Highway 190, Kailua (Kona) to Waimea
An alternative route from Kailua to Waimea is along highway 190. Highway
190 climbs steeply above Kailua to an elevation of about 2,000 feet (600
m) and then contours around to the north side of the volcano. This area
receives more rain (50 inches, 125 cm per year) relative to the coast and
the highway is lined by forest. However, rainfall declines to the north
and near the junction with Saddle Road (highway 200) it is only 20 inches
(50 cm) per year.
All photographs are by
Steve Mattox, except where where
stated.