Blog Layout

7 Destinations in Hawaii Where You Can Drive

Camilo Jaime • Aug 09, 2021
Transport Reviews | Car Shipping Hawaii
Google Business Review | Car Shipping Hawaii
Yelp Feedback | Car Shipping Hawaii
FMCSA | Car Shipping Hawaii

Hawaii comprises multiple islands, so some non-residents tend to be confused about where to go when they get here. After all, there are plenty of destinations you can go to when driving around Hawaii. 

First Time Car Shipping

Moreover, the Hawaiian Islands have incredible natural resources, delicious food called ono, rich culture and history, favorable weather, and peace. Therefore, you have every reason to travel to Hawaii. 


In fact, each of the islands in Hawaii offers something different from the others. This means that visiting each of the 137 islands recognized by the state of Hawaii is a must if you’re ever in the area. 


However, you will need to fly or cruise to Hawaii because there is no road connecting Hawaii to the US mainland, so you can’t drive to Hawaii. Nevertheless, if you want to bring your car, you can avail of car shipping services to transport your vehicle to Hawaii.

Best Car to Drive in Hawaii

When you get to Hawaii, you have to select the best car to use for your trips across the state. In this case, the best car to drive in Hawaii is Toyota Tacoma since it is one of the most common cars on the islands. 


In general, the Toyota Tacoma is a pick-up truck that has about 159-HP. This vehicle comes with a four-cylinder engine (V-6) that helps it remain stable and strong, even when driving in trails and muddy areas. 


Therefore, you can be assured that you will maneuver easily and comfortably to every corner of Hawaii with this type of car. 

Piqsels

Of course, there are other cars that you could consider as alternatives to the Toyota Tacoma pick-up truck. These include the Mini Cooper, Jeep Wrangler, and Lexus SC430. 

Still, it would be best if you remembered that you are likely to find a Hawaii road with many potholes in almost every corner. This is because most of the Hawaii roads are paved with thin layers of asphalt, making them susceptible to recurrent wear and tear. 

Best Hawaiian Road Trips 

Overall, your trip to Hawaii will undoubtedly be memorable because the state has multiple beautiful sceneries. However, you still have to choose the best routes to enjoy the Hawaii scenery to its fullest.


So, if you intend to stay in Hawaii for several weeks, you can ship your car to Hawaii to avoid the stress of leasing one. For this, you can contract Car Shipping Hawaii to handle the shipping at an affordable price


Then, once you have your car in Hawaii, you can set off for the most memorable road trips. With that said, here is a list of seven of the best Hawaiian road trips you can consider. 

A trip to the South East coast through Maui road

Maui road, which extends beyond Hana, is surrounded by sparkling beauty and a magnificent landscape. In fact, as you drive towards Hamoa beach on the southern side of Hana, you will see a beach with a crescent shape and covered with lush vegetation. 



Moreover, you will see waterfalls when driving along the road until you get to the seven sacred pools popularly known as Ohe’o Gulch. 


However, you only will be allowed to swim in the last pool because the pools are a part of the Haleakala National Park. Then, you can take a ride through the extensive Haleakala national park. 


Lastly, you can also decide to stop at Palapala Ho’omau church and lay a wreath at Charles Lindbergh’s tomb. However, it’s recommended to take the trip during the sunset. 

A road trip from Kealakekua Bay to Kilauea

This road trip on the Big Island in the Hawaiian archipelago will take you twenty kilometers to the southern side of Kailua-Kona. Here, you will see the Kealakekua Bay, which is a marine reserve famous for kayaking. 



In this part of Hawaii, you can hire kayaks and enjoy paddling across the beach. Moreover, you can encounter historical sites such as where the famous Captain James Cook died in 1779. You can also drive to the southern edge and see the vast lava fields, green and black sand beaches, and traditional fishing villages. 


However, the ultimate goal of the Hawaii driving tour should be to visit the famous Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kilauea National Park. Here, you can hike and see petroglyphs and watch as the sun rises from the Halemaumau crater. 

A trip through Saddle road in the Big Island

This drive will be more fun if you love rollercoasters. Moreover, Saddle Road is a famous road in Hawaii due to its unique pattern and beautiful sceneries. 


While driving along this road, you will see the unique saddle-shaped valleys that run from Maua Kea volcano to Mauna Loa volcano. This road was built in 1942 by the military to ease their movement through the hilly landscape. 


However, it would be best to be careful when driving on this road because it is considered one of Hawaii’s most dangerous roads. Nevertheless, it has been sealed and maintained in good conditions with very few blind spots. 


Then, when driving from Kailua Kona to the southern side of Hilo, you will see beautiful sceneries such as lush pastures, moon-shaped landscapes, and black lava fields.

A trip to the North Shore in Oahu island

Honolulu is famous for its hot and hip climate. However, the North Shore region in Oahu island is the complete opposite of Honolulu. 


Here, you will enjoy a relaxed and calm atmosphere. From Honolulu airport, take a road trip to the east until you get to Waikiki Beach. In addition, you can also find a turtle bay on this beach. Moreover, you can also visit the famous surf town in Haleiwa, where you can spend the morning swimming with the turtles. 


Alternatively, you can also decide to go hiking in Waimea Falls. A trip along this route is never boring because you will enjoy Kayaks and wildlife in Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve. 



In addition, there are food trucks along the road where you can order your favorite snacks and keep hunger at bay. Overall, it’s a short trip, which means you can get back to Waikiki beach and enjoy sunset drinks on the beach. 

A trip to Maua Loa Volcano and Hualalai in the Big Island

In general, a good percentage of unique Hawaii scenery is located on the Big Island. Therefore, you expect to see many unique attractions whenever you drive to this island. 


As a result, you can drive to every corner of the island or choose some favorite sections. In addition, this island is famous for Kona coffee farming. Kona coffee is among the most expensive in the world majorly due to its quality and taste. 


Moreover, it’s cultivated along with the Maua Loa volcano and Hualalai volcano. Because of this, you can stop at any farm gate and order coffee. You can also hang out with cowboys in the highlands as they guide you through the region. 


Lastly, you can also participate in trail rides with the Mexican vaqueros’ descendants and finalize your trip by hiking in one of the five volcanoes on this island. 

Take a road trip to Hana in Maui 

Maui Island has a rugged landscape in its eastern region. However, a trip to Hana is one of the most memorable road trips in the world because you will loop around 620 curves and pass through 59 bridges. Here, you can see the black, white, and red sand beaches with spine-tingling vistas in every corner. 



However, you will be better placed to enjoy the scenery if you use a convertible car during the trip. With one, you can lower the roof down when driving from Kahului to Hana, a 100-kilometer stretch. 


In addition, you can also hang out with hippies at the Paia place, buy loaves of bread made of bananas at Twin Falls, and swim at Three Bears Falls. Then, before heading back, you can visit the Nahiku village to see the crenulated coastline at a better angle

A trip to Molokai

Molokai is a small island in Hawaii that has remained untouched by outside influences, unlike Maui and Oahu. For this trip, you can drive to Molokai through Kalae highway from the Molokai Airport. 



Then, while driving on this highway, you will enjoy a breathtaking and closer view of the lush green vegetation and the ocean. Since native Hawaiians mainly inhabit the island, you might be the only person driving on the road. 


In addition, you can order vanilla-flavored coffee on your way. Then, on the west side of Molokai, you will see dry plants similar to those found in the desert. However, you won’t miss seeing the white sand beach in Papohaku. Papohaku beach has turquoise water, and it is covered in white sand. 


Then, drive to the eastern side of the island through the Kamehameha V Highway. Here, you will see Kamakou Mountain, the ocean, and the fringing reef in the ocean. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

  • Can I drive to Hawaii?

    No, you cannot drive to Hawaii from the mainland because it is made up of islands. However, you can ship your car to Hawaii and enjoy driving around Hawaii.

  • How long does it take to drive around Hawaii?

    Driving around Hawaii can take you as long as you want, based on your itinerary. However, on average, you can take eight hours on average to go around Hawaii without making stopovers. 

Final Thoughts

Overall, driving around Hawaii can be an excellent way to explore what these islands have to offer – from the different stopovers along the way to the stunning natural sceneries you can see during your road trip.

Go High Level | Car Shipping Hawaii
Top 10 Things to Do in Hawaii | Car Shipping Hawaii
By Camilo Jaime 06 Oct, 2023
Explore the top 10 must-do activities in Hawaii with our ultimate bucket list guide for new residents. Discover the best of the Aloha State!
Payout for Your Scrap Car | Car Shipping Hawaii
By Camilo Jaime 06 Sep, 2023
Learn how to secure the highest payout for your scrap car. Explore strategies, factors affecting value, and tips for a successful sale in this comprehensive guide.
Luxury Cars in Dubai | Car Shipping Hawaii
By Camilo Jaime 28 Aug, 2023
Embark on a thrilling journey through Dubai's opulent landscape as you indulge in the ultimate luxury and sport car experience. Continue reading to learn more.
By Camilo Jaime 20 Aug, 2023
When one thinks of Hawaii, images of pristine beaches, swaying palm trees, and vibrant sunsets come to mind. But beyond its natural beauty, Hawaii is also known for something more intangible yet equally enchanting – the Aloha Spirit. This unique cultural concept goes beyond just a greeting; it embodies the essence of Hawaiian hospitality and a way of life that is deeply rooted in the island's history and traditions.
On Road | Car Shipping Hawaii
By Jerwin Munoz 18 Aug, 2023
Basics for FMCSA load securement rules for flatbed to keep driving safe on road and avoid damages. Know the how to secure trailer load before hit the read.
Hawaii's Public Transportation System | Car Shipping Hawaii
By Camilo Jaime 13 Aug, 2023
Discover the ins and outs of Hawaii's public transportation system with our comprehensive guide for new residents. Get valuable insights and tips!
Culture of Hawaii | Car Shipping Hawaii
By Camilo Jaime 13 Aug, 2023
Get insights into the cultural adjustments and surprises when moving to Hawaii. Learn about the Aloha spirit and local customs to prepare for a seamless transition
Hawaiian Healing Practices | Car Shipping Hawaii
By Camilo Jaime 06 Aug, 2023
Discover the ancient Hawaiian healing practices rooted in tradition and culture. Epxplore and learn about their modern resurgence for holistic wellness.
Share by: