Mauna Kea is a sacred site to the native Hawaiians and one shrouded with mystery and intrigue. Designated a National Landmark in 1972, the volcano stands 4,207m above sea level, making the island of Hawaii the second-tallest island in the world. If counted from its base below sea level, the mountain would easily be the tallest, at over 10km tall.

With a hazard rating of 7 (9 being the lowest), islanders and visitors are relatively safe from any sudden eruptions. Other than the space observatories near the summit of the mountain, the flanks and base of the mountain are also rife with activity. With several parks with various forest and mountain trails, such as the Kalopa State Recreation Area, and sites of interest like the Rainbow, ‘Akaka and Kahūnā Falls. A huge variety of geological features and rare animals and birds can be seen due to the three distinct ecological sections of the mountain itself, divided by elevation. Hawaii’s Big Island has 11 different climate zones out of 13 due to magnificent features like the volcanoes.

Though considered sacred and unpassable historically, due to the opening of the observatories, the summit of the mountain is now accessible to visitors, and the dry and arid mountain top provides a light pollution-free zone for stargazing. We, too, can join the scientists from 11 different countries that operate the 13 telescopes atop the volcano, and be in awe of the mountain below, and the sky above us.