Explore Oahu’s Best Road Trip: Scenic Stops from Waikiki to the North Shore
Oahu may best be known for world-famous Waikiki Beach with its sun-kissed sands and epic waves for surfing, but the island boasts stunning scenery throughout.
From the lush emerald valleys in the Koolau Mountains to the north shore’s dramatic coastal cliffs, there’s no better way to explore it than with a road trip. Discover secluded sandy coves, sweeping ocean vistas, hidden waterfalls, and a wealth of renowned filming sites with nearly 80 TV series and movies shot here from “Jurassic Park” and “50 First Dates” to “Hawaii Five-O.”
Traveling from FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII in Waikiki to the North Shore is really a must, but with multiple routes to choose from, you’ll want to enjoy the most picturesque.
Living and working here in Waikiki, we’ve explored them all so we can reveal the most scenic stops on what’s widely regarded as the very best road trip on Oahu.
If you leave early in the morning you can do the entire loop back to Waikiki enjoying the scenic stops along the way that we’ve outlined in the best Oahu road trip below in a day.
Best Oahu Road Trip from Waikiki
The most scenic Oahu road trip starts in what may seem like an odd direction to get to the North Shore. You’ll head southeast from Waikiki along the Waikiki coast via the Kalanianaʻole Highway that passes through Hawaii Kai providing access to the Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve before turning north, traveling along the island’s east coast.
There are numerous stops along the way that we’ll outline in our next section before turning onto Highway 83 W in Kaaawa which continues to the North Shore.
From here, you can loop around to the southwest taking the inland Kamehameha Highway to Interstate H-2 to return to Waikiki.
The journey is just under 120 miles with a drive time of three hours and 35 minutes, but that’s without stops. You’ll want that full day to enjoy these scenic stops and hidden gems for the best possible experience.
Scenic Stops & Hidden Gems
Halona Blowhole Lookout
Your drive begins traveling toward the famous Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, best skipped as it’s jam-packed with tourists, requires advanced reservations, and the coral that once drew many has been damaged over the years.
Instead, continue a few minutes further to the Halona Blowhole Lookout. If you’re here at high tide it’s especially impressive, with water shooting 30 feet or even higher through a hole in a lava tube. In the winter, it’s also a good spot for whale watching.
Insider tip:Just to the right of the blowhole is secluded Halona Cove, also known as Eternity Beach. This hidden gem is a narrow stretch of tranquil sand that was featured in the romantic film starring Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr, “From Here to Eternity.” When the water is calm, it’s ideal for a dip.
Waimanalo Beach
Less than six miles further, you’ll come to a vast expanse of white sands with beautiful turquoise waters known as Waimanalo Beach. While it can get busy on holidays and weekends, it’s often quiet on weekdays, especially compared to busier beaches in Honolulu, perfect for peaceful contemplation and swimming.
Lanikai Pillbox
About eight miles north of Waimanalo you’ll find a local’s favorite hike. The Lanikai Pillbox trail is the perfect way to stretch your legs, providing jaw-dropping views over the entire windward side of Oahu, Kailua Beach, and the Mokula Islands. It gets its name from the military pillbox huts that you’ll see scattered along the bluffs. Short and sweet, it’s just under a mile out and back.
Insider tip:After your hike, enjoy relaxing on Kailua’s fine sands. Head to the far end of the beach known as “Castles,” for the most tranquil experience.
Kualoa Ranch
While it’s certainly not a hidden gem, a visit to Kualoa Ranch about a 30-minute drive north of Kailua is a must, with some of the most breathtaking natural beauty on the island.
As mentioned, it’s been a top filming site for dozens of movies and TV series with its fantasy-like landscapes, including emerald-hued mountains, lush rainforests and valleys, and unspoiled beaches. You might want to plan to spend extra time here as there are many activities on offer, from horseback riding and ziplining to tours of the filming sites.
Kaawa Beach
Only a couple miles down the road from Kualoa Ranch, Kaawa is a dream. An off-the-beaten-path beach, it offers incredible views of the Koolau Range with its dramatic peaks and cliffs as one of the most photogenic spots you’ll find in all of Hawaii.
Punaluu Beach
Continuing 4.3 miles north, you’ll find the thin stretch of sand known as Punaluu Beach, not to be confused with the famous beach on the Big Island. It offers more dazzling views that include the ocean and a backdrop of the mountains for another outstanding photo op.
Insider tip:If you’re in need of a bite, walk about a block north and you’ll find the Shrimp Shack food truck offering mouthwatering dishes like coconut shrimp that you can enjoy beneath the coconut trees at the beach park.
Hanakailio Beach
Rounding the northern tip of Oahu, you can visit a rare gem. Hanakailio takes some effort to reach as you’ll need to walk 1.2 miles on Marconi Road but that keeps the crowds away, ensuring tranquility enjoyed with the spectacular beauty. Take a stroll on the white sands while watching for sea turtles and even the occasional monk seal.
Banzai Pipeline
Soon you’ll be heading south where you’ll come to Ehukai Beach Park, 7.1 miles from Hanakailio. It’s home to the Banzai Pipeline with epic waves that draw surfers from across the globe. Watching them in the winter is mesmerizing with the waves as high as 20 feet.
Shark’s Cove
Another mile south is Shark’s Cove in Pupukea Beach Park. It’s a top spot for snorkeling with the rocks creating a natural bay for sea turtles, fish, and other marine life yet it’s not as crowded as the more famous destinations like Hanauma Bay.
Waimea Valley
If you’re up for a swim before starting your return to Waikiki, Waimea Valley isn’t a “secret” spot but it is home to the 45-foot Waimea waterfall, the only one on the island where you can enjoy a dip. You’ll also some 5,000 tropical and subtropical plants, including some that are endangered and native to Hawaii, along with cultural attractions and activities. You can enjoy hula demonstrations, crafts, music, and more.
Finally, venturing south on Route 99, Kamehameha Highway, you’ll come to the Dole Plantation. While not a scenic spot, it’s one of the island’s top attractions, home to the famous Pineapple Garden Maze, the largest in the world with nearly 2.5 miles of paths.
Essential Tips for Your Waikiki Road Trip
How to Avoid Crowds on Your Oahu Road Trip
Taking our suggested route will help you avoid the island’s biggest crowds. It’s not only the most scenic, it’s the most tranquil bringing many opportunities to explore more hidden spots. If you can, avoid road-tripping on holidays and weekends. The earlier you can be at the more popular attractions, the better, so plan to set that alarm for an early wake-up call. It’s worth it!
Drive with Aloha in Mind
Always keep aloha in mind when driving (or doing anything else in Hawaii). It’s not just a word to say hello or goodbye, but the essence of compassion, peace, and love. That means being courteous to other drivers by avoiding tailgating and honking other than in true emergencies.
Reserve Your Rental Car Well in Advance
Renting a car can be expensive but the farther you book in advance the more affordable it’s likely to be. You might be able to score a better deal last minute in some places, but that’s rarely if ever true here in Oahu due to its popularity. Never wait until the last minute unless you want to pay exorbitant prices. If you plan to spend most of your time in Waikiki, it’s best to rent a car only for the time you plan to explore the other parts of the island to avoid paying high parking rates.
Buckle Up and Prepare for an Unforgettable Adventure
While Waikiki offers a wide range of activities and attractions, an Oahu road trip is sure to be one of the highlights of your vacation. Buckle up, get into relaxed island time, and look forward to an unforgettable adventure!
