Mauna Kea-Humu'ula Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Geological Significance · Lake · Views

The trail starts at the Visitor Center. Be sure to fill out both a form with your travel plans/emergency contact info and check in with a ranger before getting on the trail. They will check in with you when you are on the road sections and keep track of you by name.

The elevation change on this hike is significant, non-acclimated folks will likely benefit from spending time at the start and taking regular breaks, especially to gauge any symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness. I urge you to read the related information on the Maunakea Visitor's Center page ahead of time.

From the Visitor Center, you'll go 1,000 feet or so along the road before you reach the trailhead to the left. Shortly into the hike, you'll pass a shoe cleaning station, where you can brush dirt off your boots or shoes to protect the sensitive habitats above. The first two miles of the trail are rather grueling. Be prepared to be hiking in rough sand conditions for a majority of this segment.

You'll cross terrain that is a variety of soils and rock sizes throughout this hike, be prepared for anything. In winter, the upper sections of the trail can have snow and mud as well. Stay on the trail, turn around if you hit mud, and walk through, not around, any tough segments.

At about mile 4.5, there is a short, optional out-and-back to Lake Waiau. This lake is sacred so stay out of the water, leave the rocks alone, and view from a respectful place.

The last four-ish miles of the hike are varied grades. The trail technicality changes regularly. It's an absolutely rewarding view throughout the climb, where you might feel like you are on Mars. At mile five-ish you'll reach the road. Follow the signs toward Summit. There are toilets at the intersection here.

Follow the road for the final, quite challenging, mile to the "summit." You'll eventually approach some telescopes on the trail, to the right will be Mauna Kea. Continue as far as you like until there is a sign educating you about the importance of the summit and asking visitors to not continue the hike further. Make your own judgement call here, and even better, do research ahead of time about the cultural significance of the peak.

From there, it's a glorious descent down the road and back the way you came! Keep an eye out for ankle biter rocks, and enjoy the ride.