Lake Waiau, Sacred lake at 3,970 meters on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, United States.
Lake Waiau is a small crater lake near the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii, sitting at roughly 13,020 feet (3,969 m) above sea level. The water rests in a shallow depression of dark volcanic rock, with no trees or vegetation visible nearby.
The lake has been regarded as a sacred place by Hawaiians for many generations, long before outside explorers arrived on the island. In the 19th century, a member of the Hawaiian royal family visited the lake during an expedition to the mountain, marking one of the earliest recorded outside accounts of the site.
Native Hawaiians traditionally brought the umbilical cord of a newborn to this lake and placed it in the water as part of a ritual to connect the child to the mountain. Visitors standing at the shore today can see small offerings left near the water, a sign that the practice still holds meaning for some families.
Getting to the lake requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle to reach the trailhead, followed by a steep hike over rough volcanic terrain. At this elevation the air is thin, so it helps to spend time at a lower point on the mountain before heading up to the lake.
Lake Waiau is one of the highest lakes in the United States, sitting above most peaks on the continental mainland. Scientists have not fully explained how the lake retains water year-round in one of the driest summit zones on Earth, since the porous volcanic rock around it should drain any moisture away quickly.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
