January 18, 2002
We'll make base camp at the Mauna Loa Observatory on the evening of the 17th. Elevation here is 11,150' ASL. This will allow us to acclimate to high elevation conditions before the hike. The hike is a gruelling one, perhaps the most strenuous in Hawaii. It climbs rocky, steep, difficult terrain at elevations to the summit of 13,677' ASL. The first leg southbound to Jaggar's Cave is 3.8 miles. Here we turn along the caldera edge southwestward to the summit for a distance of 2.6 miles. Total
hike round-trip distance is 12.8 miles. Prepare for bitter cold, severe exposure to the sun and wind, and potential snow or freezing rain. Drink lots of water for the high-altitude dehydration and practice "active-breathing" to stay well ventilated. The hike will be quick with minimum gear and
pack weight. Estimated time enroute is 7 hours.
