Sit Back, Relax and Enjoy the Ride

Heading out for a driving tour of any of Hawaiʻi’s islands hardly qualifies as a “road trip” by U.S. continental US terms. Even a spin around the 4,028-square-mile island of Hawaiʻi – the largest of all the Hawaiian Islands – only averages about four hours if you don’t stop to enjoy a lookout or smell the flowers. Regardless of the time or distance you’ll travel, however, a mini road trip in Hawaiʻi is a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty of the Islands while spending quality time with your family. After all, life’s not just about the destination, but the journey itself. So, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride while road tripping some of Hawaiʻi’s most scenic drives: 
 
Kūhiō Highway (Kauaʻi) – Almost any drive on Kauaʻi, with its abundance of lush scenery, is impressive. But a Kūhiō Highway (Route 56) road trip impresses with breathtaking coastal views from the island’s southeast to north shores on its way to lovely Hanalei town. Road trip the highway and its many scenic treasures and you’ll see why Kauaʻi has served as a backdrop for so many Hollywood films. 
 
North Shore (Oʻahu) – “A trip to the country,” as locals might say, is a must-do on Oʻahu. While there are several routes you can take to Oʻahu’s famed surf breaks and surf town of Haleʻiwa, the best is arguably hopping on the H-3 freeway from Honolulu for grand views of the emerald Koʻolau mountain range, then continuing north on Kamehameha Highway (Route 83). Keep an eye on the shoreline,– which will often be just steps from your car – for views of Mokoliʻi Island near Kuaola Ranch and white sand beaches along the way.
 
Hāna Highway (Māui) – The 52-mile Road to Hāna is known as much for its scenic, tropical views and waterfalls as it is for its twists and hairpin turns. Beyond Hāna town, you’ll find the beautiful Pools of ʻOheʻo, and waterfall and coastal views of the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park – the perfect reward after a long drive. Please review and follow the Hāna Code of Conduct, a pledge to ensure the safety of the community, when traveling through the East Māui Reserve.
 
Hāmākua Heritage Corridor (island of Hawaiʻi) – Take in the island of Hawaiʻi’s stunning natural landscape as you drive alongside the sea cliffs, lush valleys and tropical rainforests of the Hāmākua Coast. Begin your journey in Hilo, heading north on Hawaiʻi Belt Road (Route 19), making sure to turn off the highway to enjoy the calming natural diversions of the Onomea Scenic Drive, ʻAkaka Falls State Park and Laupāhoehoe Point, as well as a visit to charming Honokaʻa town. End your road trip at the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout for an incredible view of its lush terrain, waterfalls and black sand beach.