The Most Unrivaled Off-Road Trails In Hawaii Right Now!

Written by dave.abbett in Travel,Unrivaled Trails Of The U.S.

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Unrivaled Off-Road Trails in Hawaii

If you are an off-road enthusiast and you have an off-road vehicle, then you should try driving in some of the magnificent spots in Hawaii. Hawaii is located in the Pacific Ocean in the Western United States. It has some of the most charming and lush off-road destinations globally. These places will also offer you some of the most incredible spots for Instagram-worthy captures.

If you plan to drive on one of these off-road, make sure your car has good off-road tires, four-wheel drive, ground clearance, and limited-slip differentials. With these, you will be guaranteed to enjoy the most thrilling adventure in the world. Hawaii [https://offroadingpro.com/off-roading-oahu/] is known as the paradise of the western side of the country due to its lush and picturesque scenery. The state is famous for pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and dramatic backdrops making it one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Off-roading here not only quenches your Overlanding thirst but also offers you breathtaking sceneries and views of the volcanic-active state.

Molokai Forest Reserve Road

It is located near Kaunakakai, Molokai, and sprawls along 41.2 Km and has an elevation of 1,565 meters. This trail adventure offers breathtaking views, but you have to drive slowly due to the slippery ground. The trail is accessible all year round. Found here are several activities such as mountain biking, running, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Dogs are also allowed on these trails, but they must be kept on a strap. Off the track, you may encounter hunters doing their thing. Hunting is permitted for pigs, wild goats, and axis deer in these areas on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

Papakolea Green Sand Beach

It is the only green beach in the world. The beach is located near Naalehu, Hawaii, and has a length of 9.0 Km with an elevation of 113m. Its green sand is created by Olivine, a deposit of extensive island lava. You will enjoy the rocky terrain, the incredible views, and the alluring beach. The trail features some beautiful wildflowers and is accessible all year-round. It is mainly used for hiking and off-road driving. The beach derives its name Papakolea from the 49.000 years cinder cone. The cone, which belongs to the Mauna Loa volcano, contains green crystals (Olivine).

Ka’ena Point via Farrington Highway

Located in Waialua, Oahu, Hawaii, this highway is 8 km in length and has an elevation gain of 69 Meters. The road is perfect for all skill levels and features beautiful wildflowers. Though the road is accessible throughout the year, a permit will be required to off-road drive here. The trial is usually highly trafficked out. Several activity options offered on this road include running, off-road driving, mountain biking, walking, and wildlife viewing.

Periodically you will find this road closed for off-road driving due to habitat destruction by the vehicles. It is recommended that you contact the park if you plan to visit the place.

Poamoho Ridge Trail

The trail is 10.9 Kilometer with an elevation gain of 646 m. It is located near Wahiawa, Oahu, Hawaii. This magnificent trail that features a river is lightly trafficked out and is rated as difficult. It offers several activity options such as nature trips, off-road driving, wildflowers, dogs on leash, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

To gain access to the off-road, which leads you to the trail end, a permit from the wildlife and forestry department at Makiki will be required. The top of the trail offers a grassy area with an epic view of the beautiful pyramid mountain Pu’u Ohulehule.

Mokuleia Firebreak Road (Mauka)

This is an off-road trip you don’t want to miss if you really adore Overlanding. The road is located in the best forest reserve, the Mokuleia Forest Reserve [https://www.hawaiicartransport.com/news/complete-guide-roading-hawaii/] , and has a length of 16.1 km. A permit will be required to access this off-road, which is entirely made of dirt.

Polihale State Park

Polihale State Park is located near Kekaha, Kauai, Hawaii. It is 16.7 kilometers long with an elevation gain of 152 meters. The road is moderately trafficked out and has phenomenal wildflowers. The trail is mainly used for off-road driving, a great camping site, scenic driving, and is accessible all year-round. The route on this park is a dirt road that is very rough and washed out, which leads to the beautiful Polihale beach.

Koai’a Corridor

Koai’a Corridor is located near Waikoloa Village, Hawaii. The corridor has a length of 5.6 kilometers and an elevation gain of 452 Meters. The trail is rated as difficult and features breathtaking waterfalls. Koai’a Corridor is accessible year-round and has several activities; hiking, nature trips, off-road driving, bird watching, wildflowers, and waterfall.

The mist-shrouded Kohala Mountain, which is the oldest among the five volcano structures in Hawaii [https://offroadingpro.com/off-roading-oahu/] , is also found there. The mountain has a dense tropical forest, spectacular canyons, and many other features. The terrain is challenging and steep, but it is worth it at the top. Unlike some other trails in Hawaii, dogs are not allowed in Koai’a Corridor.

Jurassic Park Gate Trail

The trail is 15.8 Kilometer with an elevation gain of 471 m. Jurassic Park Gate Trail is located near Kapaa, Kauai, Hawaii, in the Lihu’e-Koloa Forest reserve. The trail is rated as moderate. It is mainly used for hiking, off-road driving, nature trips, and wildlife views. You will traverse through narrow paths and pass through crossing waters and many rocks.

The off-road driving leads to lots of hunting trails, camping areas, secret tunnels and ends at the trailhead of the popular Waialeale hike.

Mackenzie Lava Tube Loop

Mackenzie Lava Tube Loop is located near Pahoa, Hawaii. The trail is 0.6 kilometers with an elevation gain of 11 meters and is lightly trafficked. It has sensational wildflowers, incredible seaside hikes along cliffs, and a collapsed lava tube. Although the trail is small, there are several activities you can do here; off-road driving, fishing, walking, bird watching, nature trips, hiking, just to mention a few.

Mauna Kea R1 Road

Found near Honokaa in the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve, Kea R1 road is 102.8 Kilometers with an elevation gain of 4,319 meters. The trail has excellent forest and is rated as moderate. It is accessible year-round and is primarily used for off-road driving. Although the trail is not difficult, it is a true off-road with few rocky climbs. It crosses various fascinating terrain, including red lava landscapes, Silversword groove, and desert washes that bring memories of Arizona. It is worth it if you are an off-roader willing to push yourself to the limit, but the trail is not recommended for an average tourist.

Munro Trail

Munro Trail is located in Lanai City, Lanai, Hawaii. It is 19.8 Kilometer with an elevation gain of 790 meters. This one might be one of the best off-road experiences that you might experience in Hawaii. The trail stretches through the green rain forest and through several scenes where you can catch a glimpse of the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. The trails are not difficult to traverse if you have some off-roading experience [https://passportoverland.com/what-makes-it-a-good-overland-rig-for-your-4×4-adventure/] . Nature trips, hiking, bird watching are some of the primary activities you can marvel at here.

Ainapo Trail

It is a 33.3 kilometers dirt road with an elevation gain of 1,687 meters. The trail is located near Pahala, Hawaii. The road is challenging to drive on and is recommended for very experienced drivers. It is a perfect road for off-road enthusiasts. The trail features beautiful wildflowers and is primarily used for camping, hiking, mountain biking, and is accessible all year-round. No permit is required to access this off-road trail.

Skyline Switchback Trail

Skyline Trail is located near Kula, Maui, Hawaii, in Kahului Park. The trail is 18.8 kilometers with an elevation gain of 897 meters. The top highlights for the skyline trail are its pretty flowers and panoramic views. You can do several activities on these trails, including hiking, mountain biking, walking, and bird watching. Dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash. Off-roaders will have memorable moments on this trail.

Kuoakala Trail and Kuaokala Access Road Loop

This trail is found in Kuoakala Forest Reserve. It is 11.4 kilometers with an elevation of 545 meters. The track has beautiful flowers and is rated as moderate. It is primarily used for off-road driving, hiking, and nature trips. Dogs are allowed, but they must be kept on strap on this trail. This trail is military land, and a permit is required to go hiking or camping.

Final Thoughts

To experience the natural beauty that Hawaii offers, all you need is several off-road drives. The trails in Hawaii will provide you with a breathtaking experience that will linger in your mind for a long time. The beautiful terrain, rock climbing, beautiful flowers, dirt roads, and amazing beaches all make up for an experience like no other. The roads in some of the trails are pretty challenging, which offers a good adrenaline rush and experience to off-road enthusiasts.

With an excellent four-wheeled vehicle, Hawaii is your top destination for off-roading. While on these trials, always remember that speed is not your friend. Drive as fast as necessary and as slow as possible. In some cases, you might not be able to pass obstacles which is part of the off-road fun.

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