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
- 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.
Editor's pick
Volcano, HI → Kalaoa, HI
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
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
Kalaoa, HI → Pāpa‘ikou, HI
Hana, HI → Lahaina, HI
Hawaiian Paradise Park, HI → Waimea, HI
Through: Hilo/Volcano
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
Waianae, HI → Ka‘a‘awa, HI
Through: Kaneohe → Honolulu → Aiea +2 more
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
Kahalu‘u, HI → Waianae, HI
Through: I H3 West: Pearl Harbor → I H1 West: Pearl City
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
Makawao, HI → Kā‘anapali, HI
Waianae, HI → Hale‘iwa, HI
Through: I H2 North: Miliani → Wahiawa
Pukalani, HI → Kaanapali Landing, HI
Kahuku, HI → Honolulu, HI