Top Things to do in Island of Hawaii
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10 Scenic Drives in Island of Hawaii That You Shouldn't Miss
Life on the Big Island is a little bit slower… and locals like it that way. The natural beauty and ecological features of the island are a draw for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Test your chutzpah at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the longest volcanic eruption in recorded history, or climb to the indescribably beautiful summit of Mauna Kea. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more refreshing than a quivering plate of fresh poke, followed by a fruity shave ice.
Restaurants in Island of Hawaii
1. Pali Highway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Officially designated State Route 61, this scenic highway runs from Kailua to Honolulu.
2. Hamakua Coast
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By BarbaraLD1960
Such a leisurely way to spend a morning, driving over bridges and past waterfalls on Highway 19, north of Hilo, that gives you an authentic look at old Hawaii. Little towns, neat homes, incredible ocean views, and a few little shops along the way to help distract you from the natural beauty along the way. Highly recommend.
3. Green sand beach (Papakolea)
4. Crater Rim Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
An 11-mile scenic drive within Volcanoes National Park
Reviewed By HOCKPOOH - Boonton, United States
Crater Rim Drive was a real fun drive. It's located smack dab in the center of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Along our drive we had wonderful views of volcanoes, steam vents, pit craters, underground lava tubes and so much more.
5. Chain of Craters Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 330 reviews
Reviewed By queenofrolic - Sacramento, United States
It was raining ( mostly lightly) the day I did this drive and I really enjoyed the Devastation Trail hike and the hike to see the petroglyphs. The Thurston Lava Tube was closed but I have hiked that before. Highly recommend but be sure to get out of your car!
6. Saddle Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,687 reviews
Reviewed By AroundtownCT - Atlanta, United States
Beautiful drive through mountains See lots of different landscapes and weather Best way to cross the island
7. Laupahoehoe Lookout
8. Kohala Mountain Range
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By cindyhY8792QU - Alameda, United States
We followed along with a driving app that took us up on the mountain range. It talked about how you could chose to buy property at the bottom of the ridge or up at the top depending on the different climate you wanted to live in. They said that this part of the island didn't get as much rain as other parts especially close to the shoreline but as we went up on top, there were expansive views of rolling green hills and horses out in the pasture. The change of the climate as the clouds rolled by was stunning. In fact, as we got down from the mountain and headed to the coast, we came across a most gorgeous rainbow.
9. Kohala Coast
10. Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Historic sites once covered much of the Kona Coast and these treasured places promote understanding of Hawaii’s heritage. The seven miles of Alii Drive, along the shoreline connecting Historic Kailua Village to Keauhou, generally follows the ancient route of the ala loa foot trail that evolved over time as a road. Four of the seven ancient Royal Centers in use in Kona are located on what is now called Alii Drive. There are dozens of Points of Interest and Scenic Stops along the route. Discover Hawaii’s history on the Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast Hawaii Scenic Byway.
