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 scenic roads just waiting to be discovered. And while all of these drives are stunning in their own way, today, we’re taking a look at the Waimea Canyon scenic drive, a 14-mile ride that is sure to leave you breathless.
Often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Waimea Canyon is certainly a thing of immense beauty. Nearly 10 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 that leads there is magnificent, one of the most scenic drives in Hawaii.
The 14-mile winding road that leads from Waimea town into the park to the Waimea Canyon Lookout and into Koke'e State Park tops our travel bucket list, and with views like this, it’s easy to see why.
Leaving Waimea, Highway 550 climbs more than 2,000 feet in elevation as it makes its way to the gorgeous Waimea Canyon. The road is steep and features quite a few curves along the way, but if you’re up for the challenge, the views along this pretty drive are unreal.
The highway meanders adjacent to the canyon, and while you can simply admire the views from your window as you drive, you can also stop to soak in the natural splendor and snap a few photographs.
One of the most popular stops overlooks this small waterfall surrounded by Kauai’s signature red dirt. With a burnt sienna hue caused by the surrounding red dirt, this lovely little waterfall carved into Waimea Canyon’s iconic red dirt hills is truly a sight to behold — and will easily transport you to another world.
Highway 550 begins in Waimea and meanders past the rolling countryside for approximately six miles before merging with Koke’e Road. It’s another four miles to the Waimea Canyon Lookout, and even further into Koke'e State Park — but it's worth every single nerve-wracking mile.
Waimea Canyon Drive proves that it’s not all about the destination, but about the journey it takes to get there. Because while Waimea Canyon is certainly impressive, Highway 550 is deserving of a little recognition, too, at least in our humble opinion.
Have you ever driven the winding road to the Grand Canyon of the Pacific? Did you know that it's considered to be one of Hawaii's most terrifying drives? Sound off in the comments below, then join our Hawaii Nature Lovers Facebook group to share the photos you've taken along the Waimea Canyon scenic drive. If haven't experienced this drive yet, be sure to snag these top-rated binoculars while planning your trip so you can fully enjoy the incredible views.
Watch this brief video to discover Hawaii's best beaches:
Even though we can’t take a traditional road trip like our friends on the mainland, the Hawaiian Islands are home to several incredible scenic drives just waiting to be explored — and we can almost guarantee that our views are better. While we love Maui’s Hana Highway as much as the next person, today we’re taking you on a journey down one of the most underappreciated drives in the Aloha State that happens to also be one of the best scenic drives in Hawaii.
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Whether you live on Oahu or are vacationing in Waikiki, it is a definite fact that the island’s leeward coast is severely underrated. It’s a true shame because this slice of coastline is home to some simply stunning beaches, incredible hiking opportunities, countless hidden gems, and one of the prettiest scenic drives in the Aloha State: Farrington Highway.
Farrington Highway meanders through West Oahu, beginning north of Kamehameha Highway north of Pearl Harbor, through Ewa and Kapolei, and up the coast before ending at Kaena Point State Park, the northwesternmost tip of the island.
In Ewa and Kapolei, Farrington Highway serves as an alternative to H-1, but once the freeway ends near Ko Olina, this road is the only access point to Waianae, Makaha, and beyond. I guess it’s a good thing that the views found on Farrington Highway are drop dead gorgeous.
Every single mile of this road will reward you with simply stunning views as you make your way up the coast, driving past beaches, mountains, rock formations, parks, cities, and more.
The round trip drive from where Farrington Highway meets with H-1 measures in at only 40 miles, but will take you at least an hour and a half depending on traffic.
There is truly no better way to spend an afternoon than soaking up the underappreciated natural beauty of Oahu's leeward coast along this route that's truly one of the best scenic drives in Hawaii.
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 a few of the best road trips in Hawaii!
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, because quick road trips in Hawaii can be just what you need for a relaxing day. 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.
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. Weekend road trips in Hawaii offer us a chance to take a mini-vacation - and there is no better place to do that than Kauai.
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 Maui 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 one of the best road trips to take in Hawaii for the ultimate Maui experience.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 light displays to check out and see. Start in Honolulu, and travel through Pearl City, Aiea, and Waikele before ending your evening in Mililani. This holiday lights road trip will take you to nine magical light displays, making it the perfect wintertime activity.
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.
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.
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 about the best road trips in Hawaii you have taken!
