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If you decide to do any baking at the summit, there are a few things you should be aware of;
Air pressure is lower, so foods take longer to bake. Temperatures and/or bake times may need to be increased. Liquids evaporate faster, so amounts of flour, sugar and liquids may need to be changed to prevent batter that is too moist, dry or gummy. Gases expand more, so doughs rise faster.
I like to make the occasional chocolate cake when visiting the summit. The observatories are very helpful and will normally let you use their ovens. I did make a faux pas the last time I was there however.
I smeared some batter on the lens of the telescope and found the ring of chocolate it left around the eye of the scientist quite amusing. Even the other scientists got a good chuckle out of it. He was this prissy English fellow though, and didn't appreciate the humor of the situation. In six to eight months, with good behavior, I will be able to go there again.
Bon Appétit!
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It was that disgusting stuff Americans call chocolate, though, not the nice tasty stuff from the UK. 
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Great info. Thanks to all! It's going to be a great adventure, no doubt!
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Have also done the summit a few times (but nowhere even close to TomK), & much of mine was chasing the upper growth limits of the mullein...
Definitely stop at the VIS Center for a snack break, chance to see the rare SILVERSWORDS, potty break, drink warm liquids, take in the view & if you HAVE forgotten or not gotten warm gear, well they have some beautiful & pricey warm jackets, fleeces & such...but if you realize BEFORE going, I have gotten by with picking up a sweat shirt & windbreaker at the Salvation Army or GoodWill store in Hilo & going on up (esp. on those days when you glance up & it is so absolutely stunningly clear that you just gotta go up...)
If you do rent a vehicle, make sure you are very comfortable with its 4WD, as the summit has a few miles of high altitude steep switchbacks of very loose, very dry gravel; slow & steady both up & down that are the best way...
Some people to drive up to the VIS Center in the car they have rented & see if they can hitch a ride up, & almost always they do get a ride, though be aware that most people in tour vans & government vehicle will not be able to give ride, most others will... we have always taken people up & down when in our own vehicle...
The very summit is cooler , but I have gotten by in shorts during the day (or light pant/jeans if in search of mullein) & a windbreaker during the day & windbreaker with fleece early evening...but from Chitown, so it is never REALLY, real cold up at the summit, just piercing wind.
& if you know any of the punawebbers here, I do know that some friends have borrowed 4WDs when visiting.
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Nice advice, Carey, and there are definitely times when you can be in shorts and t-shirts during the day, but you don't want to be wearing only those after sunset!
I don't know about hitching a ride to the summit. Never seen that happen myself but don't spend a lot of time at the VIS. The government or observatories will help hikers in an emergency, but won't provide rides to the summit. If you're sick and heading down, we'll help. If you're sick and heading up, not a chance.
What is REALLY going on up there after hours !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVdwO5e3kDw
aloha,
pog
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And really be aware of your response to the altitude (luckily I have never had the biggies, not even a headache...but if you do not feel well, do not "stick it out", head on back down.
But I do get lighter headed than my normal.... & almost always get more stupid...usually I notice that in stupid little things, forgetting things & doing dumb things like leaving my camera case open & about to tumble outta the truck type stuff.... so check & recheck every thing that matters (truck lights turned off, water bottle cap ON, those little things that can make for not so nice OPPSIEs)
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And if you ever see someone at the summit behaving like the dancers in Pog's video, they are exhibiting signs of altitude sickness or, quite possibly, have overdosed on hallucinogens. In either case, immediate evacuation to sea level is recommended.
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Harper's Truck rental is the only local company that actually allows it's rentals to go to the top of our majestic peaks,and down into WyPO valley.
The other vehicle rental outfits all ban any travel to said places.
Drink plenty water prior as the human body evaporates quarts of liquids at such a high altitude .
We do access MaunaKea summit one or two times a month and know our own limits.
Main thing,is safety 1st and have FUN.
Mrs. Mimosa
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Mahalo to everyone for all of the good info and tips. It (altitude) sounds like something to not take lightly and important to keep an eye out on each other while up there. I have had a slight respiratory thing going on lately (with vog most likely), and have a few extra pounds (tho not obese), so now I'm a bit concerned that I could have issues. Poo! I've been at 10,000 foot elevations with no problems, but that was years ago. Thanks again everyone.
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