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When daydreaming of a Hawaiian vacation, most people visualize palm trees and sandy beaches, with waves rolling onto the shore. However, rising far above those delightful coastal dreams is a landscape that feels as though it appeared from another world.
Located near the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawai'i is Lake Waiau, the most beautiful and unusual lake in the state. Situated nearly 13,000 feet above sea level, this small alpine lake is surrounded by volcanic cinder cones, high-elevation desert terrain, and some of the clearest skies on Earth. Not something you'll accidentally happen upon while driving around the island, but taking time to head up is part of what makes it a memorable destination.
Why Most People Have Never Heard of This Lake
Lake Waiau remains moderately undiscovered due to the fact that it doesn't fit the typical Hawaiian travel itinerary. A majority of visitors seek out beaches, snorkeling spots, coastal trails, and waterfall destinations, leaving the island's high-elevation landscapes overlooked and making the lake a quiet and natural feature tucked into the summit region of Mauna Kea.
The remote setting of the lake is also tied to the significance of the mountain itself, with Mauna Kea deeply integrated into the cultural landscape. Visitors are encouraged to approach the summit with respect for the land they step foot on.
What Makes This Lake So Beautiful
Most of the beauty of the lake comes from the otherworldly setting. Where most travelers expect volcanic and rocky terrain, the small freshwater lake feels alien to the land. The water reflecting the open landscape creates a dramatic contrast between the reddish earth and the deep blue sky. On clear days, the views extend across Hawaiʻi Island's highlands, creating a landscape unlike anywhere else in the state.
The environment changes throughout the year as weather moves across Mauna Kea. Snow occasionally dusts the summit during winter storms, while summer often brings clearer conditions and expansive views. Because the lake sits above much of the island's cloud cover, visitors can experience a rare sense of being above the weather, making for a fantastic photography session.
What You Can Do at This Lake
Lake Waiau is not a traditional recreation lake with swimming areas, kayaking, or picnic facilities. Instead, it is a destination for hiking, photography, and experiencing one of Hawaiʻi's most unique natural environments. The area is a chance to see Mauna Kea's landscape up close and experience several of the Earth's climatic zones in one place.
Visitors exploring Mauna Kea can also take in nearby summit viewpoints, learn about the mountain's cultural importance, and experience some of the world's best stargazing conditions. Photographers often visit for the unusual combination of alpine scenery and tropical island surroundings.
Peak Vibes Only
For travelers looking beyond Hawaiʻi's famous beaches, Lake Waiau offers one of the most surprising nature experiences in the state. It is especially appealing to hikers, photographers, and anyone seeking a destination that feels far removed from the typical island vacation.
It may not be as large as other beautiful lakes in America, and it is not a place designed for traditional lake activities. Instead, its appeal comes from rarity. Few places allow visitors to stand beside an alpine lake while surrounded by volcanic landscapes and views stretching across one of the world's most unique islands. Lake Waiau is a reminder that the island's natural beauty extends far beyond its coastline, making it one of the most unforgettable hidden lakes in Hawaiʻi.
