Facility Overview

The Pu\'u Huluhulu Cinder Cone parking lot is an open-air surface parking area situated at the high-altitude crest of Saddle Road (Route 200 / Daniel K. Inouye Highway) at the junction of the Mauna Kea Access Road on Hawaii Island. Located at an elevation of approximately 6,750 feet (2,057 meters) above sea level in the saddle between Mauna Loa and Maunakea, this rustic gravel and paved staging area serves as the primary gateway for exploring the Pu\'u Huluhulu Native Tree Sanctuary. Because it is completely open-air without overhead decking, canopies, or height barriers, it provides unrestricted vertical clearance. It easily accommodates high-clearance 4x4 vehicles, lifted pickup trucks, campervans, passenger vans, and standard rental cars.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

This parking area sits at one of the most geographically dramatic crossroads in Hawaii, offering direct access to unique alpine and volcanic wilderness attractions:

• Pu\'u Huluhulu Cinder Cone Trail: The trailhead starts directly from the lot, leading hikers on a scenic 1.5-mile loop around and up the 200-foot-tall cinder cone through an old-growth koa and \'ohi\'a kipuka (island of native forest surrounded by younger lava flows).
• Mauna Kea Access Road: The parking area is located directly opposite the entrance to the access road leading up to the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station (approx. 6 miles / 15 minutes drive) and the Maunakea summit observatories.
• Humu\'ula Saddle & Lava Flow Fields: Historic basalt flows from Mauna Loa (notably the 1843, 1899, and 1935 flows) surround the area, creating extraordinary volcanic vistas.
• Kaumana & Hilo / Waimea & Kona Corridors: Centrally positioned halfway along Saddle Road, making it a natural rest and staging point between East Hawai\'i (Hilo, roughly 28 miles east) and West Hawai\'i (Kona/Waimea, roughly 45 to 55 miles west).

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are straightforward via the Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Highway 200) turnoff at Mile Marker 28, intersecting with the Mauna Kea Access Road. Drivers should exercise caution when decelerating off the highway, as cross-island traffic frequently travels at high speeds. Public transit is not available at this remote mountain pass; personal vehicle, four-wheel-drive rental, or commercial tour transport is required. The junction provides clear sightlines, making exiting onto Route 200 manageable during daylight hours.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-Air Surface Parking: Unpaved and paved mixed surface layout with ample room for maneuvering larger touring vehicles.
• Unrestricted Headroom: Zero overhead obstacles, perfectly suited for rooftop tents, lifted trucks, and commercial tour vans.
• Trailhead Kiosk: Informational signage outlining the natural history of the Pu\'u Huluhulu cinder cone, trail etiquette, and native bird species.
• Free Public Parking: No entrance or parking fees are charged to park in this lot.
• Rustic Conditions: Off-grid mountain location with no electrical hookups, EV charging, running water, or trash receptacles (Pack It In, Pack It Out).

Ideal For

• Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts: Visitors heading into the Pu\'u Huluhulu kipuka for birdwatching, endemic plant photography, and panoramic views of Maunakea and Mauna Loa.
• Stargazers and Altitude Acclimators: Drivers taking a short pause to adjust to elevation before proceeding to the Maunakea Visitor Information Station.
• Cross-Island Commuters & Roadtrippers: Motorists seeking a scenic roadside rest stop along the Daniel K. Inouye Highway.
• Hunting and Backcountry Permittees: Outdoors enthusiasts accessing designated state forest reserves in the Humu\'ula saddle.

Visitor & Driver Tips

• Prepare for Variable Weather: Temperatures at this elevation can drop into the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit, with sudden fog, high winds, and passing rain squalls; dress in warm layers.
• Fuel and Supplies: There are no gas stations or concessions in the Saddle region. Ensure your fuel tank is full and carry plenty of drinking water before departing Hilo, Kona, or Waimea.
• Leave No Trace: This area is culturally and ecologically sensitive; keep strictly to marked trails, respect native flora, and carry all personal trash out with you.
• Secure Valuables: Due to the remote location, keep all belongings hidden out of sight or take them along while hiking.