The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1894-05-23

a bIltl DtsCIlptloh VI INC NhOhh'"i''
and Its Surroundings.
Mauna Kea, like the island of Hawaii,
is the highest peak OF the Islands, reach
ing an elevation OF Is, sos feet above the
sea level. "AIauna" in Hawaiian means
mount, mountain or peak. "kea
means literally yellow, and in one sense
means "whitish" or dazzling white. "
Others give its meaning us "highest, -
consequently the Highest Mountain. "
1t is situated in the eastern part of
Hamakua, on the island OF Hawaii.
Thirty miles to the south is Mauna Lao,
1859 feet-but 1870 ieet lower than
Mauna Kea. To the west, i'll North
Kona, is Mt. Hualalai, S,275 feet high.
To the northwest are the Kohala noun
tains, 5,505 feet high, and to the
southeast OF Mauna Kea lies
the world renowned volcano, Kilauea,
Peles abode OF ancient Hawaiian
mythology. The latter is at an ele-
walton of 1910 feet.
Looking from any point in the Island
or from a vessel at sea, the hight of this
great mountain can hardly be imagined,
on account of the gradual land eleva-
ton; but one mile from the coast of
Hamakua, the land only rises from 700
to 1000 feet above the sea level and six
miles, or in the interior limit of the
Hohia Forest the land attains the hight
of 1900 to 400 feet. Above the limits
of the forest there begins broad plain
and from the southern end of this plain
Mauna Kea begins to rise until it looms
1906 high, visible on clear day, to
vessels 100 miles at sea. The sides of
this huge elevation of rocks, earth and
snow are cut up by ravines and
chasms, into the depth of many of
which the suns rays never penetrate.
For two or three miles up the slopes
vegetation exists, but even there moth
ing grows but rank grass and stunted
trees and shrubbery; above this the
mountain is barren and sterile.
Cattle and horses roam and feed over
the lower slopes, and the horses from
this region are the widest and toughest
in the Hawaiian Islands.
The top OF this giant mountain OF the
North Pacific is perpetually covered with
snow, and in winter the snow covers the
slopes for some distance downwards
from the top. Comparatively very few
people have seen the top OF this noun
tain, and most OF them have probably
sworn never to risk sleeping another
night on bleak and snow bound Mauna
Kea.
The last party that was there was the
Clinton-Bailey party. The ascent was
made in the midsummer Of 1892. In
tense cold was felt not only when on the
but for miles along the slopes.
A camp fire had to be kept up by the
party all night and they had to huddle
together for mutual warmth and COM
tort. For many day after the return
Of these Hamakua tourists they still felt
the effects OF the blood freezing cold of
Mauna Kea.
Mauna Kea, when completely hooded
by snow, presents very beautiful pict-
ure when seen from vessels at sea, and
from the towns on the windward coast
Of Hawaii. The favorite route of tour
lists is by way OF Waimea, via Mana. The
first appearance OF rain is always notice.
able from the fog and mist and clouds
which completely shroud Mauna Kea on
.he windward side. Probably the most
advantageous place from which to view
he immense height OF this peak, is from
'Hale-a-kala" The house OF the Sum.
G.. f. ALFONSO.
Honokaa, May -, 1894.