Ultimate Guide to Saddle Road on the Big Island of Hawaii

If you are looking for an adventure on the Big Island, take a ride along Saddle Road. Saddle Road runs from Kona to Hilo running in between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. Saddle Road was originally built in 1942 by the military. The road is paved, but it is a bit of a rough ride with hairpin turns and narrow roadways. The following is guide to Saddle Road on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Driving from Kona, pick up Saddle Road off of Highway 190. Saddle Road is the only road to Mauna Kea, so that will be our first stop. Mauna Kea State Park is located at mile marker 35, this is a great place to stop for a bathroom break, and they also have cabins for camping. However to get to the volcano, continue on Saddle Road to mile marker 28 to Mauna Kea Road. It is a 14 mile ride to the summit of Mauna Kea from Saddle Road. Make sure you stop at the visitor's center to help with acclimatization; Mauna Kea is 13,000 feet above sea level. The air is thin and clear at the top of the mountain, making it one of the best star-gazing spots in the world. It is also home to some of the best telescopes in the world. Mauna Kea is a must see when visiting the Big Island of Hawaii.

Across the way is Mauna Loa, at 13,600 feet. It is harder to summit to the top of Mauna Loa, but they have a great weather observatory at 11,000 feet that you can drive to and see a fantastic view of Mauna Kea. Mauna Loa is still considered an active volcano on the Big Island, but its last eruption was in 1984.

Between mile marker 21 and 22 on Saddle Road is a hiking trail that leads to a mile long cave. If you are into spelunking, you have to check this cave out. It has incredible lava stalactites, channels and shelves. It is absolutely incredible what mother-nature can create. Caution and care are encouraged when visiting this cave. As with any cave, the footing can be unstable so be sure to bring good flashlights, and wear your hiking shoes. And please do not take any souvenirs home, please leave the cave the way you found it.

As we travel towards Hilo to the end of Saddle Road at mile marker 4 is another cave, Kaumana Cave, which is believed to be part of the same lava tube that created the previously mentioned mile long cave. The cave is surrounded by greenery and there are stairs that lead into its depths. This is a great cave for those new to caving. Just make sure you brought your flashlight.

Most Big Island visitors steer away from Saddle Road. So if you are looking for some solitude along with adventure, buckle up and hit the road. Just be sure to bring this guide to Saddle Road on the Big Island of Hawaii.