Saddle Road (Hawaii Route 200)

The basics

Saddle Road crosses lava flows and moon-like landscapes and visibility can be difficult in poor weather conditions. Go with a tour and avoid having to navigate this windy, remote road on your own. There are many options for exploring the Saddle Road region. You can visit as part of a full-day Hawaii circle tour, a Mauna Kea summit and Volcanoes National Park tour, or as part of a Mauna Kea sky gazing experience.

Things to know before you go

• Saddle Road is remote and no gas stations or other facilities are available along the way.
• Cell service is limited along Saddle Road.
• Temperatures are much cooler at altitude, so bring along a sweatshirt or light jacket.
• Due to the nature of the terrain, many Saddle Road tours are not wheelchair accessible.

How to get there

Saddle Road stretches 80 miles (129 kilometers) from Hilo to Kona along Hawaii Route 200. Driving the road or taking a tour is the only way to explore the road. Most rental car companies used to prohibit their car from traveling on the Saddle Road, but nowadays most companies allow their cars on the road.

When to get there

Hawaii’s consistently warm weather makes it a great year-round destination. Hawaii tends to see more tourists during the summer months and winter holidays, so visit outside that season to avoid the crowds. Driving the Saddle Road is not recommended at night due to limited visibility and its best to avoid the road during rainstorms.

Visiting the Mauna Kea Observatories

Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano and the highest point on the Hawaiian islands at 13,803 feet (4,207 meters). Its summit holds some of the world’s largest telescopes and is a popular stargazing spot. You can hike to the summit on your own or catch a ride to the summit on an organized tour. Choose between sunset and stargazing tours or rise early and watch the sunrise from the summit.

Ways to explore

With its views of the Big Island’s less-traveled areas, Saddle Road is itself a destination. You can drive or take a guided tour. The road provides access to Big Island adventures, including underground lava tubes, lushly forested hiking trails, and, most notably, the turn-offs for Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes.

Driving the road at night is not recommended due to low visibility; opt for a guided tour to experience stargazing at Mauna Kea Observatories. Alternatively, see Saddle Road in daylight on a full-day Hawaii circle tour, a Mauna Kea and Volcanoes National Park tour, or a self-guided audio tour.

Accessibility

Driving tours offer an accessible way to experience Saddle Road. Access to individual attractions along the road varies due to uneven terrain.

Age limits

Most tours don’t have any age restrictions, but young kids might have a hard time staying awake for stargazing.

What to pack

Snacks and water for the drive, sturdy shoes, and a flashlight for exploring caves and trails along the way

What to wear

A jacket for cool weather at altitude, sunglasses for glare

Not allowed

Don’t take photos while driving; wait for a pullout instead. If you choose to continue to the Mauna Kea summit, remember that it’s a sacred site and treat it with respect.

Amenities

Saddle Road is remote with no gas stations or other facilities. Be prepared with offline maps and a full tank.

Address 

Saddle Road stretches for just over 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Hilo on the east side of the island to Waimea and Kona on the west, with turnoff points for Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.

Driving

Driving is the only way to explore the Saddle Road. Check your car rental company's restrictions, especially for driving off-road.

Public transportation

There’s no public transit along Saddle Road. If you don’t want to drive yourself, book a tour instead; you’ll get better views and the peace of mind of going with a driver who’s familiar with every twist and turn.

Best times to visit

Visitors are discouraged from driving at night due to poor visibility. If you’re driving yourself, do so during daylight hours to stay safe.

Best days to visit

If you’re taking a stargazing tour, plan your visit during a new moon for the brightest constellations.

Best months to visit

It’s best to avoid the road during rainstorms. For the sunniest weather, visit during the dry season from May through October.

Special events

If you’re fascinated by the night skies, head to Kona during the November AstroDay festival, where you can learn more about the cutting-edge astronomy happening at Mauna Kea’s summit.