The Magnificent Scenic Drive Through Rural Hawaii You’ll Fall In Love With
When you leave the tourist-packed Waikiki and head to the neighboring islands, you will find the true Hawaii: a rural paradise home to picturesque farms, rolling hills, country roads and views that seem to stretch on for miles. And while there are countless quintessential rural spots throughout Hawaii – including these 13 charming rural towns – there is one road through rural Hawaii you’re certain to fall in love with.
Meandering across the northern tip of Hawaii Island from Waimea to Hawi, Kohala Mountain Road will transport you to another place - perhaps to a place where cows easily outnumber people.
Known locally as "The High Road," this scenic road measures in at just under 20 miles - and is positively stunning the entire way, passing by rolling hillsides, ranchlands, and some pretty jaw-dropping vistas reminiscent of West Texas (according to my husband and various TripAdvisor members).
Despite the stupendous views and wide open spaces, this mountain road is rarely crowded, and full of magnificent pull offs to stop for either a secluded picnic or a quick photograph.
The lookout located near mile marker eight is not to be missed: on a clear day, you’ll be able to see the peak of Mount Haleakala on the neighboring island of Maui.
While driving along Highway 250, you’ll also catch a glimpse of three of Hawaii Island’s major mountains - Hualalai, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa - as you drive up this winding mountain road to approximately 3,500 feet above sea level and descend into the artsy town of Hawi.
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
Lonely Planet argues that Kohala Mountain Road is easily Hawaii Island’s prettiest drive, and we are certainly inclined to agree - especially with views like these.
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.
