The Road Between the Volcanoes
Saddle Road is a 52-mile highway that runs between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, connecting the east and west sides of the island. Saddle Road passes between the island’s two most prominent mountains, Mauna Loa (13,680 feet) and Mauna Kea (13,796 feet). It is the quickest route between Hilo and Kona and provides access to the summits of Mauna Kea from Hilo. This route is also known as Route 200 or Daniel K. Inouye Highway.
A Difficult Past – The Most Dangerous Road
If you drive along Saddle Road today, you might be surprised to learn about its troubled past. Initially opened in 1942 as a single-lane military road, Saddle Road saw minimal maintenance or upgrades after being transferred to the state in 1965.
Over the years, Saddle Road has gained a reputation as the most dangerous road in Hawaii. It is plagued by deteriorating pavement, single-lane bridges, and narrow stretches, compounded by high-altitude fog that severely limits visibility.
In 2007, the state began a major upgrade project on Saddle Road, which continued for the next decade. Thanks to these improvements, both visitors and residents can now enjoy a significantly enhanced route connecting the east and west sides of Hawaii Island.
Diverse Climates On The Road
Saddle Road offers a spectacular range of landscapes, stretching just under 53 miles and reaching an elevation of 6,632 feet. You’ll encounter everything from lush rainforests and arid lava flows to desert-like fields, rolling grasslands, and breathtaking coastal views. The road’s winding nature, with its steep ascents and descents, calls for a cautious, leisurely drive. Traveling along Saddle Road – especially in favorable weather – offers many diverse landscapes and microclimates. In fact, the Hawaiian Islands claim 10 of the world’s climate zones, the only place on earth with so many concentrated in one small area. You can visit all of them on Hawai‘i Island.
Encounters with Local Wildlife
Pigs, and Goats, and Sheep, Oh My!
Be aware that Saddle Road is often frequented by native wildlife, including large herds of goats, sheep, and feral pigs. Drive with caution and one eye on the sides of the road to look out for animal crossings.
Also, there are no services available along the route. It’s wise to bring some snacks and ensure your fuel tank is full before setting out. The weather can be quite unpredictable, with fog and low visibility, so the best time to drive is on a clear, sunny day. This allows you to fully enjoy the expansive views as you traverse the saddle between the two enormous volcanoes.
Things You Will See Along Saddle Road
Mauna Kea State Recreation Area
The site features picnic tables and cabins with stunning views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Depending on the season, you might encounter fellow campers who are pig, sheep, and bird hunters. The cabins at Mauna Kea can be rented individually or as a group for larger gatherings. Additionally, a centrally located recreational dining hall is fully equipped for cooking and serving meals. For more information and to make reservations, please contact the Hawai’i District of the State Parks.
Kaumana Caves County Park
Stretching over two miles and well-maintained, this cave is an excellent spot for a family adventure on the Big Island. Before entering the cave, you’ll find a small park area equipped with restrooms and a picnic table, perfect for a quick break. The cave offers a cool escape from the summer heat and Hilo’s persistent rainfall. Concrete access stairs lead to a swift and easy descent into the cave opening. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes and a flashlight are highly recommended if you want to explore the caves.
Access to Hiking Trails
Pu‘u O‘o Trail
- Just past mile marker 24 on the drive up from Hilo, you’ll find the trailhead for the Pu‘u O‘o Trail. Starting from a small parking lot along the road, the trail extends south for about four miles until it intersects with Powerline Road, a rugged four-wheel-drive track, before returning to Saddle Road. This area is ideal for birdwatching, offering the chance to spot the rare ‘akiapola‘au or ‘apapane, and even wild turkeys.
Kipuka Pu‘u Huluhulu
- Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts should head to the Kipuk Pu‘u Huluhulu parking lot across from the Mauna Kea Access Road turnoff. A kipuka is a region surrounded by lava flows but never covered by them, thus preserving its original ecosystem. The most recent lava flow in the Pu‘u Huluhulu area dates back to 1935. At the parking lot, you’ll find a hunters’ check-in station. From there, a hiking trail leads into this fenced, 38-acre nature preserve. It’s a short hike that offers panoramic views of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and the surrounding lava fields.
Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station
The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station (VIS) is located on the Maunakea Access Road. Take Saddle Road and turn onto Maunakea Access Road (Milepost 28). The Center is at 9,200 ft elevation, so due to the hazards of altitude sickness, pregnant women, persons in poor health, and children under 13 should not venture above the Visitor Information Station. There are some excellent star-gazing opportunities and several short hiking routes around the Station.
Parts of Parker Ranch
Primarily in the Kohala Region
Parker Ranch was founded in 1847 and is Hawaii’s oldest business and second-largest private landowner. It has a deep paniolo (cowboy) heritage and honors the diverse cultural influences that have shaped ranching traditions worldwide. Parker Ranch’s history is closely intertwined with that of Hawaii, as its people are deeply connected to the island’s past.
Pōhakuloa Army Training Area
A U.S. military facility that serves as the primary training and most extensive maneuver area in the Pacific for joint, interagency, and multinational forces.
‘Ōhi‘a lehua flowers
‘Ōhi‘a lehua is endemic to the six largest islands of Hawai‘i and is the most prevalent native Hawaiian tree, making up 80% of the islands’ native forests. A member of the Myrtaceae family, it dominates the landscape above 1,300 feet. This slow-growing tree can reach heights of 20 to 25 meters (66 to 82 feet) under optimal conditions and is known for colonizing recent lava flows. It is fascinating to think that this delicate little flower can survive on the barren lava fields and thrive to grow into such majestic trees.
More Than Just A Road
It’s an Adventure!
The Big Island’s Saddle Road not only connects the East and West sides of the island but traveling the road is also an adventure in and of itself. There is so much diversity in the weather, the landscape, and the animals that you’ll want to enjoy at a leisurely pace. If you plan to head “over the saddle,” try to coordinate with the weather if possible, and we recommend traveling during daylight hours since the highway isn’t particularly well-lit.
Some Experiences Can Explore The Saddle Road
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Helicopter And Volcano Tour From O'ahu or Maui
This is an incredible day exploring the land and sky of the Big... More
- 45-Minute Helicopter Tour
- Multiple Stops In Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
- Inter-Island Flights To Big Island
- See Rainbow Falls & Historic Hilo
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Big Island Private Tours
The Big Island private tour offers an all-day experience of the... More
- 10-11 Hours Private Island Tour
- See The Highlights of Big Island with a Professional Guide
- Explore Volcanoes National Park, Black Sand Beach, and more
- Relax and let us do the driving!
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Big Island Volcano Adventure from O'ahu or Maui
Take an incredible Big Island Adventure from Maui or Waikiki to... More
- Full-Day Big Island Volcano Tour
- Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
- Scenic Drive Down Chain of Craters Road
- Black Sand & Rainbow Waterfall Stops
- Day Tours With Flights From Maui & Waikiki
- Open Daily
5:00 am to 9:00 pm, HST
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