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Summer Road Trips in Hawaii

Routes

20

Avg Distance

58 mi

Avg Drive

1h 38m

Destinations

18

Hawaii in the summer offers a diverse range of drives, with 21 routes averaging 57 miles and taking about 96 minutes. You'll encounter varying terrain, from gently rolling hills to high-altitude climbs reaching up to 6,602 feet. While EV charging infrastructure is limited, the emphasis here is on experiencing the state's natural beauty, with many routes offering access to parks.

Fuel snapshot for this state

Regular

$4.97/gal

Diesel: $4.80/gal

Typical trip cost

$6–$19

One-way, ~58 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG

CO₂ per trip

~20 kg

ICE vehicle, one-way average

Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-07-13

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 20 routes in Hawaii that work well for summer travel, based on drive quality, typical weather conditions, and distance (averaging 58 miles).
Current regular gas averages $4.97/gallon in Hawaii (week of 2026-07-13). Diesel: $4.80/gallon. A typical one-way trip on these routes costs between $6 and $19. 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

Hāwī, HI → Hawaiian Paradise Park, HI

99.7 mi 2h 41m Score: 7/10 ~$19 fuel

Through: Pahoa/Kalapana

5 tricky spots

This 99.7-mile drive features gently rolling terrain and reaches a maximum elevation of 2,729 feet, offering access to parks. It's a solid choice for experiencing the island's landscapes.

Editor's pick

Volcano, HI → Kalaoa, HI

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

Climbing to an impressive 6,602 feet, this 95.8-mile route presents high-altitude sections with significant ascents, alongside park access. It's a journey through dramatic elevation changes.

Editor's pick

Kalaoa, HI → Leilani Estates, HI

91.1 mi 2h 15m Score: 7/10 ~$18 fuel

Through: Pahoa/Kalapana

5 tricky spots

Traversing high-altitude areas with notable climbs up to 6,759 feet, this 91.1-mile trip provides park access. It's an engaging route for those seeking elevation gain.

Hawaiian Paradise Park, HI → Hōlualoa, HI

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

Through: Hilo/Volcano

5 tricky spots

Kalaoa, HI → Fern Acres, HI

85.8 mi 2h 6m Score: 7/10 ~$17 fuel
5 tricky spots

Kalaoa, HI → Orchidlands Estates, HI

83.2 mi 2h 6m Score: 7/10 ~$16 fuel

Through: Pahoa/Kalapana

5 tricky spots

Kalaoa, HI → Kurtistown, HI

77.9 mi 1h 50m Score: 7/10 ~$15 fuel
5 tricky spots

Hana, HI → Lahaina, HI

71.6 mi 2h 25m Score: 7/10 ~$14 fuel
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 ~$10 fuel

Through: Honolulu → I H1 West: Waianae

5 tricky spots

Hana, HI → Pukalani, HI

43.1 mi 1h 41m Score: 6/10 ~$8 fuel
4 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

Makawao, HI → Kaanapali Landing, HI

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

Kahuku, HI → Hālawa Heights, HI

37.9 mi 1h 9m Score: 6/10 ~$7 fuel

Through: Honolulu → Waimalu → Pearlridge +2 more

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

Pukalani, HI → Kā‘anapali, HI

35 mi 1h 2m Score: 6/10 ~$7 fuel
5 tricky spots

Kēōkea, HI → Wailea, HI

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

Hālawa Heights, HI → Lā‘ie, HI

33.5 mi 1h 9m Score: 7/10 ~$7 fuel

Through: Kahekili Highway

5 tricky spots

Honolulu, HI → Lā‘ie, HI

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

Through: Kahekili Highway

5 tricky spots

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