Mauna Kea, located on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, is the tallest mountain in Hawaiʻi when measured from its base on the ocean floor. Standing 4,207 metres above sea level, it is a dormant volcano revered in Native Hawaiian culture as a sacred place. The summit, often dusted with snow, offers breathtaking views and is home to one of the world’s most important astronomical observatories, thanks to its high altitude, dry air, and minimal light pollution. Visitors often come for stargazing, scientific research, and to appreciate its natural and cultural richness, though access is carefully managed to protect its fragile environment.