하와이‬에서 가장 멋진 ‪20‬개의 산 정상

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and challenging experiences one can have on a bicycle and in the middle of the ocean! Setting off early in the morning from the quiet beach to reach the 4,207-meter summit of Mauna Kea is an immense satisfaction. The first part, from the city of Hilo up to a few kilometers before the Visitor Center at 2,700 meters, is relatively easy but also a bit monotonous. However, about a kilometer after taking the Mauna Kea Access Road, the gradient starts to rise steeply, often reaching double digits. Once you arrive at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station, after the mandatory stop at the Ranger Checkpoint, you can enjoy a well-deserved break and stock up on water before facing the toughest section of the entire climb. Immediately after the VIS begins a long stretch of unpaved road with sharp gradients and a surface that often offers little grip, putting even the strongest legs to the test. After this grueling segment, the ascent continues on asphalt again, but the slopes remain steep and the altitude begins to take its toll, making the final conquest of the summit truly a feat within a feat. Once you reach the long-awaited summit sign, you can finally take a deep breath of relief and admire—with a huge smile—the breathtaking view that awaits you. I traveled 31 hours to conquer this gem, and every bit of effort was more than worth it!

A superb experience. The highest point should not be climbed out of respect for the local religions.

Measuring in at almost 500 acres, this state monument produces truly mind-blowing views out across the water and over Waikiki. Unless you are a Hawai'i resident with a Hawai'i ID, you must make reservations to enter the monument, for a small fee: https://gostateparks.hawaii.gov/diamondhead Diamond Head State Monument is only open from 6am-6pm, with the last hike starting at 4pm. Often, going earlier in the day means fewer crowds.

Be sure to make a reservation in advance. Stairs also have to be managed. The view makes up for it

Great views of Honolulu and Waikiki Beach

This is a wonderful drive on an excellent road up to 3060 m altitude. We drove partly through clouds and short before the summit it cleared up and we got awarded with an outstanding view around the island.

Mauna Kea is a unworldly climb that is on the bucketlist of many cyclists and self-proclaimed explorers. Many people ride from Hilo, but you can also park at the base of the mountain to shave off a bit of the filler miles. The mid section of the climb is gravel which is more than doable on a road bike, although many people utilize gravel bikes since you also typically have lower gearing. With the summit being at just under 14,000 feet, please ensure you do your research and preperation. Going from sealevel to 14k feet can get a lot of people in trouble.

The entrance to the park can be reached from Waikiki in about 15 minutes by public bus (The Bus - e.g. # 2, 23). One way 3$ as of Oct 2023.