Snow boarding information and resources on the Big Island of Hawaii



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			Big Island Fun Snow boarding and Mauna Kea hiking Checklist and Basic Guide Snow Boarding on the Big Island of Hawaii - Video and Recent photos >> Snowboarding webcams, weather forecast, current conditions and road status - >>
			Do not bring these things with you up the mountain. Loose trash in your car. High winds blow the trash out your door when you get out at the top. Pregnant women or children under 16 years old (Due to atmospheric conditions at summit). Anyone with high blood pressure, heart or respiratory conditions (see above). Scuba divers with less than 24 hours before their last dive. Don't bring any drunk people (or stoopid people for that matter). Things to bring with you on any snow boarding trip on top of Mauna Kea. A four wheel drive vehicle. A properly layered under garment set with a water-proof shell (cold weather gear). Sunglasses or goggles. Sunscreen A hat or stocking cap. Boots Candy bars or Power bars. Water (It's best to start drinking lots of water the day before your trip.) Empty cooler to collect free ice. A buddy that can go get help. Extra gloves and any extra equipment you feel like loaning your snow boarding friends. Extra t-shirts, socks, stocking caps or hats, hoodie or jackets. Extra water or chocolate. Extra snow board and snow board boots. A flashlight. Tips for your trip up the mountain. Drive slow. Even new cars can overheat from the climb. Make sure you stop at the Onizuka Visitor Information Station Get a Mauna Kea Visitor Guide (free) Get hot chocolate (cheap but no longer donation-based) Take a look at the sun with the telescope Spend an hour and acclimate. Get all your snow board gear on. (It's more difficult to do so at elevation) Get in some more water. Check fluids in your vehicle. Let your vehicle run for five minutes after you reach the Visitor Station. Ask about road and summit conditions. Signs to watch out for at the top of the mountain. Sleepy or lazy behavior Headaches, nausea, dehydration Shortness of breath Impaired judgment or impaired reasoning If you or anyone you see is experiencing these symptoms, get down the mountain. Tips for driving back down the mountain. Go slow, don't try and keep up with any tour vans. (They have special brakes.) Stop at one of the two parking lots on the way down if your brakes start to smell. To keep from burning out your brakes, do the following; Put your vehicle in it's lowest gear. Press the brakes hard and firm often but also let off the brakes often to keep them cool. Do not keep your foot on the brake pedal for more than ten seconds at a time. Turn on only your parking lights as you approach the visitor Information Station on your way back down. If it's after sunset, there will be star gazing tours going on. Stop at the Visitor Information Station if you suspect your brakes need cooling. They also have a great video that starts a little before sunset if you get back in time. Stay awake. Many people don't get tired until the drive back down the mountain after the 5,000' mark -at the crossroads. Keep your friends awake when they're driving you back down the mountain. The shoulders of Saddle Road are very unforgiving.