Mauna Kea Ice Age Reserve
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 7, 2025
Mauna Kea Ice Age Reserve is located on Hawaii's Big Island and encompasses nearly 20,000 acres of land.
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Summary
The area is home to numerous endangered species and features some of the most unique and diverse ecosystems in the world.
Visitors to Mauna Kea Ice Age Reserve can enjoy hiking, camping, stargazing, and wildlife watching. The reserve is home to the endangered Palila bird, as well as other unique species such as the Mauna Kea Silversword plant. The reserve is also home to numerous archaeological sites and petroglyphs, offering visitors a glimpse into the island's rich cultural history.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Mauna Kea Ice Age Reserve is its geological history. The reserve sits on the slopes of Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano that last erupted over 4,600 years ago. The reserve's terrain is shaped by the glacial activity that occurred during the last ice age, creating unique formations such as kipukas and lava tubes.
The best time to visit Mauna Kea Ice Age Reserve is during the summer months when temperatures are mild and rainfall is minimal. Visitors should be prepared for rugged terrain and changing weather conditions, as the area can experience sudden storms and strong winds.
Overall, Mauna Kea Ice Age Reserve offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience, with diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural history.
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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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