Settings -
£
$
¥
$
¥
HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesWest USAHawaiiHamakua Coast Panoramic Road
Waipio Hawaii

Hamakua Coast Panoramic Road

Hilo - Honomu - Honokaa - Waipio Valley

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Beach Beach
Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Hamakua Coast Panoramic Road ACTIVATE MAP Stages3 km87 h/stage0.4

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Hamakua Coast Panoramic Road in Hawaii?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 45EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 77EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 162EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 207EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 54EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 121EUR eat & more 108EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 242EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 296EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 198EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 367EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 457EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 152EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 377EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
Share this link.

Hamakua Coast Panoramic Road Itinerary

Take a road trip to explore the beauty of the Hamakua Coast Panoramic Road, beginning in the city of Hilo, located in the United States. This 87km route takes you through the towns of Honomu and Honokaa, with many attractions along the way. The best time of the year to drive this road trip is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the days are long. You'll be able to take in the stunning landscapes and beaches, as well as the overall good road conditions. The whole trip can be completed in just one day, though you may want to take your time and explore the area more. This road trip is sure to provide a high level of experience and memories, and is suitable for every driver. However, it does come with a higher budget, so be sure to plan accordingly. Enjoy the beauty of the Hamakua Coast Panoramic Road and make sure to take lots of photos!
number of days 1 number of days
route length 87 km route length
budget high budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level moderate accident level

START Hilo

Distance 87 km Driving time 1.2 h Pace: fast 26.0 kWh Airports ITO
[detailsContainer]
Hilo, the largest town in Hawaii County, is an ideal starting point for the "Hamakua Coast Panoramic Road" road trip. Here, you can find a plethora of sights and attractions to explore, from the Pacific Tsunami Museum to the Rainbow Falls State Park. The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation Visitor Center is also a great place to learn about the history and culture of the area. If you're flying into Hilo, the closest international airport is Hilo International Airport (ITO), which offers car rentals for those who want to continue the road trip. The "Hamakua Coast Panoramic Road" road trip is a great way to experience the breathtaking scenery of the Big Island. With its lush jungles, black sand beaches, and picturesque waterfalls, this journey will take you to some of the most beautiful places in the world. Along the way, you'll find a variety of unique attractions, such as the Akaka Falls State Park, the Kaumana Caves, and the World Botanical Gardens. So, if you're looking for an unforgettable journey, make Hilo the starting point for your "Hamakua Coast Panoramic Road" road trip. You won't regret it!

1 Hilo - Honomu

Distance 24 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: fast 7.1 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Welcome road-trippers! Get ready for an amazing journey from Hilo to Honomu! This 15 mi drive will take you less than 1 hour to complete and will show you some of the most interesting places in the region. In Hilo, you have to visit Coconut Island and Rainbow Falls. Coconut Island is a small islet located in the middle of Hilo Bay and it features a white sand beach and a large banyan tree. Rainbow Falls is a beautiful waterfall with a height of 80 feet and you can admire the rainbows created by the sunrays reflecting the mist of the waterfall. Your next stop is Honomu, a small town located in the Hamakua district. Here you can visit the Akaka Falls State Park, home to the Akaka Falls, a 442 feet tall waterfall. You can also admire Kahuna Falls, a 100 feet tall cascade. This is only one of the stages of this amazing road trip, for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

2 Honomu - Honokaa

Distance 46 km Driving time 0.6 h Pace: fast 13.9 kWh View map Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
If you're looking for an exciting road trip, the stage from Honomu to Honokaa is perfect for you. Along the route, you'll be able to explore the best of both towns, with a total distance of 29mi and a driving time of less than 1 hour. Starting in Honomu, you'll be able to explore the beauty of the Akaka Falls State Park. Here, you can take a walk along the trails and admire the two waterfalls, Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls, and the lush vegetation of the area. Then, you can move on to your final destination, Honokaa. Here, you can visit the Honokaa Peoples Theatre, an old theatre that has been restored and is now a popular venue for local events and performances. You can also explore the Honokaa Public Library and the Honokaa Sports Complex. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

3 Honokaa - Waipio Valley

Distance 17 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: modest 4.3 kWh View map Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for a road trip from Honokaa to Waipio Valley? This 10mi stretch will take you less than an hour, but you’ll want to take your time and explore all the interesting places along the way. Start off your journey in Honokaa, home of the Imiola Church, a historic landmark that was built in 1856. Afterwards, take a drive along the Hamakua Coast and take in the incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. Next, you’ll want to make a stop in Laupahoehoe Point, where you can find the memorial park dedicated to the victims of the 1946 tsunami. From here, you can also enjoy the stunning views of the coastline and the nearby mountains. Continue your journey to your final destination, Waipio Valley. Here, you can explore the lush valley, hike to the Hiilawe Falls, and visit the Waipio Valley Lookout. This is just one of many stages of the road trip, so make sure to check the “Itinerary” of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!

  Waipio Valley

[detailsContainer]
Waipio Valley is located in the northern part of the Big Island of Hawaii. It is so remote that the only way to access it is by 4-wheel drive vehicle or a hike. Waipio Valley is the ultimate destination of the Hamakua Coast Panoramic Road, a scenic drive along the northeastern coast of the Big Island. Along the way, travelers can view breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean, lush tropical forests, and cascading waterfalls. Waipio Valley itself is a magical place, filled with ancient Hawaiian culture and history. Visitors can explore the valley’s cascading rivers, waterfalls, and multiple beaches. There are several points of interest along the way, including the Pololu Valley Lookout, Hiilawe Falls, and the Waipio Valley Lookout, where visitors can take in stunning views of the valley below. For those who wish to stay in Waipio Valley, there are a few lodgings available, as well as camping sites. There is also the Waipio Valley Art Gallery, which showcases the works of local artists and offers workshops and classes. The closest international airport to Waipio Valley is the Hilo International Airport (ITO). From there, it is a short drive to the start of the Hamakua Coast Panoramic Road, which leads to Waipio Valley. Taking this scenic drive is sure to be an unforgettable experience, and the perfect way to end a Hawaiian vacation.

Hamakua Coast Panoramic Road at a glance

We believe that the presented journey idea gave you numerous inspirations for your future holidays.
It is a ready-made opportunity that can be conveniently developed into a complete tour – you’re limited only by your creativity.
If car travel is a travel mode that you prefer, there are a number of vital road rules to follow and a list of elements to bear in mind to make your road adventure smooth. These tips will also become useful for holidaymakers who are interested in car rental or camper hire in Hawaii.
There are a number of road regulations to be followed while driving around Hawaii. When moving around Hawaii in a car, it is best to avoid alcohol at any cost. Drivers should remember that the allowed consumption limit is not that high and cannot exceed 0.5‰. You should move at a maximum speed of 40km/h when driving around the build-up areas. In non-build-up areas, travellers can travel at the maximum speed of 72km/h. When travelling on highways, you cannot exceed the maximum car speed of 129km/h. Having a fire extinguisher and first aid kit in your car and driving with your headlights on at daytime greatly increase the safety of your passengers.
The majority of holidaymakers wonder about the costs of the whole trip. Depending on the budget option of your choice, the total expenses during the whole itinerary will vary. A wide range of budget configurations is presented below.
We estimate that the cheapest option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 4 stages across Hawaii will be roughly 13 EUR. You should take into consideration that economy accommodation will cost more or less 77 EUR. The travel expenses connected with restaurants and food within this option may cost up to more or less 72 EUR. Travellers will have to pay about 45 EUR if they opt for the cheapest rental car offer as well. Thus, going for car rental will increase the costs of the road trip from approximately 162 EUR to about 207 EUR.
When it comes to the standard offer, the gasoline for 4 stages around Hawaii can cost around 13 EUR. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should bear in mind that the expenses may amount up to approximately 121 EUR. Food and restaurants from the standard range will cost roughly 108 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard hire car can expect a cost of more or less 54 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total approximately 296 EUR for drivers who would like to try vehicle rental and 242 EUR for those who are not interested in rental.
Drivers who would like to take advantage of the highest level of comfort will be pleased with the premium option. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total around 457 EUR for holidayers who are considering vehicle rental and 242 EUR for those who will not be renting. Travellers who would like to cover the itinerary in a premium hire vehicle should expect a cost of around 90 EUR. In the top standard option of the road trip, you will pay roughly 25 EUR for fuel. Holidaymakers should expect to pay about 144 EUR for food and restaurants and around 198 EUR for accommodation options if they are interested in the exclusive standard of services.
Our trip is also an excellent opportunity for all camper enthusiasts. If you are considering this transport option, you should expect the costs of roughly 225 EUR. Holidaymakers will spend approximately 25 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the tour. Camper lovers should expect to pay roughly 72 EUR for expenses connected with food and approximately 55 EUR for overnight stays.
You can check all of the details in the Road Trip Costs section.
If Hamakua Coast Panoramic Road has inspired you, you should definitely check out other exciting road trips that are available on our website. We hope that the great versatility of ideas will definitely meet the expectations of the most demanding holidaymakers.

Facts for safer driving in Hawaii

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

Recommended trips

Pu'u o Kila Scenic Drive Pu'u o Kila Scenic Drive
Pu'u o Kila Scenic Drive
31 km 41 km/h 1 days scenic
O'ahu Scenic Drive O'ahu Scenic Drive
O'ahu Scenic Drive
71 km 44 km/h 1 days scenic
Hana Highway Panoramic Road Hana Highway Panoramic Road
Hana Highway Panoramic Road
86 km 44 km/h 1 days scenic
Crater Rim Drive Crater Rim Drive
Crater Rim Drive
83 km 55 km/h 1 days scenic
Hawaii Oahu Road Trip Hawaii Oahu Road Trip
Hawaii Oahu Road Trip
265 km 55 km/h 3 days roadtrip
Kalanianaole Highway Panoramic Road Kalanianaole Highway Panoramic Road
Kalanianaole Highway Panoramic Road
58 km 44 km/h 1 days scenic