Car Insurance Hawaii

5 Most Scenic Roads in Hawaii

Anyone who is planning a trip to any of the Hawaiian Islands will definitely want to rent a vehicle to experience the beautiful scenery firsthand. Each one of the Islands has its own unique beauty and many scenic drives that can be taken. The following are just a few of the more spectacular ones.

  1. The Road to Hana (Maui): The 52-mile road that stretches from Kahului to Hana on the east side of the island of Maui is, without a doubt, the most beautiful of all the scenic routes in the Hawaiian islands. Because it is such a narrow winding highway with more than 600 curves and 54 bridges, it takes about 2.5 hours to drive without stopping. However, anyone who travels this breathtaking route will want to stop many times to take pictures of the beautiful waterfalls and magnificent views of the coastline. Those who drive all the way to the end of the road will experience the reward of seeing the Seven Sacred Pools located in Haleakala National Park and will not be disappointed.
  2. Saddle Road (Big Island): The most scenic route on the Big Island of Hawaii is the road from Hilo to Kauilua-Kona. Once considered to be the most dangerous highway in the country, Saddle Road has been greatly improved over the years, but it is nonetheless a narrow road with many twists and turns. Saddle Road travels over Mauna Kea which, when measured from the base of the ocean floor to the summit, is the highest mountain in the world. Other scenery includes wild brush, forest lands, lava fields, and views of three other major volcanoes.
  3. Onomea Bay (Big Island): Another scenic route to consider on the Big Island is the four-mile route from the town of Onomea to the Onomea Bay Donkey Trail, which ends at the ocean. Although this route is extremely short, its spectacular scenery should not be underestimated. Sights along the road include many beautiful waterfalls, streams, foliage, and the Onomea Sea Arch. Here the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden can be accessed with more than 2,500 species of plants including mango trees, coconut groves, and giant ferns.
  4. Waimea Canyon Drive (Kauai): Waimea Canyon Drive, on the west side of the Island of Kauai, leads to what is considered to be the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” and offers incredible views of the interior of Kauai. This road goes on through the mountains and ends at Koke’e State Park, where beautiful wildflowers, other native plants, and many birds can be seen. At Kalalau Lookout and Pu’u O Kila lookout, the beautiful Kalalau Valley can be viewed, along with the stunning cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. Temperatures may dip into the 40s in January, so be sure to bring a jacket.
  5. Oahu’s Southeast Coast: The drive along the southeast coast of Oahu has many beautiful places of interest along the way including one of the most famous volcanoes in Hawaii, Diamond Head. Those who enjoy snorkeling will want to stop at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Halona blowhole is another popular tourist attraction where humpback whales and Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles are sure to be seen in the winter months. Makapu’u Point offers fantastic views of Rabbit Island and Turtle Island, and on clear days, possibly a glimpse of the island of Maui.