This year, The World Tourism Organization reports that tourism rates are set to follow 2022’s surge and steadily increase in the upcoming months. Locally, many Americans are excited to travel across states, with 71% of survey respondents sharing they prefer using vehicles as their mode of transportation. This means that a significant portion of tourists will go on road trips as part of their travel plans for the year.
It just so happens that Hawaii is one of the top choices when it comes to road trips and scenic drives. Last year, approximately 9 billion tourists flew in, and a significant portion rented a vehicle to enjoy the island fully. If you’re thinking of doing the same, here are some Hawaiian destinations you can visit and some things to remember.
Recommended Hawaiian road trip destinations:
Maui
Maui is an excellent choice for a road trip if you’re looking for a water retreat. You can travel towards Nakalele Blowhole, where jagged rock formations cause natural water spouts to shoot up to a hundred feet in the air. On the way, you can stop by Ka’anapali Beach at Lahaina, which was named one of the most beautiful beaches worldwide by travel site TripAdvisor. Maui is also known for its humpback whale migration in winter, which many road trippers like to watch via the picturesque Highway 30 stretch.
Big Island
You can immerse yourself in rich Hawaiian history with a road trip to Big Island. Here, you’ll find a statue of Kamehameha the Great, Hawaii’s first ruler and king. Big Island also houses one of his temples, now called the Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, which serves as a symbol of peace and unification. You can get a guided tour or even camp at this commemorated Hawaiian spot. If you want to navigate the island yourself, Big Island is known for several scenic drives like Mauna Loa and Onomea.
Kauai
Marvel at distinct Hawaiian wildlife through a road trip to Kauai. This island is known for its exotic flora, but it also has several rare marine birds over at Na Pali coast. You can explore all that this tropical paradise has to offer with a snorkeling session at Ke’e Beach, which has a protected reef teeming with aquatic life. Since Kauiai is only the fourth largest island, it only takes roughly four hours to complete an entire drive of its many sights that includes a glass beach and canyon lookout.
Oahu
Oahu’s lush tropical jungles offer sweeping views for road trip travelers. At Pupukea, you can see vibrant tropical flowers on the way to the scenic Waimea Falls, where you can swim in refreshing waters. As a testament to its beauty, these beautiful green environments have been featured in several Hollywood films, most notably in Jurassic Park. Even if you’re pressed for time, Oahu’s Honolulu district is perfect for day trips as it has a zoo, beach, and resort, all within a few drivable miles.
Some things to consider:
Choosing the right vehicle is essential when taking a road trip, as this can influence your overall experience. For Hawaii, in particular, it’s best to go with a car that can take on even more demanding adventures, like the Jeep Wrangler, which is built to withstand rough terrains. You can easily find Jeep rentals in Hawaii as they are one of the most popular choices among tourists due to their excellent visibility, durability, and adaptability. Not only is the Jeep’s raised chassis great for taking in the scenery, but it also has comfortable seating that will make any long drive feel like a breeze. The Wrangler also has multiple models, like 2- and 4-door options, to suit your personal preference.
Once you’ve settled on a vehicle, it’s time to check whether you’re eligible to rent or drive one in Hawaii. Although the Honolulu government allows residents to begin driving as young as 16, most rental companies are stricter with tourists. You must be at least 21 to rent a car, but those below 25 are still considered Young Drivers. This will incur an extra surcharge fee, though this is usually a reasonable amount.
If you’re an international traveler, you should also get your driving requirements in order. You have to present your driver’s license along with your passport to rent. In special cases, such as if the driver’s license isn’t written in English, Hawaiian law states that you must acquire an International Driving Permit and present it with the original documents.
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
