The Hawaiian Islands are home to unsurpassed natural beauty, and while there are some wonders that can only be seen via strenuous hiking trails, or even helicopter tours, there are others that simply require a vehicle – as well as a camera, some snacks, and a killer driving playlist. From Kauai to Hawaii Island, these 12 roads, highways, and byways are among the prettiest in all of Hawaii and are absolutely perfect for a scenic drive. So, what are you waiting for? The next time you start to experience a little island fever, hop in the car, and take one of our picks for the best scenic drives in Hawaii for yourself.

1. Haleakala Summit Drive, 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.
Denis Dore/Flickr
Driving along this 38-mile winding road to the summit of Mount Haleakala on the island of Maui is absolutely exhilarating. After all, there are very few places in Hawaii - and even the entire United States - where you can drive above the clouds.
2. Ko’olau Mountains Drive, Oahu
Marvin Chandra/Flickr
Hop on Oahu’s H-3, headed from Honolulu to the windward side of the island. The highway runs through the Ko’olau Mountains via the Tetsuo Harano Tunnels, and you’ll feel as though you were transported to the world of Jurassic Park — perhaps because part of the movie was shot in this area.
3. Saddle Road, Hawaii Island
David Fulmer/Flickr
Highway 200, also known as Saddle Road, connects the towns of Kona and Hilo on either side of the Big Island, and while it used to be considered fairly dangerous, today, it's starkly beautiful and allegedly haunted.
4. Maluhia Road, Kauai
Scott Schiller/Flickr
Maluhia Road will transport you to Koloa - an old sugar plantation town - through a tunnel of trees on Kauai. It's one of our favorite Hawaii scenic drives.
5. Farrington Highway, Oahu
Andrew K. Smith/Flickr
Drive Farrington Highway past Waianae - the Pacific on Oahu’s leeward coast is stunning, and the mountains are absolutely divine. Drive to the end of the road and continue on foot for the last 2.5 miles to reach the westernmost tip of the island via Kaena Point State Park.
6. Kula Road, 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.
Denis Dore/Flickr
Catch a sunset while on Kula Road, with a view of the West Maui Mountains in the background.

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7. Hamakua Coast Scenic Drive, Hawaii Island
Andy Beal/Flickr
This narrow road on the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island is four miles of heaven - but it is also rather dangerous, so be careful, drive slowly, and definitely don’t do the drive if it’s pouring rain.

Along the way, you'll be treated to lush tropical forest, streams, and even a small waterfall:

8. Road to Hana, 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.
JoshBerglund19/Flickr
Probably the most famous road in Hawaii, Maui’s Road to Hana is 64 miles long and passes over 59 bridges with approximately 620 curves along the road. Along the way, you'll experience breathtaking coastal views and a variety of snack stands as well as more roadside waterfalls than you can count.
9. Kamehameha Highway, Oahu
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
Take Kamehameha Highway and drive around the south, east, and north 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 - and it's definitely one of the best drives in Hawaii.
10. Kokee Road, Kauai
Tom Simpson/Flickr
This winding road with beautiful ocean views leads away from Kauai’s Waimea Canyon, often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." One of our favorite stop along the way is a tiny little cascade on the side of the road known simply as Red Dirt Falls.
11. Drive to Tantalus, Oahu
Mark Tesoro/Flickr
The drive up Tantalus is not only fun - with seemingly endless curves and a steep grade - but it also offers stellar views of Honolulu from Diamond Head past Pearl Harbor.
12. Mauna Kea Summit Drive, Hawaii Island
Steve Boland/Flickr
Driving to the summit of the tallest mountain in Hawaii via the Mauna Kea Access Road is a heart-pounding, can't-miss experience. The eight-mile road to the summit from the Visitor's Center is largely unpaved and features several sharp turns with steep drop-offs. But the views are incredible from this famous road in Hawaii, which is the highest in the Aloha State.

Do you agree these are the best scenic drives in Hawaii? Did your favorite make this list? If not, share your favorite go-to drive with us in the comments below, then pack up your car and hit the road!

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Scenic Drives in Hawaii

Megan Shute | May 11, 2020

What are the best road trips through Hawaii? 

The Hawaiian Islands are home to incredible road trip destinations, so it really just depends on what you want to see. History buffs will love this road trip across Oahu, while coffee lovers will enjoy this Hawaii Island itinerary that leads to Kona's best coffee farms. Of course, everyone will love this gorgeous road trip across Kauai.

What is the most famous scenic drive in Hawaii?

What is the most famous road in Hawaii? The Aloha State is home to several incredible scenic drives as evidenced above, but the most famous is easily the Road to Hana. This infamous 64.4-mile highway that stretches from Kahului to Hana is popular not for the destination - Hana Town - but for the incredible journey it takes to get there: namely its 620 curves and 59 bridges, most of which are just one-lane wide.  

Where can I go on one tank of gas in Hawaii?

Anywhere you want, really! Even driving around the perimeter of Hawaii Island - the largest of the Hawaiian Islands - measures in at less than 300 miles total. Please note: it's smart to have a full tank of gas ready to go if you choose to drive to any of Hawaii's more remote destinations. You don't want to realize your tank is on empty when you're miles upon miles from the nearest gas station.

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