Scenic Drives in Hawaii
Routes
18
Avg Distance
46 mi
Avg Drive
1h 15m
Destinations
17
Not every route in Hawaii is memorable, but these 18 are. Each scores at least 7/10 for drive quality, meaning real elevation changes, scenic stretches, and roads that feel like more than just pavement between two points.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$5.63/gal
Diesel: $5.35/gal
Typical trip cost
$2–$22
One-way, ~46 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~16 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-06-01
Climate through the year: Hawaii
Hawaii peaks at around 89°F in Aug and cools to 81°F / 67°F in Jan. Wettest month is Mar at ~2.4 in of rain.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 81 | 67 | 1.8 |
| Feb | 81 | 67 | 1.9 |
| Mar | 81 | 68 | 2.4 |
| Apr | 83 | 70 | 0.8 |
| May | 85 | 72 | 0.8 |
| Jun | 87 | 74 | 0.5 |
| Jul | 88 | 75 | 0.5 |
| Aug | 89 | 76 | 0.8 |
| Sep | 88 | 75 | 0.9 |
| Oct | 87 | 74 | 1.5 |
| Nov | 84 | 72 | 2.3 |
| Dec | 82 | 69 | 2.2 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for HI — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
Planning Tips
- Scenic routes often have fewer gas stations and services. Top off your tank before heading into mountainous or rural stretches.
- Budget extra time for scenic drives — pulling over for views, photos, and short hikes is half the point.
- Check weather conditions for mountain passes and high-elevation stretches, especially in shoulder seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Top Scenic Routes
Hāwī, HI → Hawaiian Paradise Park, HI
Through: Pahoa/Kalapana
Kalaoa, HI → Leilani Estates, HI
Through: Pahoa/Kalapana
Hawaiian Paradise Park, HI → Hōlualoa, HI
Through: Hilo/Volcano
Kalaoa, HI → Fern Acres, HI
Kalaoa, HI → Orchidlands Estates, HI
Through: Pahoa/Kalapana
Kalaoa, HI → Kapaau, HI
Kahuku, HI → Waianae, HI
Through: Honolulu → I H1 West: Waianae
Waianae, HI → Kahalu‘u, HI
Through: Kaneohe → Honolulu → Aiea +2 more
Hālawa Heights, HI → Lā‘ie, HI
Through: Kahekili Highway
Honolulu, HI → Mokulēia, HI
Through: I H1 West: Fort Shafter → Airport → I H201 West: Fort Shafter +4 more
Honolulu, HI → Mā‘ili, HI
Through: I H1 West: Fort Shafter → Airport → I H201 West: Fort Shafter +2 more
Keolu Hills, HI → Makakilo City, HI
Through: I H3 West: Pearl Harbor → I H1 West: Pearl City → Waianae
Waianae, HI → Waipi‘o Acres, HI
Through: Waikele → Waipahu
Hālawa Heights, HI → Mā‘ili, HI
Through: Waianae
Waianae, HI → Waipio, HI
Through: Waikele → Waipahu
Hālawa Heights, HI → Waimānalo Beach, HI
Through: I H3 East: Kaneohe → Kaneohe
‘Aiea, HI → Maunawili, HI
Through: I H3 East: Kaneohe → Kaneohe
Hālawa Heights, HI → Mililani Town, HI
Through: I H-1 West: Pearl City → Waipahu