Driving from Kona to Hilo offers one of the most scenic road trips in Hawaii. Whether you’re exploring volcanoes, waterfalls, or the island’s stunning beaches, this journey immerses you in the natural beauty of the Big Island. Start your adventure with Saddle Road, the fastest route, with panoramic views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Along the way, make stops at Parker Ranch and Waipio Valley for an even more awe-inspiring experience.

For those who want to soak in cultural landmarks, the Northern Route offers a perfect blend of historical sites and magnificent scenery. If you crave more of Hawaii’s natural wonders, the Southern Route takes you through Kau and Volcano Village, home to the incredible Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and Papakōlea Green Sand Beach.

Covering 200 miles of diverse landscapes, the Kona to Hilo drive offers lush valleys, majestic coastlines, and plenty of opportunities to explore Hawaii’s breathtaking sights. Whether you’re seeking a scenic drive, thrilling outdoor activities, or just want to enjoy the journey, this road trip will leave you with unforgettable memories of the Big Island’s natural wonders.

Exploring the Big Island: Kona to Hilo Road Trip Guide

The Island of Hawaii, often referred to as the Big Island, is the largest of the Hawaiian islands. Known for its dramatic geological features, it’s home to active volcanoes like Mauna Loa and Kilauea. The island’s diversity is stunning, with lush landscapes on the eastern side in Hilo and sunny beaches on the western side in Kailua-Kona. The drive between these cities covers 77 miles, offering a scenic road trip through varied ecosystems.

Although both Hilo and Kailua-Kona have airports, you can’t fly directly between them. Renting a car is the best way to travel, giving you the freedom to explore and enjoy the island’s natural beauty. Whether you’re visiting volcanoes, hiking trails, or relaxing on the coast, this Kona to Hilo road trip is the perfect way to experience the island’s remarkable geological diversity. From vast volcanic craters to stunning beaches, this drive will leave you with unforgettable memories of the Big Island.

Kona to Hilo Drive: Exploring the Scenic Routes of Big Island

Driving across the Big Island from Kona to Hilo is one of the most breathtaking road trips you can experience in Hawaii. Whether you’re looking to visit famous volcanoes, majestic waterfalls, or explore lush Hawaiian landscapes, the Kona to Hilo drive offers the perfect mix of adventure and natural beauty. This scenic road trip will take you through unique geological sites and cultural landmarks, ensuring you have an unforgettable experience on your journey.

Saddle Road: The Fastest Route with Stunning Views

The Saddle Road, the quickest route, offers stunning panoramic views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. If you’re looking for the most scenic option, the Northern Route will allow you to experience lush green landscapes, waterfalls, and the Waipio Valley Lookout. Akaka Falls, with its impressive 442-foot drop, is a must-see along the way. For a more relaxed experience, the Southern Route will take you through Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, where you can explore Kilauea Caldera, the Thurston Lava Tube, and other volcanic attractions.

Cultural Stops: Southern Route’s Hidden Gems

For those who appreciate both nature and culture, the Southern Route offers stops like South Point (Ka Lae), the southernmost point of the island, and the Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historic Park, a place rich in Hawaiian history. Make sure to visit the Volcano Winery near Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, where you can taste locally made wines.

Scenic Road Trip Across Diverse Landscapes

The Kona to Hilo drive spans 77 miles, but you can make it an epic journey with countless scenic stops, from Hawaiian beaches to hiking through lava formations. Whether you’re making the drive for a scenic road trip or exploring the Big Island’s volcanoes, there’s no shortage of beauty along the way.

Discover Key Stops on the Kona to Hilo Drive

The drive from Kona to Hilo offers a scenic journey filled with exciting stops, from lush valleys and waterfalls to cultural landmarks and breathtaking coastal views. Explore unique spots like Waimea, Waipi’o Valley, and Akaka Falls as you make your way across the Big Island.

Part 1: Kona to Waimea

Your adventure begins in Kona, heading out on Highway 19 towards Waimea. The distance is around 40 miles, and the journey takes approximately 50 minutes. This route offers one of the most scenic drives, with panoramic views of the ocean as you move along the Kohala coast. Along the way, you’ll pass Kona Airport and the upscale Waikoloa area, home to luxurious resorts like Fairmont Orchid, Mauna Lani, and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Waimea, a historic town and home to Hawaiian cowboys, provides a charming stop. Visit the Waimea Coffee Company for a local cup of coffee, or head to Kahua Ranch for a horseback ride through rolling hills.

Part 2: Waimea to Waipi’o Valley

From Waimea, the drive to Waipi’o Valley covers 22 miles and takes about 30 minutes. As you continue your drive north towards the northeastern coast, make sure to stop at the Waipi’o Valley Lookout. This spot offers one of the most breathtaking views on the Big Island. Known as the Valley of Kings, Waipi’o Valley is historically significant, as it once housed King Kamehameha I and Hawaii’s royal family. Although the road into the valley is restricted, you can still enjoy the view from the lookout.

Part 3: Waipi’o Valley to Laupāhoehoe Point

Continuing southeast along the coast, you’ll drive about 26 miles in 38 minutes to Laupāhoehoe Point. This scenic area is rich in history, particularly in the aftermath of the 1946 tsunami, which devastated the region. Today, the area is a beach park with lava rock formations and strong surf, providing the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and learn about its past. En route, don’t miss a stop at the Waipio Fruit Shack to sample fresh, local Hawaiian fruits like papaya and coconut—ideal for a quick snack before continuing your journey.

Part 4: Laupāhoehoe Point to ‘Akaka Falls State Park

After Laupāhoehoe, continue on to Akaka Falls State Park, located 19 miles and a 30-minute drive from your last stop. The park is home to two majestic waterfalls: Kahuna Falls and the iconic ‘Akaka Falls. Entrance to the park is $5 per person, with an additional $10 for parking. It’s a perfect stop for nature lovers, offering paved walkways and marked trails amidst lush tropical greenery and vibrant flowers. The park is easily accessible and is great for families and solo travelers alike.

Part 5: ‘Akaka Falls State Park to Onomea Bay

Next, drive 11 miles in 19 minutes to Onomea Bay, a beautiful area between ‘Akaka Falls and Hilo. Here, you’ll find the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, a 40-acre garden with tropical plants and flowers. Though the entry fee is $30 per person, it’s well worth it for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Alternatively, if you prefer a more budget-friendly option, hike the Onomea Bay Trail, a half-mile trail that cuts through the botanical garden, offering fantastic views of the bay and ocean.

Part 6: Onomea Bay to Hilo

The final stretch from Onomea Bay to Hilo is only 6 miles and takes about 13 minutes. As you approach Hilo, make sure to visit Honoli’i Beach Park, a great spot to watch surfers and enjoy the sunset. This is a perfect way to wrap up your road trip across the Big Island, soaking in the coastal beauty of Hilo and its vibrant local culture before ending your journey.

Exciting Adventures on the Big Island You Can’t Miss

The Big Island is packed with unforgettable experiences, from manta ray snorkeling to stargazing atop Mauna Kea. Whether you’re into thrilling adventures or simply soaking in the beauty of waterfalls and rainforests, there’s something for everyone!

Manta Ray Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: An Unforgettable Experience

The Big Island offers one of the most unique experiences in the world: snorkeling or scuba diving with manta rays. Off the coast of Kona, you can join a tour where you’ll swim in the ocean at night and watch these majestic creatures perform their ethereal dance beneath you. It may sound intimidating, but I promise it’s not as scary as it seems, and the chance to see these giant rays in action is absolutely worth it. It’s one of the top things to do on the Big Island and a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

Stargazing at Mauna Kea: Hawaii’s Highest Volcano

One of the most magical experiences you can have on the Big Island is stargazing atop Mauna Kea, the highest volcano in Hawaii. As the sun sets, the sky transforms into a canvas of stars, providing some of the clearest views in the world. Whether you’re watching the sunset or taking a guided stargazing tour, Mauna Kea is the perfect spot to soak in the natural beauty of the night sky. It’s a peaceful escape from city lights and an awe-inspiring experience of Hawaii’s natural wonders.

Ziplining and Waterfall Adventures: Nature’s Playground on the Big Island

The Kohala Coast is a lush paradise, perfect for adventurers looking to explore Hawaii’s rainforests. One of the most thrilling ways to see the island is by ziplining through the treetops, giving you an adrenaline rush while offering stunning views of the surrounding nature. Afterward, cool off by swimming beneath one of the island’s breathtaking waterfalls. This activity is an iconic Hawaii experience and a must-do for any nature lover looking for both adventure and relaxation on the Big Island.

These activities will let you experience the very best of Hawaii, from the depths of the ocean to the highest peaks and lush rainforests in between.

Conclusion:

Driving from Kona to Hilo is a scenic adventure across the stunning Big Island. From lush valleys to majestic volcanoes like Mauna Loa and Kilauea, each route offers unique beauty. The Saddle Road gives you breathtaking views of the islands’ towering mountains, while the Northern and Southern Routes are perfect for those seeking waterfalls, historical landmarks, and volcanic wonders. Along the way, you can visit Waipio Valley, explore Akaka Falls State Park, or enjoy a refreshing stop at the Waipio Fruit Shack.For those craving adventure, the Big Island offers unforgettable activities like manta ray snorkeling, stargazing at Mauna Kea, and ziplining through the lush Kohala coast. Whether you’re looking for hiking trails, beaches, or cultural landmarks, this journey will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

FAQS:

Q: What is the best route to take from Kona to Hilo?

A:  The Saddle Road is the fastest route, offering stunning panoramic views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. However, if you’re looking for more scenic beauty and cultural landmarks, the Northern Route is perfect, with waterfalls like Akaka Falls and the Waipio Valley Lookout. The Southern Route offers an opportunity to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and iconic spots like South Point and Punalu’u Black Sand Beach.

Q: What are the best places to stop for food along the Kona to Hilo drive?

A: You can stop at Waimea Coffee Company for a local coffee, Waipio Fruit Shack for fresh Hawaiian fruits, or Kahua Ranch for a horseback ride and a taste of local cuisine. For a more relaxed stop, try visiting Volcano Winery on the Southern Route.

Q: Is it safe to drive the Kona to Hilo route at night?

A: Driving at night is safe, but Saddle Road can be quite dark, so it’s important to be cautious. Animals are sometimes seen along the road, and there may be limited rest stops, so ensure your vehicle is well-fueled and stocked with snacks before embarking on the drive.

Q: Are there any hiking opportunities along the Kona to Hilo drive?

A: Yes, there are several hiking opportunities, especially along the Waipio Valley Lookout and Akaka Falls State Park. Both locations offer trails with beautiful views of waterfalls and valleys. If you’re looking for a more adventurous hike, you can explore the Onomea Bay Trail or even venture into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.