A drive around the Oahu circle will easily take around 4-6 hours. However, if you make stops along the way, the drive might stretch to 8 hours or so.
Hawaii is a fantastic tourist destination that is known all over the world.
Since Hawaii is an island state, you can only reach it from the mainland USA by air travel. But what about traveling within the state of Hawaii?
While Hawaii also encompasses various islands, the region is actually pretty large. Therefore, many people drive around the island to visit all the tourist spots.
But how long would it take to explore Oahu? If you are planning to drive around Oahu, this article is for you.
I have explored Oahu by road and will tell you everything I’ve learned. In this article, I will share my experience and help you plan your trip better.
Can You Drive Around Oahu In A Day?
Yes, you can drive around Oahu in a single day. You will only require around 6 hours to explore the entire island.
When you imagine Hawaii, you think of a remote island of uncontrolled vastness. Flying there seems to be the only reasonable option for travel.
But did you know you can drive around the island and enjoy all the tourist places in a day? It is possible to explore the entire island within a day.
It will require half a day to tour Oahu. A drive around the island will only take around 6 hours.
With stoppages and detours on the way, you can expect the drive to last around 9-10 hours at max. Most people don’t realize that the island is relatively small.
Even though it’s bigger than Maui and Kauai, people think Oahu would be difficult to cover in a day. You can stay for a few days and extend your island tour.
However, I would recommend you drive around Oahu at least once. It will be a fantastic experience for sure.
You will have plenty of time to explore all the tourist spots at your own pace. A good number of people drive around Oahu, so getting directions will also be super easy.
What Is The Most Scenic Drive Around Oahu?
The Kamehameha Highway Loop is the best scenic drive on Oahu island. It travels along the forest and explores many unpopulated areas that contain the island’s true beauty.
Also known as the Kahekili Highway, the road stretches 215 miles. The drive is breathtaking, but there are some things you should be aware of.
The road is not that well-paved and does come with an assortment of potholes. At places, there may be sharp turns and bends that can be difficult to navigate.
It is not for the fainthearted, and I recommend you plan well beforehand. Avoid taking children and the elderly on the drive because they will not enjoy it.
However, it is almost like a nature trail and covers some fantastic places. You can attempt it if you are a seasoned driver.
But if you are a newbie or don’t have much experience with driving, this road may be difficult for you. Keep this in mind before you plan a trip down this road.
Is Driving In Oahu Hard?
No, driving in Oahu is not difficult at all. It is more chill, and people usually make way for other drivers when they can.
You will find that the driving rules in Hawaii are the same as those in the USA. It’s all your basic rules and etiquette.
However, the drivers here tend to be calmer. The slow lifestyle of the islands makes it easy for people to stay calm and patient.
They will even make way for you if you are in a hurry. However, some of their roads are not that well maintained.
You will encounter potholes and cracked roads at intervals. High-speed driving is not feasible because the streets are not that smooth.
What Time Is Rush Hour In Oahu?
The rush hour on Oahu is usually from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Even during rush hour, there won’t be a lot of traffic on the road, and the ride will be relatively smooth.
Since there isn’t much local population on the island, fewer cars are around. Additionally, the people there are pretty laid back, so rush hours don’t last long.
If you want empty roads, anytime after 8 pm would be best. Some areas in Oahu don’t even have rush hours, so you won’t have to worry about it anyway.
Final Remarks
I am pretty sure you now know everything about driving in Hawaii. I have shared everything I know so you can better plan your tour.
Here is a quick recap of the article.
You can drive around Oahu within 5-6 hours. If you have stoppages and tours planned on the way, the drive will last around 8 hours.
My name is Jeyn Dashner and I am the founder of WanderFever. I have worked as a travel journalist for many years, and exploring new places is my greatest pleasure in life.