Originally Posted by
cblaisd
I would say do not drive the west side of Saddle Road (the saddle to near Waikoloa village) at all at night. It's difficult and nerve-wracking enough by day.
From the saddle to Hilo is now much better, but it is still not an easy drive at night.
I think any reasonably skilled driver who does their due diligence on Saddle Rd driving should be fine - except if the fog rolls in. The section from Mamalahoa up through Parker Ranch can get socked in so thick, you almost have to just slow to a crawl and pick your way through, feeling as you go to make sure you don't fall off the road.
Not good for a novice, but outside of those extreme conditions, a good driver should be fine.
I'm not sure where the OP is staying, but why not consider a Mauna Kea sunset tour which includes a hosted drive along Saddle to a sheep ranch for dinner, a drive to the Summit for sunset, then a drive back to the visitors center for some stargazing - and you're driven right back to town.