Saddle Road

Several weeks ago Stacey and I took a trip on Saddle Road from Hilo over to the west side/Waimea area. This was our first trip on this road. We have heard a lot of stories about it, apparently it hasn't always been the safest road to travel on. Much work has been done on it over the last several decades. The road was constructed very quickly in 1942 by the military. Civilian traffic was not considered during construction, only military vehicles would be using the road. It basically connects the west side to the east side through Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. It's crest is at just over 6500 ft elevation. Basically the road is the straightest shot from one side to the other. There are no lights on this road, so travelling at night is not smart. Most rental car companies do not even allow you to take their vehicle on this road!

The clouds were THICK on the Hilo side on this particular day.

As we made our journey up the Saddle Road, the sky began to clear up. It rained a few times (as it always does in Hilo) and the sky was beautiful.

There are rolling hills with cattle grazing on them that make you feel like you are anywhere but in Hawaii. This is the most fascinating thing about the Big Island; how the scenery constantly changes on different parts of the island.

The Saddle Road is one of the neatest drives on the Big Island. All traffic headed west must yield to Eastbound traffic at several one-lane bridges/drainage areas. Some spots are completely full of potholes, slowing your speed to 30mph. The weather is significantly cooler, probably low 60's at the highest point. Definitely a great way to spend an afternoon.....