Explore Oahu’s Scenic Southeast Shore: An Ultimate Driving Tour

A road trip may not be the first thing that comes to mind while planning an island getaway; however, it is one of the best ways to experience Oahu. The journey east past Diamond Head towards the southeast shore has proven to be the most popular driving tour on the island. This guide provides vital information to help you enjoy your trip with several amazing stops along the way.

Kalaniana’ole Highway to Hawaii Kai

Whether you are staying in Honolulu or one of the many resorts or condominiums in Waikiki, your adventure begins on H1 East. For a slightly more scenic route, you can drive down Kalakaua Avenue and make a right turn onto Diamond Head Road at the foot of Diamond Head Mountain.

The drive along Diamond Head Road offers lovely viewpoints. This road transitions into Kahala Avenue, taking you through one of the wealthiest neighborhoods on the island. Keep an eye out for signs directing you to H1; make a left onto Kealaolu Avenue that leads directly to the highway.

As you head east on H1, the highway concludes and morphs into Kalaniana’ole Highway (Route 72), which will be your road for most of the day. During the initial portion of your drive, you’ll pass through various commuting neighborhoods, as many residents travel to work in Honolulu or Waikiki, often in the hotels where visitors stay.

Just past Hawaii Kai and up the long hill flanked by Koko Head Crater on your left, look for signs indicating your first stop at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Depending on traffic and your starting point, this should take approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Located about 10 miles east of Waikiki just off Kalaniana’ole Highway (Route 72), Hanauma Bay is the first Marine Life Conservation District in Hawaii. Parking costs $1.00 per car and entry is $7.50 per person.

Before heading down to the beach, visitors are required to watch a nine-minute film that discusses the importance of preserving Hawaii’s delicate marine environment and the rules for swimming near coral.

The Preserve is closed every Tuesday and has limitations on admission, so arriving early is advisable.

As you depart Hanauma Bay, turn right back onto the highway; your next destination is less than two miles away.

Halona Blowhole

Located just north of Hanauma Bay off the Kalaniana’ole Highway, you will find a pullout for the Halona Blowhole.

The blowhole occurs when waves are forced into an underwater lava tube, creating pressure that launches a stream of water into the air. This phenomenon is most exhilarating when surf conditions are active on this side of the island.

Depending on the weather conditions, you might witness varying levels of activity from the blowhole, and recently renovated viewing areas provide an enhanced experience.

To the right is Halona Beach Cove, famously known as Cockroach Cove, where the iconic love scene from the 1953 movie *From Here to Eternity* was filmed.

Your next stop, Sandy Beach Park, is distinctly visible from the Blowhole lookout and is less than half a mile away.

Sandy Beach Park

Continuing down the road from the Halona Blowhole, you arrive at the long and frequently windy Sandy Beach Park.

This beach is a favorite among kite flyers, as well as surfers and body boarders challenging the surf.

However, it’s important to note that the waters at Sandy Beach feature powerful and erratic currents, making it suitable only for highly experienced surfers. Nevertheless, it is a thrilling spot to observe talented surfers in action.

As you proceed north on the highway for a little over two miles, you will reach the next point of interest.

Makapu’u Point and Lighthouse

Just beyond the Hawaii Kai Golf Course lies Makapu’u Point. A recently constructed parking area accommodates those eager to embark on the moderate two-mile hike up to the plateau and the lighthouse.

While the hike is relatively easy, it is advisable to do it in the morning when the sun is not yet blazing. Expect a round trip duration of a little over an hour.

The breathtaking views of the coast are remarkable in either direction, offering an extraordinary opportunity to spot whales during their season. On clear days, the island of Moloka’i is often visible in the distance.

Should you opt to hike, make sure to secure your vehicle and remove all valuables.

After leaving the parking area, turn right and ascend the hill. A nearby pullout on your right allows for great coastal photography, ideal if time does not permit the full hike.

Continuing your drive away from Makapu’u Point, keep your eyes peeled on the left for Sea Life Park.

Sea Life Park

Sea Life Park is a premier marine attraction showcasing educational exhibits and live entertainment featuring dolphins, sea lions, and penguins.

While you may not have sufficient time to visit during this trip, it is worthwhile to stop briefly and check their current hours and admission prices. Various programs are available, and for some, advance reservations are advisable.

Waimanalo Bay State Recreation Area

Approximately four miles down the highway, you will find the vibrant community of Waimanalo, home to around 4,000 residents and the stunning Waimanalo Beach.

While parking is available at Waimanalo Beach, much of it is occupied by homeless individuals living in tents and makeshift shelters. A more reliable option is to continue down the highway to find directions for the Waimanalo Bay State Recreation Area, where parking can be easily accessed off a short side road enveloped by trees. Remember not to leave valuables in your car as visibility from the beach is limited.

Spanning over five miles with soft, white sands, Waimanalo Beach is seldom crowded on weekdays, providing a perfect setting to engage with locals enjoying this exquisite spot. The swimming conditions are typically excellent, as large waves are rare.

This beach gained fame through the music video for Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s classic song, *White Sandy Beach*.

After Waimanalo, the highway veers inland. You will pass Bellows Air Force Station on your right. Upon reaching Kailua Road, you may either turn left to follow signs back to Honolulu via Pali Highway or turn right for a detour to visit Lanikai Beach and Kailua Beach Park.

Kailua and Kailua Beach Park

Kailua and Lanikai are predominantly residential neighborhoods on the island’s east side. Following Honolulu and Waikiki, Kailua is the next largest town, characterized by excellent shopping opportunities.

Kailua Beach Park is a well-loved recreational beach, offering superb swimming conditions. Here, you will likely observe windsurfers and outrigger canoe clubs in practice. The beach features lifeguards, picnic areas, restrooms with showers, and concession stands.

Lanikai Beach

Separated from Kailua by Alala Point, your next stop is Lanikai Beach.

Both Kailua Beach Park and Lanikai Beach have been honored as the Best Beach in America by Dr. Beach, otherwise known as coastal expert Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman.

Lanikai is indeed a remarkable beach, albeit access can be challenging due to limited parking options.

This small, exclusive community features a single looping road with beach access limited to a few public walkways. From the beach, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Mokuluas, two small islands approximately three-quarters of a mile off the shore.

Heading Home

As your day draws to a close, simply retrace your steps to Kailua Road and follow the signs to Pali Highway, which will lead you back to Honolulu.

Make sure to keep a reference of our large Google map of this trip to assist you while driving.