The Highest Road In Hawaii Will Lead You On An Unforgettable Journey
By Megan Shute|Published November 12, 2017
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
From Hawaii Island to Kauai and everywhere in between, the Hawaiian Islands are home to countless incredible back roads perfect for a scenic drive. But there is one drive so phenomenal it needs to be on everyone’s Hawaii bucket list. The Mauna Kea Access Road takes you on an unforgettable — and potentially nerve-wracking — journey to more than 13,700 feet above sea level. It is not only the highest road in the Aloha State, but one of the highest paved roads in the world as well.
Mauna Kea measures in at 13,796 feet above sea level, the highest point in the state of Hawaii. In fact, when measured from its oceanic base deep in the vast Pacific, the mountain measures in at more than 33,000 feet tall – that’s higher than Mount Everest.
The eight-mile road to the summit from the visitor’s center requires that you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, and although it can be quite nerve-wracking, the expansive views from above the clouds are well worth the effort it takes to get here.
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
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The access road was built in 1964, and while the dirt road is well-maintained, there are few guardrails found along this road littered with steep drop-offs.
Did we mention that only three miles of the eight-mile road is actually paved? Just 200 yards past the visitors center, the pavement ends and you will drive on a steep-grade gravel road for approximately five miles before reaching pavement again.
The summit lies above the tree line and primarily consists of lava rock and alpine tundra. Growth is restricted by extremely cold temperatures, a short growing season, little rainfall, and snow during the winter months. It is truly a landscape unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere across the Hawaiian Islands.
Due to the high altitude, dry environment, and stable airflow, the summit of Mauna Kea is one of the world’s best sites for astronomical observation, and once you reach the summit you will find not only expansive views but thirteen telescopes funded by eleven countries.
While this drive is popular during the day, most people visit the Mauna Kea summit to watch one of the infamous sunsets you can witness here — the sun paints the sky in a variety of vibrant colors and it will feel as though you are floating above the clouds.
After sunset, head back down the mountain to participate in the stargazing programs offered at the visitors center. We promise you won’t be disappointed.
The only way to access this road is by driving along Hawaii Island’s Saddle Road — a highway that cuts through the center of the island has has been referred to as the state’s most dangerous road. Oh, and did we mention that you might find snow at Mauna Kea making your drive this winter impossible? Be sure to check weather forecasts and road conditions before you make any plans!
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