Ticket to Paradise: Top Off-Road Destinations in Hawaii
When you think of Hawaii, many things probably come to mind: picturesque beaches, laid-back surf culture, volcanoes, honeymoons. But as you probably guessed from the title, we’d like to sway your thinking just a tad since Hawaii has a damn fine batch of off-road adventures for you to consider.
Of course, there may be one obstacle Hawaii presents which other areas on our Best of articles do not. Getting your own rig over the Pacific can prove costly and anxiety-inducing – two things you don’t exactly want on vacation. That’s why we recommend renting a Jeep or ATV at one of the many rental spots available on the island. (Headache avoided!)
Whatever way you manage it, we think you’ll agree that off-roading in the 50th state is quite possibly the best way to experience all the surreal beauty that Hawaii has to offer.
Let’s take a look at some of the trails, parks, and adventures we recommend in the Aloha state.
Road To Hana Jeep Excursion
Sometimes you want the off-road experience, but would rather kick back, focus on the sites, and let someone more familiar with the landscape chauffeur you around. If that sounds more your speed, or you just don’t have the vehicle to do it yourself, check out the Hawaii Tours Road to Hana excursion.
This fantastic 8-10-hour eastern Maui drive starts with a 7am pickup from your location — an ideal time to beat the late morning tourist rush. After cruising along Ho’okipa Beach, you head through dense jungle to the Keanae Peninsula where the abundance of volcanic rock formations reaffirm your Jeep is needed.
Subsequent stops include, Pua’a Ka’a Waterfalls Park, Waianapanapa State Park, and the Garden of Eden. You’ll then reach your destination: the quiet, serene town of Hana. Throughout the trip you’ll be taken through the lore and legends of the area, and given the opportunity to stop and spend more time at spots more to your fancy.
Kualoa Ranch UTV Raptor Tour
With scenery so stunning, it’s no wonder Hawaii has been a popular Hollywood shooting location for decades. One site that’s certainly seen its fair share of blockbusters is the Kualoa Ranch on the island of Oahu.
It’s been used in films such as Godzilla, Pearl Harbor, and most famously, Jurassic Park. Even if you’ve never seen or have little interest in movies, the mesmerizing landscape will immediately overwhelm your senses and leave you in awe.
The Ranch is a popular tourist destination, and one of the more immersive ways of seeing it is with the help of UTVs. The Raptor Tour lets you pilot your own UTV or ride along, traversing over streams, through mud, and reaching spaces that those without small capable vehicles could never reach.
Set aside 2 hours for this tour, and make sure to wear old clothing—you’re going to get dirty!
Molokai Forest Reserve Road
Most of the Molokai Forest Reserve is inaccessible to the public, but if you have a capable wheeler, there is one exception. The Forest Reserve Road is a 10-mile stretch used for hiking and off-roading that takes you through the history of the friendly island of Molokai.
The first half of the drive is pasture land before hitting the Reserve boundary. The area holds many tree plantations and non-indigenous vegetation, and is a beautiful side of Hawaii that few get to experience.
You’ll see remnants of Molokai’s sandalwood trade before the main attraction of the drive: the Waikolu Lookout. Here you’ll see the Pacific Ocean, a distinctly layered valley below, and tall thin waterfalls dotting the landscape. A view that no words on a blog could ever do justice.
Polihale Ridge Trail
Known for being the western-most publicly accessible area in the United States, Polihale State Park is home to the Polihale Ridge Trail — a challenging 5.3-mile trail starting at State Highway 550.
The trail cuts through a forest of eucalyptus, pine, and ironwood and leads to a fantastic vantage point for the valley below. Depending on the day, you’ll be able to hear the distant crashing of the surf.
While relatively short and accessible to amateur off-roaders, the real prize lies at the end: the Na Pali Coast beach. Often ranked as one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, the Na Pali Coast is a great place to enjoy a little sun and swimming while your Jeep cools down.
Polihale State Park itself is also a great place to take your 4×4 and camp right on the dune-laden coastline. Make sure to double-check availability and register before entering, though. Illegal camping is a problem in Polihale Park, and they have been forced to shut down in the past as degradation of resources was a problem.
As always, make sure to plan ahead, make reservations, and do your research before visiting any campsite, park, or trails.
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Whether its off-road, overland, DIY, or contractor-grade, Dee Zee has the engineering, materials, fit, finish, and products discerning enthusiast’s demand. That’s why they’re known as The Quality Truck Accessory People
