Detour #56: Hawaii Five. Oh!

This tropical paradise erupted from the Pacific ocean in an archipelago of 137 islands. Its abundant nature and wild volcanic topography make for some terrific road trips. Here’s our top five Hawaii drives. Book ‘em Danno!

Words Nik Berg Twitter | Instagram

Photography Josh Miller / Justin Lam / Casey Horner / Michael Olsen /Tyler Lastovich / Unsplash

1. Belt Road, Hawaii

Quite simply a loop of the The Big Island, this 250-mile trip is achievable in a day if you’re determined. You’ll follow Route 11, Route 19 and Route 190 from start and finish in Hilo and the highlight of the route is Mauna Kea, the Hawaiian islands’ biggest mountain. There’s a seriously steep road up Mauna Kea, or stick to the coast and take in the stunning beaches, coffee plantations, cane fields and eucalyptus woods.

ROADBOOK

CLASS: Tropical tour

NAME:   Hawaii Belt Road

ROUTE: Hilo to Hilo

COUNTRY: Hawaii

DISTANCE: 250 miles


2. Chain of Craters Road, Hawaii

Not for the fainthearted, the Chain of Craters Road runs through the very active Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The road begins deep in the rainforests of Mount Kiauea’s rift zone before passing through the pit craters of Lua Manu, Puhimau, Ko’oko’olau, Hi’laka and Napau. In 2003 the road was cut off by a lava flow just past the Holei Sea Arch – and not for the first time either. So best check with Geological Survey before heading out.

ROADBOOK

CLASS: volcanic vistas

NAME:   Chain of Craters Road

ROUTE: Kulauea Visitor Center to Holei Sea Arch

COUNTRY: Hawaii

DISTANCE: 22 miles



3. Pali Highway, Oahu

This quick trip across the island from the capital can be dispatched in a matter of minutes, but if you don’t stop and take in the views then you’re missing the point. Beginning in Honolulu the Pali Highway takes you over the Ko'olau Range, passes through the echoing tunnels of Nu’uanu Pali and along the Kawainui Marsh to Kailua. There are several lookouts where you can stop and snap or just breathe deep and soak up the incredible views over the mountains and the ocean beyond.

ROADBOOK

CLASS: scenic drive

NAME:  pali highway

ROUTE: honolulu to Kailua

COUNTRY: Hawaii

DISTANCE: 21 miles


4. Hana Highway, Maui

Hugging the Maui coast the superb Hana Highway twists through 620 corners and flies over 59 bridges in just 50 miles. With a 25mph speed limit you can budget a couple of hours for this trip; longer if you decide to take a dip in the clear waters beneath the Lower Puohokamos Falls. This is a journey for nature lovers, with abundant botanical beauty at every turn.

ROADBOOK

CLASS: Coastal cruise

NAME:   hana Highway

ROUTE: Kahului to Hana

COUNTRY: Hawaii

DISTANCE: 50 miles


5. Kahekili Highway, Maui

If you’re scared of heights give this one a miss. The narrow, twisty Kahekili Highway (definitely not a highway) clings perilously to a cliff’s edge. Aside from the adrenaline rush of defeating death the rewards for taking this route come as it takes you from Kapalua – a past winner of America’s Best Beach – through the protected Honolua Bay where you can snorkel or surf to the the Nakalele Blowhole where seawater shoots 100 feet into the sky. Worth the risk in our book.

ROADBOOK

CLASS: death-defying drive

NAME:   Kahekili Highway

ROUTE: Kapalua to kahakuloa

COUNTRY: Hawaii

DISTANCE: 14 miles

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