Humu’ula Trail Mauna Kea

This trail is one of the hardest things i have ever done. My route ended up being 14 miles taking me 11ish hours to complete. I took the Humu’ula Trail up Mauna kea starting at 0630 and ending around 1730. It was very windy the entire time and it got worse the higher up I went. It was pretty chilly that day too. I ended up getting wind burn on my nose lips and cheeks that blistered up and lasted for about two weeks. I went very slowly due to the dramatic incline and I did not get elevation sickness. I did end up taking a few puffs from my oxygen container closer to the top. I made it to the sacred lake (not pictured) and up to the observatory 13 different countries have funded spaces on this mountain. I tried to go farther but the wind had me pinned against a guard rail and blew one of my hiking poles away from me. I was able to get it back, but I tore my poncho. Total elevation gain was 4,750. Because of the wind I walked the service road down. I cried when I saw the sign for the visitors center at the end of my hike. Besides the people that work there I only saw a family of three join on the trail. They passed me very early on and then I found out when I got back to the rangers that not too long after they started they had to be transported down due to elevation sickness, I have defiantly learned that taking your time is worth it.

10/10. killed me the next few days but I would do it again.