I found our Huaka`i to Mauna Kea an amazing experience.  Despite having been to Mauna Kea multiple times, it was a completely new experience to go with Uncle Kimo as our guide.  I always knew Mauna Kea was a sacred place, but to experience it with someone who truly believed that was a different experience all together. 

            Although it was miserably cold and windy on the summit, I was glad that I was able to partake in presenting the offering from our class.  It was also very cool to know that I was standing at the top of the world. 

            Hiking to Lake Waiau was my favorite part of the trip.  I had been there twice before, once in the middle of summer with no snow on the ground, and once in the middle of winter with the lake completely frozen and snow everywhere.  So it was nice to see it somewhat in between.  I had no idea that there was a little stream running out from the back of the lake and down the mountain; I really enjoyed exploring in that back area. 

            Mauna Kea is by far one of my most favorite places in Hawaii, and it was really nice to learn more about it.  This Huaka`i reminded me that Mauna Kea is not a playground.  It is a sacred place that must be respected and admired.      

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            Despite having already visited the summit of Mauna Kea and Lake Waiau in the past, I still really enjoyed this excursion. I felt very privileged to have somebody like Uncle Kimo present to explain the true cultural significance of the areas we visited. I vaguely remembered some of the stories and meanings behind the lake and summit area, but it was very interesting to hear it from somebody who is really in charge of caring for those very special natural features. Being able to participate in giving the offerings at the summit and Pu'uhuluhulu was a brand new and unforgettable experience. I really felt like I was showing my respect to the mountain as it is such a special place.

            I was really surprised that we spent the entire day up there as well. I have never been up there for so long, and it was the first time that I had walked all the way around the lake. The most beautiful site of the whole trip was when Rachael and I walked to the far side of the lake and follow the small stream that was flowing out and down through the ice and over the ledge down the slopes. It was absolutely beautiful. In all, I really enjoyed the entire day, and would like to thank you again for providing us with the malasadas, juices, and extra bottled waters. We all needed them! The sun really zaps you up at that elevation.  

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This was my first trip up to Mauna Kea. I’ve always seen pictures and documentaries of this beautiful place but never experienced it. When the opportunity came along, I was ecstatic.  The trip was amazing, with all the wonderful scenery and having Uncle Kimo there to share his knowledge with us. I really enjoyed myself and had an experience that I will never forget. (I wish I was a little more prepared for the high winds though.) Other than that, I had a really enjoyable time! Thank you Drew, Aunty Gail, and Uncle Kimo!!!

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I seem to find myself on the top of this majestic mountain at least a couple times a year these days.  Although I feel as though I expend a great amount of energy preparing for my visits and functioning at that elevation, I also feel that the energy I expend is somehow reciprocated, and I am energized in ways that I rarely feel. This time I was delighted by all of the snow and ice, reminded that these female forms of water, including the lake Waiau, are life-giving, as well as beautiful to behold.   Our day was truly enhanced by the knowledge and companionship that Uncle Kimo and Aunty Gail shared.  To visit the wahi pana of which the summit of Mauna Kea is composed is a privilege that we must not ever take for granted.