하와이 카운티‬에서 가장 멋진 ‪9‬개의 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!

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

easily accessible viewpoint with super panoramic views

This legendary climb begins in the city of Hilo and ascends to the summit of Mauna Kea. It's a breathtaking 13,800-foot climb into the clouds, a challenging 42-mile undertaking. Leaving Hilo's streets, you transition onto Kumana Drive, which merges into Saddle Road, or Hawaii Route 200. This scenic highway, a twisting two-lane road connecting the east to the west, takes you through a stunning array of landscapes: verdant rainforests, lava fields, desert-like plains, rolling grasslands, and ocean views. The saddle marks the point where you rise into the clouds. The last ten miles are a moon-like terrain where you'll find telescope and viewpoints. The summit's thin air and the road's steepness create a brutal final push, demanding every last bit of your energy!

This is a phenomenal place to watch the sunrise, sunset, or to stargaze. The hike is only about a quarter mile from the visitor center, but it does get steep and good shoes are recommended for the volcanic terrain. In the daytime you can see all across the island, from Hilo to Mauna Loa and beyond. Regardless of when you go, perching on the indomitable slopes of Mauna Kea is always an awesome experience.

The name of this cinder cone, Puʻuhuluhulu, means "hairy hill" — an apt descriptor as the vegetation-clad slopes here are a stark contrast to the Mauna Ulu lava flow that mostly surrounds Puʻuhuluhulu. There's a great observation deck at the summit, and a public bathroom in the nearby parking lot.

This marks the start of Mauna Kea! From here you can enjoy the views of the absolutely gargantuan mountain overhead. By this point whether you rode from Hilo or the west coast, you've already done enough climbing to put most cyclists to shame. You can give yourself a pat on the back and enjoy the long descent back into town, or drop a gear and head up the mountain!