Scenic driving route on Big Island Hawaii with lush landscapes

Big Island Driving Routes

Your Essential Logistics & Navigation Guide

Kalani Miller, Big Island driving expert

Local Driving Expert

The Logistics Map - How to Drive the Big Island

The second thing every visitor needs to understand is that driving here is different. Forget what Google Maps tells you about the "fastest route." On the Big Island, the journey is the destination, and our roads demand respect. Many are narrow, two-lane routes that would be considered farm roads on the mainland, often with no shoulder, steep drop-offs, and very little lighting at night. Cell service can be sparse in many areas, so you're often on your own if you have car trouble.

This isn't to scare you, but to prepare you. Slow down, let the faster drivers pass, and build extra time into every trip.

Remember: On the Big Island, the journey IS the destination. Our roads demand respect and patience. Build extra time into every trip and enjoy the incredible scenery along the way.

The Three Main Routes Between East & West

This map shows the three main arteries that connect the east and west sides of the island. Each has a completely different character.

🌿 The Hāmākua Coast (North via Hwy 19)

This is my home, and in my opinion, the most beautiful drive on the island. This route winds along the northeastern coast, offering jaw-dropping views of deep, lush valleys and the Pacific Ocean. It connects Hilo to Waimea and then continues down the coast to Kona. The drive is filled with historic plantation towns, stunning waterfalls like ʻAkaka Falls, and botanical gardens.

Must-do detour: The Onomea Scenic Drive (also called the Pepeʻekeo Scenic Drive), a 4-mile stretch of the old highway that feels like traveling through a tropical cathedral. This route takes longer, but it's worth every minute.

🏔️ Saddle Road / Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Middle via Hwy 200)

This is your functional shortcut, a modern highway that slices through the high plateau between our two largest volcanoes, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. While it can save you 20-30 minutes compared to the northern route, the weather here is no joke. You can go from bright sun to dense, pea-soup fog with only a few feet of visibility in a matter of minutes.

⚠️ Weather Warning: Keep your headlights on and be prepared for sudden weather changes. It's a stark, otherworldly landscape of ancient lava flows with powerful beauty all its own.

🌋 The Kaʻū Route (South via Hwy 11)

This is the long way around, connecting Kona to Hilo through the southern part of the island. This drive is a journey through history and geology. It takes you past Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the famous Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, and Ka Lae (South Point), the southernmost point in the United States.

Highlights: The roads here are quiet and pass through small, historic towns like Nāʻālehu and Pāhala. Perfect for those who want to explore at a leisurely pace.

Big Island Driving Times At-a-Glance

To help you plan, here's a quick reference for estimated driving times between key locations. Remember, these are estimates without stops or traffic. Always add extra time!

From Kona Airport (KOA) To:

Hilo Airport (ITO) via North (Hwy 19) 1 hour, 45 minutes

Hilo Airport (ITO) via Saddle Road (Hwy 200) 1 hour, 30 minutes

Hilo Airport (ITO) via South (Hwy 11) 2 hours, 45 minutes

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes NP via South (Hwy 11) 2 hours, 15 minutes

Waimea via Hwy 190 50 minutes

From Hilo Airport (ITO) To:

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes NP via South (Hwy 11) 45 minutes

Waimea via North (Hwy 19) 1 hour, 10 minutes

Seeing that it takes over two hours to get from the main resort area in Kona to the national park should tell you something important about planning your trip. Trying to do it all from one home base can lead to a lot of time spent in the car.

Important Road Conditions & Updates

It's vital to check for road work and closures before you head out. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HIDOT) website provides weekly updates on lane closures for things like grass cutting or road striping. And in areas like Puna, roads are still being rebuilt after the massive 2018 Kīlauea eruption, so be aware that your GPS might not be up to date with the latest conditions.