The right way to explore Hawaii is to travel by road in order to uncover the authentic places that are often missed by the tourists. Those incomparably scenic islands are just perfect to plan a road trip, and it is a joy to get immersed in a varied landscape unlike any other. One is sure to encounter jungles, farmlands, deserts, warm beaches and cool highlands. There are hidden gems to discover in those soaring mountains and plunging valleys. The Hawaiian Islands have to offer a lot to their visitors. Once you arrive in Hawaii, arrange for your lodging, and the cool idea is to opt for a rental house in Hawaii that offers you the flexibility and affordability. Rather than plan multiple days to complete those road trips, it is best to cover them in a shorter time span and then move on to the other road trip.
Here are some of the best road trips to make in Hawaiian. Create a road trip itinerary from any of these Hawaiian road trips and build lifetime memories. Go ahead and take those road trips based on the preference of the islands.
Big Island
Plan a road trip in the Big Island where you are sure to experience the diversity and evolution of Kilauea. Go past along the dramatic easternmost shoreline and past lush Keaau towards Kilauea. On the way, stop at the Keaau Village Farmers Market to enjoy fresh fruits. Later you can float in the thermal tide pools and as cool ocean water in Ahalanui County Park.
You will come across countless varieties of orchids on the way. Stop at the Puna Hongwanji Mission, a magnificent Buddhist temple if seeking culture and peace. Take a sunset hike at the Volcano House if looking for adventure. The Halemaumau Trail inside the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has moonscape-like calderas. There are lush tropical forest and fern-laden pathways all along. You are indeed on one of the most dramatic easternmost shorelines as you go past the lush Keaau and reach Kilauea that is 3,850 feet in altitude.
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Molokai
Molokai is immensely popular among road trippers. Once the home of hula and training ground for Hawaiian spiritual leaders, one finds a bit of everything here. There are coconut-palmed beaches and tallest sea cliffs. Start your journey and reach Coffees of Hawaii Molokai Plantation and later Kalaupapa National Historical Park. After exploring the vistas and forest, return to the highway to reach Farrington Highway and drive to Kepuhi Beach.
You will go through picturesque hills among thickets of ironwood. Visit the old plantation village of Maunaloa and the Stables at Koele. Watch out for axis deer and wild turkey on Paniolo Trail. Take an espresso tour in the Coffees of Hawaii Molokai Plantation and check out the Beach Boy Ranch known for its hydroponically grown fruits and vegetables. Take free kite flying lessons at the Big Wind Kite Factory in Maunaloa Town. Stop at Palaau State Park to enjoy stunning views from the highest sea cliffs. It is a wonderful experience to walk through the pine and spruce forests.
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Lanai
Lanai is popular because of its charming plantation-style cottages and friendly residents. It is indeed an idyllic way to spend time on the road, what with the diversity of its highland forests and the solitude of its beaches. After passing Hulopoe Beach Park, you enter the desert like scrub-brush terrain that will further lead you to pine and spruce highlands. As you pass the quaint Lanai City and Dole Park, you enter the Route 430. You can park your car along the Munro Trail and hike to Koloiki Ridge vista. Drive through Koele Road and Polihua Road to reach the secluded Polihua Beach. Enjoy the golden stretch of sands to yourself.
Make a stop at the Hilo Coffee Mill to enjoy coffee ice cream and enjoy looking at the 24 acres of the major coffee farm. Ride up to Hulopoe Bay known for colorful reefs and unique marine life. After snorkeling Hulopoe Bay, take the Koloiki Ridge off the Munro Trail to enjoy glorious views of Molokai and Maui. You can test your hunting skills at Lanai Pine Sporting Clays. There is the option of bow and arrow for Renaissance lovers. Later you can enjoy exploring the secluded Polihua or Lopa beaches.
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Maui
Maui is named after the last ruling chief, Kahekili and the Route 340 takes one through the ancient Hawaiian footpath that winds winding in and out of valleys, above crashing surfs, through steep ravines, and a jagged lava coastline. The route takes you past Nakalele Point, and you can reach Ancient Paved Trail which is a short distance away. Stop at the dramatic Nakalele Blowhole and the Bell Stone in Pohaku Kani. The country drive creates a perfect hometown feeling. You can later take a dirt trail to geyser-shooting Nakalele Blowhole and enjoy the adventures exploring rain forests near the village of Kahakuloa and the Kaukini Gallery. Kaukini Gallery boasts of works by local artists.
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Oahu
Kalanianaole Highway/Route 72 from Hawaii Kai to Kailua is chomped by crashing surf and studded with volcanic craters. This small stretch of road is a must if looking for a great road trip. Explore Hawaii Kai, made of a network of canals and marinas and as you head uphill, stop for scenic lookouts. Wind around the cliffs and lava and enjoy the whole panorama of windward Oahu. Head through the town of Waimanalo and move on to Kailua. Kailua Beach is a long stretch of miles of silky white sand. See dramatic offshore islands and visit Sea Life Park with a marine mammal show that showcases tropical fish, sea turtles and sharks. Breathe deeply as you are in one of the cleanest air on the planet, with miles of open ocean around you.
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So, when are you heading to Hawaii and which destination will you choose for the road trip?
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