12-01-2014, 04:42 PM
I'm going to try and answer many posts here so this might get a bit messy, but will try and keep it brief.
Firstly, thank you to Carey for saving me a lot of work. That post earlier today about the MK management plan is spot on and covers a lot of what I would have said, and to summarise, the road (or summit) is not closed at night unless there are dangerous weather conditions.
Wahine (referring to http://www.malamamaunakea.org/uploads/ma...P_2009.PDF):
"Go to page 7-31, Table 7-6. Permitted General Uses, to see what SheaG is referring to in the link PaulW provided. This document is dated April 2009. If you can provide a link stating the road isn't closed at night to the public, I'll gladly post it to TA. They haven't banned me yet."
Carey's post answers most of this, but if you go a few paragraphs above the table, you will see this:
"Public access to all of the UH Management Areas is
currently unrestricted, except at the private sleeping
and eating areas at the mid-level facilities at Hale Pohaku.
During severe weather, such as heavy snow or
high winds, road and site conditions may require closure of
the road or certain sections of the mountain to
ensure public safety. University retains the right to
control or restrict use of the areas under its control
during times of inclement weather, as well as during
times of heavy visitor use. [...]"
It clearly states there that access is unrestricted unless conditions are poor. Again, though, please refer to Carey's post.
From the MK visitor information Station website faq (http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/vis/visit...a/faq.html):
"Public access after sunset and before sunrise"
"When conditions permit safe driving, the road to the summit of the mountain is open to the public. Weather and road conditions can cause temporary closures. Please avoid the summit from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise."
That last sentence is a request, not requirement. Vehicle lights affect the optical observatories operations but in no way does it mean travel to the summit at night is not allowed. It is, and I speak as someone who regularly works at the summit and at night.
As for vehicles, PaulW has it pretty much spot on. It is not illegal to drive a regular rental car to the summit but it will almost certainly void your contract and any damage that occurs will almost certainly be your or your insurance company's responsibility. even breaking down at the summit is going to cost you a pretty penny as it's almost certain the rental car company will not pay for the tow, and the cost for a tow is several hundred dollars.
Having said that, I see regular rental cars being driven to the summit every day, many people do it and most get away with it, but cannot recommend doing so. I believe Harpers is the only rental company that specifically caters for renting vehicles for trips to the summit, and for a family of three or four that would be a much cheaper option than using a tour company. You won't get the guided tour, however.
Finally, Rob asked about the sign saying 4WD vehicles only beyond this point. Yes, there is one at the start of the dirt road just above Hale Pohaku. It is not enforced, but it is sound advice. Not only do 4WD vehicles give better traction on the road, they have the low gearing required to drive down without burning out your brakes.
Then again, even 4WD vehicles come to grief:
http://apacificview.blogspot.com/2008/12...-down.html
If I've missed anything, let me know!
Firstly, thank you to Carey for saving me a lot of work. That post earlier today about the MK management plan is spot on and covers a lot of what I would have said, and to summarise, the road (or summit) is not closed at night unless there are dangerous weather conditions.
Wahine (referring to http://www.malamamaunakea.org/uploads/ma...P_2009.PDF):
"Go to page 7-31, Table 7-6. Permitted General Uses, to see what SheaG is referring to in the link PaulW provided. This document is dated April 2009. If you can provide a link stating the road isn't closed at night to the public, I'll gladly post it to TA. They haven't banned me yet."
Carey's post answers most of this, but if you go a few paragraphs above the table, you will see this:
"Public access to all of the UH Management Areas is
currently unrestricted, except at the private sleeping
and eating areas at the mid-level facilities at Hale Pohaku.
During severe weather, such as heavy snow or
high winds, road and site conditions may require closure of
the road or certain sections of the mountain to
ensure public safety. University retains the right to
control or restrict use of the areas under its control
during times of inclement weather, as well as during
times of heavy visitor use. [...]"
It clearly states there that access is unrestricted unless conditions are poor. Again, though, please refer to Carey's post.
From the MK visitor information Station website faq (http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/vis/visit...a/faq.html):
"Public access after sunset and before sunrise"
"When conditions permit safe driving, the road to the summit of the mountain is open to the public. Weather and road conditions can cause temporary closures. Please avoid the summit from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise."
That last sentence is a request, not requirement. Vehicle lights affect the optical observatories operations but in no way does it mean travel to the summit at night is not allowed. It is, and I speak as someone who regularly works at the summit and at night.
As for vehicles, PaulW has it pretty much spot on. It is not illegal to drive a regular rental car to the summit but it will almost certainly void your contract and any damage that occurs will almost certainly be your or your insurance company's responsibility. even breaking down at the summit is going to cost you a pretty penny as it's almost certain the rental car company will not pay for the tow, and the cost for a tow is several hundred dollars.
Having said that, I see regular rental cars being driven to the summit every day, many people do it and most get away with it, but cannot recommend doing so. I believe Harpers is the only rental company that specifically caters for renting vehicles for trips to the summit, and for a family of three or four that would be a much cheaper option than using a tour company. You won't get the guided tour, however.
Finally, Rob asked about the sign saying 4WD vehicles only beyond this point. Yes, there is one at the start of the dirt road just above Hale Pohaku. It is not enforced, but it is sound advice. Not only do 4WD vehicles give better traction on the road, they have the low gearing required to drive down without burning out your brakes.
Then again, even 4WD vehicles come to grief:
http://apacificview.blogspot.com/2008/12...-down.html
If I've missed anything, let me know!
