lava flows. Emerging out of an otherwise barren landscape, this hill is teeming with life. In Hawaiian, Puÿu Huluhulu translates to “hairy hill” and it is home to native Hawaiian trees such as koa. If you are planning to make your way up to Visitor’s Center or the summit of Mauna Kea, Puÿu Huluhulu is a great place to take a short hike to get slowly acclimated to the altitude. If you’re looking for a longer hike along the Saddle Road, Puÿu ÿÖÿö between the 22 and 23-mile markers offers an 8.7-mile loop hike. Along the trail you will encounter several kïpuka, which host endemic trees and wildlife. On the Puÿu ÿÖÿö hike, you can also find the Emesine Lava Tube, which requires a permit from the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Closer to Hilo, with two entrances between the 18 and 20-mile markers, the Kaümana Trail offers a shorter 3-mile hike. The Saddle Road provides access to both Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Mauna Kea is the more visited of the two, and the Mauna Kea Access Road is located across the highway from Puÿu Huluhulu. Mauna Kea provides a variety of activities including visiting the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station, watching the sun rise or set from its near 13,800-foot summit, and stargazing. myhawaiitraveler.com
Prepared adventure seekers can find the less traveled Mauna Loa Observatory Road just a little east of the Mauna Kea Access Road on the south side of the highway. It is a one-lane road that climbs from around 6,500 feet to over 11,000 feet over the course of 17 miles. From the observatory, you can take a 6.4-mile hike to the 13,679-foot summit of Mauna Loa. Though it is not as tall as Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa is the largest single mountain in the world when measured from the base. When traveling on the Saddle Road, be sure to come prepared with everything you need for your trip, as there are few services along the way. There are no gas stations, and cell phone service may be spotty. Check the weather and road conditions before you set out on a drive. Bring along any meals and snacks you plan to eat, as the only place to buy food is the Visitor Information Station on Mauna Kea, which has a very limited supply of snacks. Bring additional layers, especially if you plan on making stops along the road in the early or late hours of the day or during the winter snowy months, and take precautions to avoid altitude sickness such as drinking plenty of water. Regardless of what you choose to do on the Saddle Road, be sure to bring a sense of adventure and wonder as you explore the heart and soul of the island. 67