The park is located on Saddle Road (Route 200) 35 miles (56 km) west of Hilo, at 19°44′57″N 155°31′35″W / 19.74917°N 155.52639°W / 19.74917; -155.52639 with about 6,500 feet (2,000 m) elevation.

The nearby Bradshaw Field, a military airstrip on the Pohakuloa Training Area, and artillery practices can disturb the quiet of the site.

[1] On August 18, 2009 Senator Daniel Inouye and other officials held a ceremony at the park marking the third phase of the realignment of the Saddle Road.

Dry conditions, strong winds, and steep terrain hampered fighting efforts, although military helicopters were used.

[4] The fire burned for over a week, with traffic diverted to the older saddle road and the park closed down.