Mauna Kea State Park Pohakuloa Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 7, 2025
Mauna Kea State Park Pohakuloa Area is a state park located in the state of Hawaii.
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Summary
The park is situated on the slopes of Mauna Kea, which is the highest mountain in Hawaii. There are several reasons to visit the park, including its unique geological features, scenic vistas, and various recreational opportunities.
One of the main points of interest in the park is the Pohakuloa Training Area, which is a military training facility that covers over 130,000 acres. Visitors can watch military training exercises from designated viewing areas, and there are also guided tours available. Another popular attraction is the Mauna Kea Observatory, which is located near the summit of the mountain. The observatory offers tours and stargazing opportunities, and visitors can also learn about the various scientific projects that are conducted there.
The park also features several hiking trails, including the Mauna Kea Summit Trail, which leads to the summit of the mountain. Other outdoor activities available in the park include camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
Interesting facts about the park include that it is home to several endangered species, including the palila bird and the Hawaiian hoary bat. The park also has a rich cultural history, as it was once a site of important religious ceremonies for ancient Hawaiians.
The best time of year to visit the park is during the summer months, when temperatures are mild and there is less chance of rain. However, visitors should be prepared for cold temperatures if they plan to visit the summit of Mauna Kea, as it can be 20-30 degrees cooler than at sea level. Additionally, visitors should be aware of the potential hazards of high altitude, as the summit of Mauna Kea is over 13,000 feet above sea level.
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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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