Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve

The reserve protects intact alpine cinder desert with endemic plants — silversword, ʻōhelo papa — that recover slowly from foot traffic. Stay on tracks where they exist; cross-country travel disturbs cryptobiotic crusts that take decades to reform. The Pleistocene moraines are scientifically irreplaceable; do not move stones. The summit area above is sacred to many Native Hawaiians; contemplative behavior expected throughout.