Big Island Saddle Road through volcanic landscape

Big Island Routes

A land of fire and diversity - volcanic drives through ten climate zones

A Land of Fire and Diversity

The island of Hawaiʻi, or the Big Island, is a land of superlatives. It is the youngest and largest in the archipelago, boasting 10 of the world's 14 climate zones. Its scenic drives are journeys of dramatic contrast, taking you from lush, waterfall-filled coastlines to stark volcanic deserts, and from the heart of coffee country to the star-filled heavens.

Saddle Road: Between Giants

Officially the Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Route 200), Saddle Road is an engineering marvel and an otherworldly experience. This 51-mile highway connects the east and west sides of the island, cutting through the high-altitude "saddle" between the two colossal volcanoes, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. The drive is a journey through a stark and beautiful landscape, climbing to an elevation of 6,632 feet.

Key Stops

• Mauna Kea Access Road - World's tallest mountain
• Visitor Information Station (9,200 ft) - Stargazing
• Puʻu Huluhulu Cinder Cone - 360-degree views
• Observatory complex - Sacred summit

Safety & Respect

• No gas stations along entire route
• Weather changes instantly - fog common
• Wildlife on road - drive with headlights
• Mauna Kea is sacred - approach with hōʻihi

Chain of Craters Road: A Descent into Pele's Domain

Within the boundaries of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park lies one of the most dramatic drives on Earth. The Chain of Craters Road is an 18.8-mile journey that descends 3,700 feet from the summit of Kīlauea volcano down to the sea cliffs on its southern flank. It is a drive through a landscape actively being born and reborn, a testament to the raw power of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes.

Must-See Stops

• Lua Manu & Pauahi Craters - Pit crater series
• Puʻu Huluhulu Trail - 1974 lava flow views
• Kealakomo Overlook - Stunning coastal vista
• Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs - 23,000 ancient carvings
• Hōlei Sea Arch - Ocean-carved lava cliff

Pele's Story

This entire drive is Pele's story written in stone. Every lava flow is an expression of her presence. The Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs are a direct link to the kūpuna (ancestors) who lived and recorded their lives on this dynamic land.

Hāmākua Heritage Corridor: Waterfalls and Valleys of the Kings

Stretching for 45 miles along the island's lush and rainy northeastern coast, the Hāmākua Heritage Corridor is a journey from the city of Hilo to the sacred Waipiʻo Valley Lookout. This drive is a plunge into a tropical paradise, characterized by deep green valleys, historic plantation towns, and an abundance of stunning waterfalls.

Key Attractions

• Onomea Scenic Drive - 4-mile jungle loop
• Hawaiʻi Tropical Bioreserve - 2,000+ plant species
• ʻAkaka Falls State Park - 442-foot waterfall
• Laupāhoehoe Point - 1946 tsunami memorial
• Waipiʻo Valley Lookout - Valley of the Kings

Cultural Significance

Waipiʻo Valley is known as "The Valley of the Kings" for its profound historical importance. It was the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I, hidden in this sacred valley to protect him from rival chiefs.

Kaʻū Scenic Byway & Kona Coffee Country

This pair of interconnected scenic routes showcases the southern and western sides of the island. The Kaʻū Scenic Byway winds around the southern slopes of Maunaloa, taking you through the southernmost region of the United States. As it curves north, it merges into the world-renowned Kona Coffee Country.