We woke up to a slightly chilly morning at 4,000′ elevation hoping that all our bodies were properly acclimatized for our high altitude trek ahead of us. Wishful thinking.

Cabin #29

The group stretching for what they thought was going to be a three day hike and in the end it turned out to be for a five minute walk to breakfast.

Crater Rim Cafe

Early birds get to wait for Hawaiian time. Sugar and cream in your coffee? Nah. Locals use shoyu. Kikkoman.

Cabin #29

The bathroom had a vacancy that Narissa wanted to fill. Calisthenics wasn’t helping matters much.

Backcountry Office

New York jive got us the combination to the gate. Plan A was back into effect. Everybody was too busy repacking to be jumping for joy. Photos by Matt Vidaurri.

Mauna Loa Road

Quan opening the gate to the 11.2 mile road. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Mauna Loa Road

Driving along the narrow road that cut through the verdant forest life that was filled with pheasants and the odd stray cat. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Mauna Loa Road

Leaving behind the dog walkers and bicyclists as we gained elevation. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Mauna Loa Silversword

These ahinahina found at the 6,662′ lookout are quite distinct from their cousins on Mauna Kea and Haleakala. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Mauna Loa Road

We pulled off the road going back down to enjoy the views and take a group photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Ke Amoku Flow

Levitating around the old lava flow. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Mauna Loa Road

The tree of life and death.

Mauna Loa Road

Earthquake driving. Thanks Matt. Payback is a Kenji. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Mauna Kea Forest Reserve

The start of our 17 mile drive through the narrow ribbon of asphalt that cut through the lava fields that we shared with other cars and bicyclists.

Mauna Loa Observatory Road

One of the descendants of the original invasive animals introduced to the islands in the late 1700’s by European explorers. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Mauna Loa Observatory Road

The drone pilot in the back seemed to be more droning than flying. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Mauna Loa Observatory Road

Looking at the different colorations and textures of lava that made up the lunar like landscape; pahoehoe (smooth) and a’a (rough), chocolate fudge and chocolate thunder.

Mauna Loa Observatory Road

Driving down the road of last temptation. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Mauna Kea

Looking towards the white mountain with her observatories sparkling in the sunlight. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Mauna Loa Observatory Road

We snagged the last parking stall as a bicyclist blocked us in with her “photo ransom.”

Mauna Loa Observatory Trail

Nothing beats a rubber slippah tripod to take your group photo at the start of our 11,140′ elevation hike. Matt also grabbed the bag of musubi’s that Justin had stashed for us.

Mauna Loa Observatory Trail

Walking down a solitary path. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Mauna Loa Observatory Trail

The group took the shorter and steeper route. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Mauna Loa Observatory Trail

I caught up with Justin’s group as they had took the jeep route which would eventually reconnect back to the trail. I needed the extra exercise anyway.

Mauna Loa Observatory Trail

Following the ahu or stacks of rocks as we navigated our way on the trail. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Mauna Loa Observatory Trail

Hiking through the lava fields. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Mauna Loa Observatory Trail

Our two groups met at 11,680′ elevation and the reduced atmospheric pressure had taken its toll on some of the group. Less oxygen to the lungs resulted in headaches, lightheadedness, nausea and poor judgment. Some had it worse than others. As a result, the group separated into the ascenders and descenders.

Mauna Loa Observatory Trail

We took a parting group photo left to right: Aida, Lilyn, Quan, Kurry, Matt, Anissa, Narissa, myself, Justin and Ken. Photo by Kurry Wong.

Mauna Loa Observatory Trail

Resuming our hike to the summit. Only 1,998′ more to go. So close, yet so far. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Mauna Loa Observatory Trail

It soon become obvious that high altitude sickness had claimed another member in our group. Faced with a dwindling group and time, we decided to turn back and throw in the towel at 12,305’elevation. We called ahead to make sure our rides didn’t leave without us. No bueno to be walking another 17 miles down to sea level.

Mauna Loa Observatory Trail

Our attempted hike up the long mountain became abbreviated into a short climb up and down.

Mauna Loa Observatory Trail

We decided to make the most of our limited time on the mountain and spent some of it at the cavernous lava tube marked by two large stacks of rocks. Photo by Kurry Wong.

Mauna Loa Observatory Trail

Poking around the lava cave.

Mauna Loa Observatory Trail

Stupid human tricks. Or what passes for entertainment at high elevation.

Mauna Loa Observatory Trail

Making our way back down the trail. The only remedy for altitude sickness is to descend back down to a lower elevation where the symptoms will eventually subside.

Mauna Loa Observatory Trail

Rolling clouds diffused the views of the Mauna Loa Observatory which monitors and collects data on atmospheric changes. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Mauna Loa Observatory Trail

Meeting back up with the gravel road and leaving the lava fields behind us.

Mauna Loa Observatory Trail

Back to our trucks and cold beer for those with a taste for it. Post hike meal at Hawaiian Style Cafe where the wait was long but tolerable.

All pau

We returned to our five star accommodations for the night, Matt even got a late night dish of noodles and real shrimp. All joking aside, much appreciation to Quan’s cousins, Binh and Huy, for putting us up at such short notice and letting us borrow their truck.

GPS Tracks

Our hike up to an active volcano clocked in under six miles. While it fell short of our intended goal, we all got down safely and had a good time and lived to hike another day.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.

We had lofty intentions on flying to the Big Island but instead came away being well grounded with good intentions and fun times. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

HA 132

I had overslept and had to catch a later flight to join Aida, Lilyn, Narissa and Quan in the old sugar town of Hilo. We had breakfast at the highly recommended Café 100 and ate our food in the back of our truck.

Mauna Kea Access Road

Stopping at the reminders of the TMT protests that had shut down the mountain a few years back. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Mauna Kea Visitor Center

Waiting for the bathrooms to get cleaned at 9,200′ elevation. There is now a Park Ranger checkpoint that will only allow 4×4 vehicles to continue to the summit. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Mauna Kea Access Road

Looking to see how far we had gained in elevation as we struggled to stay in the zipper lane going up without getting run off the road by a non-observant heavy machine operator.

Mauna Kea Access Road

Testing out my high altitude hurdling abilities. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Mauna Kea Observatories

Closer. Closer. Closer. Photos by Grant Matsushige.

Mauna Kea Observatories

Quan with our eye in the sky cameraman.

Mauna Kea Observatories

Enjoying the views from the tallest mountain on Earth, if measured from base to peak, it tops out at over 33,500′. Or one can settle for the more commonly accepted elevation of 13,803′. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Lake Waiau Trail

Let’s take our gender group photo! Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Lake Waiau Trail

Setting foot on the volcanic terrain that was to be a small test to see how the group would fare at high elevation.

Lake Waiau Trail

Leaving the 13 observatories behind us. We’ll be back. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Lake Waiau Trail

Aida above the clouds. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Lake Waiau Trail

Looking down at the Humu’ula Trail as it winds its way through the cinder cone dotted landscape. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Lake Waiau Trail

Descending down to one of the highest lakes in the country. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Lake Waiau Trail

The heart shaped lake is located inside the Pu’u Waiau cinder cone. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Lake Waiau

The clouds briefly drifted across the perched body of water at 13,020′ elevation. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Lake Waiau

The alpine lake surface area fluctuates between 5,000 to 7,000 square meters and is fed by rainfall and snowmelt. The waters are retained by what many think are a combination of permafrost and compressed ash layers.

Lake Waiau Waterfall

A rare sighting of the Thai Yellow Curry Fall. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Lake Waiau

Group photo from across the far side of the lake. Can you see the group for the volcanic rocks?

Lake Waiau

Looking across the swirling waters to the other side. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Lake Waiau Trail

Leaving the sacred waters behind us as we hiked back up the hill. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Lake Waiau Trail

Of all the places to park, we blocked the porta potties. We won’t do it again. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

GPS Tracks

Our hike to this sacred body of water covered less than two miles. We drove down the mountain where we picked up Quan’s cousins truck and got Matt at the airport and had dinner at Tetsumen. My first choice was not available. Shades of Greek Marina.

Mauna Loa Road

Somebody needs to get with the program of looking sad as our plan of staging a truck at the Mauna Loa Lookout had been stopped dead in its tracks due to a locked gate. Plans B, C and D were being tossed around for consideration. Matt was still hedging on Plan A.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Enjoying the open sauna fed by bills and coins. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kilauea Millitary Camp

Checking into Cabin #29 which was going to be the future home of my GoPro, played Jan Ken Po to determine who would get the couch or the beds and Narissa gave Matt advice as to what hole she wanted her little friend in.

Crater Rim Trail

We went for a late night stroll hoping to catch some lava fireworks and caught red tinted steam instead.

Crater Rim Trail

The group peering into Kilauea Caldera. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Crater Rim Trail

Keeping warm over one of numerous steam cracks in the ground.

Crater Rim Trail

Matt checking out another steam vent further down the trail.

Crater Rim Trail

Taking an impromptu astronomy class.

All pau

To all a good night and don’t let the coqui frogs bite. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.

I managed to squeeze in a short stroll on the Big Island during a quick visit.

Trailhead

Entrance fee was $20 for 7 days or $25 for an annual pass to enter the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Guess which one I picked?

Trail

The railings tipped me off this was going to be a rough trail. Glad I packed water and wore my hiking shoes.

Trail

Looking across the solidified lava lake that once was a boiling lava lake that covered the once thriving forest. Cycle of life.

Trail

The main vent at the base of Pu’u Pua’i where 71 million cubic meters of lava gushed forth back in 1959, eventually 63 million cubic meters drained back into the magma core, leaving 8 million cubic meters to cool and solidify into the floor we see today.

Bench

A place to sit in case the strenuous stroll takes the better of you.

Junction

The short way or the long way. I took the short way today.

Trail

The trail started to switch back down into the crater floor.

Trail

Looking across the barren landscape, fringed with a lush forest of trees.

Trail

Standing on the rocky ledge, known as the “bathtub ring”, the highest level that the lava reached before draining back into the vent.

Ohia Lehua

The first plants to grow on lava fields, they have uniquely adapted to thrive in the harsh volcanic environment.

Trail

One of the numerous cracks and fissures that ran throughout the lava floor.

Trail

Ferns. The good ones. Not the uluhell ones.

Trail

Folds of lava flows, with volcanic rubble and ohia trees sprinkled throughout.

Trail

Following the volcanic breadcrumbs, ahu or lava rock cairns, as I made my way through the crater floor.

Trail

Panoramic view from the middle of the crater, with pockets of scalding steam coming from cracks in the lava floor.

Trail

Walking back up to the other side of the “bathtub ring.”

Trail

Looking back at the crater floor as I made my way back to the forested trail.

Trail

Switch backing up to the parking lot.

Trail

Before I knew it, the hike was over.

All pau

I walked back up the road to the parking lot and caught a brief glimpse of the summit lookout before leaving the park.

Note: I have been made aware the some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.