Hawaii's Most Beautiful Self-Drive Highway

Line Features: there are enough waterfalls to last you a lifetime!

The 52-kilometer-long Hana Highway along the east coast of Maui Island is considered to be one of the most scenic routes in the world and is of course one of the most beautiful highways in the United States.

There are more than 600 hairpin bends and 50 bridges along the Hana Highway, and you should take time out to park up and spend a few quiet moments enjoying every beautiful panorama you happen to encounter, whether it’s a lush rainforest or the waterfall that could be lurking round every corner. The highway has come to be known as Heaven’s Highway because of its unique setting, and you can also enjoy the fascinating beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

The road snakes through tropical valleys and between towering cliffs, with beautiful scenery all the way; your route will take you across narrow single-lane bridges, through hairpin bends and past beautiful island scenery – some drivers have been known to take 4 hours to complete the trip.

As you head east from Pa’ia, you will encounter fewer and fewer houses as these are replaced by sugar cane fields and increasingly beautiful landscape. As you pass the 16-mile post on Hwy36, the signs on Hana Highway will now indicate Hwy36, and the milepost count will reset to zero.

Tips: 1. This road has many bends and rugged road surfaces. You are recommended to hire a jeep off road vehicles and Ford Mustangs. These two cars hold the road well and are the best choice for driving on this road. 2. Avoid crowds and start early in the morning. 3. Fill up in Pa‘ia. There will not be another gas station until Hana. 4. Bring snacks and enough water. 5. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and be ready to jump out for a swim at any time. 6. If you encounter a local driver as you are driving along, you are recommended to drive to the curb and let the local driver pass – they drive at a different speed! 7. Bring cash for buying things from roadside stalls. 8. Wear shoes suitable for hiking and climbing on smooth rocks and you will be able to get out for a walk at any time along the way. 9. Leave your valuables in your hotel or apartment; don’t leave electronic equipment on a car seat, as it may tempt a thief to smash the window.

Special features: Bring the kids so a sea turtle can say hi

This road located on Oahu is also known as Route83. It was once rated as the most popular road from Kaneohe to Turtle Bay. This is one option for an excursion.

The poetic bay and lava plateau at the north end of Oahu Island is where the windward coast and the north coast meet. The open scenery along the way will definitely relax you and put a spring in your step. This is also a good self-drive option for parents with children; take the kids out to experience Nature at first hand – and maybe even say hi to a turtle.

Route characteristics: Get away from the noise of the city and feel the freedom of the wind in your hair

Driving from downtown Honolulu on Oahu Island to the windward coast, you will pass a charming, modern Hawaiian road known as the Pali Highway.

Having followed the highway through towering trees and lush forests before finally arriving at the Palley Observation Deck, you will be delighted to discover that the city's hustle and bustle has melted away and the gentle beauty of Hawaii's natural landscape is laid out in front of you.

Standing among towering peaks on a stone platform about 305 meters above the shoreline of Oahu, you will have a panoramic view of Kaneohe, Kailuya, Mokolii and Coconut Island.

Line Features: Crossing tropical rainforests in search of waterfalls

Head northeast across the island along the Hamakua coastline north of Shiloh town to discovers the Hamakua Heritage Corridor, which is famed for its beautiful scenery.

Follow this road to explore lush tropical rainforests and try to spot the waterfalls along the way. From the Waipio Valley, you will see steep cliffs and an endless blue coastline. You might also like to visit Akaka and enjoy the cascading waterfalls at Akaka Falls State Park.

Line Features: Various volcanic features along the road

The Crater Road is located in the Volcanoes National Park, so you will need to buy Volcanoes National Park tickets if you wish to drive this route by yourself. This journey starts with a circle around the crater and stops at the place where the magma flowed across the road. Traces of lava and evidence of lava eruptions can be seen along the road, and each section dates to a specific era.

On the way, you will also see the park’s main attractions: Kilauea Viewpoint, Jaggar Museum, Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, the Destruction Trail, Kilauea Crater View and, of course, the Selston Lava Pass. You will also see the endless beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

Tips: 1. The Volcanoes National Park lies at a high altitude and the weather is windy with low temperatures, so remember to bring a jacket to keep out the cold. Wear sports shoes, trousers and tops. Carry a telescope and a flashlight for night use. Don't forget to bring your raincoat. It's often rainy in the east of the island. In addition, you are recommended to bring a compass and a first aid kit, just in case. 2. Food and water should be prepared before visiting the park. Drinking water and food facilities are not available in the park. 3. It takes about 2 hours to drive around the crater. However, this road is close to the crater and will be temporarily closed in the event of volcanic activity, when a detour will be required. Before setting off, please consult park staff about the current situation and make specific travel plans.

Line features: Green grassland and valleys make for the best backgrounds for photography

Set off from Waimea on the big island and drive along Kohala Hill Road, which is beautiful on both sides, before arriving at the relaxed and pleasant town of Harvey with its fascinating scenic spots (such as the Pololu Valley, where you can also enjoy spectacular views of the Hamakuya coast).

Waimea Town is known as the hometown of cowboys and is covered with lush rolling grassland. Here you will still find livestock, cowboys and green pasture land. If you are driving yourself, will need to remember that “Stop” signs are marked “Whoa”, not“Stop”, in Waimea.

Park at the end of the highway, at a spot overlooking the verdant cliffs of the Pololu Valley and the magnificent scenery of the northeastern coastline, and you will see horses grazing on the slopes and the beautiful black sandy beaches at the mouth of the valley. This magnificent view will also mark the end of your journey.