Route: This infrequently maintained, unpaved, four wheel drive hunters` road circles the east, north, and west sides of Mauna Kea between the 7,000` and 9,000` elevations within the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve. It passes through native sub-alpine woodland and over barren lava flows. On clear days dramatic views of the whole northern coast, the Waimea Plain, Kohala Mountains, and the island of Maui may be enjoyed. The route traverses critical habitat of the endangered Palila, a Hawaiian finch found only on the upper slopes of Mauna Kea. Caution, the entire route is open year-round for hunting.

Directions: This road may be accessed from either the Kilohana Hunter Check Station or the Hale Pohaku Visitor Center. For Kilohana, take Puu Laau Road north from the 43.5 mile point on Saddle Road (Hwy 200). Follow the road mauka for 4.2 miles to the old Ranger Cabin. Keep left at the cabin and you are headed clockwise around Mauna Kea. For Hale Pohaku, head north on Mauna Kea Observatory Road from the 27.9 mile point on Saddle Road (Hwy 200), opposite Puu Huluhulu Native Tree Sanctuary. Proceed 6.15 miles mauka, turn right on the dirt road just below Hale Pohaku, and continue counter-clockwise around the mountain.

Do not use any trail or access road that is not delineated by name and color and that may also be displayed on these maps. The marked features are managed for public recreational use. Other trails or roads that branch off from the public features may be on private property, and are not managed for any public recreational use. Access is subject to adjacent landowner approval, and if used without authorization, you will be trespassing and possibly putting yourself at risk.