How long does it take to drive around Hawaii?
To drive around Hawaii based on my itinerary, it’ll take about eight hours. However, that’s without making many stops, and you’ll want to spend time at these places. To adequately see everything on this list and have enough time for meals, I would allow about 12 hours to drive around the Big Island.
Where can I Drive on the Big Island in Hawaii?
Scenic drives and roads on the Big Island (map) 1: Mauna Loa Road scenic drive (Volcano Village) 2: Kapoho Kalapana road scenic drive (Puna, close to Hilo) 3: Pepe’ekeo (Onomea) scenic drive (Hilo) 4: Chain of craters road (Volcano Village) 5: Coffee country (South Kona) scenic drive Self guided driving tours
How long does it take to drive from Hilo to Kona?
It takes about 2 hours to drive the 90 something miles between Hilo and Kailua-Kona along the Hilo-Hamakua Coast Route 19, while the Kau-South Kona route 11 takes about 3 hours. The recently improved Saddle Road (Route 200) across the middle of the Big Island can save up to 20 minutes time compared to the north coastal route.
What are the scenic routes on the Big Island?
The Pepe’ekeo (also known as the Onomea bay) scenic drive is the most famous scenic routes on the Big Island. It is a 4 mile stretch of the old mamalahoa highway that snakes from scenic spot to scenic spot through lush tropical forest and gives some stunning views of Onomea Bay.
See more
How many miles is it to drive around the Big Island of Hawaii?
about 300 milesHow many miles is it around the Big Island of Hawaii? It's about 300 miles to drive around the Big Island, and that's just staying on the edge of it. You can easily add miles as you stop at random places or cut across the island.
How many days do you need to see Big Island?
We recommend spending at least five days on the Big Island, even longer if you can! I don't feel the Big Island of Hawaii is the place for a beach vacation. I think Maui and Oahu have more stunning beaches that are better for swimming and relaxing.
Is Big Island drivable?
Almost all the roads on the Big Island are scenic in their own way, but, as always, some are more special than others. Here is a map our favorite scenic drives on the Big Island. We tell you why they are so scenic and give you recommendations on where to stop on the way.
What is the best time of year to visit the Big Island of Hawaii?
Visiting Big Island in April, May, or June This is one of the best times to visit the Big Island of Hawaii, in our opinion. Rates and demand are usually down at this time of year, though both increase heading into June as more crowds arrive from the mainland for the summer break.
What is the best month to visit Kona Hawaii?
Clear Skies. The winter months between November and March rank as generally the best time to visit Kona. It's then that Kona often experiences clear skies, which means it's prime time for viewing constellations.
How long does it take to drive around Kona?
To circle the entire Big Island takes almost 6 hours, if you include a loop through North Kohala. When driving between Hilo and Kailua-Kona, you might consider taking the north scenic coast route in one direction and the Saddle Road route between the mountains coming back!
How long does it take to drive from Kona to Volcano?
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is located on the island of Hawai'i. From Kailua-Kona: 95 miles southeast on Highway 11 (2 to 2.5 hour drive), or 125 miles through Waimea and Hilo via highways 19 and 11 (2.5 to 3 hours).
Is Chain of Craters Road worth it?
The 8.2 mile trip down narrow Hilina Pali Road may not offer much in the way of gorgeous scenery. However, the breathtaking views at the end are worth the effort if you have the time. The paved road leads you past the vegetation of Chain of Craters Road into the arid, scrubby environment of the Ka'u Desert.
Is Big Island worth visiting?
Sure, it's worth looking into. The BI has the best snorkeling, diving, and all other ocean sports except surfing. It is much less developed and busy than Maui.
What should I not miss on the Big Island?
here are 15 things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii that you definitely shouldn't miss:Visit the Seahorse Farm in Kona. ... See the green and black sand beaches. ... Take a helicopter tour over an active volcano. ... Star gaze atop Mauna Kea. ... Tour a coffee plantation in Kona. ... Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.More items...•
How many days should you spend on each island in Hawaii?
If you have 21 to 25 days, we recommend planning to visit up to four islands, which would result in roughly 5 to 6 days per island. Again, you might opt to see more with a day trip. If you have 26 to 30 days, we recommend planning up to five or perhaps even six islands if you have nearly 30 days.
Is it better to stay in Hilo or Kona?
Kona, not Hilo, is the place to stay on the island of Hawaii during your vacation. Kona offers better weather, the best beaches and snorkeling, newer resorts, more vacation rentals, and more nightlife compared to Hilo Town. Hilo is worth a visit but may not be worth staying for more than a night.
How long is the drive from Hilo to Kona?
Just a note – the drive time from Hilo to Kona is two hours. If you’re getting tired at this point, it’s probably best to end your Hawaii road trip and take Saddle Road back. The road cuts through the island, so you don’t have to go all the way up and around. This ends up saving you a ton of time.
How many stops are there on the Big Island?
Here’s a quick itinerary of where to stop on the Big Island and how long it will take to drive to each point. This itinerary for one day in Hawaii has eight stops, and you can adjust them as needed by skipping some if you’re short on time.
What to do in Kona?
There are so many amazing things to do in Kona that you could spend several days here. Stop at one of the cafes here for breakfast in the morning, and take a casual stroll as the sleepy shops start to open up for the day.
How long does it take to drive around Hawaii?
To drive around Hawaii based on my itinerary, it’ll take about eight hours. However, that’s without making many stops, and you’ll want to spend time at these places. To adequately see everything on this list and have enough time for meals, I would allow about 12 hours to drive around the Big Island.
Where can I watch the stars from the top of a volcano?
Have you ever watched the stars from the top of a volcano? Now you can! This observatory is about 45 minutes from downtown Hilo and is on the way home if you’re staying in Kona. When figuring out your itinerary for how long to drive across Hawaii, this is something you can add if you have all night or skip if you want to get back.
Where to stay on Big Island?
Where to Stay on the Big Island 1 King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel – For a mid-range hotel on the water, stay at this hotel. It’s right in town so you can walk to plenty of stores and restaurants during your stay. (rates start at $230 per night; book your room on Booking.com or Hotels.com) 2 Hilton Waikoloa Village – This is a little north of Kona, but you’ll love how much privacy you have here. It’s a hotel you stay in when you want to treat yourself. They have fantastic views, restaurants, and even a little boat to take you around the canal that goes through the property. (rates start at $225 per night; book your room on Booking.com or Hotels.com)
How to see the ocean in the movie "The Road"?
Once you get to the end of the road, park and carefully walk out to the edge to see nothing but the ocean for thousands of miles.
How long does it take to drive from Kona to Hilo?
Hawaii Island, aka The Big Island takes about two hours to drive from Kona on the west side to Hilo on the east, over the saddle road. If you take the coastal road it takes about 2 1/2 hours. It takes about four hours to drive around the perimeter of the island. 638 views. ·.
How long does it take to see the volcano in Hawaii?
It’s about 230 miles. I’d allow at least 6–8 hours, more if you want to actually see anything, I actually took three days: Waikoloa to Volcano one day, Volcano to Hilo the second day (with a side trip down the Chain of Craters Road in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park), and Hilo back to Waikola the third day.
How long does it take to get from Hawi to Hilo?
Assuming it’s from Hawi, to Naalehu, Hilo and return, 5 hours and 49 minuets (254 miles) via HI-19 and HI-11 without traffic.
Which side of Hawaii has the lowest cost of living?
The Big Island, Hilo side, has the lowest cost of living for the average person. WAY lower than the Kona side of Oahu. (This is being written January 2018)-As an example, there is a modern ranch style home near where I live that is 10 years old, in an upscale and very safe neighborhood.
How long is the drive between Kohala and South Point?
The north-south drive between Kohala and South Point is 117 miles and is rated at 2:45.
How long has the volcano been erupting?
Since the volcano has been erupting continuously for the past 36 years, you may have to wait a while, so make sure you bring a bunch of bentos and pack a cooler with your favorite beverages. Also, Hawaii is in a different time zone, so time moves more slowly in the Islands. John Borovka.
What are the big islands in Hawaii?
The big island, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, Lanai, or Kauai. If you plan on living in Hawaii, prepare yourself for the cost, the traffic, and the politics. Those things drove me away, born and raised, after 43 years. That said, it really depends on what you want.
What is the most important thing to remember about driving on Hawaii Island?
The most important thing to remember about driving on Hawaii Island is to drive with "aloha.". The local residents are typically courteous to visitors, as long as they show respect to the island by staying off private roads, observing local laws, and refraining from reckless driving. Speeding: Hawaii’s speeding laws are no joke.
How much is the speeding fine in Hawaii?
Speeding: Hawaii’s speeding laws are no joke. A first-time speeding violator can face fines of up to $200 and license suspension. For reckless driving, a first offense can mean up to 30 days in jail and a maximum of $1,000 in fines. Gasoline: Due to the cost of shipping gasoline to the Big Island, gas prices (along with the price of groceries) ...
What makes Hawaii Island special?
What makes this island extra special, however, is the fact that it is continuously growing. With every volcanic eruption and lava flow, the island is putting on more and more surface area. Following the historic 2018 eruptions that destroyed 700 homes and buried 14 square miles of already existing land on Hawaii Island, the island had gained over 800 acres by the time the worst of the eruptions had stopped. This unique characteristic makes the roads and diving conditions subject to change as well, so it is best to be prepared.
How long is the saddle road in Hawaii?
The road reaches a maximum elevation of 6,765 feet and stretches for 54 miles.
How do you know if you are in danger of a hurricane in Hawaii?
Pay attention to posted warnings, such as signs for flash flooding or falling rocks. The weather on Hawaii Island may be favorable most of the time, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t experience the occasional dangerous weather event. Hurricane season affects the island during the season from June to November, and on the mountain of Mauna Kea, it isn't unusual to see snow in winter. Always check the weather report before setting out on a long journey. The sun sets early on the Hawaiian Islands, usually around 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. depending on the time of year.
What is the most dangerous road in Hawaii?
Along the way, you’ll find crossroads that will take you to Mau na Kea and Mauna Loa, as well as black lava fields, moon-like landscapes, and rolling hills. Due to the unpredictable weather changes and rough terrain, this road was once considered the most dangerous road in the state.
How big is Hawaii Island?
The Big Island makes up for more than half of the entire size of the state of Hawaii at just over 4,000 square miles —about half the size of New Jersey.
What is the Big Island?
Big Island FAQ. Hilo-Hamakua Coast - This scenic coastal area extends about 50 miles between the historic towns of Hilo and Honokaa. Puna is a rural district in East Hawaii, with Ohia forested land, farms, volcanic lava flow, and a rocky but scenic pacific ocean coast. Saddle Road and Mauna Kea, Hilo Hawaii.
How long does it take to drive from Hawaii to Hawaii?
Big Island Hawaii Hilo Kona Drive Times. How long does it take to drive between Hilo and Kailua (Kona) on the Big Island of Hawaii? It takes about 2 hours to drive the 90 something miles between Hilo and Kailua-Kona along the Hilo-Hamakua Coast Route 19, while the Kau-South Kona route 11 takes about 3 hours.
How long does it take to drive around the Big Island?
To circle the entire Big Island takes almost 6 hours, if you include a loop through North Kohala. When driving between Hilo and Kailua (Kona), you might consider taking the north coast route one ...
Where is the county seat of Hawaii?
Then Press "Buy Now" To Order Your Maps! Hilo - the County Seat for Hawaii County is located on the east side of the Big Island and has a population of about 55,000. Big Island FAQ. Hilo-Hamakua Coast - This scenic coastal area extends about 50 miles between the historic towns of Hilo and Honokaa.
How Long Does it Take to Drive Around the Island?
In a week-long stay at Waipouli Beach Resort, you can spend time on the entire island. If you want to explore beyond the area surrounding one of our Kauai resort rentals, be sure to arrange transportation while on vacation. Kauai has a large dense interior, but its urban centers are concentrated on the coast and are relatively close together.
How long does it take to drive from Kauai to Princeville?
Kauai has a large dense interior, but its urban centers are concentrated on the coast and are relatively close together. It takes about 40 minutes to drive from Waipouli Beach Resort and Spa to Princeville and Hanalei on the north shore, and about the same to drive to Poipu in the south.
How long is the drive from Kauai to Lihue?
The drive from our Kauai resorts on the eastern shore to the Lihue airport is about 20 minutes, though it can take longer during rush hour. The drive from Princeville to Waimea is about an hour and a half. This is the longest drive you can take on Kauai main roads, and it takes you to the “Grand Canyon of Kauai”.
What are the main roads on Kauai?
Main Roads on Kauai. Kauai is a round island with a single main highway around three-quarters of its circumference. On the eastern shore, HI-56, takes you from Hanalei in the north to Lihue in the south, HI-50 run east from Lihue to Waimea on the south shore.
How long is the tree tunnel road in Lihue?
Another incredible drive is taking a detour around downtown Lihue and take the three-mile Tree Tunnel Road (also known as Maluhia Road) that connects the main highway to the town of Koloa. This route is known for its long stretch of road lined by towering, 100-year-old eucalyptus trees.
Where to drive from Koloa to Poipu?
While you’re in the south, be sure to drive the Waimea Canyon, located northwest of Poipu.
Is Kauai a good island to visit?
One of the things we love about Kauai is its size. The island is big and diverse enough for all kinds of adventures, but small enough to drive in just a day. Driving around the island of Kauai is not only easy, but also offers stunning views of white-sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, and lush tropical valleys and forests.
What is the name of the road on the Big Island?
The Kalapana – Kapoho road (also known as red road) is one of the most scenic drives on the Big Island. Another must-see on this scenic road is Kaimu where the road now terminates after it was overrun by lava in 1990. This lava also covered the world-famous Kalapana black sand beach.
What road follows the shoreline?
The Kapoho Kalapana road follows the shoreline. Make sure to pull over your car now and then to take in the scenery
How high is the chain of craters?
The Chain of craters road takes you from an elevation of 4000 ft. all the way down to sea level over the lava covered flanks of the Kilauea volcano. The drive itself leads past many trails, old craters (hence the name), scenic spots, a large petroglyph field up to the place where lava covers the road, and ends where 1996 lava flows covered the road.
How long is the chain of craters road in Hawaii?
The scenic chain of craters road in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park ends after 23 miles at lava flows that covered the road in several eruptions between 1986 and 1996
Where is Kapoho Kalapana Road?
2: Kapoho Kalapana road scenic drive (Puna , close to Hilo) The northern section of this road (north/east of the MacKenzie State Park) has been covered by lava in 2018, but the road has been extended again out to Pohoiki.
Where is the Mauna Loa road?
Mauna Loa road climbs the slopes of Mauna Loa above the Kilauea Volcano. It takes you across old lava flows and through Koa forests, stopping at the trailhead of the red cabin hike. The unique selling point of this scenic route are the wide views you have of the Hawaii Volcanoes National park and the always changing scenery.
What is the name of the scenic drive on Big Island?
The Pepe’ekeo ( also known as the Onomea bay) scenic drive is the most famous scenic routes on the Big Island. It is a 4 mile stretch of the old Mamalahoa highway that snakes from scenic spot to scenic spot through lush tropical forest and gives some stunning views of Onomea Bay.
