Mauna Kea Summit Road
Mauna Kea Summit Road is a hard 28 miles off-road trail near Hilo, HI. It requires a properly built 4x4 with All-terrain tires, 4WD required and is best run Year-round. Stock trucks and Jeeps are not recommended; plan on the required modifications before attempting it.
Trail Conditions
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The drive from tropical Hilo to the 13,796-foot summit of Mauna Kea is the most dramatic altitude change accessible by road in the United States. Above the clouds, the volcanic moonscape is so alien that NASA has used it for Mars rover testing. The stargazing from the Visitor Center at 9,200 feet is among the best on Earth.
Fun Facts
Mauna Kea is technically the tallest mountain on Earth measured from its oceanic base, over 33,000 feet.
The summit hosts the world's largest collection of astronomical telescopes.
You pass through every climate zone on Earth during the drive from sea level to summit.
🛞 Tires
⚙️ Drivetrain
Closest campgrounds to Mauna Kea Summit Road:
- Nāmakanipaio · Hawaii National Park · 30 mi
- Kulanaokuaiki · Hawaii National Park · 35 mi
Where to Camp
GPS Coordinates
Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin
Map of Hilo, HI
5-Day Forecast
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
This trail rewards preparation. Run these tools before you load up, the numbers matter.
Tire Size Calculator
Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.
Running 35s or 37s? Confirm fitment and sidewall height before you go.
Gear Ratio Calculator
Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.
Low-range crawl ratio is everything on technical terrain, calculate yours first.
Wheel Fitment Calculator
Calculate backspacing and offset so wider wheels clear your suspension.
Extra wheel width = extra clearance on tight lines. Check offset before buying.
MPG Calculator
Estimate fuel economy after a tire upgrade, important for remote runs.
Bigger tires cut MPG. Plan your fuel stops for this trail.
Trail Matchmaker
Not sure this trail matches your rig's current build? Find out fast.
Answer 6 questions and confirm Mauna Kea Summit Road is right for your setup, or find a better match.