Mauna Kea State Recreation Area, State recreation area at Saddle Road, Hawaii County, United States.
Mauna Kea State Recreation Area is a 20.5-acre recreation area situated on Saddle Road in Hawaii County, sitting between two volcanoes at high elevation. The grounds include cabins, camping areas, restrooms, drinking water stations, and waste disposal facilities spread throughout the property.
The area developed over time as a recreation and hunting ground in the high mountain region. Administration transferred to Hawaii County in 2014, bringing improvements to the facilities and overall infrastructure.
The recreation area sits on a high plateau between two active volcanoes and has long served as an important hunting ground for wild sheep, pigs, and birds in designated zones. Local visitors gather here to practice these traditional activities which remain central to the area's purpose today.
The location sits high on a winding mountain road and can be very cold at night despite warm daytime temperatures, so bring warm clothing layers. Expect weather changes throughout the day and come prepared for wind and temperature drops.
Despite Hawaii's warm reputation, this high-elevation location can experience frost, ice, and even rare snow at night due to its position between two active volcanoes. Many visitors are surprised by such cold conditions so far south in the Pacific.
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