Mana Road is one of the oldest dirt roads on the Big Island

Mana Road is one of the oldest dirt roads on the Big Island

Usa, north-america

Length

69 km

Elevation

2,223 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Aloha, adventure seekers! Ever heard of Mana Road on the Big Island of Hawai'i? This hidden gem stretches for almost 43 miles, linking Mauna Kea Access Road with the Mamalahoa Highway near Waimea. Trust me, this isn't your average Sunday drive.

This winding dirt road hugs the slopes of Mauna Kea, soaring to a breezy 7,293 feet above sea level. The terrain is seriously mixed โ€“ think smooth pavement that quickly turns into a rugged mix of red dirt, loose rocks, and mud pits.

Word to the wise: rental cars are a no-go, even the 4WD ones (the rental companies *really* don't want you here). While 4WD isn't always a must in good weather, high ground clearance definitely is to navigate some seriously deep ruts. Be prepared for anything โ€“ sunshine, wind, rain, you name it. The weather up here can change on a dime. And pack plenty of water and gas!

Budget about 5-6 hours to soak it all in. You'll be cruising through wide-open ranchlands, tackling some killer climbs, and navigating fast, technical downhills. And the views? Absolutely insane, especially the sweeping vistas of the volcano. Seriously, though, this place is breathtaking. Just proceed with caution!

Where is it?

Mana Road is one of the oldest dirt roads on the Big Island is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 32.1430, -98.8587

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Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
69 km
Max Elevation
2,223 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
32.1430, -98.8587

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