Summer Road Trips in Hawaii
Routes
30
Avg Distance
56 mi
Avg Drive
1h 33m
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.
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.
Summer hazards: what the data says
Recent seismic activity (last 7 days)
1 earthquakes M3.0+ — strongest M3.1 in Hawaii.
Source: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
Historical context — not a real-time advisory. Always check local road conditions before departing.
Planning Tips
- Carry extra water — summer heat in the car and at rest stops dehydrates faster than you think.
- Start drives early or late to avoid peak afternoon heat, especially through desert or plains stretches.
- Check your tire pressure before long summer drives — hot pavement increases blowout risk with underinflated tires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Routes
Editor's pick
Hawaiian Paradise Park, HI → Captain Cook, HI
Through: Hilo/Volcano
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
Through: Hilo/Volcano
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.
Kalaoa, HI → Volcano, HI
Kalaoa, HI → Leilani Estates, HI
Through: Pahoa/Kalapana
Hawaiian Paradise Park, HI → Hōlualoa, HI
Through: Hilo/Volcano
Kalaoa, HI → Nanawale Estates, HI
Through: Pahoa/Kalapana
Kalaoa, HI → Fern Acres, HI
Kalaoa, HI → Orchidlands Estates, HI
Through: Pahoa/Kalapana
Kalaoa, HI → Kurtistown, HI
Hana, HI → Lahaina, HI
Kalaoa, HI → Kapaau, HI
Kahuku, HI → Waianae, HI
Through: Honolulu → I H1 West: Waianae
Kalaoa, HI → Hāwī, HI
Punalu‘u, HI → Waianae, HI
Through: I H3 West: Pearl Harbor → I H1 West: Pearl City
Hana, HI → Pukalani, HI
Waianae, HI → Waimānalo Beach, HI
Through: Kaneohe → Honolulu → Aiea +1 more
Kēōkea, HI → Lahaina, HI
Waianae, HI → Kahalu‘u, HI
Through: Kaneohe → Honolulu → Aiea +2 more
Makawao, HI → Kaanapali Landing, HI
Kahuku, HI → Hālawa Heights, HI
Through: Honolulu → Waimalu → Pearlridge +2 more
Waianae, HI → Mokulēia, HI
Through: I H2 North: Miliani → Wahiawa → Waialua
Kā‘anapali, HI → Makawao, HI
Honolulu, HI → Mākaha Valley, HI
Through: I H1 West: Fort Shafter → Airport → I H201 West: Fort Shafter +2 more
Pukalani, HI → Kaanapali Landing, HI
Kahuku, HI → Honolulu, HI
Pukalani, HI → Kā‘anapali, HI
Kēōkea, HI → Wailea, HI
Hālawa Heights, HI → Lā‘ie, HI
Through: Kahekili Highway
Honolulu, HI → Lā‘ie, HI
Through: Kahekili Highway
Hālawa Heights, HI → Hau‘ula, HI
Through: Kahekili Highway