10 Unforgettable Road Trips To Take In Hawaii Before You Die
Here at Only In Hawaii, 2016 was the year of the road trip, and while road trips across the Hawaiian Islands may be shorter than those in mainland states, we won’t soon pass up a day spent on the road checking out some of the coolest places the Hawaiian Islands have to offer. From natural wonder road trips and maps that lead you to several waterfalls in one day to abandoned and haunted road trip itineraries, these 10 Hawaiian road trips on the archipelago’s four main islands must be added to your Hawaiian Island bucket list as soon as possible.
1. The Ultimate Oahu Road Trip
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Whether you’ve lived on Oahu your entire life and just want to find a new way to spend a Saturday, are visiting from a neighboring island, or are headed to Hawaii for vacation, we’ve created the ultimate Oahu road trip that begins - and ends - in Waikiki.
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Even on the highly populated island of Oahu, abandoned places are common – if you know where to look, that is. From abandoned highways and royal residences to sugar mills and telegraph stations, there is something strangely beautiful about man-made structures being taken back by the land. This road trip takes adventurers to eight abandoned sites and clocks in at just three hours of drive time.
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Some of the country’s most impressive waterfalls can be found throughout the Hawaiian Islands – including just outside the bustling capital city of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu.
At less than 70 miles and just under two hours, this road trip will take you to seven of Oahu’s best waterfalls. Unfortunately, there aren’t many waterfalls on Oahu easily visible from the road, which means that many of these waterfalls require a substantial hike. While the entire trip is possibly completed in one (very long) day, you will more than likely want to split up these adventures and tackle the "road trip" over the course of a long weekend.
At less than 70 miles and just under two hours, this road trip will take you to seven of Oahu’s best waterfalls. Unfortunately, there aren’t many waterfalls on Oahu easily visible from the road, which means that many of these waterfalls require a substantial hike. While the entire trip is possibly completed in one (very long) day, you will more than likely want to split up these adventures and tackle the "road trip" over the course of a long weekend.
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In addition to being home to approximately 66 percent of the Hawaii’s population, Oahu is also home to many ghosts who have chosen to take up permanent residence in the afterlife. From haunted highways and hotel rooms with spooky pasts to ancient battle sites and landmarks with paranormal sightings, this terrifying road trip will take you to nine of the island’s most haunted places.
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From incredible lava formations and charming coves to challenging hikes and beautiful beaches, Oahu’s southeastern shore is a treasure trove of incredible spots you won’t find anywhere else in the world. And in just a ten mile stretch of Kalanianaole Highway from the beautiful Spitting Caves to the popular Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail, you will find countless spots to explore, though we think the nine wonders featured in this "road trip" are a cut above the rest.
6. Haunted Road Trip Across Hawaii Island
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From haunted roads to hotels with guests of the paranormal variety, Hawaii Island is home to various ghosts who have decided to make the island their permanent resting place in the afterlife. If you’re up for a spooky trip, check out this 9-stop terrifying road trip around Hawaii’s Big Island.
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Measuring in at more than 4,000 square miles, Hawaii Island is not only the largest island in Hawaii, but it is also home to some of the greatest natural wonders found throughout the islands, from active volcanoes and majestic valleys to colored sand beaches and cascading waterfalls. With so many breathtaking spots to choose from, we found it difficult to narrow our choices down to just 10 of Hawaii Island’s most magical natural wonders.
8. Maui Waterfalls Road Trip
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Everyone knows that Maui’s Road to Hana is one of the most breathtaking drives in the state – but did you know that the iconic highway features several different waterfalls as well, making it the perfect setting for the ultimate Maui waterfall road trip.
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Even though Maui is one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations, there are many who never venture out of their resorts long enough to experience what the island truly has to offer. There are even fewer who experience the wild and unspoiled natural beauty that is the island’s northwestern shore.
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10. Kauai Natural Wonders Road Trip
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Known as the Garden Isle, Kauai is the fourth largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago measuring in at 562.3 square miles. It is also the oldest of Hawaii’s eight main islands and is full of incredible sites to behold – from enchanting caves and vast canyons to picturesque beaches and incredible gardens. This quintessential road trip takes you to ten of the Kauai’s greatest attractions and can be easily adapted to suit your preferences.
Which of these epic road trips are you most excited to take?
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