Throughout the Hawaiian Islands, you will find unsurpassed natural beauty everywhere you go. While there are some wonders that can only be seen via strenuous hiking trails or crazy expensive helicopter tours, there are others that simply require a vehicle. Even though we can’t take a traditional road trip like our friends on the mainland, the Hawaiian Islands are home to several incredibly stunning backroads just waiting for our next scenic drives – and we can almost guarantee that our views are better especially on the best scenic roads in Hawaii that we could find:
- Kahekili Highway
Intiaz Rahim/Flickr Living in the shadow of Maui’s famous Hana Highway is the island’s Kahekili Highway - a road just as pretty and perhaps even more dangerous that its famous neighbor. This is easily the loneliest road in Hawaii, and it is an absolute must-visit for anyone who loves long, winding drives along the coast. Be warned, however, that this is a dangerous drive not suitable for the faint at heart. If you need to stop off for breakfast or lunch along your drive, make sure to check out Sixty Two Marcket. Kahekili Highway, Kahekili Hwy, Wailuku, HI 96793, USA
- Chain of Craters Road
Mark/Flickr As the name indicates, this scenic road leads drivers to the coast, past several craters from historic eruptions. Since the road was opened in 1965, several parts of the road have been buried in lava due to volcanic eruptions. The Chain of Craters Road is located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and currently measures in at 18.8 miles. Oh, and just as a warning - there is no food, water of fuel available along the path. Plan your visit along this stunning road with up-to-date information from the National Park Service. Chain of Craters Road, Hawaii 96778, USA
- Farrington Highway
Andrew K. Smith/Flickr Farrington Highway begins in Ewa, and makes its way to Oahu’s leeward coast, before ending at Kaena Point State Park, the northwestern most tip of the island. Not only is the Pacific Ocean breathtaking, but the lush mountains towering overhead are absolutely dreamy. For more information about Kaeana Point State Park, visit their website. Farrington Highway, Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI, USA
- Maluhia Road
Scott Schiller/Flickr The Holo Holo Koloa Scenic Byway serves as the gateway to Kauai’s southern shore, and is full of magnificent views and gorgeous stops, including Maluhia Road, a stretch of highway covered in a canopy of eucalyptus trees. If you’re looking for one of the most scenic places in the Hawaiian Islands, look no further than Maluhia Road. And of course, make sure you stop to take pictures in the famous Maluhia Road Tree Tunnel. Maluhia Road, Maluhia Rd, Koloa, HI, USA
- Hawaii Belt Road
Les Williams/Flickr Mamalahoa Highway, referred to modernly as the Hawaii Belt Road, includes Routes 11, 19, and 190, encircling the Island of Hawaii, from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to Waimea through Kona. This is perhaps the greatest - and longest - road trip you can take while in Hawaii. Make sure to stop at Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark to see where King Kamehameha I spent the latter part of his reign along your drive. Hawai?i Belt Road, Hawai?i Belt Rd, Captain Cook, HI, USA
- Kamehameha Highway
Ken Lund/Flickr When H-2 North ends in Wahiawa and Kamehameha Highway begins, you’ll find yourself driving amongst little more than pineapple fields and stunning mountain views as you make your way to the charming surf town of Haleiwa. Here, you can continue along Oahu’s famous north shore and drive for hours around the island, or head west and hit up the famous Mokuleia Beach. Break up the trip at Poke For The People and enjoy some tasty food along the way! Kamehameha Highway, Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI, USA
- Haleakala Highway
Maik-T. Sebenik/Flickr The drive to the summit of Mount Haleakala is exhilarating to say the least - it’s almost as though you are driving upwards towards the heavens. While this drive is certainly known for its incredible destination, the steep, winding road is still pretty cool. Make sure to visit the National Park Service site for some history about this route. Haleakala Highway, Haleakala Hwy, Kula, HI, USA
- Hamakua Coast
Lindley Ashline/Flickr You won’t find a prettier drive than the one along Hawaii Island’s Hamakua Coast. Stretching north from Hilo, the road is punctuated by lush, tropical rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic seaside views. Bring a picnic lunch, and eat in one of Island of Hawai’i, Hawaii, USA
- Road to Hana
Tony Faiola/Flickr Maui’s Road to Hana is perhaps the most popular scenic drive on the island – and possibly all of Hawaii. This infamous 64.4-mile highway stretches from Kahului to Hana is popular not for the destination – Hana Town – but for the incredible journey it takes to get there. The highway passes over 59 bridges and features a whopping 620 turns. Save room for Hana Farms’s delicious wood-fired pizza in Hana. Hana Highway, Hana Hwy, Hawaii, USA
- Saddle Road
Ewen Roberts/Flickr Hawaii Route 200, also known as Saddle Road, traverses Hawaii Island for 52.7 miles from downtown Hilo to its junction with Highway 190 near Waimea. The highway received its nickname for being the “saddle” in between the Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanoes, and is notoriously dangerous. Stretch your legs with a hike into a lava tube at impressive Kaumana Caves Saddle Road, Saddle Rd, Kailua, HI, USA
- Kalanianaole Highway
Mark Goebel/Flickr From incredible lava formations and charming coves to challenging hikes and beautiful beaches, Oahu’s Kalanianaole Highway is a treasure trove of incredible spots you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Pro tip: it’s an even more incredible drive when done on a motorcycle. Take a break from driving for a bit and hike out to Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse. Kalaniana?ole Highway, Kalaniana?ole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI, USA
Which of the best scenic drives in Hawaii is your favorite? Have you done them all? Let us know in the comments below!
Intiaz Rahim/Flickr
Living in the shadow of Maui’s famous Hana Highway is the island’s Kahekili Highway - a road just as pretty and perhaps even more dangerous that its famous neighbor. This is easily the loneliest road in Hawaii, and it is an absolute must-visit for anyone who loves long, winding drives along the coast. Be warned, however, that this is a dangerous drive not suitable for the faint at heart. If you need to stop off for breakfast or lunch along your drive, make sure to check out Sixty Two Marcket.
Kahekili Highway, Kahekili Hwy, Wailuku, HI 96793, USA
Mark/Flickr
As the name indicates, this scenic road leads drivers to the coast, past several craters from historic eruptions. Since the road was opened in 1965, several parts of the road have been buried in lava due to volcanic eruptions. The Chain of Craters Road is located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and currently measures in at 18.8 miles. Oh, and just as a warning - there is no food, water of fuel available along the path. Plan your visit along this stunning road with up-to-date information from the National Park Service.
Chain of Craters Road, Hawaii 96778, USA
Andrew K. Smith/Flickr
Farrington Highway begins in Ewa, and makes its way to Oahu’s leeward coast, before ending at Kaena Point State Park, the northwestern most tip of the island. Not only is the Pacific Ocean breathtaking, but the lush mountains towering overhead are absolutely dreamy. For more information about Kaeana Point State Park, visit their website.
Farrington Highway, Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI, USA
Scott Schiller/Flickr
The Holo Holo Koloa Scenic Byway serves as the gateway to Kauai’s southern shore, and is full of magnificent views and gorgeous stops, including Maluhia Road, a stretch of highway covered in a canopy of eucalyptus trees. If you’re looking for one of the most scenic places in the Hawaiian Islands, look no further than Maluhia Road. And of course, make sure you stop to take pictures in the famous Maluhia Road Tree Tunnel.
Maluhia Road, Maluhia Rd, Koloa, HI, USA
Les Williams/Flickr
Mamalahoa Highway, referred to modernly as the Hawaii Belt Road, includes Routes 11, 19, and 190, encircling the Island of Hawaii, from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to Waimea through Kona. This is perhaps the greatest - and longest - road trip you can take while in Hawaii. Make sure to stop at Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark to see where King Kamehameha I spent the latter part of his reign along your drive.
Hawai?i Belt Road, Hawai?i Belt Rd, Captain Cook, HI, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
When H-2 North ends in Wahiawa and Kamehameha Highway begins, you’ll find yourself driving amongst little more than pineapple fields and stunning mountain views as you make your way to the charming surf town of Haleiwa. Here, you can continue along Oahu’s famous north shore and drive for hours around the island, or head west and hit up the famous Mokuleia Beach. Break up the trip at Poke For The People and enjoy some tasty food along the way!
Kamehameha Highway, Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI, USA
Maik-T. Sebenik/Flickr
The drive to the summit of Mount Haleakala is exhilarating to say the least - it’s almost as though you are driving upwards towards the heavens. While this drive is certainly known for its incredible destination, the steep, winding road is still pretty cool. Make sure to visit the National Park Service site for some history about this route.
Haleakala Highway, Haleakala Hwy, Kula, HI, USA
Lindley Ashline/Flickr
You won’t find a prettier drive than the one along Hawaii Island’s Hamakua Coast. Stretching north from Hilo, the road is punctuated by lush, tropical rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic seaside views. Bring a picnic lunch, and eat in one of Island of Hawai’i, Hawaii, USA
Tony Faiola/Flickr
Maui’s Road to Hana is perhaps the most popular scenic drive on the island – and possibly all of Hawaii. This infamous 64.4-mile highway stretches from Kahului to Hana is popular not for the destination – Hana Town – but for the incredible journey it takes to get there. The highway passes over 59 bridges and features a whopping 620 turns. Save room for Hana Farms’s delicious wood-fired pizza in Hana.
Hana Highway, Hana Hwy, Hawaii, USA
Ewen Roberts/Flickr
Hawaii Route 200, also known as Saddle Road, traverses Hawaii Island for 52.7 miles from downtown Hilo to its junction with Highway 190 near Waimea. The highway received its nickname for being the “saddle” in between the Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanoes, and is notoriously dangerous. Stretch your legs with a hike into a lava tube at impressive Kaumana Caves
Saddle Road, Saddle Rd, Kailua, HI, USA
Mark Goebel/Flickr
From incredible lava formations and charming coves to challenging hikes and beautiful beaches, Oahu’s Kalanianaole Highway is a treasure trove of incredible spots you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Pro tip: it’s an even more incredible drive when done on a motorcycle. Take a break from driving for a bit and hike out to Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse.
Kalaniana?ole Highway, Kalaniana?ole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI, USA
If you’re looking for something more thrilling, be sure to check out The 9 Most Terrifying Drives You Can Possibly Take In Hawaii.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Scenic Drives In Hawaii August 17, 2021 Megan McDonald What’s the longest road in Hawaii? Interstate H-1 is the longest road in the Hawaiian islands. It’s an interstate that is 27.16-miles, and built in 1959. It starts in Kapolei, Hawaii, and takes you all the way to the Kahala district of Honolulu. It actually connects the stunning Farrington Highway to the beautiful Kalanianaole Highway. What is the scariest road in Hawaii to drive? Many people think that Kahekili Highway is a scary and intimidating highway to drive in Hawaii. Kahekili Highway is a one lane road that is surrounded by rock walls on one side, and a sheer cliff on the other. This drive is not for the faint of heart! If it’s been raining, watch out for slick pavement, and mud and rock slides. Even though this is a one lane road, traffic travels in both directions, so keep your eyes peeled!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Scenic Drives In Hawaii
August 17, 2021
Megan McDonald
What’s the longest road in Hawaii? Interstate H-1 is the longest road in the Hawaiian islands. It’s an interstate that is 27.16-miles, and built in 1959. It starts in Kapolei, Hawaii, and takes you all the way to the Kahala district of Honolulu. It actually connects the stunning Farrington Highway to the beautiful Kalanianaole Highway. What is the scariest road in Hawaii to drive? Many people think that Kahekili Highway is a scary and intimidating highway to drive in Hawaii. Kahekili Highway is a one lane road that is surrounded by rock walls on one side, and a sheer cliff on the other. This drive is not for the faint of heart! If it’s been raining, watch out for slick pavement, and mud and rock slides. Even though this is a one lane road, traffic travels in both directions, so keep your eyes peeled!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Interstate H-1 is the longest road in the Hawaiian islands. It’s an interstate that is 27.16-miles, and built in 1959. It starts in Kapolei, Hawaii, and takes you all the way to the Kahala district of Honolulu. It actually connects the stunning Farrington Highway to the beautiful Kalanianaole Highway.
What is the scariest road in Hawaii to drive?
Many people think that Kahekili Highway is a scary and intimidating highway to drive in Hawaii. Kahekili Highway is a one lane road that is surrounded by rock walls on one side, and a sheer cliff on the other. This drive is not for the faint of heart! If it’s been raining, watch out for slick pavement, and mud and rock slides. Even though this is a one lane road, traffic travels in both directions, so keep your eyes peeled!
