This virtual takes you to the summit of Mauna Kea, the largest mountain on earth if its underwater portion is included. You can get close to the summit by car. In any case, please note the special features listed below!
Geology
Mauna Kea is of volcanic origin. More than half of the mountain is under water. Measured from its base, in the depths of the Pacific Ocean, to the summit, Mauna Kea is approximately 10,000 m high. It is thus higher and more massive than any other mountain on earth, even Mount Everest. Like a bowling ball on a mattress, Mauna Kea's enormous weight also deforms the underlying ocean crust and bends it downward. Therefore, Mauna Kea is ultimately around 17,000 m high.
It is classified as a shield volcano with basalt as its main rock and a height of 4,205 m above sea level.
Unlike its neighbor Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea is currently not active and is considered a sleeping volcano. Its age is estimated at one million years. The last active phase with several eruptions took place around 6,000 to 4,000 years ago.
Hawaiian culture
Mauna Kea plays a central role in Hawaiian mythology. The mountain is considered a sacred place because for generations the top of Mauna Kea has been a special place for prayer. According to Hawaiian belief, one can connect with one's ancestors at the top of Mauna Kea and reunite with living relatives even after one's own death.
Astronomy
The summit of Mauna Kea lies above about half of Earth's atmosphere, so the sky there is clear and almost moisture-free. These conditions make the peak ideal for astronomy. Mauna Kea is home to the Mauna Kea Observatory, a group of international observatories that together form the largest observatory in the world. These include the Keck Observatory with its two 10 m mirrors, which are currently among the most powerful telescopes in the world.
Your task
Take a photo of yourself or a typical geocaching item (GPS, trackable, ...) at the header coordinates with Mauna Loa in the background that proves you were at that point (see example photo).
Special features
The summit is closed from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
A 4x4 vehicle is required.
Stopping or parking on the side of the road while driving up or down is not permitted. Only park in designated off-street areas.
A one-hour acclimatization to the altitude is strongly recommended. Children under 16 are not recommended to reach the summit.
At GZ, stay on the street or the parking lots at the observatories. Walking or hiking away from it is not permitted. The path to and around the crater rim is closed. The cinder cones on the summit are considered sacred and are the habitat of the Wekiu bug, which is under federal protection.
Wear warm clothing. Use sunscreen. Drink plenty of water.
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.
Sources
Wikipedia and Information boards in Waikoloa, Big Island, Hawaii