# Mauna Kea Summit Road

**Location:** Hilo, HI | **Difficulty:** Hard | **Length:** 28 miles

**GPS:** 19.8207, -155.4681

**Vehicle requirements:** 4WD with low range and rear locker, 33"+ mud-terrain tires, 2–3" lift, rock sliders, and recovery gear required.

**Best season:** Year-round

Drive from tropical sea level to 13,796 feet through every climate zone on Earth. The unpaved summit road above the Visitor Center crosses a volcanic moonscape above the clouds to the highest point in Hawaii. A truly otherworldly drive.

**Region:** West • **Trail type:** Trail • **Rating:** 4.9/5 • **Permit required**

**Highlights:** Sea to summit, Above the clouds, Volcanic moonscape, Stargazing, Every climate zone

**Nearby campgrounds:**
- [Nāmakanipaio (Hawaii National Park, Hawaii)](https://4x4playground.com/camping/hawaii/n-makanipaio)
- [Kulanaokuaiki (Hawaii National Park, Hawaii)](https://4x4playground.com/camping/hawaii/kulanaokuaiki)

Canonical page: https://4x4playground.com/overlanding/trails/mauna-kea-summit