Hawaii Road Trip Ideas: 11 Best Road Trips + Itinerary

When traveling around Hawaii, there are many different routes to take and see the stunning beauty of the state. Whether you want to take a scenic drive along the Holo Holo Koloa Scenic Byway or check out all the spectacular waterfalls of Oahu, these road trips will take you through some of Hawaii’s most picturesque areas, giving you a whole new perspective on everything, The Aloha State has to offer. So if you’re looking for a fun and exciting time, check out these Hawaii road trip ideas!

1-Day Road Trip In Hawaii

Patrick Rudolph/Flickr

• Route: Waikiki Beach > Hanauma Bay Lookout > Makupu’u Point Lighthouse > Nu’uanu Pali Lookout > Kailua Beach > Byodo-In Temple > Laie Point State Wayside > Banzai Pipeline > Matsumoto Shave Ice
• Distance: 115 miles
• Trip Time: 4 hours driving time

Take a one-day road trip through Hawaii's most populated island, Oahu. This Hawaii road trip itinerary is under four hours and will take you to various lookouts and beaches, ending your trip at Matsumoto for some shaved ice. Start your journey at Waikiki Beach and dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean. You'll stop at lookouts like Hanauma Bay Lookout, where you can even do some snorkeling. A notable pitstop is the Byodo-In Temple, a replica of a 900-year-old Buddhist temple in Japan. I highly recommend adding this road trip to your travel bucket list.

3-Day Weekend Road Trip In Hawaii

Jasperdo/Flickr

• Route: Alekoko Fishpond > Opaeka'a Falls > Fern Grotto > Kilauea Point National Refugee & Lighthouse > Princeville > Queen's Bath > Hanalei Valley Lookout > Hanalei Bay > Haena State Park
• Distance: 56 miles
• Trip Time: 2 hours driving time

This three-day weekend road trip is through Hawaii's oldest island, Kauai. You'll begin your adventure at the historic Menehune Fishpond. Legend has it that the Menehune, a mythical people who inhabited the islands before the arrival of the Hawaiians, were responsible for building this incredible feat of human ingenuity. The next stop is one of Kauai’s most famous waterfalls on Kuamoo Road between Lihue and Kapaa. It is visible from the road, making it a popular tourist destination. Lastly, you'll hit up Haena State Park, home to the protected reefs of the beautiful Ke'e Beach.

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Best Maui Road Trip

Pamela S/Flickr

• Route: Mount Haleakala > Kula Ali’i Lavender Farm > Oheo Gulch > Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach > Hana Lava Tube > Hana Highway > Garden of Eden > Paia > Iao Valley > Lahaina > Ka’anapali Beach
• Distance: 160 miles
• Trip Time: 6 hours driving time

Nearly 160 miles long and about six hours to drive, this road trip has it all. From soaring mountain peaks and valleys to stunning beaches and waterfalls, each destination is more magnificent than the last. Some notable pitstops are the Oheo Gulch in Haleakala National Park, a lavender farm in Upcountry Maui, and the breathtaking Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach. We think this is the best Hawaii road trip for the ultimate Maui experience.

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Holo Holo Koloa Scenic Byway Road Trip

Craig James/Flickr

• Route: Maluhia Road > Old Kōloa Town > St. Raphael Catholic Church > Spouting Horn > Shipwreck Beach > Poipu
• Distance: 19.5 miles
• Trip Time: 1 hour driving time

Short on time? May we suggest driving along the 19.5-mile Holo Holo Koloa Scenic Byway? This epic one-hour drive will take you through tunnels of greenery, rows of eucalyptus trees, tree canopies, and multiple points of interest. You'll stop at Old Kōloa Town, Shipwreck Beach, and the Spouting Horn - the locals used to call it Puhi, and it's easy to see why. This blowhole is known for shooting water up to 60 feet into the air. It's quite a sight to see and definitely worth a visit.

Best Hawaii Road Trip For Spring

Thomas Shahan/Flickr

• Route: Manoa Falls > Kapena Falls > Waikahalulu Falls > Lulumahu Falls > Waipuhia Falls > Maunawili Falls > Waimea Falls
• Distance: 70 miles
• Trip Time: 2 hours driving time

Is there a better way to enjoy the springtime weather than a waterfall hike? If you're looking to explore some of the best waterfalls in Oahu, you're in luck. This Hawaii road trip map will take you to seven waterfalls, all within 70 miles and under two hours. However, most of these waterfalls require a hike, so it's best to plan accordingly and split up the trip over a long weekend. You'll be able to see waterfalls such as Manoa Falls, Kapena Falls, and Lulumahu Falls, to name a few. Happy exploring!

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Best Summer Road Trip In Hawaii

Frank Boisvert/Flickr

• Route: Hanauma Bay > Halona Cove > Makapu’u Lookout > Waimanalo Beach > Kailua > Kahana Valley State Park > Angel’s Ice Cream > Waimea Bay > Haleiwa > Haleiwa Beach House
• Distance: 60 miles
• Trip Time: 2 hours driving time

Are you ready for a summer adventure? We all know nothing says summer quite like beach days, so pack up the car and head on one of the best summertime road trips. In just 2 hours of driving and 60 miles, you can enjoy an unforgettable summer adventure full of beach towns, oceanfront eateries, and shaved ice shops. Start your day snorkeling at Hanauma, then off to the beach park of Ahupua’a O Kahana State Park, and end your day with some great food at Haleiwa Beach House.

Best Hawaii Road Trip For Fall

Hula Daddy Kona Coffee/Facebook

• Route: Mountain Thunder Kona Coffee > Hula Daddy Kona Coffee > Mauka Meadows Doutor Coffee Farm > Heavenly Hawaiian Farms > Kona Joe Coffee > Greenwell Coffee Farms > Kona Coffee Living History Farm > Kona Pacific Farmers Cooperative
• Distance: 25 miles
• Trip Time: 1 hour driving time

Looking to get into the cozy fall spirit? Take a Kona coffee road trip. If you're a coffee lover, you can't miss out on the chance to try Kona coffee. Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. where coffee can be grown, and Kona coffee is the most famous variety. To get the most out of your coffee experience, take a road trip to visit some of the best coffee farms in the region, like Heavenly Hawaiian Farms and Mauka Meadows Doutor Coffee Farm. This fantastic fall day trip covers 25 miles and takes less than an hour to drive, making it perfect for a quick caffeine fix.

Best Winter Road Trip In Hawaii

Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com

• Route: 11248 Wilhelmina Rise > Honolulu City Lights > 1553 Miller Street > 1036 Hala Drive > 2020 Hillcrest Street > 99-149 Kulina Street > 98-1603 Kaahumanu Street > 94-226 Anapau Place > Mahinahou Street
• Distance: 36.5 miles
• Trip Time: 1 hour 40 minutes driving time

I've heard that Christmas lights cover the island of Oahu during the holiday season. From Kaneohe and Kailua to Makakilo and Kapolei, there are many magical lights displays to check out and see. Start in Honolulu, and travel through Pearl City, Aiea, and Waikele before ending your evening in Mililani. This road trip will take you to nine magical light displays, making it the perfect wintertime activity.

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Family-Friendly Hawaii Road Trip

Facebook/Breakwell Shave Ice Co

• Route: Ching’s Pond > ʻOheʻo Gulch > Coconut Glen's > Pua'a Ka'a Falls > Breakwall Shave Ice Co > Keawakapu Beach > Makena Beach > Lappert's Hawaii
• Distance: 145 miles
• Trip Time: 5 hours 28 minutes driving time

Are you ready for the ultimate Hawaiian adventure? With its pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and mouth-watering cuisine, Hawaii truly is paradise on earth. Get ready to pack your swimming gear and indulge your sweet tooth because we've got an unforgettable family-friendly road trip itinerary for you. This journey takes you all around Maui, covering over 140 miles and showcasing five breathtaking swimming spots like Keawakapu Beach and three popular ice cream shops such as Coconut Glen's, guaranteeing everyone in the group a good time.

Road Trip to Hawaii Landmarks & Natural Wonders

Les Williams/Flickr

• Route: Mauna Kea > Kaumana Caves > Waianuenue Falls > Hawaiii Volcanoes National Park > Punalu'u Black Sand Beach > Papakolea Green Sand Beach > Kealakekua Bay > Golden Ponds of Keawaiki > Waipio Valley > Akaka Falls
• Distance: 290 miles
• Trip Time: 7.5 hours driving time

If you're looking for a scenic road trip that will take you past some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders, look no further than the Big Island. At over 4,000 square miles, Hawaii Island is not only the largest island in Hawaii but is also home to some of the most incredible sights in the entire state - from active volcanoes to cascading waterfalls, you'll find it all on this road trip. We've curated a 290-mile, 7.5-hour trek that will take you around the entirety of the Big Island, from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, allowing you to experience the very best that Hawaii Island has to offer.

Road Trip to Best Small Towns in Hawaii

BOMBTWINZ.COM/Flickr

• Route: Wahiawa > Waialua > Haleiwa > Laie > Kaneohe > Kailua > Waimanalo > Hawaii Kai
• Distance: 76 miles
• Trip Time: 2 hours driving time

If you want to escape the busyness of Honolulu, there are plenty of charming small towns to explore on the island of Oahu. These towns have rich histories, cute shops, and stunning views. You will embark on an epic road trip that covers 76 miles and two hours of driving time, stopping at eight of the most picturesque towns on the island, from Wahiawa to Hawaii Kai. Whether you prefer coastal communities or inland cities, this road trip has something for everyone.

Have you gotten on the road and taken any of these Hawaiian road trips? We’d love to hear your thoughts – let us know! Need more Hawaiian island road trip ideas? Spend the day exploring this historic small town on Oahu’s North Shore or the blue waters of Oahu’s windward coast. Want some Hawaii travel tips? Be sure to visit this beautiful botanical garden or the coolest small town called Hilo. How about checking out the Hamakua Coast? There’s so much to do and see in Hawaii!

For road trip planning and packing tips, check out OnlyInYourState’s Ultimate Road Trip Packing List. Whether you’re leaving for a single day or a week-long road trip, you can’t forget the snacks: here are 50 on-the-go snack ideas perfect for traveling.