To begin the first full day our trip, our group set off to the Hawaii Ocean Science & Technology to explore various Hawaiian companies that our harness varying temperatures of ocean water to help expand their startup pursuits. First, we visited the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii to learn about how the authority uses both shallow and deep-water pipelines to funnel water into these businesses. Additionally, we visited the West Hawaii Explorations Academy, a local 6th-12th grade charter school where students focus solely on the study of marine sciences. At this academy, we received a tour of the facilities and even saw two blacktip reef sharks. Finally, we visited the OTEC facility where we learned about how the sea water and ammonia is being used to create renewable energy using the pipelines.
After returning to our home for a short lunch break, we drove a little over an hour to the Mauna Kea mountain to begin our journey towards the summit (located at 14,000 feet). Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in Hawaii, and on our excursion, I learned that it is the tallest mountain in the world if measured from its base. After eating dinner half way up the mountain, we switched our tour van into 4×4 mode and made the climb towards the top. Roughly 30 minutes later, we were greeted by amazing views in addition to unique facts from our tour guide Jeff. The summit itself has 13 observatories that are used internationally to study our solar system and beyond.
While at the top of Mauna Kea, I learned about the extreme affects that altitude has on the human body and even experienced shortness of breath. Lastly, we set up a telescope at 12,800 and explored numerous aspects of our universe including planets including Jupiter, Venus, Mars, and Saturn.
After snapping some beautiful photos, we descended back down the mountain and headed back home for the evening.
Tomorrow, I am looking forward to getting in the water for the first time and learning about the marine life that is located in Kona.
