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Summer Road Trips in Hawaii

Routes

30

Avg Distance

61 mi

Avg Drive

1h 39m

Destinations

25

Hawaii in the summer offers a diverse range of drives, with 30 routes averaging 61 miles and around 1 hour 38 minutes. You'll find options with drive scores up to 8 and maximum elevations reaching over 6,700 feet. While EV charger availability is limited on some routes, the scenic beauty and varied terrain make for memorable summer excursions across the islands.

Fuel snapshot for this state

Regular

$5.33/gal

Diesel: $5.60/gal

Typical trip cost

$7–$21

One-way, ~61 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG

CO₂ per trip

~21 kg

ICE vehicle, one-way average

Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-08-31

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. Table highlights Summer months.

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 peak 87 74 0.5
Jul peak 88 75 0.5
Aug peak 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

Frequently Asked Questions

We've identified 30 routes in Hawaii that work well for summer travel, based on drive quality, typical weather conditions, and distance (averaging 61 miles).
Current regular gas averages $5.33/gallon in Hawaii (week of 2026-08-31). Diesel: $5.60/gallon. A typical one-way trip on these routes costs between $7 and $21. Source: US Energy Information Administration.
Across Jun, Jul, Aug, Hawaii typically sees daytime highs in the 87–89°F range with about 0.6 in of rain per month on average. Based on NOAA 1991–2020 monthly climate normals.
Drive times and distances come from OSRM routing over real OpenStreetMap road networks. Fuel costs use weekly US Energy Information Administration state-level gas prices. Drive scores factor in elevation profile, road variety, and terrain. EV charging data is sourced from NREL. Climate normals come from NOAA NCEI (1991–2020 reference period). Hazard data comes from FEMA and USGS public feeds.
Yes. Click any route to see its full trip page with turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost estimates, elevation profile, stop suggestions, weather conditions, and more.

Summer Routes

Editor's pick

Hawaiian Paradise Park, HI → Captain Cook, HI

100.4 mi 2h 27m Score: 8/10 ~$21 fuel

Through: Hilo/Volcano

5 tricky spots High drive quality

This route boasts the highest drive score at 8 and climbs to over 6,700 feet, offering a challenging and rewarding experience with high-altitude sections. It also features park access for exploring the natural surroundings.

Editor's pick

Hawaiian Paradise Park, HI → Hāwī, HI

99.7 mi 2h 41m Score: 7/10 ~$21 fuel

Through: Hilo/Volcano

5 tricky spots

With a drive score of 7 and a maximum elevation of nearly 2,700 feet, this drive presents a hilly landscape with moderate ascents. It includes access to parks, perfect for a summer day trip.

Editor's pick

Volcano, HI → Kalaoa, HI

95.8 mi 2h 17m Score: 7/10 ~$19 fuel
5 tricky spots

This drive offers a drive score of 7 and reaches an elevation of over 6,600 feet, featuring significant climbs. It provides fair EV coverage and access to parks, making it a convenient and scenic option.

Kalaoa, HI → Volcano, HI

95.7 mi 2h 17m Score: 7/10 ~$20 fuel
5 tricky spots

Kalaoa, HI → Leilani Estates, HI

91.1 mi 2h 15m Score: 7/10 ~$19 fuel

Through: Pahoa/Kalapana

5 tricky spots

Hawaiian Paradise Park, HI → Hōlualoa, HI

90.9 mi 2h 17m Score: 7/10 ~$18 fuel

Through: Hilo/Volcano

5 tricky spots

Kalaoa, HI → Nanawale Estates, HI

89.8 mi 2h 8m Score: 7/10 ~$19 fuel

Through: Pahoa/Kalapana

5 tricky spots

Kalaoa, HI → Fern Acres, HI

85.8 mi 2h 6m Score: 7/10 ~$18 fuel
5 tricky spots

Kalaoa, HI → Orchidlands Estates, HI

83.2 mi 2h 6m Score: 7/10 ~$17 fuel

Through: Pahoa/Kalapana

5 tricky spots

Kalaoa, HI → Kurtistown, HI

77.9 mi 1h 50m Score: 7/10 ~$16 fuel
5 tricky spots

Kalaoa, HI → Pāpa‘ikou, HI

75.9 mi 1h 48m Score: 7/10 ~$16 fuel
5 tricky spots

Hana, HI → Lahaina, HI

71.6 mi 2h 25m Score: 7/10 ~$15 fuel
5 tricky spots

Hawaiian Paradise Park, HI → Waimea, HI

70.8 mi 1h 50m Score: 7/10 ~$15 fuel

Through: Hilo/Volcano

5 tricky spots

Kalaoa, HI → Kapaau, HI

52.5 mi 1h 27m Score: 7/10 ~$10 fuel
5 tricky spots

Kahuku, HI → Waianae, HI

50.8 mi 1h 30m Score: 7/10 ~$11 fuel

Through: Honolulu → I H1 West: Waianae

5 tricky spots

Kalaoa, HI → Hāwī, HI

50.3 mi 1h 23m Score: 7/10 ~$10 fuel
5 tricky spots

Punalu‘u, HI → Waianae, HI

49 mi 1h 27m Score: 8/10 ~$10 fuel

Through: I H3 West: Pearl Harbor → I H1 West: Pearl City

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Waianae, HI → Ka‘a‘awa, HI

47.1 mi 1h 24m Score: 8/10 ~$10 fuel

Through: Kaneohe → Honolulu → Aiea +2 more

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Hana, HI → Pukalani, HI

43.1 mi 1h 41m Score: 6/10 ~$9 fuel
4 tricky spots

Waianae, HI → Waimānalo Beach, HI

43 mi 1h 12m Score: 8/10 ~$9 fuel

Through: Kaneohe → Honolulu → Aiea +1 more

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Kēōkea, HI → Lahaina, HI

40.8 mi 1h 9m Score: 6/10 ~$8 fuel
5 tricky spots

Waianae, HI → Kahalu‘u, HI

39.4 mi 1h 7m Score: 8/10 ~$8 fuel

Through: Kaneohe → Honolulu → Aiea +2 more

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Kahalu‘u, HI → Waianae, HI

38.3 mi 1h 5m Score: 8/10 ~$8 fuel

Through: I H3 West: Pearl Harbor → I H1 West: Pearl City

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Makawao, HI → Kaanapali Landing, HI

38 mi 1h 6m Score: 6/10 ~$8 fuel
5 tricky spots

Kahuku, HI → Hālawa Heights, HI

37.9 mi 1h 9m Score: 6/10 ~$8 fuel

Through: Honolulu → Waimalu → Pearlridge +2 more

5 tricky spots

Waianae, HI → Mokulēia, HI

37.9 mi 1h 4m Score: 8/10 ~$8 fuel

Through: I H2 North: Miliani → Wahiawa → Waialua

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Makawao, HI → Kā‘anapali, HI

37.3 mi 1h 5m Score: 6/10 ~$8 fuel
5 tricky spots

Waianae, HI → Hale‘iwa, HI

36.6 mi 1h 3m Score: 7/10 ~$8 fuel

Through: I H2 North: Miliani → Wahiawa

5 tricky spots

Pukalani, HI → Kaanapali Landing, HI

35.7 mi 1h 3m Score: 6/10 ~$7 fuel
5 tricky spots

Kahuku, HI → Honolulu, HI

35.3 mi 1h 15m Score: 6/10 ~$7 fuel
5 tricky spots

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