This infrequently maintained, unpaved, four wheel drive hunters' road circles the east, north, and west sides of Mauna Kea between the 7,000' and 9,000' elevations within the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve. It passes through native sub-alpine woodland and over barren lava flows. On clear days dramatic views of the whole northern coast, the Waimea Plain, Kohala Mountains, and the island of Maui may be enjoyed. The route traverses critical habitat of the endangered palila (Loxioides bailleui), a Hawaiian finch found only on the upper slopes of Mauna Kea. Caution, the entire route is open year-round for hunting.
Additional Information
Allowed Access
Bicycles
Dogs
Horses
Motor Vehicles
Pedestrians
Activities
Atv Riding
Horseback Riding
Motorcycle Riding
Road Biking
Wildlife Watching
Rules & Regulations
Carry Out Trash
Dogs On Leash
No Campfires
Pack Out Dog Waste
Permit Required
Stay On Trail
Special Conditions
Wear bright colored clothing as the road passes through areas for year-round archery hunting for game mammals and seasonal shooting of game birds. Occasionally, the area may close due to aerial control of invasive mammals. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Division of Forestry and Wildlife at (808) 974-4221. Do not use any trail or access road that is not delineated by name and color and that may also be displayed on these maps. The marked features are managed for public recreational use. Other trails or roads that branch off from the public features may be on private property, and are not managed for any public recreational use. Access is subject to adjacent landowner approval, and if used without authorization, you will be trespassing and possibly putting yourself at risk. Downloadable resources are provided below.
Activities
- ATV/Motorized Vehicle
- Bicycle
- Equestrian
- 4-wheel drive
- Hunting
- Jeep
- Motorcycle
- Pedestrian
- Sightseeing
- Tours
- Wildlife Viewing
Amenities
- Restroom
- Visitor Center
- Water Fountain
Features
- 4-Wheel Drive
- Nature Study
- Open Views
- Scenic Viewpoint
- Sensitive Area
Hazards
- Blind Corner
- High Elevation
- Hunting Area
- Sun Exposure
Prohibited
- No Littering
- No Open Fires
- No Plant Sand Dirt Rock Removal
- No Rock Climbing
- No Smoking
Mountain Bikers
Always yield to hikers. Do not slide around corners or slide down the trail. Careless mountain biking damages the trail and causes erosion. If accidents are reported or damage to the trail is extreme, the trail may be closed to mountain bikers. This trail is not an easy mountain bike trail.
Dog Owners
Hunting may be in progress on or near this hiking trail. Hunting dogs may be off-leash while engaged in the hunt. Hikers must keep their dogs leashed at all times and remove dog waste while on this trail.
Required to Ride
Permits and liability waiver are required for all non-licensed vehicles (i.e., ATV, dirt bikes, etc.). Permits may be obtained at the Division of Forestry and Wildlife offices in Hilo (19 E. Kawili St.; 808-974-4221) or Waimea (66-1220A Lālāmilo Rd.; 808-887-6063). Permit must be in rider's possession at all times.
Simple Trail Tips
- Stay on the trail
- Check the weather
- Watch the time
- Avoid undue risk
- Read all posted signs
- Respect other trail users
- Pack out at least what you pack
Directions
This road may be accessed from either the Kilohana Hunter Checking Station or the Hale Pōhaku Visitor Center:
- For Kilohana, take Puʻu Lāʻau Road north from the 43.5 mile point on Old Saddle Road. Follow the road mauka for 4.2 miles to the historic Puʻu Lāʻau Ranger Cabin. Keep left at the cabin and you are headed clockwise around Mauna Kea.
- For Hale Pōhaku, head north on Mauna Kea Observatory Road from the 27.9 mile point on Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Hwy 200), opposite Puʻu Huluhulu Native Tree Sanctuary. Proceed 6.15 miles mauka, turn right on the dirt road just below Hale Pōhaku Visitors, and continue counter-clockwise around the mountain.
