The short trail up this cinder cone to Mauna Kea's true summit (13,796ft) begins opposite the UH 2.2m Telescope. The hike is harder than it looks, and it's not necessary to go just to watch the sunset. Hawaiian cultural practitioners counsel against hiking due to the area's environmental fragility and cultural significance. At the true summit is a US Geological Survey (USGS) marker and an ahu (altar). Given the biting winds, high altitude and extreme cold, most people don't linger.
