Top 8 Scenic Drives in Oʻahu: The Most Beautiful Roads to Explore With Your Rental Car

Oʻahu isn’t just an island — it’s a drive-by postcard. With cliffs, beaches, mountains, and colorful towns, every road feels like a moment worth remembering. Whether you’re after iconic stops or hidden gems, these are the 8 most stunning drives to experience when you rent a car in Oʻahu.

1. Kamehameha Highway (North Shore Route)

This legendary road takes you past surf towns, food trucks, and world-class beaches like Pipeline and Sunset. Stop for garlic shrimp in Kahuku — it’s a must.

2. Tantalus Lookout/Round Top Drive

A winding jungle road overlooking Honolulu, offering panoramic views of the city and Diamond Head. Sunrise and sunset are breathtaking here.

3. Pali Highway

Steep cliffs, misty mountains, and an iconic lookout that captures the very soul of Hawaiʻi.

4. Kalanianaʻole Highway (East Oʻahu Coastal Drive)

One of the most dramatic ocean drives. Expect blowholes, turquoise bays, and perfect photo stops.

5. H-3 Highway

Often called the most beautiful freeway in the U.S., it cuts through lush mountains and tunnels that feel otherworldly.

6. Leeward Coast Drive (West Side)

The Farrington Highway is a rugged, less-visited coastline where the mountains drop straight into the sea. Remote, peaceful, and dotted with beaches where you might find more turtles than people.

7. Lanikai + Kailua Backroads

Perfect for slow drives near calm waters and tropical neighborhoods.

8. Waikīkī to Diamond Head

A short but iconic drive — ideal for scenic pit stops and coastal walks.

Why a Rental Car Makes These Drives Possible

Buses don’t reach many of these areas, and rideshares become expensive. With your own vehicle, you can stop anywhere, reroute easily, and soak in the island’s beauty at your own rhythm.

Local Driving Tips for Scenic Routes

• Start early to avoid traffic.

• Carry water and reef-safe sunscreen.

• Respect protected areas, wildlife, and local signage.

• Be patient — many roads are single-lane or slower-paced.

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Expert Insights (From Local Guides & Photographers)

• “Morning light is unbeatable on the east side — that’s where the ocean turns bright turquoise.”

• “The H-3 has its own weather system. Don’t be surprised if you’re driving through clouds.”

• “North Shore in winter? You’ll see waves that look straight out of a documentary.”

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Key Takeaways

• Oʻahu’s scenic drives are some of the best in the Pacific.

• Renting a car is the only way to reach many iconic and hidden locations.

• Timing, sunlight, and weather shape each drive — embrace the spontaneity.

• Akamai Rentals gives you freedom, comfort, and a smooth experience for all 8 drives and beyond.