Best Place to Visit in Hawaii with Your Own Car
Are you looking for the best place to visit in Hawaii with your own car? Look no further! We have created a comprehensive list of places in Hawaii that you can merrily explore.
However, you may be wondering, why use your own car when visiting Hawaii? Well, some of these spots are difficult to reach when you only rely on public transportation. Plus, driving your vehicle will give you the freedom to explore the scenery at your own pace.
Best Place to Visit in Hawaii with Your Own Car
Here is the list of the best place to visit in Hawaii while driving your own car:
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
One of the best place to visit in Hawaii for first time is Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. It is formed within a volcano's crater on the island of Oahu. It is an excellent place for snorkeling or if you simply want to enjoy looking at the breathtaking reef system up close.
Image Resource: Wikipedia
This place is a quick and easy drive from Honolulu. You just have to take the H1 Free from Waikiki until you arrive at the Kalanianaole Highway. From there, drive for around 10 minutes, and you will notice the "Hanauma Bay" sign entrance.
There's a big parking space here, so there is no need to worry about your car. However, make sure to arrive early in the day because this place tends to be packed with visitors, and you might not get a parking space.
Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial
The list of best place to visit in Hawaii is not complete without mentioning Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. This spot is only around a 45-minute drive away from downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. However, the travel time might be a little longer if you leave these cities in Hawaii during rush hour.
Image Resource: Wikipedia
Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial is the perfect place to visit for those who are interested in history. Here, you will find several museums such as the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and USS Bowfin Submarine Museum. You can explore these museums on your own or join a tour for more detailed information about the place's rich history.
It is best to plan ahead when visiting the historic sites in Pearl Harbor. It may take around 6 hours to visit all 4 historic sites in the area. However, it's best to spend a full day here because aside from the historic sites, there are many other things to see and do.
Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head State Monument
Waikiki is one of the cities in Hawaii that's known for its magnificent stretch of oceanfront beaches, big resorts, and vibrant dining scenes. This is why it's among the biggest tourist destinations on the island.
On the other hand, the Diamond Head State Monument is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Hawaiian islands.
It has a scenic hiking trail and stunning coastal views.
Many may say that you don't really need a car if you are staying in Waikiki because you can simply walk around or take public transportation. However, driving your own car makes a huge difference in terms of convenience. You don't have to wait around for buses packed with people.
Besides, if you are visiting the Waikiki beach and the Diamond Head State Monument on the same day, driving your own car is your best option. The travel time between these two destinations will only take 5 minutes.
Hana Road
Hana Road should be included in your list of best place to visit in Hawaii for first time, especially when you are driving your own car. It is a dramatic 52-mile highway stretch on the island of Maui.
Besides appreciating the scenic scenery, you will also enjoy the long list of activities you can do along the way. Some of the popular things to do while on this route are hiking, picture taking, and swimming in waterfalls.
Hamakua Heritage Corridor
The Hamakua Heritage Corridor is among the best place to visit in Hawaii in December because the weather is perfect for exploring the outdoors. The Hamakua Coast in the Big Island of Hawaii stretches from Hilo to Waipio Valley Lookout.
While on a scenic drive on this route, you get the chance to see the lush landscape of the region. There are also several attractions along the way that are worth visiting. Some of these are the Hawaii Tropical Garden, Akka Falls, Kahuna Falls, World Botanical Gardens,and Umauma Falls. You can also stop for a hike at the Laupahoehoe Point or Kalopa State Recreation Area.
This is also an excellent destination for history buffs. You can stop by Laupahoehoe, where you will see a tsunami memorial for the lives lost during the 1946 monstrous wave. This area is also filled with Hawaiian lore.
Polynesian Cultural Center
Another spot that you should consider including on your list of best place to visit in Hawaii in December is the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu. This spot is a 1-hour drive from Honolulu.
The center is divided into multiple sections that portray Polynesian islanders' daily lives in the Hawaiian Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and the Marquesas Islands. Here you will see different demonstrations of these cultures through dance, music, and games.
Performers from this center are natives of the islands that they represent. This will give you an authentic overview of their culture while going around the facility.
North Shore Kauai
Some say that Route 560 in North Shore Kauai is even more picturesque than Hana Road. You will be amazed by the stunning verdant part of the island filled with glimmering taro fields, especially in the drive between Kee Beach and Princeville.
As you drive to the west, you will experience a more local vibe compared to the other part of the island. However, take note that there can be several one-lane bridges that you can come across on this drive. Once you encounter these, kindly follow the local etiquette that there should be a group of 5 or 6 cars crossing, so don't rush and always remember to be polite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Words
Hawaii is indeed a spectacular holiday destination. It would even be better if you bring your own car with you while visiting different attractions. This is because it will allow you to experience the place in the best way possible -no long commutes and hasty tours.
If you do decide on bringing your car with you to Hawaii, you will need a cheap car transport service.
Car Shipping Hawaii can help you with this. They provide
car transport the cheapest way possible. Whether it's door-to-port service or port-to-port service, they got you covered.
