BEST SCENIC DRIVES & ROADS ON KAUAI ANYONE CAN TAKE

Kauai is one of the prettiest islands in Hawaii, with many scenic drives and roads that are perfect for those who want to experience the natural beauty of the island. Some of these will be destinations with scenic drives on the way, and others will be well-known driving routes. Regardless of what you’re looking for, this list shows you the best of Kauai from the comfort of your car.

Whether you are a local resident or a tourist, Kauai has something for everyone. In this post, we will take a look at some of the best scenic drives and roads on Kauai that anyone can take.

Kuhio Highway (Route 560)

The Kuhio Highway is the main road that runs along the eastern coast of Kauai and offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. This drive is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Kauai and is easily accessible by car. Along the way, you can stop at some of the many beaches and lookout points to take in the views.

Starting in Hanalei and eventually reaching the end of the road at Ke’e Beach, the Kuhio Highway is great for anyone looking for a small road trip. It is the only road on the island that leads into the cozy town of Ha’ena. It’s sometimes even compared to Maui’s famous “Road To Hana.”

Kuhio Highway Highlights & Stops

• Lumaha’i Beach
• Wainiha Beach Park
• Tunnels Beach (one of the most popular beaches on Kauai)
• Before getting to Ha’ena Beach Park, you’ll need to cross Manoa Stream. Drive with caution.
• Maniniholo Dry Cave
• A final stop at Ke’e Beach (the most popular starting point for Kauai’s famous Kalalau Trail)

Hanalei Valley Lookout

The Hanalei Valley Lookout is one of the more popular destinations on Kauai and is known for its stunning views of Hanalei Bay and the lush valley below. With perfect views of the surrounding green mountains, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.

The lookout is located on the Kuhio Highway and is easily accessible by car. From the lookout, you can see the taro fields, the Hanalei River, and the surrounding mountains. This is a must-see destinanion for anyone visiting Kauai.

Hanalei Valley Lookout Google Maps Link

Waimea Canyon Drive

Waimea Canyon – the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” is another must-see location during your time on Kauai. It’s around 10 miles long and 3,600 feet deep, and covered with greenery and waterfalls throughout.

There are two ways to drive to Waimea Canyon. The first way is to take the main road, Waimea Canyon Drive, which is the most direct route. This road starts in Waimea town and takes you straight up to the canyon. This route is relatively easy to navigate, and there are plenty of pullouts and lookout points along the way where you can stop and take in the stunning views.

The second way to get to Waimea Canyon is to take Koke’e Road, which is a longer, winding route that takes you through Koke’e State Park. While this road is more scenic and offers even more incredible views, it can be more challenging to drive due to the narrow, winding roads and steep drop-offs. However, if you are an experienced driver and comfortable with driving on winding roads, this route can be a great way to see more of the island’s natural beauty.

In terms of ease of driving, Waimea Canyon Drive is the easier option as it is a more straightforward route with fewer challenges than Koke’e Road. If you are not comfortable driving on narrow, winding roads, then Waimea Canyon Drive is the recommended route to take. However, if you’re up for an adventure and want to take in even more stunning views, then Koke’e Road is definitely worth considering, as long as you feel comfortable navigating the winding roads.

Tree Tunnel Road

Another famous location of Kauai, the Tree Tunnel Road is another amazing sight to see. The road is covered with tons of eucalyptus trees surrounding both sides of the road and over the road.

Beginning off the side of Highway 520, this drive sets the perfect scene for a drive into Kauai’s south shore region.

Back in 1911, Pineapple Baron Walter McBryde gave the community of Kalaheo a gift – hundreds of eucalyptus trees! These trees were leftover from a landscaping project he did for his estate, which is now Kukuiolono Park and Golf Course. McBryde was pretty important – he helped start the McBryde Sugar Company and managed the Kaua’i Pineapple Company. In 1992, a strong hurricane named Iniki came through and stripped the majority of the trees down to branches due to strong winds. The trees made an incredibly strong recovery and still provide the picturesque views people come to see.

Tree Tunnel Road Google Maps Link

Tips For Driving On Kauai

While driving on Kauai is similar to driving anywhere else, there are still a variety of basic rules you should follow.

• Pull off to a safe part of the road to take in the scenery or take pictures. Many tourists and visitors will be in awe of Kauai as everywhere is beautiful. Don’t disrupt the normal flow of traffic, and use common sense!
• Bring a camera! If you enjoy taking pictures, every single one of these drives will offer perfect photo opportunities.
• Ensure you have a full tank of gas for the route you plan to take. Due to the nature of some of Kauai’s roads, getting a refill can be quite a hassle and even very expensive.
• Pack snacks, water, and drinks of your choice. As some portions of Kauai’s roads can be remote, make sure you have plenty of water and food for any side adventures you may want to stop for. Whether it’s a small hike or a good lunch spot, you’ll be happy you brought supplies.

Enjoy the Kauai scenery!

Overall, Kauai’s scenic drives and roads are a must-see for anyone visiting the island. They offer a unique perspective of the island’s natural beauty and are a great way to create lasting memories. So grab your camera, hop in the car, and enjoy the stunning views of Kauai.

Looking for some scenic drives that take you off the roads? Join us at Kauai ATV!

After exploring the best scenic drives and roads on Kauai, you may be looking for even more adventure on this beautiful island. Look no further than Kauai ATV, where you can explore the island’s rugged terrain and lush landscapes on an exciting off-roading adventure. Join us and experience the island like never before. Our experienced guides will take you on an exhilarating ride through the stunning natural beauty of Kauai, giving you a unique perspective of the island’s hidden gems.

Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or a first-timer, our tours cater to all skill levels and ages, making it a perfect activity for families and groups of friends. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure on Kauai, be sure to book your ATV tour with us today. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore Kauai’s scenic drives and off-road terrain!