These 16 Road Trips In Hawaii Will Lead You To Places You'll Never Forget

Whenever you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Honolulu, you can head to any of the island’s charming small towns. These Oahu towns are full of old-world Hawaiian charm, history, adorable shops, and positively breathtaking views. From coastal communities to inland cities, this epic Oahu road trip measures in at 76 miles, just under two hours of driving time, and stops in eight of the island’s most charming and picturesque small towns — from Wahiawa to Hawaii Kai.

For more information on this charming road trip itinerary, click here.

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. We started at Waimoku Falls and Makahiku Falls along the four-mile round trip Pipiwai Trail, as it’s always best to hike first thing in the morning. If you aren’t up for the hike, you can simply start your waterfall road trip at the Oheo Gulch, or start the waterfall from the north side.

For more information on this iconic road trip itinerary, click here.

As the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu boasts nearly 230 miles of stunning coastline. Oahu is also the most populated of the islands with nearly one million residents, which means that, unfortunately, many of the best beaches on the island are often crowded. Luckily, if you know where to look, you can still find hidden beaches across the island perfect for when you want to get away and truly soak in the beauty of our island paradise — without all of the crowds. We have put together a list of 10 incredible, secluded, and hidden beaches across this fine island – from the north shore’s Mokuleia to the west side’s Makua Beach — to create the ultimate hidden beaches road trip around the island of Oahu.

For more information on this beach-themed road trip itinerary, click here.

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.

For more information on this spooky road trip itinerary, click here.

With more than 750 miles of coastline, one might assume that Hawaii is home to more lighthouses than any other state, but it’s not. And while that specific title is awarded to Michigan, the Hawaiian Islands are, in fact, home to some absolutely enchanting lighthouses. These six lighthouses found on Oahu’s coast are as dreamy as their surroundings and make for the perfect road trip. You’ll start your morning on Oahu’s windward coast for sunrise viewing Pyramid Rock Beach before heading around the southern coast of the island, visiting four breathtaking lighthouses, and ending your day at the Kaena Point Lighthouse for a stunning Hawaiian sunset.

For more information on this lighthouse-themed road trip itinerary, click here.

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 sights 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.

For more information on this incredible road trip itinerary, click here.

With Hawaii’s incredible volcanic history comes plenty of incredible lava formations, including lava trees, ancient lava tubes, and even volcanically-heated hot springs. And where better to experience these amazing volcanoes than on Hawaii Island with an epic road trip that takes you to nine of the islands’ coolest volcano-inspired spots?The entire route measures in at two and a half hours of drive time and 82 miles, and while the trip could be completed in one day, we suggest splitting this road trip into two days.

For more information on this volcanic road trip itinerary, click here.

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.

For more information on this breathtaking road trip itinerary, click here.

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.

For more information on this scenic road trip itinerary, click here.

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.

For more information on this abandoned road trip itinerary, click here.

There is little better than watching a waterfall cascade into the pool below — except maybe wading into the water yourself. Luckily, the Hawaiian Islands are home to an abundance of incredible waterfalls. And among the intense lava landscapes of Hawaii Island, you will find some of the most accessible waterfalls in the state, many of which are easily visited in a single weekend. This road trip requires only two hours of drive time, and visits seven stunning waterfalls, including a little-known inn at the base of a waterfall.

For more information on this awe-inspiring road trip itinerary, click here.

The Hawaiian Islands are notoriously expensive, and whether you live in Hawaii or are attempting to plan your next vacation, it can be difficult to stay on budget. Luckily, the Hawaiian Islands are home to countless free or cheap activities. I mean, just look around: Hawaii is home to more natural beauty than any other American state, most of which is free to explore. If you’re on a shoestring budget, you’ll love this epic road trip that should cost approximately $20 per person, plus gas.

For more information on this budget road trip itinerary, click here.

With a plethora of beach resorts, outdoor activities, world-class beaches and diverse geography, Maui is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in Hawaii. And for good reason — the island is home to countless incredible attractions, natural wonders, and adventures. From towering mountain peaks and lush valleys to cascading waterfalls and breathtaking beaches, this epic road trip takes you to ten of the island’s most magnificent attractions, measuring in at nearly 160 miles and six hours of driving time.

For more information on this phenomenal road trip itinerary, click here.

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.

For more information on this terrifying road trip itinerary, click here.

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.

For more information on this magical road trip itinerary, click here.

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.

For more information on this quintessential road trip itinerary, click here.