Mauna Kea Forest Reserve
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 7, 2025
Mauna Kea Forest Reserve is a protected area on the island of Hawaii that encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems.
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Summary
The reserve contains a unique blend of forest, grassland, and alpine habitats, including a number of rare and endangered plant and animal species. Some good reasons to visit the reserve include the opportunity to explore an untouched wilderness area, learn about Hawaii's natural history and culture, and experience breathtaking views of the island's landscape.
There are several points of interest within the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve that visitors should be sure to see. These include Pu'u Huluhulu, a volcanic cinder cone that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area; Lake Waiau, a small alpine lake that is one of the highest lakes in the world; and the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station, which provides information about Mauna Kea's astronomy programs and cultural significance.
Interesting facts about the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve include that it is home to the world's largest collection of subalpine plants, and that it is also a sacred site for Native Hawaiians who believe that it is the home of the gods. The reserve is also an important location for scientific research, particularly in the field of astronomy.
The best time of year to visit the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and dry. However, visitors should be aware that the weather can change quickly on Mauna Kea, and that they should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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