stopping for a break at the Visitor's Center at 9,000 ft altitude (Denver is only 5,280!) to acclimatize to the thin air before pushing on to the summit at 13,796 feet. The Center doesn't open until 9am, but the last section of driving is very challenging and altitude sickness can creep up on you if you aren't careful. And hydrate!

And dress very warmly. Last night's low temperature was about 28 F, rising to 32 at sunrise, might hit a high of 45, and wind chill can make it seem colder. Won't be much warmer next month.

Check road conditions before you leave at (808)935-6268

Here's live webcams and weather on Mauna Kea Mauna Kea web cameras and weather information

[Snikt]

Hmm that is pretty damn early. I wonder if a sunset shot would be just as good? The book I was reading specifically mentioned sunrise.

I don't have too many night time activities planned, so maybe I can squeeze a drive up at 4-5PM or so, assuming the sun sets at 6-7?

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by Snikt

It says it's a Wrangler, so it should be true 4WD since you can't get a 2WD one and they all come with 4-HI and 4-LO in any model.

I'm surprised that you didn't read the information I posted for you on an earlier thread, which I accompanied with a strong suggestion that you ASK YOUR CAR RENTAL COMPANY about it.

As a brief recap, one person reported having to pay a $250 surcharge because they drove down into Waipio despite a fine-print clause prohibiting it, and several others reported that their "4WD" vehicles had the "4WD" disengaged, because the companies were really just marketing the iconic image "Jeep on the beach" thang, rather than any kind of actual off-roading capability. The key is to find out what your actual agreement with your car rental company will be.

Assume nothing. Hawai'i is different.

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by Snikt

Hmm that is pretty damn early. I wonder if a sunset shot would be just as good? The book I was reading specifically mentioned sunrise.

I don't have too many night time activities planned, so maybe I can squeeze a drive up at 4-5PM or so, assuming the sun sets at 6-7?

May 15, sunset at 6:48pm.

[Snikt]

Originally Posted by OpenD

I'm surprised that you didn't read the information I posted for you on an earlier thread, which I accompanied with a strong suggestion that you ASK YOUR CAR RENTAL COMPANY about it.

As a brief recap, one person reported having to pay a $250 surcharge because they drove down into Waipio despite a fine-print clause prohibiting it, and several others reported that their "4WD" vehicles had the "4WD" disengaged, because the companies were really just marketing the iconic image "Jeep on the beach" thang, rather than any kind of actual off-roading capability. The key is to find out what your actual agreement with your car rental company will be.

Assume nothing. Hawai'i is different.

I'll just have to see what I get I guess, as far as disengaging 4WD that just seems stupid. Why would you rent a Wrangler without 4WD? for the terrible gas mileage?

As far as asking the rental company, isn't that like asking the police where they setup speed traps? Seems like it would be better not to tip them off? Not sure though

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by Snikt

As far as asking the rental company, isn't that like asking the police where they setup speed traps? Seems like it would be better not to tip them off? Not sure though

It isn't as if you have to say "Hi - this is Snikt - I'm planning on taking your vehicle to potentially prohibited places May 12-18 - I was wondering if your car is true 4-wheel drive and what penalties am I looking at if I get caught".

Call the company and try "Hi - I prefer 4 wheel drive - does your <insert brand here> have true 4 wheel drive at your location"

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by Snikt

As far as asking the rental company, isn't that like asking the police where they setup speed traps? Seems like it would be better not to tip them off?

Not at all. No surprises is best. What you want to be clear on is what their agreement with you will be. I don't mean to imply that they're all out to cheat you; they're not.

But just like the notorious "prepaid refill" option, where you bring the car back with the tank 7/8 full and expect your option will just top it off, whereas they actually charge you for an entire tank of gas at over-premium prices, there are extra charges and surcharges and conditions and so on that come and go from rental agreements that you might not be expecting.

That's why it is smart to check out your intended use with the rental company up front, to make sure it's going to work the way you think it will.