Pu’u Huluhulu Cinder cone parking lot Island of, HI, Hawaii, USA

Overview & Location
This car park serves as the primary access point for the Puʻu Huluhulu cinder cone and its network of hiking trails. Travellers will find it conveniently located on the Island of Hawaiʻi along the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, more commonly known as Saddle Road (Highway 200), near mile marker 28. Its position, situated in the vast saddle between the colossal volcanoes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, makes it a popular and scenic stop for those journeying across the island. The name Puʻu Huluhulu translates to “hairy hill,” a nod to the vegetation that covers this cinder cone, which stands as a *kīpuka*—an island of older, forested land surrounded by more recent lava flows. The specific coordinates for the location are 19.6885749, -155.4666857.

Pricing & How to Pay
Our research indicates that parking at the Puʻu Huluhulu trailhead is currently offered free of charge. There are no payment machines or attendants on site. We advise visitors to remain observant of any new signage upon arrival, as policies regarding fees can change without notice.

Features & Accessibility
The facility is a basic, functional car park designed to accommodate hikers and sightseers.
– Surface: The car park is an unpaved, gravel area. The surface can be uneven in places.
– Capacity: Space is limited and can fill quickly, particularly during popular visiting times such as sunset.
– Amenities: A single portable toilet is available at the Saddle Road trailhead. There are no other facilities, such as running water, food vendors, or rubbish bins.
– Accessibility: Due to the unpaved surface, the car park itself may present challenges for wheelchair users. The hiking trails accessed from this location are not considered accessible, featuring steep sections, uneven ground, and natural obstacles.

What’s Nearby
The car park is the gateway to the Kīpuka Puʻu Huluhulu Trail system. From the parking area, hikers have immediate access to a network of short loop trails that encircle and ascend the cinder cone.
– Trail Access: Two distinct trailheads are located near the Saddle Road parking area. One trail offers an easier, gentler walk that traverses around the right side of the hill. The other presents a steeper, more direct climb to the summit. A third trailhead for a more rugged and challenging trail can be found further up the nearby Mauna Loa Observatory Road.
– Hiking Experience: The combined loop trails cover a distance of approximately 1.3 miles (2.1 km), with an elevation gain of about 150 feet. A quick circuit can be completed in around 30 minutes, though more time is recommended to fully explore the trails and enjoy the summit.
– Scenery and Wildlife: The summit rewards hikers with magnificent, panoramic views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. The trails wind through a unique ecosystem featuring native Koa trees, lichen, and pua kala flowers. Birdwatchers may spot native species such as the ʻakepa, ʻakiapōlāʻau, ʻio (Hawaiian hawk), nēnē (Hawaiian goose), and pueo (Hawaiian owl), as well as introduced Kalij pheasants and wild turkey.

Expert Tips & Things to Know
– Plan for Sunset: We recommend timing your visit for sunset. The views from the summit during the golden hour are truly spectacular, making it an ideal spot for photography. Arrive early to secure a parking space.
– Dress Appropriately: The weather on Saddle Road is notoriously unpredictable and can change rapidly. It is essential to wear layers of clothing. Sturdy, closed-toe footwear is highly recommended due to the rocky and uneven nature of the trails.
– High Altitude Considerations: The car park is situated at a significant elevation. Visitors should stay hydrated and be mindful of the potential effects of altitude.
– Leave No Trace: With no rubbish bins on site, it is imperative that all visitors pack out everything they bring with them to protect this fragile environment. Stay on the designated trails to prevent erosion and damage to the native flora.
– Be Cautious on Exit: The car park exit joins a high-speed highway. Travellers report that this junction can become congested. Exercise extreme caution and patience when leaving the car park and merging back onto Saddle Road.
– Plan Ahead: Remember that this is a remote location. Ensure your vehicle has adequate fuel and that you have brought your own water and snacks, as there are no services nearby.