Top 5 Hawaii Car Tours: Which Road Trip is Right for You?

Dreaming of sun-soaked beaches, fiery volcanoes, and scenery that will make your jaw drop? Well, you, too, can make those dreams reality by, you know, checking out Hawaii. The best way to experience everything these amazing islands offer? It’s a car tour. Getting behind the wheel and taking things at your speed just lets you find those hidden gems that tour buses zoom past. And trust me, you don’t want to miss those. So, I figured I’d share my take on the top 5 Hawaiian road trips. That way you can discover some must-see stops along the way.

1. The Road to Hana, Maui: A Legendary Drive

The Road to Hana. You’ve heard the stories, haven’t you? And they don’t do this epic drive justice. Really, it’s about 64 miles of winding roads. Over 600 curves. 59 bridges (many just one lane!). If you’re prone to carsickness, then you’d better pop a pill before setting off. But, honestly, that winding path? That’s part of what makes this drive an adventure. Very dramatic cliffs hug one side of the road, and the vast Pacific Ocean spreads out on the other. You’ll cruise past cascading waterfalls. Then come across lush rainforests, and even see colorful beaches, too! Plus, with that ever present fragrant aroma of tropical flowers, well it is a real feast for your senses, actually.

Must-See Stops:

Twin Falls: Jump in for a refreshing dip in the pool under the falls.
Garden of Eden Arboretum: Experience over 26 acres, it features manicured gardens with views.
Waianapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach): Contrast of black sand next to turquoise water, so striking. Be certain to make reservations beforehand, too, that way you’ll have entry!
Hamoa Beach: Calm waves and super soft sand mean this is perfect for swimming and relaxing, seemingly.

Tips for Driving: Set out super early to dodge some of the crowds. Make certain your gas tank is full, and pack snacks. There aren’t all that many places to stop for supplies. Most importantly? Take it slow, be mindful of other drivers. Then also let the residents pass, typically.

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2. Big Island Circle: Volcanoes, Valleys, and Stargazing

Ready for something truly different? Try driving around the Big Island. Seriously, it is a study in contrasts! You’re gonna start near stark volcanic landscapes and then transition into thick rainforests. Then you get stunning coastlines. You might even see snow-capped peaks. That makes it really possible to experience almost every kind of environment imaginable on just a single island. How wild is that?

Must-See Stops:

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Explore lava tubes and be blown away by the craters. Maybe you’ll catch sight of a fiery glow, too!
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach: Keep your eyes open for Hawaiian green sea turtles basking in the sun, seemingly.
Akaka Falls State Park: Check out those towering waterfalls crashing into the lush valley down below. It’s gorgeous.
Waipio Valley Overlook: Breathtaking views of a lush valley. Views really plunge down into the Pacific. If you can handle the steep drive (4-wheel drive needed), drive to the bottom, too!
Mauna Kea Observatory: At the top, stargaze with professional equipment and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, actually.

Tips for Driving: This is a lengthy drive. Think 200+ miles, just guessing. So plan on at least a full day, maybe more if you want to explore a little! Sections are often quite isolated, actually, therefore it really is better to fill your gas tank. Bring some water and snacks. Pack layers too. The temperature swings dramatically as you switch elevations from the coast up the mountain.

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3. Kauai’s Coastal Drive: The Garden Isle’s Beauty

They call Kauai the “Garden Isle” for some reason. Probably for it’s unbelievably lush greenery. It’s so, so green that you’ll have a hard time finding any other shade. One main road basically rings half the island, which just makes the coastal drive super relaxing and scenic. You will encounter staggering cliffs, and also hidden beaches along the way, as well. You’ll even see tropical flowers at just about every turn in that area, frankly!

Must-See Stops:

Waimea Canyon (The Grand Canyon of the Pacific): Just be stunned by the colorful canyon that extends some 14 miles!
Poipu Beach: Sunbathe, swim, and look out for the Hawaiian monk seals, of course.
Spouting Horn Blowhole: Watch ocean waves shoot way up in the air, that is if the ocean permits it to, of course.
Kilauea Lighthouse: Panoramic views plus, there’s a chance to spot seabirds. What is not to love?
Hanalei Bay: One of the biggest and prettiest bays out there. Picture mountains surrounding sandy beaches!

Tips for Driving: This drive, very, is laid back, for one thing! Plan to do lots of stopping! And lots of photo snapping! You just have to get out there and really appreciate Kauai’s calm feel. So consider packing a swimsuit and also sunscreen, too, typically.

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4. Oahu’s North Shore Loop: Surf’s Up!

Everybody heads to Oahu, typically. To see Honolulu and Waikiki, obviously. But when you’re searching for something less crowded? And also a bit more exciting? Head to the North Shore! The area’s famed for giant waves during winter months. The pros compete on those monster waves. Even when waves are not giant, so there are beautiful beaches plus that super cool laid-back surf vibe, of course!

Must-See Stops:

Waimea Bay: See surfers test their stuff, really, during winter. In summer, then, this beach turns very into a gentle spot for swimming.
Pipeline Beach: Arguably this is among the planet’s well-known surf spots. See pros and just see if you can feel the energy, too.
Sunset Beach: Well, it’s very perfect for sunsets, the name tells you! Just watch out if the waves get too big, probably.
Haleiwa Town: Quaint little surf town just stuffed with shops and places to chow down, as well.
Dole Plantation: Take a visit. Wander gardens. Get that classic Dole Whip frozen dessert that you’ve probably heard so much about by this point, maybe.

Tips for Driving: Winter time? That North Shore gets jam-packed. Arrive as early as possible. Take a parking place then it might be useful to be prepared to walk just a little, slightly. Summer months are very relaxed, usually.

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5. Molokai’s Scenic West End: Untouched Hawaii

You desire that actual old-school Hawaiian vibe? Give Molokai a chance. Very remote. Untouched. Plus fewer tourists generally. The western end, generally, offers quiet beaches. Raw, natural beauty is pretty much every where you look. If you want tranquility and a view on life which is much more gentle than back home, it just may be your destination!

Must-See Stops:

Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove: An actual royal coconut grove. Photo chances very galore!
Papohaku Beach Park: This very beach spans around three miles! Often? You might get the entire area to yourself seemingly.
Moaula Falls: Take a very, very scenic hike in to see a towering waterfall. This could be pretty rugged though. Ask someone about existing trail situations before you go!
Halawa Valley: Rich with that local Polynesian background, then, furthermore full of gorgeous greenery. This one must be visited with a guide mostly, really!

Tips for Driving: So, Molokai life tends to be more slow. Make certain you respect that, actually! There may not be many gas stations. Check and fill up whenever possible, actually! A 4×4 could come in very handy to access many off-the-beaten-path attractions, also. Be sure to always respect personal property, also!

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