View seen from hiking on the Old Pali road of the Pali Highway. Editorial credit: Kara Knight / Shutterstock.com

7 Most Scenic Drives in Hawaii

Hawaii's vibrant history has much to do with its physical tropical environment. The Big Island is known for its beautiful sceneries that capture visitors in awe and appreciation. Although much of Hawaii is explored by foot through captivating hiking trails or walking along its panoramic beaches, how visitors access these breathtaking views is often by car. These 7 scenic drives offer visitors a chance to look among and, eventually, explore the geological wonders of Hawaii that take them down the cultural and historical significance of land, life, and preservation.

Hamakau

Hamakua Coast, Aerial Shot.
Hamakua Coast, Aerial Shot.

The name Hamakau comes from the Hawaiian legend of Kana and Niheu, where Kana was raised in Hawaii and founded a "moku" with the name Hamakau. The many stories truly encompass the beauty of the Hamakua Coast Panoramic Road. Beginning in Hilo City, visitors are introduced to the Rainbow Waterfall, which cascades colors from the bright sun. You can continue your journey by stopping in the towns of Honomu and Honokaa. Visitors can take in the 442-foot Akaka Waterfalls in Honomu or visit Waipio Valley in Honokaa, which looks over the Pacific Ocean and Hawaii's tropical forests. Between the two towns takes about an hour; however, considering the amount of history and attractions offered, like the Honuapu's People's Theatre or the 1946 Tsunami memorial park, Laupahoehoe Point, locals encourage everyone to treat the trip delicately.

Hanalei Valley Lookout

Taro fields in beautiful Hanalei Valley on Kauai island, Hawaii.
Taro fields in beautiful Hanalei Valley on Kauai island, Hawaii.

Like in the name, Hanalei Valley Lookout is known for Hanalei Valley, which is located along Kuhio Highway and offers tropical green landscapes, hillsides, rivers, and stops at the gorgeous Hanalei Bay and Hanalei River. What has made Hanalei Valley Lookout more memorable in the 21st century is the New Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge viewpoint, or NWR. This tour is meant to be self-guided and offers visitors a chance to stop their car and speak with locals in a grounding experience about the history of Hanalei and the preservation of its wildlife that faces the threat of endangerment. Visitors can enjoy the captivation of Hanalei Valley at a safe distance to honor the people and their animal inhabitants.

The sign about the wildlife of the Hanalei Valley Lookout in Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii.
The sign about the wildlife of the Hanalei Valley Lookout in Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii. Image credit Barbarajo via Shutterstock.com

Pali Highway

Nuuanu pali highway on Oahu, Hawaii.
Nuuanu Pali Highway on Oahu, Hawaii.

Carrying an interesting history of how it was constructed, Pali Highway offers scenic views that take 30-40 minutes between the Windward Side and Honolulu. Known for its mountains, valleys, and rain, visitors will be exposed to heaven's waterfalls in Nuuanu Valley, where the rush of the winds lifts the water up into the sky. Along the way is Lulumahu Falls, where visitors can stop and enjoy a hike along Hawaii's bamboo forest and discover the enrapturing waterfall. Pali Lookout is famous for overlooking Windward Ohau and Kāneʻohe Bay. Additionally, citing the history of Kamehameha the Great winning the battle against his rival army.

Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline

Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail on Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, Oahu, Hawaii.
Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail on Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, Oahu, Hawaii.

Located off the Kalanianaole Highway in East Honolulu to Makapu'u Beach, Kaiwi State Scenic Shorelines offers coastal views of Hawaii Kai, Hanamuma Bay, and Sandy Beach Park. As visitors keep driving, they will comes along Makapu'u Head where the famous Makapu'u lighthouse resides. Built in 1909, the lighthouse was dedicated to guiding Hawaiian mariners. Visitors are encourage to take a break after the short drive and hike along the trail where they will witness Hawaiian wildlife and take in the crystal coast waters.

Diamond Head Road

Road by the Diamond Head Mountain landmark and Honolulu suburbs, Oahu Hawaii.
Road by the Diamond Head Mountain landmark and Honolulu suburbs, Oahu Hawaii.

Situated between Waikiki and Kahala is the Diamond Head Road. The road itself gives scenes along the coastline. However, if you are looking to stop, then you can hike along East Honolu's historic volcanic crater, the Diamond Head, where you can get a closer look of the stunning shoreline and a glimpse into the geoglophical and miltary history of the crater. Also along the road is the lookout point Kuilei Cliff where visitors can also look among the oceanfront mansions of Kahala.

Waimea Canyon

People visiting the Waimea Canyon State Park in Waimea, Hawaii.
People visiting the Waimea Canyon State Park in Waimea, Hawaii. Editorial credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.com.

Considered one of the most scenic drives in the Kohala District between Waimea and Kokee, Waimea Canyon offers views, history, and preservation that make it remembered by visitors and honored by locals. The formation of Waimea Canyon is said to have occurred millions of years ago, experiencing erupting volcanoes, erosion, and eventually valleys, waterfalls, and rivers being formed. Today, Waimea Canyon offers scenic drives where visitors can view the beautiful geology from several angles, passing through forests and meadows. Waimea Canyon also encourages hiking with its intentionally formed trails along the cliffs, camping and picnic sites, and the Kokee Museum, which has the history and cultural significance of the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.

Kapoho Kalapana (Highway 137)

A truck drives under the tree tunnel covering part of the scene byway Highway 137.
A truck drives under the tree tunnel covering part of the scene byway Highway 137. Editorial credit: Chris Allan / Shutterstock.com

Going by three names: The Red Road, Highway 137, or Kapoho Kalapana, this 11 mile scenic Hawaii route is located between the towns of the later names of Kapoho and Kalapana. What makes Kapoho Kalapana a "visitors' paradise" is the scenes of the drive offering a look into "old Hawaii." The route comes along more rugged coastlines with older buildings, coconut groves, and tree groves. Among the most admirable sights are the Kaimu, Kahena, and Pohoiki black-sand beaches that are reflective of recent volcanic eruptions. Although the beaches are safe and welcoming, other areas down the drive are said not to be walked along due to respect for the environment and respect for Hawaiian legends. Visitors can mingle with locals, hike among hardened lava rocks, sit in the Hala tree grove, and lie on dark sandy beaches. It is also important to note that Kapoho Kalapana has been under construction since January 2025 and will be open again in 2026.

Taking a drive in Hawaii is entering a world of wondrous sights. However, what makes Hawaii so beautiful, is it being real life with real land and real preservation. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the the island as they are encouraged to appreciate it. The scenes presented in these 7 routes are just the surface of Hawaii's grand and unyeilding culture, history, and enviroment.

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