When you leave the tourist-packed Waikiki and head to the neighboring islands, you will find 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: Kohala Mountain Road. Come along as we explore what we think is one of the best scenic roads in Hawaii.

Get ready for a spectacular adventure along Kohala Mountain Road.
duluoz cats/Flickr
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 farms and 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.
Davvid Fulmer/Flickr
It passes by rolling hillsides, ranchlands, and some pretty jaw-dropping scenic vistas.
With lush forests, open pastures, brilliant meadows, and towering mountains, Kohala Mountain Road has it all.
Andrew K. Smith/Flickr
Rosa Say/Flickr
Despite the stupendous views and wide open spaces, this mountain road is rarely crowded.
Andrew K. Smith/Flickr
However, it is brimming with magnificent pull-offs to stop for either a secluded picnic or taking photographs.

Related Stories

Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Hawaii

Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Hawaii

 Did You Know That Hawaii Is Home To The World’s Biggest Volcano?

Did You Know That Hawaii Is Home To The World’s Biggest Volcano?

 This Easy 1.7-Mile Trail In Hawaii Is Covered In Wildflower Blooms In The Springtime

This Easy 1.7-Mile Trail In Hawaii Is Covered In Wildflower Blooms In The Springtime
The lookout located near mile marker eight is not to be missed.
David Grant/Flickr
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.
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
After you drive up this winding mountain road to approximately 3,500 feet above sea level, you'll descend into the artsy town of Hawi.
Some say that Kohala Mountain Road is easily Hawaii Island’s prettiest drive, and we are certainly inclined to agree - especially with views like these.
Art Bromage/Flickr
David Baron/Flickr
While you can drive the Kohala Mountain Road from either direction...
Andrew K. Smith/Flickr
...many agree that the best views are found when you drive from Waimea north to Hawi.

Have you fallen in love with Hawaii Island’s Kohala Mountain Road? Would you agree that these are among the most scenic drives in HI? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

And how about these 15 beautiful highways perfect for a scenic drive?

If you’re interested in making a weekend trip to Oahu, be sure to consider the Residence Inn Oahu Kapolei.

If you’re still in the mood for more Aloha State adventures, take a look at this video:

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

More Aloha State Adventures

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | August 22, 2023

Where can we find the best beaches in Hawaii?

  • Kehena Beach (also called Dolphin Beach) on the Big Island is a beautiful black sand beach and where you can find spinner dolphins.
  • Waimea Beach on Kauai is a secluded and relatively undeveloped beach offering breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
  • Waianapanapa State Park on Maui is home to some of the most popular and beautiful beaches on the island.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other sensational beaches in Hawaii.

Where can we find historic sites in Hawaii?

  • The Aloha Tower located on Pier Nine in Honolulu is both a lighthouse and was the tallest building in the state for four decades.
  • Kawaiaha’o Church located in downtown Honolulu is one of the oldest standing Christian places of worship in The Aloha State and was the former home of the national church of the Kingdom of Hawaii.
  • The Kalaupapa Leprosy Settlement located on Molokai is a U.S. National Park with a historic cemetery of unmarked graves.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other fascinating historic sites in Hawaii.

Where are there hiking trails in Hawaii?

  • Waihou Spring Trail Loop - Located in Maui, there is both an upper and lower trail for different hiking abilities, and the trails take hikers through a native Hawaiian Koa, Cypress, Halapepe, and Eucalyptus forest.
  • Lulumahu Falls – Located in Oahu in a bamboo forest, it also encompasses a stunning waterfall.
  • Sleeping Giant Hike – Located in Kauai, the varied trails here are for more experienced hikers, as they rise up to a 1,200-foot peak.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other hiking trails in Hawaii.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Kohala Mountain Road, Hawi, HI 96719, USA