“Remember to bring snacks” ... yes. Food is all I think about. LOL.
If there’s something else that @joelebosi loves, it is mountains and volcanoes.
Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano and is the highest peak in the Hawaiian islands.
When measured from its oceanic base, it is the tallest mountain in the world rising to 13, 796 feet above sea level.
Our tour guide Bear of @arnottslodgeandhikingadventure , was very patient, informative and entertaining. Plus, he was an expert driving us up to the summit safely and in comfort inside his 4wd (some roads were really bumpy and steep!).
We took a break at Mauna Kea’s Visitor Information Station (VIS) to acclimatize to the higher altitude and to cover up. It was getting really cold and windy, and was told, once the sun sets, temperatures would go down drastically more.
With its high elevation, dry environment and stable airflow, Mauna Kea’s summit is one of the best sites in the world for astronomical observation. Azmi felt a bit light-headed upon reaching the summit (which I found out much later), but after a few deep breaths, he was feeling better and propped his camera gear ready to capture the sunset (which was breathtaking to say the least).
It occurred to me now, how different people react to higher altitudes.
I felt a sense of calm here – read up much later that in Hawaiian mythology, this place is very sacred and highly spiritual. I did some meditation and once the sun set, we drove back down to the VIS.
Clocking in at the 9,200 elevation, the VIS provides one of the world’s best places to view the entire expanse of the night sky. Bear then took us to a spot, just a walking distance from the parking lot after we had our hot chocolate drink, to gaze at the stars.
Unlike my starry-eyed husband, I lacked knowledge in the milky way but I enjoyed the experience nonetheless.
#visitislandofhawaii
#VacaywithAirAsiaX
#AirAsia
#HawaiiExperienceTheDream
#MYHawaiiStory
#GoHawaiiSEA
#BbbHawaii50
#Bediful50
#BedifulTrip
@GoHawaiiSEA
