Road trip guide: Conquering Mauna Kea in Hawaii

Get ready for an epic adventure on Mauna Kea, a massive dormant volcano in Hawai’i! Seriously, you can drive from sea level to almost 14,000 feet in about two hours – it's wild! This beauty sits 35 miles west of Hilo, on the Big Island’s north side, and it’s the highest point in the entire Hawaiian archipelago.

The Mauna Kea Access Road, built back in '64, clocks in at 14.6 miles, starting from Saddle Road. Don't let the pavement fool you; this climb is intense! Prepare for some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting a max of 15%. We're talking about a 7,150-foot elevation gain, averaging a 9.27% gradient. Cyclists, this is your Everest!

While mostly paved, the road throws in some unpaved sections near the summit to keep things interesting. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended for the whole journey. Brakes can overheat on the way down, so be careful!

Reaching the top is a real challenge, and not just because of the road. The air thins out quickly, so altitude sickness is a real possibility, along with plummeting temperatures. You actually have to stop at base camp to acclimate before tackling the off-road part of the drive! But trust me, the views are SO worth it. Keep in mind that traffic and road closures can happen due to all sorts of reasons, like heavy equipment or slow-moving vehicles. Dust, fog, or snow can also mess with visibility. Stop at the visitor center to adjust to the elevation. Many rental car companies also have specific Mauna Kea clauses about driving to the summit, so check the fine print. Anyone with health issues, pregnant people, and kids under 16 should be extra careful at these altitudes. Scuba divers, wait 24 hours before heading up!

Driving straight through takes most people 2-3 hours. At the summit, or Maunakea, you'll be rewarded with mind-blowing views and incredible sunsets. Plus, you can check out the Mauna Kea Observatory, a super important research facility used by scientists worldwide. The drive itself is stunning, winding through volcanic lava fields and ancient forests packed with unique plants.

Keep an eye on the weather because things can change fast! A sunny day can quickly turn treacherous with crazy winds and blizzard conditions. Summit winds can exceed 120 mph! Snowstorms even happen in summer, and below-freezing temps, snow, and ice are common. If it gets too dangerous, the road closes for everyone's safety. It's re-opened as soon as things are safe again.