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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesWest USAHawaiiKalanianaole Highway Panoramic Road
Waikiki Beach Hawaii

Kalanianaole Highway Panoramic Road

Honolulu - Waikiki Beach - Waimanalo Beach - Kailua

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
Kalanianaole Highway Panoramic Road ACTIVATE MAP Stages3 km58 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 Kalanianaole Highway 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 13EUR sleep & more 198EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 355EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 445EUR
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 13EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 140EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 365EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Kalanianaole Highway Panoramic Road Itinerary

The Kalanianaole Highway Panoramic Road is a 58 km long road trip from Honolulu to Kailua, United States. This road trip is best enjoyed during the summer months when the weather is pleasant and the sun is shining. It passes through the iconic Waikiki Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world, and also through Waimanalo Beach, a stunning beach with crystal clear waters and white sand. The road trip offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the lush green mountains that line the highway. The road is well maintained, making it suitable for every driver. This road trip is sure to provide an unforgettable experience and memories that will last a lifetime. However, it should be noted that this road trip requires a high budget in order to be managed.
number of days 1 number of days
route length 58 km route length
budget high budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Honolulu

Distance 58 km Driving time 1.3 h Pace: slow 13.4 kWh Airports HNL
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Honolulu is the capital of the US state of Hawaii and a vibrant city situated on the island of Oahu. It is the largest city in the state and the starting point for the Kalanianaole Highway Panoramic Road - a stunning and picturesque road trip. For those flying in, Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is the closest international airport and offers a wide range of car rental options. Once in the city, the most popular tourist attractions include Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head State Monument, and the USS Arizona Memorial. For nature lovers, Honolulu is home to a number of lush parks and botanical gardens, including the Foster Botanical Garden, the Waikiki Aquarium, and the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Additionally, the city is full of interesting cultural spots, such as the Iolani Palace, the Kawaiahao Church, and the Bishop Museum. After exploring the city, the Kalanianaole Highway Panoramic Road awaits. The highway passes through some of the most beautiful parts of the island, including stunning views of the Koolau Mountains and windward Oahu, as well as stops at the Makapu’u Lookout and the Waimanalo Beach Park.

1 Honolulu - Waikiki Beach

Distance 15 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: modest 3.8 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting cultural site accommodation options
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Embark on a magical road trip from Honolulu to Waikiki Beach! This 9 mile journey will take you less than an hour to complete and is part of a larger tour. Start in Honolulu, home to a plethora of exciting attractions. Visit the Honolulu Zoo for an educational and fun experience, or take a stroll through the lush and vibrant Nu'uanu Pali Lookout. For a unique experience, visit Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States. Once you reach Waikiki Beach, you'll be surrounded by stunning views and white sandy beaches. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, or explore the Honolulu Zoo in Waikiki. Enjoy the picturesque views of Diamond Head, the iconic landmark of Waikiki. Visit the Waikiki Aquarium and learn about the fascinating marine life of Hawaii. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

2 Waikiki Beach - Waimanalo Beach

Distance 30 km Driving time 0.7 h Pace: modest 7.8 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip? Start your adventure in Waikiki Beach, United States, and end at Waimanalo Beach. This 19 miles journey will take you less than 1 hour to complete. Along the road, you can enjoy the amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and the majestic mountains. In Waikiki Beach, you can visit the Waikiki Aquarium, which is the second oldest aquarium in the United States. Here you can learn about the marine life of Hawaii and its unique ecosystems. You can also visit the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Beach Walk, which is a great place to shop and dine. Waimanalo Beach is the perfect place to end your road trip. Here you can enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches and the crystal clear waters. You can also explore the nearby Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and start your journey!

3 Waimanalo Beach - Kailua

Distance 13 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: slow 3.1 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site
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Welcome to the beautiful road trip from Waimanalo Beach to Kailua! The journey is 8 miles long and can be completed in less than an hour. Along the way, you will find a variety of attractions to explore. In Waimanalo Beach, you can take a stroll along the beach and take in the stunning views of the coast. In Kailua, you can explore the historical sites, including the Kailua Beach Park and the Koolau Mountains. You can also visit the Kawainui Marsh, which is home to a variety of native plants and birds. The marsh is a great place to observe the local wildlife and take in the breathtaking views. You can also explore the nearby Lanikai Beach, where you can take a dip in the crystal-clear waters or relax on the beach. The beach is also home to a variety of marine life, such as dolphins and sea turtles. For a more adventurous experience, you can take a hike in the Koolau Mountains. The hike is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area and take in the stunning views of the ocean. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

  Kailua

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Kailua is a stunningly beautiful town on the island of Oahu in the United States. It is the perfect end point to the "Kalanianaole Highway Panoramic Road" road trip, with breathtaking views of the ocean and the majestic Koolau Mountain Range. Kailua is home to many amazing attractions, from the breathtaking Lanikai Beach, to the amazing Maunawili Falls, and the beautiful verdant lush landscapes of the Kailua town. Kailua is also known for its shopping, with the Kailua Town Shopping Center and the Kailua Shopping Plaza offering everything from apparel to art and jewelry. There are also several great restaurants in town, from fine dining at the Lanikai Grill to casual eats at the Kailua Beach Grill. For those who want to explore further, the nearby Kailua Bay and the famous North Shore of Oahu are just a short drive away. For those traveling by air, the nearest international airport is Honolulu International Airport (HNL). Kailua is the perfect end point to the "Kalanianaole Highway Panoramic Road" road trip. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach day, some shopping, or a more adventurous exploration of the island, Kailua is the perfect destination.

Kalanianaole Highway Panoramic Road at a glance

Before you set off

The Kalanianaole Highway, also known as State Route 72, offers a breathtaking 58-kilometer (approximately 36 miles) drive along the southeastern coast of Oahu, from Honolulu to Kailua. It is renowned for its dramatic coastal views, historical landmarks, and access to some of the most picturesque beaches and natural wonders in Hawaii.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

  • Hanauma Bay: A nature preserve and marine life conservation area perfect for snorkeling and observing diverse aquatic life.
  • Halona Blowhole: A natural ocean geyser that offers a spectacular display when the surf is right.
  • Sandy Beach: A hotspot for experienced body surfers and those who enjoy watching powerful waves.
  • Makapu‘u Point: Features a lighthouse and breathtaking lookout points, as well as a popular spot for whale watching during the migration season.

Best Time to Go:

While summer offers sunny and dry conditions ideal for beach activities and clear views, the spring and autumn months provide a more temperate climate with fewer tourists. Winter can be a great time for wave watching and whale sightings, though the weather is more variable.

Potential Risks:

  • Traffic congestion: The highway can become crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, leading to delays.
  • Natural hazards: Ocean-related risks such as strong currents and high surf, particularly in winter months.
  • Limited parking: Some popular spots have limited parking, which can be a challenge during peak times.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

  • The highway is named after Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole, a significant figure in Hawaii's history who advocated for the Hawaiian people's rights.
  • The route passes through the remains of ancient lava flows, illustrating the island's volcanic heritage.
  • Film buffs may recognize various spots along the highway from movies and TV shows like `Jurassic Park` and `Lost.`

A good choice for:

The Kalanianaole Highway Panoramic Road is more than just a route from point A to B; it's a journey through the heart of Oahu's stunning landscapes and cultural sites. While costs can add up, savvy travelers can mitigate expenses with careful planning. This Road Trip is an experience of a lifetime, offering a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and awe-inspiring scenery that epitomizes the Hawaiian spirit.

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

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