Contact Us
1-800-843-8771
Driving Hawaii: Hairpin Turns, Happy State Rankings & What to Bring Home
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Hawaii News Roundup
Priscilla Presley Boycotts Hawaii Island
Priscilla Presley has joined the conversation around Hawaii’s feral animal population. Hawaii County recently passed Bill 51, which makes it illegal to feed stray or feral animals on county property. That means no feeding cats, chickens, pigs, or goats.
The idea is to protect Hawaii’s endangered native bird populations, but the move has sparked backlash. Presley, widow of Elvis Presley, says it’s inhumane and has publicly announced she won’t visit Hawaii Island anymore. She’s even encouraging others to boycott as well.
Locals are divided. Some argue feral cats and other animals are a real threat to native species. Others say feeding bans don’t solve the problem — they just punish people trying to show compassion. Either way, it’s an issue that’s not going away anytime soon.
Hawaii Ranks #1 Happiest State (Again)
WalletHub’s 2025 study once again named Hawaii the Happiest State in America. This is the second consecutive year Hawaii has landed on top.
Despite the high cost of living, residents report:
- Lower levels of depression
- Higher life satisfaction
- Better health outcomes than most of the country
A strong tourism economy and steady employment help too. CNBC also ranked Hawaii near the top for quality of life — though challenges like child care and health care remain.
Carnival Legend Adds Hawaii Cruises
Big news for cruise fans: the Carnival Legend will reposition to Long Beach, California from October 2027 through April 2028. During that stretch, it will sail ten 14-day cruises to Hawaii.
Ports of call include:
- Honolulu (Oahu)
- Maui
- Kauai
- Hilo (Big Island)
- Kona (Big Island)
- Ensenada, Mexico
If you’re considering a cruise vacation to Hawaii, now’s the time to start thinking about these itineraries. They will sell out fast.
Listener Questions
Nancy’s Boutique Hotel Request
Nancy wrote in after spotting our Luana Waikiki special — $149/night. She was curious about boutique hotels on Oahu. Truth is, there aren’t many. Oahu is dominated by large resorts, but the Luana is one of the rare exceptions with a boutique feel. It’s a great option if you want something smaller and more personal without breaking the bank.
Ann’s Driving Concerns
Ann has been with us since 2018, working with Abby. She asked a question that hits home for a lot of visitors: What if you don’t do well with hairpin turns or cliffs? She was worried about the drive to Kauai’s North Shore and Waimea Canyon.
This is a common concern. Driving in Hawaii can be completely different depending on the island. Let’s break it down.
Driving in Hawaii: Island by Island
Driving is often part of the adventure here, but for some people, it can be intimidating. Each island has its own quirks.
Oahu: Traffic More Than Terrain
Oahu has the most developed roads in the state. Freeways, multilane highways, clear signage — all of it will feel familiar to anyone used to mainland driving.
- The Challenge: Traffic. Honolulu’s rush hour (6:30–9 AM, 3:30–6 PM) can rival L.A. gridlock. Parking in Waikīkī is expensive and often tight.
- What’s Easy: Driving to the North Shore is straightforward. It’s mostly wide, coastal highways without scary cliffs. Day trips to Kailua or Ko Olina are also simple, just plan around peak traffic hours.
Tip: Rent a smaller car. Don’t expect cheap or abundant parking in Waikīkī — valet is the norm.
Maui: Curves, Cliffs & Famous Roads
Maui is home to Hawaii’s most infamous drive: the Road to Hana.
- Road to Hana: Over 600 curves and 50 one-lane bridges. The road hugs cliffs, winds through rainforests, and can be exhausting for drivers.
- West Maui (Kahekili Highway): Narrower and cliffside, sometimes barely wide enough for two cars. This road can rattle even confident drivers.
- What’s Easy: Resort-to-resort driving (Wailea, Kāʻanapali, Lahaina) is mostly on wide highways. The road up Haleakalā is long and winding but safe, with guardrails.
Tip: If cliffside driving makes you nervous, go halfway to Hana and turn back. Or take a guided tour — you’ll get the same waterfalls and lush scenery without the stress.
Kauai: Narrow Roads & Big Views
Kauai has fewer roads overall, and they’re mostly two lanes with little or no shoulder. It’s less about speed and more about patience.
- North Shore (Princeville → Hanalei → Ha‘ena / Ke‘e): After Princeville, the highway narrows and you’ll hit multiple one-lane bridges. Beyond Hanalei, the road hugs the coast with limited guardrails. If drop-offs make you uneasy, this part of the island can be stressful.
- Waimea Canyon / Kōke‘e: Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” the road up is full of winding switchbacks and steep grades. Many visitors report motion sickness. But you won’t be hanging over cliffs — most of the dramatic drop-offs are seen safely from overlooks.
- Polihale: This isn’t about cliffs — it’s about road conditions. The dirt access road is full of deep ruts and gets worse after rain. Without 4WD, you risk getting stuck.
Tip: Keep your days focused. Don’t try to see Waimea Canyon and the North Shore in one trip. Plan one side of the island per day.
Big Island: Long Distances & Remote Roads
The Big Island is bigger than all the other islands combined, and driving here means covering serious ground.
- Saddle Road (Hilo ↔ Kona): Once infamous, it’s now repaved and much safer. But fog and rain are common, and cell service is spotty.
- Mauna Kea Summit Road: Extremely steep, partly unpaved, and at high altitude. Not recommended unless you’re very confident.
- What’s Easy: The coastal highways connecting Kona, Waikoloa, and Hilo are wide, scenic, and straightforward. Volcanoes National Park roads are well-paved and low stress.
Tip: Always gas up. Distances are long, and stations can be far apart. Avoid night drives unless you’re comfortable with isolation.
Lānaʻi & Molokaʻi: Remote & Rugged
These two smaller islands offer very different driving experiences.
- Lānaʻi: Few paved roads. Most attractions, like Garden of the Gods, require a 4WD. After rain, dirt roads can be impassable.
- Molokaʻi: Main roads are mellow, with very little traffic. But the road to Halawa Valley is narrow and cliffside in parts, which can feel intimidating.
Tip: If rugged roads make you nervous, book guided tours instead of trying to go it alone.
General Driving Advice for Hawaii
- Drive in daylight if curves or cliffs make you uneasy.
- Rent a smaller, nimble car for easier handling.
- Don’t overschedule. A “short” 30-mile drive might take double the time you expect.
- Yield at one-lane bridges and wave “thank you” — it’s local etiquette.
- If you know a road will stress you out, book a tour instead.
Facebook Ohana: What Can’t You Leave Hawaii Without?
We asked our community: What’s the one thing you can’t leave Hawaii without?
Here’s what people said:
- Food & Drink: Kona coffee, Honolulu Cookie Company, huli huli sauce, Portuguese sausage, Li Hing Mui, macadamia nuts, papayas, Kona coffee ice cream.
- Keepsakes: Ukuleles, tiki carvings, jade pendants, pareos, plumeria perfume, hula mugs.
- Funny replies: “My husband!” … “Getting layed!” … “A return ticket.”
These aren’t just souvenirs — they’re reminders of experiences. Whether it’s the taste of Kona coffee at breakfast or the feel of a pareo on the beach, these items bring Hawaii back home with you.
Final Thoughts
Driving in Hawaii can be an adventure — sometimes stressful, sometimes unforgettable. Oahu brings traffic, Maui brings curves, Kauai brings narrow bridges, and the Big Island brings distance. Smaller islands add rugged, off-road challenges.
For Ann and anyone else nervous about cliffs and hairpin turns: stick to daylight driving, keep to one side of the island per day, and don’t hesitate to let someone else do the driving when you’d rather just enjoy the view.
And remember, Hawaii isn’t just about the roads — it’s about the experience. From boutique hotels like the Luana Waikiki to favorite souvenirs like Kona coffee and mac nuts, every detail of your trip adds up to something special.
Mahalo for reading, and if you’re planning a Hawaii trip, reach out to us at Hawaii Aloha Travel. We live here, we know the islands, and we’d love to help you plan a stress-free, memorable vacation.