The reserve is accessed from the Saddle Road (Hawaii Route 200), about 24 miles (39 km) northwest of Hilo.

A 2004 study found the rare wēkiu bug (Nysius wekiuicola) in the reserve.

[5] The quarry was used by prehistoric Hawaiians to obtain basalt for stone tools including blades for adzes.

[7] The archaeological complex also includes religious shrines, trails, rock shelters, and petroglyphs.

[7] On October 15, 1966 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places listings on the island of Hawaii as site 66000285.