Mauna Kea State Recreation Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mauna Kea State Recreation Area |
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Mauna Kea in background
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 Mauna Kea State Recreation Area
Location in Hawaii
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| Location | Hawaii |
| Area | 20.5 acres (8.3 ha) |
| Governing body | State of Hawaii |
The Mauna Kea State Recreation Area is a special place in Hawaii. It is also known as Mauna Kea State Park. This park is a protected area found at the southern base of Mauna Kea, a very tall mountain.
The park covers about 20.5 acres of land. The Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources manages it. You can find the park on Saddle Road (Route 200). It is about 35 miles west of Hilo. The park is high up, about 6,500 feet above sea level. It has restrooms, cabins, and places for camping. There are also trash cans and a picnic area for visitors.
Contents
Exploring Mauna Kea State Park
This park is a great spot for outdoor activities. You can enjoy the natural beauty of Hawaii here. It's a good place to relax and explore the unique landscape.
What to Do at the Park
The park offers different facilities for visitors. You can go camping or stay in a cabin. It's a perfect place for a picnic with friends or family. The air is fresh and the views are amazing.
Wildlife and Weather
You might see some wild animals in the park. Wild pigs and sheep live in the area. Sometimes, people can hunt these animals here. The park's dry shrublands can get very cold at night. This is because of its high elevation.
Nearby Activities
Close to the park is Bradshaw Field. This is a military airstrip. Sometimes, you might hear loud noises from artillery practice. This can make the park less quiet at times.
History and Changes at the Park
The Mauna Kea State Recreation Area has seen some important changes over the years. These changes have affected how people use and enjoy the park.
Road Improvements
On August 18, 2009, a special event happened at the park. Senator Daniel Inouye and other important people were there. A senator is a leader who helps make laws for the country. They celebrated the third phase of improving Saddle Road. This road is 55 miles long. The first three phases made 22 miles of the road better. This included 8 miles west of the park and 14 miles east of it.
Dealing with Wildfires
On August 22, 2010, a fire started near the park. It was between the park and a training area. The weather was very dry, and strong winds made the fire worse. The land was also steep, which made it hard to fight the fire. Military helicopters helped to put out the flames. The fire burned for over a week. During this time, traffic had to use an older road. The park was also closed for safety.
Park Management Changes
In 2014, the management of the park changed. Hawaiʻi County took over from the state. They wanted to make the park's facilities better. However, in 2017, the Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks and Recreation made an announcement. They said that Mauna Kea Recreation Area would be closed. It has been closed indefinitely since then.
