Keahole Airport to Pu’u Wa’awa’a Ranch Road
Lava flow crossing to working cattle ranch
This route cuts through the 1801 Huehue lava flow, where the road literally disappears into black basalt that’ll test your line choice and tire sidewalls. The crossing starts behind Kona International Airport and winds through pahoehoe and a’a lava fields before climbing to Pu’u Wa’awa’a, a distinctive cinder cone visible from miles away. Parker Ranch cattle still graze these volcanic slopes, and you’ll share the track with working cowboys on horseback.
Moderate difficulty with sharp lava rock that can shred tires if you’re careless — bring spares and a plug kit. Stock 4WD handles it fine, but high clearance helps navigate the rougher basalt sections. Best tackled during dry months when trade winds keep temperatures bearable. No permits needed for the ranch road portion, but respect private property boundaries. The payoff is sweeping views from Mauna Kea to the ocean, plus a genuine taste of Hawaii’s paniolo culture away from the tourist crowds.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4200 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Kailua-Kona, Hawaii |
| Land manager | Private Ranch/State Land |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler handle this lava rock trail?
Yes, stock 4WD with high clearance works fine. The sharp lava rock is hard on tires, so bring a full spare and check tire pressure regularly.
Is the trail passable during Big Island's rainy season?
Best avoided November through March when heavy rains make the lava rock extremely slippery and dangerous. April through October offers the most reliable conditions.
Do I need permits to cross the ranch property?
The route crosses both state land and private ranch property. Check current access status with Pu'u Wa'awa'a Ranch as permissions can change seasonally.
What's the hardest part of this trail?
Navigating across the rough a'a lava flows where GPS can be unreliable and the sharp rock punishes both tires and undercarriage. Route finding requires attention in several sections.
Should I plan on cell service for navigation?
Cell service is spotty to non-existent once you leave the airport area. Download offline maps and carry a GPS device or satellite communicator for safety.