u/AnyPainting4275

I always wanted to drive up to the top of Mauna Kea ever since I got my 06 GX470 (233K miles and going strong).

4x4 is required if you want to drive up to the top, not so much for the traction or off-road capabilities, but many people ride their brakes going down hill, and end up burning their brakes, sometimes resulting in a total failure brake failure. I ended up using 4L, 1-3 gears for just a short distance but the front brakes did reach up to toasty 380 degrees F at the check station.

It is absolutely stunning up on top of the tallest mountain in the world (measured from the base of the ocean), 13803ft above sea level.

Edit: Almost all vehicles were rented Wranglers (looks like a Jeep dealer lot 😂) and a few tour vans.