The Hawaiian Islands are home to unsurpassed natural beauty, and while there are some wonders that can only be seen via strenuous hiking trails, or even helicopter tours, there are others that simply require a vehicle — as well as a camera, some snacks, and a killer driving playlist. From Kauai to Hawaii Island, these 12 roads, highways, and byways are among the prettiest in all of Hawaii and are absolutely perfect for a scenic drive. So, what are you waiting for? The next time you start to experience a little island fever, hop in the car and experience one of these scenic drives in Hawaii for yourself.
- Driving along this 38-mile winding road to the summit of Mount Haleakala on the island of Maui is absolutely exhilarating. After all, there are very few places in Hawaii — and even the entire United States — where you can drive above the clouds.
Denis Dore/Flickr
- Hop on Oahu’s H-3 headed from Honolulu to the windward side of the island. The highway runs through the Ko’olau Mountains via the Tetsuo Harano Tunnels, and you’ll feel as though you were transported to the world of Jurassic Park — perhaps because part of the movie was shot in this area.
Marvin Chandra/Flickr
- Highway 200, also known as Saddle Road, connects the towns of Kona and Hilo on either side of the Big Island, and while it used to be considered fairly dangerous, today, it’s starkly beautiful and allegedly haunted.
David Fulmer/Flickr
- Maluhia Road will transport you to Koloa — an old sugar plantation town — through a tunnel of trees on Kauai.
Scott Schiller/Flickr
- Drive Farrington Highway past Waianae — the Pacific on Oahu’s Leeward coast is stunning, and the mountains are absolutely divine. Drive to the end of the road and continue on foot for the last 2.5 miles to reach the westernmost tip of the island via Kaena Point State Park.
Andrew K. Smith/Flickr
- Catch a sunset while on Kula Road, with a view of the West Maui Mountains in the background.
Denis Dore/Flickr
- This narrow road on the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island is four miles of heaven — but it is also rather dangerous, so be careful, drive slowly, and definitely don’t do the drive if it’s pouring rain.
Andy Beal/Flickr
- Maui’s Road to Hana is 64 miles long and passes over 59 bridges with approximately 620 curves along the road. Along the way, you’ll experience breathtaking coastal views and a variety of snack stands as well as more roadside waterfalls than you can count.
JoshBerglund19/Flickr
- Take Kamehameha Highway and drive around the south, east, and north shores of Oahu. With stunning beaches, gorgeous lookout spots, and majestic mountains, the drive is a perfect day trip to experience the true beauty of the island.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
- This winding road with beautiful ocean views leads away from Kauai’s Waimea Canyon, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” One of our favorite stop along the way is a tiny little cascade on the side of the road known simply as Red Dirt Falls.
Tom Simpson/Flickr
- The drive up Tantalus is not only fun — with seemingly endless curves and a steep grade — but also provides stellar views of Honolulu from Diamond Head past Pearl Harbor.
Mark Tesoro/Flickr
- Driving to the summit of the tallest mountain in Hawaii via the Mauna Kea Access Road is a heart-pounding, can’t-miss experience. The eight-mile road to the summit from the Visitor’s Center is largely unpaved and features several sharp turns with steep drop-offs.
Steve Boland/Flickr
Did your favorite scenic drive in Hawaii make this list? If not, share your favorite go-to drive with us in the comments below, then click here to learn more about the highest road in Hawaii.
Denis Dore/Flickr
Marvin Chandra/Flickr
David Fulmer/Flickr
Scott Schiller/Flickr
Andrew K. Smith/Flickr
Andy Beal/Flickr
JoshBerglund19/Flickr
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
Tom Simpson/Flickr
Mark Tesoro/Flickr
Steve Boland/Flickr
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Scenic Drives in Hawaii May 11, 2020 Megan Shute What are the best road trips through Hawaii? The Hawaiian Islands are home to incredible road trip destinations, so it really just depends on what you want to see. History buffs will love this road trip across Oahu while coffee lovers will enjoy this Hawaii Island itinerary that leads to Kona’s best coffee farms. Of course, everyone will love this gorgeous road trip across Kauai. What is the most famous scenic drive in Hawaii? The Aloha State is home to several incredible scenic drives as evidenced above, but the most famous is easily the Road to Hana. This infamous 64.4-mile highway that stretches from Kahului to Hana is popular not for the destination — Hana Town — but for the incredible journey it takes to get there: namely its 620 curves and 59 bridges, most of which are just one-lane wide. What is the most famous road in Hawaii? Where can I go on one tank of gas in Hawaii? Anywhere you want, really! Even driving around the perimeter of Hawaii Island — the largest of the Hawaiian Islands — measures in at less than 300 miles total. Please note: it’s smart to have a full tank of gas ready to go if you choose to drive to any of Hawaii’s more remote destinations. You don’t want to realize your tank is on empty when you’re miles upon miles from the nearest gas station.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Scenic Drives in Hawaii
May 11, 2020
Megan Shute
What are the best road trips through Hawaii? The Hawaiian Islands are home to incredible road trip destinations, so it really just depends on what you want to see. History buffs will love this road trip across Oahu while coffee lovers will enjoy this Hawaii Island itinerary that leads to Kona’s best coffee farms. Of course, everyone will love this gorgeous road trip across Kauai. What is the most famous scenic drive in Hawaii? The Aloha State is home to several incredible scenic drives as evidenced above, but the most famous is easily the Road to Hana. This infamous 64.4-mile highway that stretches from Kahului to Hana is popular not for the destination — Hana Town — but for the incredible journey it takes to get there: namely its 620 curves and 59 bridges, most of which are just one-lane wide. What is the most famous road in Hawaii? Where can I go on one tank of gas in Hawaii? Anywhere you want, really! Even driving around the perimeter of Hawaii Island — the largest of the Hawaiian Islands — measures in at less than 300 miles total. Please note: it’s smart to have a full tank of gas ready to go if you choose to drive to any of Hawaii’s more remote destinations. You don’t want to realize your tank is on empty when you’re miles upon miles from the nearest gas station.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Hawaiian Islands are home to incredible road trip destinations, so it really just depends on what you want to see. History buffs will love this road trip across Oahu while coffee lovers will enjoy this Hawaii Island itinerary that leads to Kona’s best coffee farms. Of course, everyone will love this gorgeous road trip across Kauai.
What is the most famous scenic drive in Hawaii?
The Aloha State is home to several incredible scenic drives as evidenced above, but the most famous is easily the Road to Hana. This infamous 64.4-mile highway that stretches from Kahului to Hana is popular not for the destination — Hana Town — but for the incredible journey it takes to get there: namely its 620 curves and 59 bridges, most of which are just one-lane wide. What is the most famous road in Hawaii?
Where can I go on one tank of gas in Hawaii?
Anywhere you want, really! Even driving around the perimeter of Hawaii Island — the largest of the Hawaiian Islands — measures in at less than 300 miles total. Please note: it’s smart to have a full tank of gas ready to go if you choose to drive to any of Hawaii’s more remote destinations. You don’t want to realize your tank is on empty when you’re miles upon miles from the nearest gas station.
