Mauna Kea
Intro
Flora and Fauna
Mauna Kea can generally be divided into to ecosystems; the subalpine ecosystem, which is at 5,600 ft (Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character ",". m) to 9,500 ft (Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character ",". m), and te alpine ecosystem, which is occurs above 9,500 ft (Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character ",". m). Hale Pōhaku occurs in the upper reaches of the subalpine ecosystem, while the Mauna Kea Science Reserve occurs in the alpine ecosystem.
Subalpine Flora and Fauna (Hale Pōhaku and Access Road)
Alpine Flora and Fauna (Mauna Kea Science Reserve)
Alpine Shrublands and Grasslands
Mauna Kea Silversword
Mauna Kea Summit – Alpine Stone Desert
Wēkiu Bug
Physical Resources
Geology
Climate
Hydrology
Jurisdictional Responsibilities
Conservation Lands
Lease of conservation lands between BLNR and University of Hawai‘i
Subleases Between University of Hawai‘i and Telescopes Facilities
Management of the MKSR
Office of Mauna Kea Management
Rangers
Mauna Kea Observatories Support Services
Management and Master Plans for Mauna Kea
DLNR Forest Reserve
Natural Area Reserve
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
Pōhakuloa Training Area
Access
Vehicular Access
Public Access
Safety
Utilities
Water and Wastewater
Electricity and Communication
Telescopes
Mauna Kea’s Unique Environment for Astronomical Research
Discoveries Made by Mauna Kea’s Telescopes
Viewing Time
Education
‘Imiloa Astronomy Center
Cultural Significance
Sacredness of Mauna Kea
The Highest Portal to the Hawaiʻian Universe
A Sacred Spiritual Burial Ground
According to traditional accounts, Pu`u Lilinoe, named for the goddess of mists and Lilinoe, was buried in a cave near the summit of Mauna Kea. Aside from this legend, there are many confirmed and suspected burial grounds of Kahuna (chiefs) and Ali`i (priests) on the upper slopes, and the summit platuea of Mauna Kea.