The road around the Windward Coast is curvy, but rewarding. There are great stops along the way, like the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden and Crouching Lion rock further down the road. Drive till you reach Kualoa Regional Park where there is a great view of Mokolii island. Hungry? Keep an eye out for roadside shrimp trucks in Kahuku.
This drive will take you past Diamond Head State Monument, Hanauma Bay, Makapuu lighthouse and Doris Duke’s Shangri La estate. Even if you don’t stop at any of the attractions, the view of crashing waves at Sandy Beach is worth the drive.
Begin in downtown Honolulu and drive until the skyscrapers are in your rearview mirror and you reach the quieter, residential Nuuanu. There, take in the views of the valleys at Nuuanu Pali Lookout. Pali Highway eventually leads to the quaint beachy town of Kailua, where you can kayak and stand-up paddleboard.
Go west in Oahu to Farrington highway. Spend the afternoon swimming, picnicking and stand-up paddleboarding at Ko Olina Lagoons, then begin your scenic drive to Kaena Point State Park. On your way, you will see quiet beaches and the Waianae Mountains.
Cruise along Oahu’s North Shore coastline and hit up world famous beaches -- Ehukai Beach (Pipeline) and Sunset Beach. Continue along this road until you arrive at the stunning Waimea Bay, then pause to watch big wave surfers. At this point, you can either head back to Oahu or continue to drive along the coast to Haleiwa town where you can try some delicious seafood at Aji Limo Truck.
