Oahu Scenic Drive Map
Our scenic drive map is perfect for those looking to plan their trips to Oahu. If you are ready for an Oahu Road trip? Prepare for your trip using our scenic drive map, and get your trip started. Check back often, as we will be constantly updating with new points of interest. The Oahu Travel Guide’s scenic drives map of Oahu can be saved and dowloaded for your convenience. Looking for some inspiration for your tip to Oahu? Check out our expert travel guides to plan the perfect Oahu getaway.
Oสปahu Scenic Drive โ Step-by-Step Directions (Clockwise Loop)
Starting Point: Waikฤซkฤซ
If you are beginning your trip in Waikฤซkฤซ, start by heading west toward downtown Honolulu.
1. Waikฤซkฤซ โ Downtown Honolulu โ Pearl Harbor
- Take Ala Moana Blvd or H-1 West
- Follow signs for Pearl Harbor / Aiea
- Optional stops:
- Downtown Honolulu
- สปIolani Palace
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial
- for more check out our full post
2. Pearl Harbor โ สปEwa / Kapolei (West Oสปahu)
- Continue on H-1 West
- Exit toward Kapolei / สปEwa Beach
- This stretch offers wide roads and ocean views
Optional detours:
- สปEwa Beach
- Ko สปOlina (resorts, lagoons, sunset views)
3. Kapolei โ Waiสปanae Coast
- Continue northwest as H-1 becomes Farrington Highway (Route 93)
- Drive along the Waiสปanae Coast
- Expect fewer servicesโfuel up before this section
Highlights:
- Mฤสปili
- Waiสปanae
- Makaha (surf beaches and mountain backdrops)
4. Waiสปanae โ North Shore
- Stay on Farrington Highway
- The road curves north toward the North Shore
- Views transition from dry coast to lush countryside
Stops along the way:
- Mokulฤสปia Beach
- Dillingham area
5. North Shore: Haleสปiwa โ Sunset Beach โ Kahuku
- Arrive in Haleสปiwa (great place for food and a break)
- Continue east on Kamehameha Highway (Route 83)
Must-see areas:
- Waimea Bay
- Sunset Beach
- Pลซpลซkea / Sharkโs Cove
- Kahuku (shrimp trucks)
6. Kahuku โ East Side (Windward Coast)
- Stay on Kamehameha Highway
- Drive past:
- Laสปie
- Hauสปula
- Kฤneสปohe
Scenic highlights:
- Ocean on one side, Koสปolau mountains on the other
- Lookouts and beach pull-offs throughout
7. Kailua โ Waimฤnalo โ Return to Waikฤซkฤซ
- Pass through Kailua and Waimฤnalo
- Continue south toward Hanauma Bay
- Re-enter Honolulu and return to Waikฤซkฤซ
Optional stops:
- Lanikai Beach
- Waimฤnalo Beach
- Hanauma Bay Lookout
Drive Notes & Tips
- Total drive time: ~4โ6 hours without long stops
- Best done: Morning start, clockwise
- Fuel: Fill up before the Waiสปanae Coast
- Traffic: Heaviest returning to Honolulu in late afternoon
- Weather: East side tends to be wetter; west side sunnier
Oahu Road Trip Points of Interest
- Oahu’s Best Coffee: North Shore
- Oahu’s Best Coffee: Waikiki
- Oahu’s Best Mai Tai
- The Best Burger’s On Oahu
- The Best Hotel’s On Oahu
- The Best Beaches On Oahu
Oahu Road Trip Tips & Tricks
Start early to beat traffic and the crowds, especially if youโre heading to popular spots like Diamond Head or Hanauma Bayโreservations are required for the latter. When driving the Windward Coast, stop at local food trucks in Kailua or Kahuku for a bite. If youโre visiting the North Shore, time your trip during the winter months for massive waves, or summer for calmer waters perfect for swimming. Donโt forget to pack reef-safe sunscreen and cash for roadside vendors!