Top Things to do in Hawaii
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Top 10 Scenic Drives in Hawaii, United States
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1. 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.
2. Hana Highway - Road to Hana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,634 reviews
A scenic and often dangerous road popular with the more adventurous visitor.
Reviewed By MauiSteve96713 - Hana, United States
Ok, I see a lot of mixed reviews on this Road To Hana, and while some are valid, others are not. A lot of people seem to 'not get it'., so here I am...as a resident reviewing my side of the island. The road to Hana is just that. Nothing more. Hana itself is not the destination. The draw to the attraction IS the road and all it has to offer...NOT what's at the end. Keep an open mind, leave for your drive as early as possible...even sunrise or before...and get a jump on traffic and crowds. Get your gas tank topped off in Paia, and bring a cooler of drinks and some snacks. As far as the nightmares you've heard about the local drivers tailgating, all you need to do is slow down or pull over and motion them to let them pass. We've all seen it, we live here and it's a long drive for us to even go to Walmart. Most of us can drive this road blindfolded since we've done it so many times. We want you to enjoy your drive at your leisure, but we don't appreciate other drivers not allowing us to pass. Wave to us as we pass...we'll wave back! Appreciate your day. If it's raining, it's Maui. Can't have waterfalls without the rain. If it's sunny, then many of the waterfalls may not be flowing. Best time to drive it? The first sunny day after a few days of rain. Sun AND waterfalls! Take it easy and slow. There is no rush. Consider spending the night in Hana. LOTS to do and see along the drive and in Hana and further. Pace yourself. If you make no stops, it's still nearly two hours to Hana from Paia. Consider a CD tour or book that gives you the sights by mile-marker. They are not all there, but enough to know where you are. Some of the best waterfalls are back toward the Nahiku area and Hana. Make the stops and take lots of photos. If you need facilities, there are three along the way at wayside stops, The Half Way to Hana stand, Ka'ahumina wayside, and one between MM 22/23....but you won't be arrested if you need a privacy tree in an emergency. There are plenty of those. The drive has access to plenty of waterfall views and hikes, oceanfront areas in Ka'anae, an arboretum, quaint early 1800's churches, pounding surf, gorgeous views, delicious banana bread, flowers and flower farms, quaint neighborhoods, fruit stands, black-sand beach, caves, BBQ stands, gift shops, coffee shop, Nahiku Tropical flower farm, Glenn's organic and vegan ice cream stand, bamboo hikes, Seven Pools, several absolutely delicious food trucks in Hana, Red Sand Beach, Hana Bay,...the list goes on... Main thing is to come early, take your time and relax in Hawaiian Time like no other...and yes, consider spending the night. Many places don't need reservations, as many folks have bungalows out back you can inquire about. And if you need to pass, just give your horn two little taps. Beep Beep...as you pass. and don't forget to wave! Enjoy!
3. 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.
4. 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!
5. Makapu'u Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 303 reviews
A beautiful, scenic spot overlooking Makapuu Peninsula.
Reviewed By MimieW - Spokane, United States
During our visit, it was a cloudy and windy day, but that did not dispel the beauty of this place. The long beach and open water plus the two islands, Rabbit and Kaohikaipu make Makapu'u Point an interesting place. I would imagine on a bright and sunny day, this place would make gorgeous photos fit for a calendar!
6. Halawa Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
Situated on the eastern side of Molokai.
Reviewed By TrainsRFun - Boise, United States
Road signs threatened a bad road, but it was fine! So glad we ventured to the end of the road and beautiful setting. Stop at all the wide spots and take in the views along the way. Drive to the very end of the road where there is a much bigger parking area (and picnic tables) than the first place you see where there are only a few spots to park. But do take some time in the old townsite of Halawa where there is an old church with trees now growing in it. great photo ops. The prettiest part of the drive is through the Ironwood forest, near the end of the road.
7. Hanalei Valley Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 742 reviews
Reviewed By AimeeE351 - Frisco, United States
Just off the main road a few parking spots await. You pull off and stop for a quick photo of the valley and the taro fields with mountains behind.
8. 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
9. Kamehameha Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By idries - Chicago, United States
I absolutely love Hawaii, it's like my spiritual home. I have to admit however having a bit of a bias against Oahu. Iv'e always sung the praises of Kauai and Maui over Oahu because Honolulu just felt like another big, tropical city similar to Miami or LA (though honestly a bit better). I felt like Oahu should be a quick stop (to see Waikiki and the Polynesian Cultural Center) before continuing on to the "real" Hawaii (Kauai, Maui, Lanai, etc..). Driving the Kamehameha highway to Haleiwa and the North Shore really made me fall in love with Oahu. Honolulu and Waikiki are really just a small part of Oahu, and driving the gorgeous coastline of Kamehameha highway encourages you to experience what Oahu really has to offer. The nature and vistas on Oahu are just as stunning as any of the other Hawaiian islands and being on Oahu, you have the benefit of having access to the big city amenities of Honolulu if desired. If you have more than a day or two on Oahu, you absolutely must drive the Kamehameha highway and visit Haleiwa and the North Shore!
10. Round Top Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Nine-mile loop offering spectacular views of Honolulu and Waikiki.
Reviewed By jifella - Bethesda, United States
The best views of HONOLULU nui and ocean. The drive is worth it, all the way up and over the Mountain
