Founder & certified Hawaii travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Hawaii Road Trips
Scenic Drives
Yes, the idea of a Hawaiian road trip might sound a little bit ridiculous. After all, Hawaii is the only U.S. state that you can't drive to, thanks to the ocean that's in the way! However, that doesn't mean that you can't have an amazing road trip while you're there. They're just more compact, allowing you to see more while you're touring the Aloha State.
Ready to hit the road? Then check out some of the best road trips in Hawaii. Best of all, depending on where you're starting from, some will take you less than a day!
The Road To Hana- Maui
If you're into spectacular scenery then you won't want to miss the Road To Hana. It's situated on the rugged East Coast of Maui and every turn you'll take there'll be another breathtaking vista to take in. In fact, it absolutely cries for you to rent a convertible, so you can put the top down and feel the wind in your hair. With approximately 620 hairpin curves on the road, you're sure to get a real kick out of this trip.
Waimea- Big Island
If you love history, this is the place to go. While you're there, check out the Kahua Ranch- a real working ranch that's fun and hands-on. Also, be sure to visit the original King Kamehameha statue; the one in Honolulu is actually its replacement. Finally, stop off at the Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site, which was built on Kamehameha The Great's orders in 1790.
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Turtle Bay- Oahu
If you're on Oahu, you have to check out the resort town of Turtle Bay. Most people come to Turtle Bay for fishing, diving, and surfing; but many come just for some R&R at the Turtle Bay Resort. The sandy beach is a great place to hang out, but swimming conditions aren't very favorable, thanks to the rocky bottom. Note that Turtle Bay's coveted North Shore, Oahu location means it's located near the legendary surf breaks of Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay, and the Banzai Pipeline. Plus, as it's under an hour's drive from the Honolulu airport, a road trip here is an absolute must.
Hilo- Big Island
Hilo is the place to be if you're looking for natural wonders and new experiences. There are some fantastic sights to see and many ways to enjoy them. While you're in the area, check out Laupahoehoe Train Museum, where you can discover the history of Hawaii's railways. When you're done there, you can head to Waipio Ridge Stables and enjoy a horseback tour of the area. There's nothing else quite like it.
Saddle Road- Big Island
If you're a thrill seeker, you simply must check out Saddle Road. It was built by the military in 1942 as a shortcut to get from one side of the Big Island to the other. In the past, it was considered the most dangerous road in the world. These days, it's been well maintained and made safe, but it's still a thrill to travel down it.
There you have it. As you can see, there's so much to see and explore in Hawaii, and road tripping is just the way to do it. So jump in the car and see where the road takes you!
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About the Author
Rachel Summers
Rachel is a freelance writer whose passion is helping students get the most out of their learning journey. She started out as a writer and journalist with Top Canadian Writers before breaking out to go freelance and follow her own passions. Her writing is designed to help you get the most out of college. Check out her her blog, Writing Populist, and connect with her on Facebook.
