Quiet Scenic Drives, Island by Island
Some of the best of hidden Hawaii is seen through a windshield, on roads with more fruit stands than tour buses. These drives are open public roads; drive them slowly, use pull-outs and let local traffic pass.
| Island | Drive | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Oahu | Windward coast, Kaneohe to Laie | Beach parks, fishponds and valley views; weekday mornings are quietest. |
| Oahu | Waianae coast to the road’s end near Kaena Point | Long beaches and dry mountains; lock the car and leave nothing in it. |
| Maui | Upcountry, through Makawao and Kula | Cool air, farms and big views; combine with a garden or farm visit. |
| Maui | Hana Highway and Kipahulu | Narrow and winding; stay overnight in Hana to avoid rushing. |
| Hawaii Island | Kohala Mountain Road, Waimea to Hawi | Ranch country with ocean views on both sides; often misty. |
| Hawaii Island | Hamakua Coast, Hilo to Honokaa | Gulches, waterfalls and old sugar towns; detour to the Waipio lookout. |
| Molokai | East end toward Halawa | Single-lane in places; drive with patience. |
| Kauai | West side to Hanapepe and Waimea | Check road and park reopenings after Hurricane Lowell first. |
Driving Considerately
- On one-lane bridges, follow the local custom: let a group of oncoming cars cross before you go.
- Never stop in the road for photos; use marked pull-outs only.
- Check your rental agreement before taking unpaved or restricted roads, and rent four-wheel drive where it is required.
- Fill the tank before remote drives; stations can be far apart.
- Keep valuables out of sight and out of the car at trailheads and beaches.
When to Drive
Early mornings are calmest on almost every road, with softer light for photographs and fewer cars. Windward drives are greenest after rain but can be slippery; leeward drives are sunny and hot by midday. Avoid weekend afternoons near popular beach parks, when local families head to the coast.
Making Drives Part of the Trip
A drive is best as a whole day, not a dash between sights. Pack water and snacks, plan one or two walks, and finish before dark; many rural roads have no lighting. Staying a night at the far end — Hana on Maui, Hilo or Volcano on Hawaii Island, Hawi in North Kohala — turns a long return drive into a relaxed morning.
Find inns and rentals in small towns on Rooms Cheap, and island-by-island road advice on Oahu Planner, Maui Planner and Best of Hawaii Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a four-wheel-drive car in Hawaii?
For most drives, no. You need one for some unpaved roads, such as those on Lanai, and rental agreements often restrict certain roads, so check yours.
What is the most scenic quiet drive in Hawaii?
It depends on the island, but the Hamakua Coast and Kohala Mountain Road on Hawaii Island and the windward coast of Oahu are hard to beat for scenery with light traffic.
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