Explore One of Hawaii’s Highest-Altitude, Cleanest Lakes at Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve

It's hard to imagine becoming tired of Hawai'i's sprawling beaches or verdant forests. Our state's abundant natural beauty would take a lifetime to explore. However, if you're in the mood for something truly different, I recommend visiting the other-worldly Lake Waiau. Tucked in the breathtaking Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve, this spectacular destination is one of the highest-altitude lakes in the United States.

Soaring at 13,020 feet above sea level on rugged Mauna Kea, Waiau is an unlikely blip in an otherwise arid — almost Martian — landscape. Stretching just 300 feet across the Pu'u Waiau cinder cone, it isn't very wide, but that doesn't make this unique lake any less significant. For all its lush forests, Hawai'i has very few lakes. Following the lower Puna eruption of Kīlauea in 2018, which evaporated Ka Wai o Pele, and barring the brief lake that appeared on the Halema'uma'u crater in 2020, Lake Waiau is the sole lake on the island of Hawai'i.

Lake Waiau is a place of spiritual significance for the Kanaka Maoli peoples. Before colonization and after the formation of the Hawai'ian kingdom, few individuals were granted access to Mauna Kea. The privilege to visit the mountain's sacred sites was reserved for religious leaders, chieftains, and royalty. The last royal known to have trekked to Waiau was Queen Emma in 1881. It's recorded that she bathed in the lake during her stay.

Waiau's other rumored visitors were even more elite. Several snow deities, including Lilinoe and Poliʻahu, were said to have used the lake for bathing. Most significant was Waiau, a snow maiden of Mauna Kea, for whom the lake likely got its name. It means "swirling water" in the Hawai'ian language.

Given this rich cultural importance, it's crucial that non-Indigenous visitors be mindful of the lake's history during their visit. As always, follow the outdoorsmen's credo to "leave no trace" and respect the trail's rules against bringing dogs along.

Clocking in at just over a mile long, the hike to Lake Waiau is relatively easy, though the high altitude may prove challenging to unconditioned adventurers. Given the rugged terrain and occasional snow, I recommend bringing reliable hiking gear to this route along with something to eat on the waterfront. Whether you believe in the ancient stories or not, it's easy to see why this small lake would inspire feelings of mysticism. It sits like a still mirror of the sky, surrounded by jagged rock formations, a breathtaking spot that instills an atmosphere of total reverence.

There are endless stunning spots to hike in Hawai'i, but if you're looking for something truly different, check out the trail to Lake Waiau. Not only is this one of the island's only lakes, but it's also one of the island's most high-altitude. Waiau is steeped in history and cultural meaning, making it a uniquely meaningful outdoor destination.