12 Inexpensive Road Trip Destinations In Hawaii That Won’t Break The Bank
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Megan Shute
Author
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 in the Aloha State. From natural wonder road trips and maps that lead you to several waterfalls in one day to abandoned and haunted road trip itineraries, these 12 Hawaiian road trips on the archipelago’s four main islands are as phenomenal as they are inexpensive.
You will have to account for food, gas, and the occasional park entrance fee. Luckily, if you pack a ton of snacks and split gas costs, many of these incredible road trips found across the Hawaiian Islands – from Kauai to Hawaii Island – can be completed on an extremely limited budget. Because after all, while Hawaii may be expensive, most of our favorite adventures are practically free.
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.
Check out the full itinerary here.
Check out the full itinerary 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.
Check out the full itinerary here.
Check out the full itinerary here.
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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.
Check out the full itinerary here.
Check out the full itinerary here.
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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. Stopping at nine waterfalls in less than 44 miles of driving, there is no better place in the world to appreciate nature’s beautiful waterfalls.
Check out the full itinerary here.
Check out the full itinerary 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. From the north shore’s Mokuleia to the west side’s Makua Beach, this road trip takes you on a journey to 10 stellar hidden beaches on the island of Oahu.
Check out the full itinerary here.
Check out the full itinerary 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 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.
Check out the full itinerary here.
Check out the full itinerary here.
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With nearly two-thirds of the Hawaiian population residing in Honolulu and the surrounding areas, it can feel as though the entire island of Oahu is one huge city. Luckily, it’s not – technically. Whenever you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Honolulu, you can head to any of the island’s charming small towns. These eight Oahu towns - from Wahiawa to Hawaii Kai - are full of old-world Hawaiian charm, history, adorable shops, and positively breathtaking views.
Check out the full itinerary here.
Check out the full itinerary 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 island’s coolest volcano-inspired spots? From lava tubes and incredible lava formations to active volcanoes and lava flows, this road trip is absolutely epic. Bonus: the only cost outside food + gas is the entrance fee to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park!
Check out the full itinerary here.
Check out the full itinerary here.
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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.
Check out the full itinerary here.
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.
Check out the full itinerary 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.
Check out the full itinerary here.
Check out the full itinerary 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.
Check out the full itinerary here.
Check out the full itinerary 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.
Check out the full itinerary here.
Check out the full itinerary here.
How many of these epic road trips have you taken? Where will you be headed on your next day off?
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