Mauna Kea Access Road
Mauna Kea Access Road is a moderate 30 miles off-road trail near Big Island, HI, best run Year-round. The gear list marks All-terrain tires, 4WD with low range, Warm clothing and Sunscreen and sunglasses as required, and Basic recovery kit as recommended. A stock high-clearance 4x4 can run it; check the gear list before you go.
Trail Conditions
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The Mauna Kea Access Road offers the unique opportunity to drive from tropical Hawaii to an arctic environment, ascending from sea level to nearly 14,000 feet in about an hour. The journey begins on the scenic Saddle Road between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, then climbs the volcano's slopes through climate zones from rainforest to alpine desert. The unpaved summit road requires 4WD and delivers otherworldly landscapes of cinder cones and lava flows. At the top, world-class observatories stand above the clouds, offering some of the best stargazing on Earth.
Fun Facts
Mauna Kea means 'White Mountain' in Hawaiian, named for its snow-capped winter summit.
The summit hosts 13 observatories from 11 countries, making it Earth's best astronomical observation site.
At 33,500 feet from ocean floor to summit, Mauna Kea is technically taller than Mount Everest.
The summit is sacred to Native Hawaiians as the realm of the gods.
🛞 Tires
🔧 Suspension
⚙️ Drivetrain
🪢 Recovery
📦 Other
Closest campgrounds to Mauna Kea Access Road:
- Nāmakanipaio · Hawaii National Park · 30 mi (straight-line)
Straight-line distance. Check the map for drive time.
GPS Coordinates
Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin
Map of Big Island, HI
5-Day Forecast
Nearby Trails
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
A mild lift, all-terrain tires, and correct gear ratio will get you through this trail confidently.
Tire Size Calculator
Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.
Size up correctly, 33s vs 35s matters on moderate terrain.
Gear Ratio Calculator
Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.
Re-gear after a tire upgrade to restore trail torque and MPG.
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.