"The Long and Winding Road..."

Although we don't drive it often, when there is a Costco/Kona trip involved, it is one of the highlights, despite its bad reputation.  The road is over 50 miles long and crests at about 6500 feet, which is impressive itself.  But even more impressive are the views as you drive between both Mauna Kea (home to over twenty astronomical observatories) and Mauna Loa.  Both active volcanoes stretch into the azure skies at over 13,000 feet.

The Saddle Road is so named because it rests, like a saddle between these two volcanoes.   It was built in a rush by the military in 1940's and was only intended to be a fast military route between both sides of the island.  For many decades it has only been one lane, and even now, it narrows in many places to one-way traffic.  For the past several years, road crews have been converting it to accommodate the heavier traffic demand.  On this trip, it look as though the project would be completed this year.

The variety of landscapes is phenomenal, and includes large cattle ranches, stark high deserts, and mountain sized cinder cones.  There are also rolling green hills and tropical forests and many views that are quite otherworldly.  This road is the only access to Mauna Kea -- an unusual and delicate  ecosystem to flora and fauna and a scared site to the Hawaiian people whose tradition includes the mountains in many legends and songs.  Along the way there is also a huge military training facility complete with tanks and helicopters.

In addition to all these amazing view for the eyes, the road is akin to "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride" at Disneyland....if you remember that far back.  I LOVE driving this road, but the views are so distracting, it's important to keep your eyes on the road -- and pull over to appreciate the views.

The visit itself to the west side was wonderful and included lots of leisurely time with friends and swimming at some of my favorite beaches  -- with dolphins.  It is the best way to make a trip to Costco a wonderful experience.