2008 May > Travels to Mauna Kea

When you picture Hawaii you don't imagine sub-arctic climates and the highest and largest mountains in the world. Think again! Mauna Kea, the massive dormant volcano in the middle of the Big Island of Hawaii is the highest mountain in the world, standing 14,000 feet from its base undersea to the summit.Mauna Kea's gently sloping sister, Mauna Loa is shorter, but takes the title of the largest mountain in the world for sheer mass. At both summits you find patches of snow, the largest observatories in the world, and epic views. Skiers and snowboarders can be found experiencing the novelty of snow sports in Hawaii! Watch out for altitude sickness though! It’s a long way down.