Route: This poorly paved, winding, rolling, single lane, two wheel drive road proceeds roughly south for about 3 miles, then southeast for 5 miles, then west over nearly barren lava flows, rising steadily to the Solar Observatory at the 11,150` elevation on the north slope of Mauna Loa. Clear weather provides a spectacular view of Mauna Kea, Kohala, Haleakala, Hualalai and the Pohakuloa Saddle. Under optimum conditions Kahoolawe, Lanai and Molokai islands can be seen. The Solar Observatory is not open to the public.

Directions: This road begins at the 27.7 mile point of Saddle Road (Hwy 200), just Hilo side of Puu Huluhulu Native Tree Sanctuary.

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.