I started my Mauna Kea Blog at the top of the summit at 6:32 pm, about 30 minutes before sunset. The view is out of this word. The tallest mountain in Hawaii is home to a telescope park on top of the world. Filled with jeeps and other 4x4s waiting in the freezing cold for one of the most spectacular sunsets on earth. The clouds completely blanketed the big Hawaiian Island below.
We killed a little time watching our beloved Okc Thunder sweep the Lakers on the T-mobile hot spot. Our att hot spot also has 5g bars at the top of Mauna Kea. Verizon continues to put in a bronze metal performance with very little service, and no 5G. Fun blogging at its best.
At sunset the park rangers give you about 15 minutes to start your way down the mountain. They do not want the car lights near the telescopes is the official story. But it’s a daunting ride down the mountain and a good idea large caravane of jeeps off the summit. It’s long, dark, and steep. You definitely need the manual 4×4 and need to ride the engine down most of the time.
Star Gaging at Mauna Kea
Just a handful of switchbacks turns down the summit, there is a plateau-like area with some parking spots that people hang out to stargaze for a while, especially if you are one of the first off the summit. For those that want to spend a few hours strategizing at Mauna Kea, it’s best to go down at the ranger station. Or you can even find amazing views and quiet spaces on the trails below checkin.
What is the Hot Spot Challenge?
We now have 5G hotspots on all three major networks, Verizon, ATT, and T-Mobile. We have been using them while working on vacation, and comparing the service of each. On the big island, Version was the clear loser. They did not have 5G coverage the entier time on the Big Island, and no phone service at all on a major section of the south coast. They all pretty much were the same in Oahu.