How Long To Drive Around Hawaii
Road tripping around the Hawaiian Islands is an amazing way to experience their stunning landscapes and rich culture. You can drive parts of Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii (the Big Island), but be warned – you can’t go all the way around them because of mountains, cliffs, and protected areas. An hour-round trip drive in Hawaii can genuinely be an unforgettable experience, whether you’re in a car or on a scooter, depending on what route you take. There are many scenic routes you can take, routes that will show you most of what Hawaii has to offer: its volcanic craters (you can see the lava flow), its greenery, its beaches, and more.
We recommend carving out several days from your itinerary to just drive/ride around Hawaii as it can be quite freeing, and you will certainly enjoy the scenery. Start in the morning, before sunrise. Catch the sunrise (possibly on Diamond Head), then you have the whole day ahead of you to ride around and relax on multiple stunning beaches. By nighttime, if you get to Honolulu or Waikiki, you will have access to tons of great restaurants that offer all kinds of cuisines. You can then rest in one of many world-class resorts Hawaii has to offer. If you go in the off-peak season, you won’t spend as much as you would spend in the summer, and you can find a room for reasonable prices.
If you want to drive/ride around Oahu (Gathering Place)
Oahu is considered the main island in Hawaii for most activities. It is home to the state’s capital, Honolulu and is also home to the vibrant neighbourhood: Waikiki.
It’ll take you about 3.5 to 6 hours to drive around Oahu, depending on traffic conditions and how many stops you make. Honolulu traffic can be a nightmare, especially on weekdays and during peak tourist season.
What you will see when riding around on Oahu
Oahu is a true gem with breathtaking views and exciting attractions. Here are some must-see highlights:
Hanauma Bay: A nature lover’s paradise with an underwater marine park. Snorkel and see over 400 colorful fish species!
Halona Blowhole and Beach Cove: Watch the Halona Blowhole shoot water when waves hit the rocks. Then, relax on the nearby beach with stunning views.
Makapu’u Point and Lighthouse: Take an easy hike to the lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the southeastern coast. Keep an eye out for whales during their migration season (December to April).
North Shore Beaches: Experience the famous surf spots like Laniakea Beach (where you can see sea turtles basking in the sun) and the Banzai Pipeline. Don’t miss Sunset Beach for its beautiful sunsets.
Nu’uanu Pali Lookout: Take in the breathtaking views of the Windward Coast from 1,200 feet up in the Koʻolau Range.
Dole Plantation: Get a taste of pineapple heaven with a train ride and a fun maze.
Kualoa Ranch: Explore a lush valley, cliffs, rainforest, and beach on horseback or ATV.
Shrimp Trucks and Macadamia Nut Farms: Keep an eye out for these local favorites along the way.
Popular Parks: Don’t forget to visit Ka’ena Point State Park, Diamond Head State Monument, and Nu’uanu Pali State Wayside for more stunning views and outdoor activities.
To drive/ride around the Big Island of Hawaii
The perimeter road around the Big Island, the largest island, is called Hawaii Route 11 and Hawaii Route 19, is about 270 miles long. If you don’t stop, it could take around 5 to 6 hours to drive at an average speed of 45-55 miles per hour.
A trip around the Big Island of Hawaii is like a nature lover’s paradise. You’ll see everything from scorching volcanoes to lush rainforests and rugged coastlines. Here are some must-see spots on your road trip:
Chain of Craters Road: This 20-mile road takes you through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You’ll be amazed by volcanic landscapes, scenic viewpoints, historic sites, and even hiking trails.
Mauna Loa Scenic Drive: This drive takes you to the slopes of Mauna Loa, the world’s largest volcano. You’ll see volcanic craters, lush rainforests, and otherworldly landscapes.
Saddle Road: This road cuts through the heart of the island between Hilo and Kailua-Kona, passing between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes.
Hamakua Coast: This scenic drive offers breathtaking ocean views, rainforests, historical sites, and even cacao farms.
Red Road: This short but scenic drive takes you through tree tunnels, beach parks, hot ponds, and lava formations.
South Point Drive: This route takes you to the southernmost tip of the United States, through rugged terrain and remote landscapes.
Kona Coast: Driving the Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast takes you through historic villages, ancient burial grounds, and breathtaking scenic overlooks.
Hilo to Waimea: This diverse drive takes you through lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and stunning coastline views, and sometimes even snow.
Along these roads, you’ll spot native rainforests, lava tubes, volcanic craters, lava flow fields, and sea arches. Just remember to check the road conditions and weather before setting off on these incredible journeys. Whether you’re on a scooter or in a car, you’re guaranteed a stellar experience.
Other Islands
You can drive around other Hawaiian islands, but it might be harder to find good roads and the terrain might be different. The best islands to drive around are Oahu and Big Island because of the established infrastructure. We would not recommend you drive or ride around the other islands as much, without a reserve of fuel in the trunk and some other necessities that you may need in case your vehicle breaks down.
Rental car or rental scooter/moped
It is worth considering a scooter or moped rental because it is a great way to see the island, no matter which Hawaiian island you are on. Renting a scooter will give you access to certain parts of the island a car may not be able to access.
Now, let’s talk about planning your perfect road trip on the major Hawaiian Islands:
Must-see places in Oahu:
- North Shore
- Waimanalo Beach
- Lanikai Pillbox Hike
- Ko Olina Marina
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial
- Iolani Palace
- Chinatown
Tip: Traffic in Honolulu can be crazy, so plan your route accordingly.
Must-see places in Big Island (the largest island):
- South Point
- Green Sand Beach
- Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
- Hilo
- Waipio Valley Lookout
Tip: The roads around the Big Island can be rough, so be careful.
The entire Big Island has a whole bunch of different landscapes, so you’ll have tons of chances to explore and enjoy nature.
Here are some tips for a Hawaii road trip:
- Plan ahead and book tickets for popular attractions to avoid long lines and crowded places that can ruin the experience and damage the environment.
- Start early to avoid traffic, especially around Honolulu.
- Make sure to take breaks and don’t try to drive non-stop for too long. A non-stop drive around Oahu takes about 3.5 hours, but if you stop every hour or so, it can take 4 to 6 hours.
- For the Big Island, an itinerary can take around 8 hours of driving, but if you stop every hour or so, it can take 12 hours.
- Drive counterclockwise from Honolulu. Most of the food trucks are on the ocean side of the highway as you go up the east coast.
- Think about using public transportation to help reduce traffic.
- Be ready for places where there’s no road access. Some natural areas have restricted or no road access.
- Pack your patience! Consider the time of year you plan to travel. Late spring or early fall can be a good time to avoid crowds.
Here are some ways to make your road trip even better for driving/riding around the entire island:
- Be flexible and open to spontaneous stops and detours. The best part of a road trip is discovering hidden gems along the way, especially when you’re on a scooter.
- Learn about Hawaiian traditions and customs.
- Be respectful of locals and support local businesses.
- Try to be sustainable. Dispose of waste properly, avoid disturbing natural habitats, and consider using public transportation where available.
- Pack essentials like sunscreen, bug spray, comfortable shoes, and a camera.
- Stay in the loop about road conditions and weather forecasts before you go.
When to Go
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to October. The weather is perfect, and you’ll find fewer crowds and lower prices. April, May, September, and October are the best months. But if you don’t mind a bit of heat and a lot of people, summer (June to August) is also a great time to go. Just be prepared to pay more and deal with bigger crowds. Winter (November to January) is the busiest and most expensive time to visit, since people are escaping the cold.
Oahu
Oahu is home to Honolulu, and it’s a great place to experience a mix of city life, historical sites, and natural attractions. You can visit Pearl Harbor and Iolani Palace, and you can also relax on Waikiki Beach. If you have a full day, you can also take a trip to Waimea Valley to see the waterfalls and the Byodo-In temple.
Maui
Maui is known for its beautiful beaches, resorts, and scenic landscapes. It’s also a great place to go whale watching (humpback whales) in the winter months. You can also visit Kapalua Beach and Big Beach. Don’t miss the chance to drive the winding 64-mile Hana Highway or visit Haleakala National Park.
Big Island
The Big Island, also known as Hawaiʻi, is the biggest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands. It’s got a super diverse climate and landscape, with active volcanoes like Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, and different terrains like lush rainforests and black lava fields. You can do all sorts of fun stuff here, like hiking, water sports, and exploring unique beaches, like black and green sand beaches.
Kauai
Kauai is called the “Garden Isle,” and it’s covered in tropical rainforests. It’s a great place for hikers and nature lovers. You can visit the Na Pali Coast (accessible by helicopter, kayak, or boat) and Waimea Canyon.
Molokai
Molokai is a great place to experience an authentic Hawaiian experience. It’s the least touristy of the main islands, and you’ll find a lot of native Hawaiians here. You can explore the dramatic landscapes, including the world’s highest sea cliffs and Hawaii’s longest continuous fringing reef.
Hawaiian Culture
Aloha is a way of life that means being sincere and treating others with love and respect. Lūʻau (parties) are a great way to get together with friends and family and enjoy some delicious food. The lei (garland or wreath) is a symbol of Hawaiʻi.
Traditions
Native Hawaiians lived in the Hawaiian Islands for centuries and passed down their cultural traditions to future generations. They also created new ones that were unique to their culture.
Local
Hawaiʻi is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from all over the world. This diverse group of people living together in close-knit communities has created a rich and vibrant culture.
Driving around Hawaii is a great way to connect with the islands’ natural beauty and culture. With some planning and a sense of adventure, you can create an unforgettable road trip experience.
FAQs
Can you drive around Hawaii in a day?
It is possible to drive around Oahu in a day, but it is not possible to see the major highlights of the Big Island in that timeframe. You could cover Honolulu, Waikiki, and other parts of the island in a day.
How many days is enough for a Hawaii trip?
A week is usually enough time for a trip to Hawaii, but if you want to truly experience Hawaii and connect with its culture, landscape, and everything it has to offer, you should consider a longer stay.