Big Island Fun

Updates from February, 2008

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  Brent Norris 8:37 pm on February 2, 2008 | 0 Permalink | Reply
  

  Going this weekend. Comment or send an email if you need a ride.

  Check Mauna Kea Webcams – http://mkwc.ifa.hawaii.edu/current/cams/index.cgi?mode=multi

  Update!
  Probably NOT going this weekend! The road is still closed and the rain… she nevah stop! HO! More rain than evah!

  So, we’re getting sla-ammend! Just got back from checking out the waterfalls. I’m a newbie here but I haven’t seen Rainbow Falls dump like this ever, I usually make it a point to go check it out. I guess I won’t have to again.

  I have photos stuck on my phone that I’m using for my internet connection at the moment… Soon they come!

  Get Ready To Ride.

  PS Thanks for the call Christian! We go Soon! You’re on the trip.

   

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  Brent Norris 5:54 pm on January 2, 2008 | 4 Permalink | Reply
  

  Here’s some photos from our rides last week. Nice to see some familiar faces and some new ones!

  Keahi hittin’ a small kicker in the Poi Bowl on Mauna Kea

  More photos at the BigIslandHawaii account on Flickr.

   
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  Brent Norris 12:21 pm on December 28, 2007 | 6 Permalink | Reply
  

  Okay, the weather has been too much to keep up with.

  So here’s the url so you can check the road conditions for yourself. It’s been opening and closing daily it seems due to new snow falls.

  Current Mauna Kea Road Conditions :
  http://mkwc.ifa.hawaii.edu/current/road-conditions/

  The Mauna Kea Webcams from the Mauna Kea Weather Center website :
  http://mkwc.ifa.hawaii.edu/current/cams/index.cgi?mode=multi

   
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  Brent Norris 10:43 am on December 7, 2007 | 0 Permalink | Reply
  

  The images of the snow on top of Mauna Kea today on Hawai`i Island will make you drool but the road closure will make you cry. We can only hope that one of more of the rescuers yesterday got to ride some of that fresh pow pow…

  Anyone want to donate a snowmobile or snow-ready quad for our adventures?

   
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  Brent Norris 11:36 am on December 6, 2007 | 0 Permalink | Reply
  

  That’s the reports we’re getting from the newspapers and radio. Can we be on the rescue team? Should scientist be required to take snowboarding lessons and should they have snowboards on hand for emergencies?

  Okay, I’m a little excited. Let’s just hope the roads get cleared.  We’ll be up there in the am with power bars astronomy dudes…

   
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  Brent Norris 8:36 am on November 5, 2007 | 0 Permalink | Reply
  

  Ho, it really dumped last night and yesterday all day and the mountain tops are covered. It looks a bit thin to me but check out the Mauna Kea webcams yourself and post your comments.

  

   
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  Brent Norris 3:42 am on June 26, 2007 | 0 Permalink | Reply
  

  Tips for Snowboarding Mauna Kea 

  Tips for your trip up the mountain.
  • Drive slow. Even new cars can overheat from the climb.
  • Make sure you stop at the Onizuka Visitor Information Station
  • Grab a Mauna Kea Visitor Guide while you’re there (free)
  • Get hot chocolate (cheap but no longer donation-based)
  • Take a look at the sun with the telescope
  • Spend an hour and acclimate.
  • Get all your snow board gear on. (Not as easy, at elevation)
  • Get in some more water. Fill your bottles at the water fountain.
  • Check fluids in your vehicle.
  • Let your vehicle run for five minutes after you reach the Visitor Information Station.
  • Ask about road and summit conditions.
  • Signs to watch out for at the top of the mountain.
   • Sleepy or lazy behavior
   • Headaches, nausea, dehydration
   • Shortness of breath
   • Impaired judgment or impaired reasoning
   • If you or anyone you see is experiencing these symptoms, get down the mountain.

  Tips for driving back down the mountain.
  • Go slow, don’t try and keep up with any tour vans. (They have special brakes.)
  • Stop at one of the two parking lots on the way down if your brakes start to smell.
  • To keep from burning out your brakes, do the following;
  • Put your vehicle in it’s lowest gear.
  • Press the brakes hard and firm often but also let off the brakes often to keep them cool.
  • Do not keep your foot on the brake pedal for more than ten seconds at a time.
  • Turn on only your parking lights as you approach the visitor Information Station on your way back down. If it’s after sunset, there will be star gazing tours going on.
  • Stop at the Visitor Information Station if you suspect your brakes need cooling. They also have a great video that starts a little before sunset if you get back in time.
  • Stay awake. Many people don’t get tired until the drive back down the mountain after the 5,000′ mark -at the crossroads. Keep your friends awake when they’re driving you back down the mountain. The shoulders of Saddle Road are very unforgiving (think yard sale on lava).

   
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  Brent Norris 3:42 am on May 22, 2007 | 1 Permalink | Reply
  

  Things to bring with you on every snow boarding trip on top of Mauna Kea.
  • A four wheel drive vehicle.
  • A properly layered under garment set with a water-proof shell (cold weather gear).
  • Sunglasses or goggles.
  • Sunscreen
  • A hat or stocking cap.
  • Boots
  • Candy bars or Power bars.
  • Water (It’s best to start drinking lots of water the day before your trip.)
  • Empty cooler to collect free ice.
  • A buddy that can go get help.
  • Snowboard, jacket, boots, leash, helmet
  • Aloha

  Optional
  • Extra gloves and any extra equipment you feel like loaning your snow boarding friends.
  • A shovel to help dig out hits
  • Extra t-shirts, socks, stocking caps or hats, hoodie or jackets.
  • Extra water or chocolate.
  • Extra snow board and snow board boots.
  • A flashlight.
  • Oil, antifreeze, extra water for your car.

  Do not bring these things with you up the mountain.
  • Loose trash in your car. High winds blow the trash out your door when you get out at the top.
  • Pregnant women or children under 16 years old (Due to atmospheric conditions at summit).
  • Anyone with high blood pressure, heart or respiratory conditions (see above).
  • Scuba divers with less than 24 hours before their last dive.
  • Drunks.

   
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  Brent Norris 3:16 am on April 12, 2007 | 0 Permalink | Reply
  

  That’s right, snowboarding in Hawaii on da Big Island!

  
  Video of Snowboarding on Hawaii

  Although this normally ocours in the Winter months we can get snow on top of either Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa anytime of the year.

  Check out some photos from a snowboarding trip up Mauna Kea on Flickr.

  Mauna Kea Snowboarding Checklist

  Snowboarding webcams on top of Mauna Kea – Check these before you go.

  Mauna Kea Weather Forecast – Read this and the current conditions before you go.

  Mauna Kea Road Status – The road needs to be open to get to the top.