These 14 Beautiful Highways In Hawaii Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive
By Megan Shute|Updated on August 28, 2023(Originally published July 08, 2021)
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
The Hawaiian Islands are home to unsurpassed natural beauty, and while there are some wonders you’ll see on a hiking trail or from the air, there are others that simply require a vehicle – as well as snacks for the road and your favorite driving playlist. We’ve rounded up some of the best Hawaii scenic drives for you to explore. These 14 roads, highways, and byways are among the prettiest in all of Hawaii and are absolutely perfect for a long drive on a beautiful day.
From incredible lava formations and charming coves to challenging hikes and beautiful beaches, Oahu’s Kalaniana'ole 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. As the most scenic drive on Oahu, this is one trip you’ll definitely want on our bucket list.
Mamalahoa Highway, also known as the Hawaii Belt Road, is the longest road in Hawaii. It 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. You’ll pass through some of the most scenic places in in the Aloha State.
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. This is a must-see if you’re on Kauai.
On the small island of Molokai, the Kamehameha V Highway follows the island’s coast from Halawa Beach to Kaunakakai, where the road turns into Mauna Loa Highway. It offers a stunning trip along the island's coast.
Also known as Tantalus, this two-lane, ten-mile loop features a series of steep inclines, hairpin turns and blind corners that challenge even the most skilled drivers in the smallest cars you can find. This is so much fun, but make sure to drive carefully!
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. Be safe and enjoy the drive.
Stretching 28 miles from Lihue north to Princeville is Kuhio Highway, also known as Hawaii Route 56. While classified as a highway, this stretch of road is particularly small, and even features a one-lane bridge, making the traffic on Kuhio pretty rough. But the views are worth it!
With only 30 miles of paved roads, the island of Lanai is home to some of Hawaii’s most untouched natural beauty. And Keeaumoku is perhaps the prettiest of those few roads. It’s a great way to explore the island.
Take Kamehameha Highway and drive around the north and eastern shores of Oahu. With stunning beaches, gorgeous lookout spots, and majestic mountains, the drive is a perfect day trip to experience the true beauty of the island. You’ll find some of the most panoramic overlooks in Hawaii along this road, which makes it another of the most scenic drives on Oahu.
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. This magical drive is the perfect road trip.
11. Hana Highway, Maui
Editor's Note: Before traveling to the Island of Maui, check for the latest state and local travel guidance for non-Hawaii visitors, and avoid all restricted areas.
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. Go slow and enjoy the view!
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. But there’s plenty of magnificent views!
13. Haleakala Highway, Maui
Editor's Note: Before traveling to the Island of Maui, check for the latest state and local travel guidance for non-Hawaii visitors, and avoid all restricted areas.
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. It’s a great drive to do when you have some time to explore.
Nearly 14 miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,600 feet deep, the stunning Waimea Canyon is full of striking cliffs, incredible colors, and cascading waterfalls; it is perhaps Hawaii’s most unspoiled natural beauty. And the road into the park is certainly incredible as well. This is a drive you’ll want to do!
Who else loves taking a nice, long drive as much as I do? Which of the Hawaii scenic drives in Hawaii is your favorite? Be sure to sound off on our Only In Hawaii Facebook page, and check out these other stellar scenic drives in Hawaii.
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Best Scenic Drives In Hawaii
Megan McDonald|July 13, 2021
How many miles of roads are on Hawaii?
Hawaii has 1,103 miles of paved roads to explore. That number includes state highways, interstates, and secondary state highways. There are three interstate highways in Hawaii: H-1, H-2, and H-3. All are built to interstate standards, even though they don’t connect to the continental united states. To recognize that, the highways are marked with an “H” instead of an “I.”
What is the most scenic drive in Hawaii?
Many people agree that Mauna Loa Road scenic drive is the most scenic drive in all of Hawaii. It has many close contenders, but the sights from this particular drive will take your breath away. You’ll ascend 6,000 feet over 11 miles, and see the plume above the Halema'uma'u crater during almost the entire drive up. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is filled with incredible sights, and you won’t regret a moment spent ascending this beautiful drive. Bring a friend and enjoy the ride!
