Star Gazing In Hawaii

In a previous blog I shared my opinions regarding the state of Hawaii’s helicopter tour operations. The blog came on the heels of a number of fatal helicopter crashes that took place over the Islands. Recently, the national news picked up another story originating from one of the “Aloha State’s” other star attractions—-Mauna Kea. Mauna Kea is a massive dormant volcano that towers nearly 14,000 feet above the Big Island of Hawaii. Its height makes it prime real estate for astronomers and scientists. In fact, Mauna Kea’s summit is home to the planet’s largest collection of astronomical observatories. This, of … Continue reading

Visiting Hawaii’s White Mountain

If you fly into Hilo airport (located on the Big Island of Hawaii) on a clear day the first sight that will greet you as you drive out of the parking lot is a massive dormant volcano that towers nearly 14,000-feet above sea level (from its base on the ocean floor it rises 32,000 feet). Its Hawaiian name is Mauna Kea or White Mountain. It got its name nearly 2,000 years ago from the natives who saw snow blanket its barren slopes. These days Mauna Kea is more than just a scenic backdrop to sleepy Hilo town; it is a … Continue reading