Why You Should Beware Of Hawaii's Iconic Road Trip Route
By Hillary Louise Johnson
VACATIONS
Saddle Road, also known as the Daniel K. Inouye Highway or Route 200, on Hawaii's Big Island is renowned for its breathtaking yet perilous journey between Waimea and Hilo.
Originally built by the U.S. Army in 1942, this treacherous, crumbling, one-lane road was considered so dangerous that rental car companies often prohibited its use.
Despite being fully paved now, the route remains risky due to its unpredictable weather, including torrential downpours and dense fog, making the drive hazardous.
The road's remoteness adds to its dangers, with no stores, gas stations, or cell service for a significant stretch, requiring travelers to be well-prepared with emergency supplies.
Saddle Road's high elevation of over 6,600 feet, the risk of animals such as goats frequently darting onto the road, and speed traps make careful driving essential.
Additionally, the absence of lighting on this route, designed to protect the Mauna Kea observatories, creates disorienting nighttime conditions, necessitating daytime travel.
The 2022 Mauna Loa eruption highlighted another risk, with lava flows approaching within 1.8 miles of the road, drawing crowds and causing at least one traffic fatality.
In a 2023 survey, American drivers named this 50-plus-mile road the 4th most feared road trip in the nation, underscoring the risks and challenges of driving on the route.