Starting in Waimea, Mana Rd is an unpaved road that basically has an entrance and an exit “a couple hours” later. Even though the GPS will show several exits, don’t plan on it. If you start in Waimea it will go from nicely paved to dirt / gravel, to rock, to 4x4 only sections, to open maintained gravel with occasional short spots of pavement. So with that in mind;
* Hiking not so much fun because it’s so long and open and you’ll need to stay on the road most of the time getting dusted out by any passing vehicle (personal opinion).
* Mnt biking is fun and challenging if you want a very long gravel dirt road with little to no shade. Again, basically no exits once your on. You ride in then most likely turn around and ride out. Still fun and a great workout. I’d suggest driving to the middle with a 4x4 then ride around on the rocky area and trails.
* Dirt bikes / ATVs - a lot of fun! It gets rough (exciting) in spots but still very doable with basic skills. My wife drove it in her ‘87 VW Vanagon with no problems (but will never do it again). There are places with trails, small jumps, a mud pit… along the way, mostly for ATV’s. (This ride was on my Honda CRF 250L)
* Big Adventure Bikes are possible and fun but don’t be surprised if you end up laying it down on a few rocky spots. I did it in the past with my KTM 1290 Super Adv so you know it’s possible.
* 4x4’s - nothing really too challenging for them. It’s more like speed bumps or a reason to go slower.
Keep in mind the weather / climate will change along the way as well!!! As an example with my ride; You may start out 75* and sunny, raise in elevation and soon you’re below 65* and drizzling. Then Mauna Kea is 45* with high winds. Thick fog sets in at times, mud puddles fill kinda deep, and it only gets worse. *** So bring a jacket, gloves, and plenty of fuel. The weather you start with may not be the weather you’re riding in! Also cellular service is more of a suggestion out there. Download any maps and music before hand if desired.
If heading to the top of Mauna Kea, you’ll need a 4x4 (or dirt bike) to be permitted to pass. Keep in mind that the Park Rangers may not allow you to pass if your vehicle is excessively muddy and possibly carrying seeds etc. (rare but it happened to me).
The rest of the way is paved roads but you’ll enjoy some open highway and nice twisty back roads. The weather on this side can get pretty misty with thick fog at times to add to your adventure so be prepared.
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It was very straight forward, mellow incline and long trail. Loose only the first mile. Summit was for indigenous peoples only, so we summited at the top observatory about 40ft below true sacred summit. The last 1.1 mile is a paved road which was kinda a bummer. Interesting to say the least. Recommend if you’re into high point/ peak bagging but will only do once.
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I hiked half of the Humu’ula Trail up Mauna Kea. Very challenging hike but worth it. Unusual terrain with spectacular views.
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