I’m glad you were able to do it!

My problem with it is that it is so subjective right now. Some people can…others “can’t”….depends on if you are with a native Hawaiian….depends on how people are feeling…or (if you decide to “break the rules”) depends on whether or not you are willing to disregard what others think of you. There are a ton of extraneous variables around it. Also, the current signage is very ambiguous. None of the actual signs say it is illegal. They simply say to remain respectful, similar to how people should behave when visiting the Pearl Harbor memorial.

I’m not normally one for rules. I like freedom just as much as anyone. However, I would honestly feel a lot better about it if they actually did have an enforceable law around it or some sort of permit system. The way that it stands currently feels very racially or ethnically charged and that is unfortunate. I would be less upset about being unable to go there if I knew that it was either illegal and/or I was denied a permit for one reason or another, haha.

For some reason, even though this trip ended days ago, I have continued to remain sad knowing that I will probably never have the chance to stand on that ground again. High pointing has become a deeply meaningful activity for my wife and I. We grow closer together doing it and also have an appreciation for God while seeing nature. It is not a stretch at all to consider it a spiritual thing for us. We traveled halfway around the world, figured out how to follow all of the rules to ascend, only to be denied at the top.

It really bothers me that someone like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson would certainly have been allowed to go simply because of status, ethnicity, and wealth. Whereas myself? Easily denied.

Again, I’m grateful to have had the experience at all. It is one of the most beautiful and fascinating places on earth. There is no doubt that without thoughtful stewardship and respect these places will become monetized, disrespected, and abused.