Epic Sunset from above the clouds atop the Worlds Tallest Mountain! 🌄☁️

Imagine stepping out of a plane just above the clouds, that's what it was like at the summit of Mauna Kea...Absolutely breathtaking! Mauna Kea is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is the tallest mountain in the world (let me explain). 

Mauna Kea, Hawaii - Tallest Mountain vs. Everest Highest Altitude

Mauna Kea rises to an altitude of 4,205m (13,796 ft) which is significantly lower than Mount Everest. BUT when you measure from the sea floor to the peak, the mountain is over 10,000m tall compared with 8,850m for Mount Everest. The base of Mauna Kea is about 6000m (19,685 ft) below sea level and 4,205m (13,796 ft) making the total height of the mountain over 10,000m!!! 

There is a visitors centre at about 2,800m (9,200ft) where you stop and adjust to the change in altitude (they recommend 30mins). They also have telescopes there to stargaze and information + a little shop. I bought some space food- a freeze dried cookies n cream ice cream sandwich- I'm still yet to try it. If you have a 4WD you can then drive to the summit (takes about 25mins). It's bloody freezing up there 10degrees or so and it even snows! Or if you're up to it you can hike to the summit, it's about 5hrs up and 3hrs down. 

The summit is also home to the worlds largest astronomical observatory. It's an ideal spot because its above 40% of the Earths atmosphere making it extremely dry and cloud free. A total of 11 different countires support the observatories in various combinations. For example, the NASA Infrared Telescope is run by NASA (U.S. Government), the Keck twin telescopes are built by the Keck Foundation and used by University of California, University of Southern California and University of Hawaii, the Gemini North telescope is supported by a consortium representing 7 different countries, and so on. [Information provided by Maunakea Visitor Information Station http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/vis/visiting-mauna-kea/visiting-the-summit.html]. Can you imagine what they can see from them!?? I would LOVE to take a look. 

It was an absolutely incredible view and something not to be missed if you are on the Big Island! Hiring a 4WD was worth it just for that. We also caught a seriously epic  moonrise too!

Mount Everest, Nepal - Highest Altitude (above sea level) 

Mount Everest is often called the world's highest mountain because it has the "highest elevation above sea level." The peak of Mount Everest is 8,850 meters (29,035 feet) above sea level. No other mountain on Earth has a higher altitude. However, some mountains might be considered "taller" (with taller being "the total vertical distance between their base and their summit").

 

vs. 

 

[Cartoon mountains provided by geology.com]

Hope you enjoyed the view! Check out our blog for other adventures :) http://sunsurfsoul.com/