Oʻahu Beyond Waikīkī: 7 Scenic Drives You Can Only Do by Car
- DS&P Digital Marketing Agency
- 17 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Most visitors stay close to Waikīkī — but Oʻahu is an island meant to be explored. Some of its most breathtaking views, cultural landmarks, and local experiences are only accessible by car. Renting a vehicle gives you the freedom to move at your own pace, stop where you want, and truly experience the island beyond the resort zone.
1. Diamond Head Road to Hanauma Bay (East Oʻahu)
This coastal drive hugs the shoreline just outside Waikīkī, offering sweeping ocean views, cliffside lookouts, and iconic stops like Diamond Head Lookout and Hanauma Bay.
Why it’s special:
Oceanfront scenery minutes from the city
Easy pull-offs for photos
Access to snorkeling and short hikes
🚗 Driving makes it easy to arrive early, beat crowds, and explore multiple lookouts in one morning.
Staying in Waikīkī? Pick up your car nearby and explore East Oʻahu before the crowds arrive. Waikīkī pick-up locations
2. Kalanianaʻole Highway to Makapuʻu Point
One of the most dramatic drives on the island, this route delivers nonstop ocean views, lava cliffs, and seasonal whale sightings.
Don’t miss:
Makapuʻu Lookout
Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail
Halona Blowhole
Sandy’s Beach
Plan this drive early in the day for the best light and fewer visitors. O’ahu Scenic Map
3. East Shore Drive: Kāneʻohe to Laie
This lush windward drive feels worlds away from Waikīkī’s urban energy. You’ll pass rainforests, small towns, and calm turquoise waters.
Highlights:
Kualoa Regional Park
Chinaman’s Hat (Mokoliʻi)
Local roadside fruit stands
Turn this into a full-day drive with flexible stops — something tours don’t allow. Local food spots on Oʻahu
4. North Shore Scenic Loop
This is one of Oʻahu’s most iconic drives, especially in winter when massive waves roll in.
Stops to plan:
Haleʻiwa town
Sunset Beach
Banzai Pipeline
Waimea Valley
Want to explore the North Shore at your own pace? A car gives you full control of your itinerary. O’ahu Scenic Map
5. Waimea Valley to Kaʻena Point (West Side)
The West Side of Oʻahu is raw, rugged, and far less crowded. This coastal drive offers a glimpse into a more local side of the island.
Why locals love it:
Fewer tourists
Untouched landscapes
Powerful sunsets
Explore responsibly and respect the land — this area is about appreciation, not rush. Respect the land: traveling responsibly in Hawaiʻi
6. Tantalus–Round Top Drive (Honolulu Viewpoints)
This mountain road winds through tropical forest above Honolulu, ending in panoramic city and ocean views.
Best for:
Sunset drives
Nighttime city views
Short scenic escapes from the city
Perfect if you want a scenic drive without leaving Honolulu. Scenic viewpoints near Honolulu
7. Central Oʻahu Backroads to Dole Plantation
A quieter inland drive that connects agricultural land, pineapple fields, and historic plantations.
Good to know:
Less traffic than coastal highways
Family-friendly stops
Easy half-day trip
A great option when beach areas are crowded or weather shifts. Family-friendly activities on Oʻahu
Expert Insights
Flexibility beats schedules: Guided tours limit time. Driving lets you stay where you connect most.
Early access matters: Many beaches and lookouts are best before tour buses arrive.
Local roads reveal local culture: Food trucks, fruit stands, and hidden viewpoints are easier to reach by car.
Oʻahu’s weather varies by region: A car lets you chase better conditions across the island.
Key Takeaways
Oʻahu’s best scenic drives go far beyond Waikīkī
Many must-see spots are only practical with a car
Driving enables deeper cultural and natural exploration
Renting a car turns your trip into a self-guided island experience
🚗 Ready to explore Oʻahu beyond Waikīkī?
Rent with Akamai Rentals and experience the island the smart, local way — flexible routes, convenient pick-up locations, and the freedom to discover Oʻahu on your own terms.
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