Did you know that you could ski in Hawaii?! As we reached the summit of Mauna Kea I was certainly thankful for the extra layers I had packed especially for this trip. Although there’s no snow up here outside of winter, the temperature was enough to set my teeth chattering.
At a height of 13,803 feet it was a very different environment to the one we had left behind on the beach a few hours earlier. Given the elevation there was a chance of altitude sickness, so I didn’t want to exert myself any more than necessary. I left my tripod behind and set about shooting the sunset.
The white structures are two of the many telescopes at the summit, which is one of the best places in the world for looking out into the universe. Poking through the clouds on the horizon is the Haleakala volcano on the island of Maui, about 80 miles from this spot!
Have you seen a sunset from above the clouds? Maybe you’ve visited Mauna Kea? Let’s start a conversation!
Flights. Camera. Satisfaction. 
Wow, looks great Ben!
Fantastic shot. I am assuming you played with the color of the sky. I did the same with a shot In San Diego but I’ve never posted it. You’ve given me the courage!
Hi Emilio, yeah I did enhance the yellows in the sky to create the mood I was going for. That’s what art is all about right? I’m glad you found some inspiration here, definitely post that photo 🙂 I would never be afraid to post your work, just go with what feels right to you!
I have only been above the clouds in an airplane – this is truly breathtaking and amazing!! I live at 4000ft – cant imagine what 13000 feels like. Gorgeous!
Yeah it’s not often you experience this outside of an airplane, but it’s so much more special. And it feels slightly light headed and heavy footed at 13000 🙂 I hope you see it for yourself some day!
I hope so too Ben. Sounds wonderful and heady all at the same time. Thanks for sharing 😊
The serenity of the spot comes through the photo beautifully…
Thank you! That’s just what I was going for, it was such a peaceful experience at that altitude.
Wow !
I have never known that such futuristic scenery could exit. Thanks to the view of the photo, I feel like walking on Mars (not Hawai) 🙂 Thanks for sharing
Haha, I often felt like I could have been on a different planet while visiting Hawaii. It’s funny you mention Mars because I think they actually did a bunch of tests in Hawaii for Mars robot landers because it’s the closest you can get to that environment on earth!
Yup, our universe is really amazing in its creation process 🙂
wow…….beautiful……
What a coincidence – I just scheduled a post about Mauna Kea… and came over to your blog and found this 🙂 Beautiful shot!
Thanks Kan, that is a coincidence! I enjoyed your post too, it’s great to see a place from someone else’s perspective. We all have a different experience. It’s a shame you didn’t manage to see the sunset, the weather can be so cruel!
Of my bucket list, this is a major item. I’ve been to Haleakala, but yet to experience the awesome view you show here. M 🙂
I think Haleakala is much more interesting to look at and explore. Well certainly easier to explore anyway with the walking trails! But I don’t think you can beat the sunset on Mauna Kea. I hope you make it there some day!