Mauna Kea

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Intro

Flora and Fauna

Mauna Kea can generally be divided into to ecosystems; the subalpine ecosystem, which is at 5,600 ft (Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character ",". m) to 9,500 ft (Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character ",". m), and te alpine ecosystem, which is occurs above 9,500 ft (Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character ",". m). Hale Pōhaku occurs in the upper reaches of the subalpine ecosystem, while the Mauna Kea Science Reserve occurs in the alpine ecosystem.

Subalpine Flora and Fauna (Hale Pōhaku and Access Road)

The subalpine pant life consists of māmane forests and understory plants including; alpine hairgrass, pili uka, `āheahea, pūkiawe, nohoanu, kalamoho, `iwa`iwa, olali`i, littleleaf stenogyne, and mā`ohi`ohi. Hawai`i catchfly, a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), has been observed there as well. Invasive weeds such as grasses and common mullein also inhabit the area and appear to be increasing in abundance.

Māmane forests once ranged from sea level on the leeward side of Mauna Kea up to the tree line, however they have been pushed back, and greatly decreased due to habitat alteration, and invasive plant and animal species that inhibit the growth of Māmane trees.

The subalpine animal life consists of a wide variety of native arthropods (insects, spiders), palila, `amakihi, `apapane, `elepaio, `kiapola`au, `i`iwi, as well as many species of non-native birds and mammals (e.g. cats, rats, barn owls, and mongoose).

Alpine Flora and Fauna (Mauna Kea Science Reserve)

Alpine Shrublands and Grasslands

Mauna Kea Silversword

Mauna Kea Summit – Alpine Stone Desert

Wēkiu Bug

Physical Resources

Geology

Climate

Hydrology

Jurisdictional Responsibilities

Conservation Lands

Lease of conservation lands between BLNR and University of Hawai‘i

Subleases Between University of Hawai‘i and Telescopes Facilities
Management of the MKSR
Office of Mauna Kea Management
Rangers
Mauna Kea Observatories Support Services
Management and Master Plans for Mauna Kea

DLNR Forest Reserve

Natural Area Reserve

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

Pōhakuloa Training Area

Access

Vehicular Access

Public Access

Safety

Utilities

Water and Wastewater

Electricity and Communication

Telescopes

Mauna Kea’s Unique Environment for Astronomical Research

Discoveries Made by Mauna Kea’s Telescopes

Viewing Time

Education

‘Imiloa Astronomy Center

Cultural Significance

Sacredness of Mauna Kea

The Highest Portal to the Hawaiʻian Universe

A Sacred Spiritual Burial Ground

According to traditional accounts, Pu`u Lilinoe, named for the goddess of mists and Lilinoe, was buried in a cave near the summit of Mauna Kea. Aside from this legend, there are many confirmed and suspected burial grounds of Kahuna (chiefs) and Ali`i (priests) on the upper slopes, and the summit platuea of Mauna Kea.

The Source of Life

Archeological Sites Found on Mauna Kea

Keanakākoʻi Adze Quarry