Comments
Sunday, March 16, 2025 - 01:24 p.m.
Sunset Time: 6:41 p.m.
Last car up: 6:11 p.m.
Aloha and Good Afternoon,
The summit access road is OPEN to the public.
It is beneficial for all visitors to acclimate at the Visitor Information Station (9,200 feet/2,800 meters) for at least 30 minutes before driving to the summit. It’s best to arrive at least 1.5-2 hours before sunset (6:41 p.m. today).
It is unsafe for children under 13 years old to be on the summit as they have a high risk for high altitude sickness. It is also unsafe for anyone with pre-existing health conditions, pregnancy, or recent SCUBA activity to be on the summit (13,796 feet/4,205 meters).
The Maunakea Rangers will screen all vehicles to ensure they are 4WD, free of mud and plant matter that may spread invasive species, and have at least a half tank of fuel (full is best) before driving to the summit. No pets will be allowed up the summit access road or at the Visitor Information Station. No flying of drones, off-roading, off-trail hiking, drugs, alcohol, smoking, and vaping.
It is also beneficial to be familiar with using 4WD in your vehicle: shifting to 4High and 4Low, and selecting gears manually (1,2,3) for engine braking. Hot brakes are the #1 driving safety issue. Familiarize before arrival, using the vehicle owner manual or internet resources.
Mahalo and drive safely,
Maunakea Rangers
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More Information: Maunakea weather varies widely. A calm sunny day may quickly become treacherous with hurricane force winds and blizzard conditions. Summit winds above 120 mph are not uncommon. Snowstorms have even occurred during the summer months.
When conditions are too dangerous, the Summit Access Road will be closed to the public at the Visitor Information Station to ensure everyone's safety. The road will reopen as soon as the weather and road conditions are safe.
Traffic delays and road closures on the summit access road may also occur due to the use and transport of heavy equipment, slow vehicle movements, deliveries, road maintenance, stalled or abandoned vehicles, hikers and bikers. Remember that dust, fog or snow can reduce visibility and slow traffic. Specific road closure criteria is listed below:
 1. Any ice or snow on the road.
2. Winds greater than 55 mph for one hour and/or gusts greater than 65 mph.
3. Visibility less than 50 feet.
4. Any emergent condition that makes the road unsafe for travel.
Visitors to the summit are required to stop at the Visitor Information Station, at an elevation of 9,200 feet to acclimate to the altitude and read about the hazards. All visitors are advised that 4-wheel drive vehicles are required, they should be in good health and at least 13 years of age. For safety reasons, those with medical conditions such as asthma, heart conditions/problems, pregnancy or scuba diving within the last 24 hours, may not be permitted access beyond the Visitor Information Station. Animals, aerial drones, alcoholic beverages and open fires are not allowed. All vehicles attempting access should be clean to prevent the spread of invasive species on the mountain. Muddy vehicles will be turned away. Call 934-4550 for a recorded message about Visitor Information Station programs. If you are coming to the mountain today, please be sure to fuel and service your vehicle before you leave town.
Mahalo for your understanding.
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| Public road conditions and snow report message: (808) 935-6268 |
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