Saddle Road

Saddle Road, also known as Hawaii Route 200, is a 54-mile highway that crosses the Big Island from Hilo to Waimea. Traversing the high valley between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, this route showcases dramatic changes in terrain - from rainforest to lava desert - and offers access to volcanic summits, hiking trails, and vast, open scenery unique to the island's interior.

Saddle Road, Big Island

Buckle up! Slicing across the Big Island from east to west, through a high valley or “saddle” between the mountains of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, Saddle Road (also known as Hawaii Route 200) is 54 miles (87 km) of pure adventure. Along the way, you'll pass dried lava flows, rolling pastureland, desert- and moonlike fields, lush rainforests and trailheads that lead to several hiking trails. Also along the route are roads leading to the mountaintops of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, as well as the largest military training reserve in Hawaii and the Bradshaw Army Airfield.

Saddle Road cuts through some of the best scenery on the Big Island. In the past, many car rental companies used to forbid use of their cars on Saddle Road, but now most allow it. For a long time, the road was considered the most dangerous in the state because it had many rough areas and marginally maintained pavement. Today, many sections of the road have been improved, but some rather dangerous spots remain. However, it is no worse than many other roads on the island and it is recommended to drive slowly and with caution. The area is remote and there are no facilities along the way, so if your car breaks down or you run out of gas, you have to walk a long way for help.

Saddle Road got its name from the stretch of road that passes between the Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanoes. This “saddle” area is marked by small crosses to commemorate the people who have died while traversing the road and perhaps to remind drivers to take extra caution. Heavy mist is common in this area, so before setting out, make sure there's enough visibility. Also, there are many long, flat stretches and it's easy to become “road hypnotized” or get “lead foot,” so be careful.

The highest point on the road is at 6,632 feet (2,021 m). People have described this area as resembling a moonlike landscape, with long stretches of bare lava and very little vegetation.

Key Features of Saddle Road

• Scenic high-altitude drive: Passes between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa through a volcanic saddle
• Diverse landscapes: Ranges from lush rainforest to desert-like lava fields
• Access to summits: Leads to the Mauna Kea Observatories and Mauna Loa trailheads
• Historic route: Built in 1942 and once considered the most dangerous road in Hawaii
• Fog-prone area: Often subject to mist, poor visibility, and rapidly changing conditions
• Fastest Hilo-Kona route: Shortest and most direct drive between east and west coasts