Hamakua Coast Panoramic Road

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!

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!

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!

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!

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 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.

Before you set off

The Hamakua Coast Panoramic Road, originating from Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, offers an extraordinary drive through the diverse and dramatic landscapes of the island. Stretching over a distance of 54 miles (87 kilometers), this route showcases Hawaii's natural beauty, with views of lush rainforests, rugged sea cliffs, and sweeping valleys.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

As you voyage from Hilo, you'll encounter the charming historical towns of Honomu and Honokaa, each brimming with their own unique character and attractions. Essential stops include the lush Akaka Falls State Park, where the 442-foot Akaka Falls plunges into a gorge; the majestic Waipio Valley Lookout, offering panoramic views of a valley steeped in Hawaiian history; and the dramatic Laupahoehoe Point, known for its poignant history and stunning vistas. Along the way, explore the enchanting Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, a haven for rare flora and fauna, and discover hidden beach coves that provide a serene escape from the everyday.

Best Time to Go:

The Road Trip is most enjoyable during the summer months when the weather is warm and the days are long, allowing travelers to make the most of the numerous outdoor activities available and to witness the coast in all its splendor.

Potential Risks:

While the journey is typically smooth, it's important to be cautious of occasional heavy rains which can make the Roads slippery and potentially hazardous. Remote stretches of the route may have limited services, so plan accordingly.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

The Hamakua Coast Road Trip can be completed within a day, but allowing for several days will enable a deeper connection with the local culture and environment. It's a worthwhile investment for those seeking a rich travel experience. This Scenic Drive is suitable for drivers of all skill levels, and the region's history, including the significance of the sugar industry and the 1946 tsunami at Laupahoehoe, adds depth to the journey.

A good choice for:

Embarking on the Hamakua Coast Panoramic Road Trip is an invitation to experience the incredible beauty and cultural richness of Hawaii's Big Island. Budget for the adventure, but know that the memories and photographs you'll collect are priceless. Take your time, savor each moment, and let the Hamakua Coast's magic make a lasting impression on your heart.