Hilo to Princeville: A Multi-Island Road Trip Guide

The direct distance between Hilo, on the Big Island, and Princeville, on Kauai, is roughly 350 miles across open ocean. No road connects them; your journey will require two distinct drives and a channel crossing via ferry or flight. This guide focuses on the driving segments: the 90-mile stretch from Hilo to Kawaihae along the Hamakua Coast, and the 30-mile drive from Lihue Airport to Princeville along the Kuhio Highway. The contrast between the two islands—Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes and Kauai’s lush valleys—makes this multimodal trip unforgettable.

For a deeper dive into discovering unique stops between cities, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The Big Island segment follows Highway 19 (Hawaii Belt Road) from Hilo to Kawaihae. This two-lane road winds along cliffs and through sugarcane fields. Fuel stations are sparse between Hilo and Honokaa—fill up before leaving Hilo. On Kauai, Highway 56 (Kuhio Highway) runs from Lihue to Princeville, with several gas stations in Kapaa and Hanalei.

Driving times: Hilo to Kawaihae is 2.5 hours without stops; with waterfall lookouts and photo ops, plan 3–4 hours. Lihue to Princeville is 1 hour without traffic; expect delays during peak tourist hours (10am–2pm). Ferry services between Big Island and Kauai are limited; most travelers fly from Kona or Hilo to Lihue. Book a flight in advance—inter-island carriers like Hawaiian Airlines operate multiple daily flights.

• Key checkpoint: Honokaa town (mile 43 on Hwy 19) has a general store and public restrooms.
• On Kauai, the only road to Princeville is Kuhio Highway; after Hanalei, the road becomes narrow with one-lane bridges.
• Car rental: Both islands require a car; reserve from Hilo airport and Lihue airport. Many companies allow one-way rentals between islands? No—return and re-rent.

The Big Island drive from Hilo to Kawaihae passes through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), accessible via a short detour on Highway 11. This park features Kīlauea caldera and lava tubes. Along the Hamakua Coast, Akaka Falls State Park offers a 442-foot waterfall after a short hike. Local commerce thrives in Hilo’s farmers market (Wednesdays and Saturdays), where you can buy fresh lilikoi and macadamia nuts.

On Kauai, the drive to Princeville reveals the Na Pali Coast views from a distance. Stop at Kilauea Lighthouse for seabird colonies. Princeville itself is a resort town with upscale shops and dining. For authentic local commerce, visit Hanalei town’s Hanalei Farmers Market (Saturdays). The intersection of culture and nature is epitomized by the taro fields of Hanalei Valley—look for the overlook on Kuhio Highway.

• UNESCO sites: Only Big Island’s Volcanoes National Park is UNESCO; Kauai has no UNESCO sites but is part of the Hawaii Tropical Rainforest.
• Culinary stops: Hilo’s Pineapple’s Restaurant for loco moco; Hanalei’s Bar Acuda for farm-to-table.
• Hidden off-route spot: On Big Island, take the 4-mile gravel road to Waipio Valley lookout (requires 4WD).

Road quality on Hwy 19 is good, but sections near Laupahoehoe have sharp curves and potential rockfalls. On Kauai, one-lane bridges between Hanalei and Princeville require yielding—practice patience. Both routes are well-lit only in town centers; night driving is not recommended due to lack of streetlights and wildlife (nēnē geese on Big Island).

Family-friendly stops: On Big Island, the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden near Honomu is a stroller-friendly walk with waterfalls. On Kauai, Lydgate Beach Park in Kapaa has a protected swimming lagoon for children. Pet-friendly framework: Big Island’s Akaka Falls State Park allows leashed pets on paved paths; on Kauai, Hanalei Beach permits dogs but check for seasonal restrictions. Fatigue management: Rest zones are limited—use Waimea town (Big Island) rest stop or Kapaa Beach Park (Kauai) for a break.

• Hidden off-route spot: Pololu Valley Lookout (Big Island) is a 10-minute hike to a black sand beach; accessed from Hwy 270 near Hawi.
• For drivers: Alternate driver if possible; total driving across both islands is about 2.5–3 hours of active wheel time, but with stops, it’s a full day.