The Best Scenic Drives in Hawaii: A Complete Guide

The Pali Highway is a historic and scenic route that cuts through the Ko'olau Mountain Range, offering breathtaking views of lush green valleys and steep cliffs. As you ascend, stop at the famous Nuuanu Pali Lookout, where you'll see panoramic views of Oahu’s windward coast, including Kaneohe Bay and the picturesque towns below. One of the best scenic drives in Oahu, the combination of dramatic mountain scenery and historic charm makes this trip an unforgettable experience.

The Hana Highway, also known as the Road to Hana, is one of Hawaii’s most iconic scenic drives. This winding road takes you through enchanting rainforests, past cascading waterfalls, and along dramatic coastal cliffs. Popular stops along the way include Twin Falls, where you can hike to waterfalls; the Garden of Eden Arboretum, showcasing exotic plants and stunning ocean views; and Waiʻānapanapa State Park, known for its black sand beach and striking coastal lava formations.

Chain of Craters Road in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is a stunning drive through a volcanic wonderland. As you descend from the park's summit, you'll pass through lava fields, craters, and ancient flows. Notable stops include the Thurston Lava Tube, where you can walk through a natural tunnel formed by flowing lava, and the Holei Sea Arch, a dramatic rock formation along the coast created by centuries of volcanic activity. The ever-changing volcanic landscape makes this drive memorable.

Waimea Canyon Drive takes you through the heart of Kauai’s "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," an awe-inspiring landscape of vibrant red rock cliffs, deep valleys, and dramatic gorges. As you wind up the road, stop at the Waimea Canyon Lookout for sweeping views of the canyon’s layered rock formations and cascading waterfalls. Further along, the Kalalau Valley Lookout offers jaw-dropping vistas of the valley below, stretching out to the sparkling Pacific. As one of the best scenic drives in Hawaii, this Kauai adventure is a must for anyone looking to experience Kauai’s rugged, natural beauty.

Kamehameha V Highway is a peaceful coastal drive along Molokai’s southern shore, offering stunning views of the rugged coastline, ancient fishponds, and untouched landscapes. Along the way, you'll pass the historic Molokai Fishponds, centuries-old structures that showcase traditional Hawaiian aquaculture. A visit to Halawa Valley, one of the island’s most secluded and serene areas, reveals greenery and waterfalls within the valley. This scenic route offers a quiet, laid-back journey through some of Molokai’s most treasured spots.

Saddle Road (Route 200) cuts through the center of the Big Island, offering a spectacular drive between the Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. Navigating through Hawaii’s diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to lava fields, you'll experience everything from stark volcanic terrain to lush rainforests. Saddle Road also provides access to Mauna Kea, where you can take a detour to the summit for breathtaking stargazing. The road itself has been significantly improved over the years, making it more accessible for travelers, and it offers stunning views of the island’s highest peaks along the way.

Craving a more rugged adventure? The Munro Trail on Lānaʻi is an off-the-beaten-path route that winds through the island's mountainous highlands. Accessible by 4WD vehicles, this 12-mile trail offers panoramic views of the neighboring islands on clear days and takes you through pine forests, eucalyptus trees, and Lānaʻi's most untouched wilderness. Along the trail, you'll ascend to Lānaʻihale, the island's highest point, where the sweeping vistas extend over the Pacific. This scenic drive provides a tranquil escape, immersing you in the island's serene beauty far from the more traveled roads.