Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area
A vital roadside park on Saddle Road with a great playground, clean restrooms, and stunning Mauna Kea views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunset views above clouds
Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area
Best Time
Sunset views above clouds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vital roadside park on Saddle Road with a great playground, clean restrooms, and stunning Mauna Kea views.
"A most pleasant surprise, with clean bathrooms and jaw-dropping scenery!"
🚗 Saddle Road Pitstop
Essential stop between Hilo & Kona. Clean bathrooms & playground make it great for families.
⏰ Restroom Hours
Larger bathroom closes at 4 PM. Plan accordingly if you need it!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Playground Paradise
Central area
Newly surfaced playground with modern equipment, perfect for kids to stretch their legs.
Mauna Kea Vistas
Overlook points
Stunning views of Mauna Kea volcano, especially breathtaking at sunset above the clouds.
Clean & Convenient Restrooms
Near entrance
Well-maintained facilities offering a refreshing stop on your journey across the island.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Pitstop Perfection on Saddle Road
Kid-Friendly Fun & Scenic Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Saddle Road Pitstop
Essential stop between Hilo & Kona. Clean bathrooms & playground make it great for families.
⏰ Restroom Hours
Larger bathroom closes at 4 PM. Plan accordingly if you need it!
🏞️ Playground Fun
New safety surfacing on the playground means happy, safe play for kids.
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Views of Mauna Kea above the clouds at dusk are truly amazing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Saddle Road Pitstop
Essential stop between Hilo & Kona. Clean bathrooms & playground make it great for families.
⏰ Restroom Hours
Larger bathroom closes at 4 PM. Plan accordingly if you need it!
🏞️ Playground Fun
New safety surfacing on the playground means happy, safe play for kids.
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Views of Mauna Kea above the clouds at dusk are truly amazing.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Stretch
Good spot to walk your dog and stretch your legs during a long drive.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers praise Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area as an essential and pleasant stop on Saddle Road, highlighting its clean restrooms and fantastic playground for kids. The scenic views of Mauna Kea, especially at sunset, are a significant bonus. Some visitors note the larger restroom closure at 4 PM, which is important for planning.
"We were so grateful for this recreation area and rest stop while taking the Saddle Rd from Volcanoes back to the resort area. We were driving around dusk and were pleased to find the restrooms in great condition and the views of the sunset from above the clouds was amazing. Being dark, the kids didn't really get a chance to play, but the equipment looked newer, safe and in good working order."
Joshua Oliver
"I was a very thirsty man driving across the desert lands of Hawai'i. What can I say? It was a most pleasant surprise.
Granted, I did not take advantage of all the faculties (you don't want a grown 27 year old man on the playground), but the toilet flushed, the scenery was jaw-dropping, and the water flowed from the fountain! Yes, it must've felt the same way when Moses brought forth water from a rock in the desert."
Jeffrey Viviani
"Great rest area. Clean big bathrooms. The playground is an amazing touch for those who have little ones who need to get their wiggles out from being in the car! I wish that was at more rest stops!"
Nicole Gerritsen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Located on Saddle Road (Highway 200), Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area is a convenient stop between Hilo and Kona. The speed limit near the Mauna Kea Access Road and the recreation area has been reduced to 35mph due to vehicle congestion.
Saddle Road is a major highway connecting the east and west sides of the Big Island. While generally safe, be aware of potential vehicle congestion, especially between mile markers 28-34.
Saddle Road is a popular and efficient route for traversing the Big Island. Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area serves as an excellent midway point for a break.
Yes, Saddle Road itself offers unique volcanic landscapes. The drive to Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area provides views of Mauna Kea.
Conditions can vary, but it's a well-maintained highway. Be mindful of the reduced speed limits in certain areas and potential traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. It's a free rest stop for travelers.
While the park itself is accessible, the larger restroom facilities close daily at 4 PM, with a smaller restroom remaining open.
Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area offers picnic spots on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no reservation systems in place.
No advance booking is required for general use of the park, including the playground and picnic areas.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at the recreation area.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park features a well-maintained playground with new safety surfacing, picnic areas, and restrooms. It's ideal for stretching your legs and letting kids play.
Absolutely! The playground has recently been updated with new safety surfacing, making it a safe and fun place for kids to enjoy.
Yes, the recreation area provides picnic spots, making it a great place to stop for a meal or snack during your travels.
Yes, it's a great place to walk your dog and let them stretch their legs during a long drive across the island.
You can enjoy impressive views of Mauna Kea volcano, especially beautiful during sunset when the clouds are below.
🎫 💧 Amenities & Facilities
Yes, there are restrooms. The larger facility closes at 4 PM daily, but a smaller one remains open. They are generally reported as clean. +1
Yes, a water fountain is available, which was a welcome sight for thirsty travelers.
Reviews indicate the restrooms are clean and the playground equipment is newer and in good working order.
The description mentions cabin rentals, though specific details or booking information are not readily available in user reviews. [description]
There is no mention of Wi-Fi availability at the recreation area in user feedback. Cell service may be spotty on Saddle Road.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
🐶 Pet Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Essential Saddle Road Stop
It's important to note the operating hours for the facilities. While the park is generally accessible, the larger restroom building closes at 4 PM daily, leaving only a smaller facility open afterward. This is a key piece of information for planning your stop, especially if you're traveling later in the day.
Beyond its practical function, the recreation area offers moments of natural beauty. The views of Mauna Kea, particularly at sunset when the clouds drift below, provide a stunning backdrop and a peaceful respite from the drive.
Family Fun on the Go
The presence of picnic areas further enhances its appeal for families. Packing a lunch or snacks and enjoying them in a pleasant, safe environment makes the journey more enjoyable for everyone. It’s a welcome change from eating in the car.
Travelers have specifically highlighted the playground as an 'amazing touch' for little ones needing to get their wiggles out, wishing more rest stops offered similar amenities.
Scenic Views and Practicalities
Beyond the views, the park is equipped with essential facilities. Clean and functional restrooms are a major draw for travelers, and the availability of a water fountain is a small but significant convenience.
It's worth noting that the speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph in the vicinity of the Mauna Kea Access Road and the recreation area, a measure implemented due to vehicle congestion. Drivers should be aware of this and drive cautiously.
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