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.