Kailua-Kona to Lanai City: An Epic Island-Hopping Road Trip

The route from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii to Lanai City, Lanai spans two islands and the powerful Alenuihaha Channel. While no continuous highway connects them, the journey unfolds as a series of scenic drives and ferry crossings. Start on the Big Island's dry western coast, drive north through volcanic landscapes, then cross to Maui and finally to the tiny island of Lanai. This guide covers the driving segments on Hawaii Island and Lanai, with ferry links in between.

The total driving distance on Hawaii Island from Kona to the ferry port at Lahaina (via Hilo? Actually, we choose Kawaihae for a ferry? There is no car ferry from Big Island to Maui. So we'll assume a flight from Kona to Lanai. But for the sake of this road trip guide, we describe the drive to the Kona Airport, then the flight, then rental car on Lanai. Alternatively, a more adventurous route: drive from Kona to Hilo (90 miles, 2 hours), then take a barge to Maui (expensive), then drive to Lahaina for the Lanai ferry. We'll present the most common: drive to Kona International Airport, fly to Lanai Airport, then drive to Lanai City. This is realistic and avoids impractical ferries.

For those determined to cross by sea, the only car-ferry option is from Lahaina, Maui to Lanai (Expeditions, 1 hour, $250 one-way per car). But getting your car to Lahaina from Kona requires shipping it from Big Island to Maui via Young Brothers barge (weekly, $400+). Thus, most travelers rent a car on each island. This guide focuses on the driving experiences on both islands, with ferry logistics where applicable.

The driving segments are short but require attention. On Hawaii Island, Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway has curves near the coast; speed limit is 60 mph but reduce in rain. Saddle Road (Route 200) has no shoulder and can be icy near the summit; use low gears descending. On Lanai, the main road to Lanai City is paved and well-maintained, but unpaved side roads (like Munro Trail) require 4WD and caution after rain.

• Infrastructure safety: Cell service is spotty along Saddle Road and absent on parts of Hamakua Coast. Download offline maps. On Lanai, cell service is limited to Lanai City and a few areas. Carry a paper map.
• Family and child suitability: The drives are safe for families; stops like Akaka Falls (paved path) and Lanai’s Dole Park (playground) are kid-friendly. Bring snacks for the flight or ferry.
• Pet-friendly framework: Hawaii requires a 120-day quarantine for pets arriving from out-of-state, but inter-island travel is allowed with a valid rabies certificate. Keep pets in carriers on ferries and flights.

Fatigue management: The drive from Kona to Hilo can be done in one stretch, but the change of islands breaks the monotony. Plan a rest at Waimea or Hilo before flying. On Lanai, the entire island driving loop is only 30 miles, so no issue. For longer ferry rides, bring motion sickness medication (the Alenuihaha Channel can be rough).

Hidden off-route spots: On Big Island, detour to the Lapakahi State Historical Park (north of Kawaihae, a restored fishing village). On Lanai, the Garden of the Gods (Keahiakawelo) is a surreal rock garden accessible via an unpaved road (4WD required). Also, Hulopo’e Beach (south coast) is a pristine marine preserve, but requires a 30-minute drive from Lanai City on paved road ending in gravel.

For more tips on finding unique stops, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

On Hawaii Island, the drive from Kona to Waimea transitions from arid lava flows to green ranchlands. Look for the Kohala Mountains on the left. Waimea is the heart of paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) culture, with boutiques and art galleries. Beyond Waimea, the road to Hilo via Hamakua offers waterfalls, botanical gardens, and black sand beaches. Must-stop: Akaka Falls State Park (mile marker 13 on Route 220, $5 parking, 0.4-mile loop).

On Lanai, the short drive from the airport to Lanai City crosses a plateau of pineapple fields (now unplanted) with views of the Pacific. Lanai City itself is a charming former plantation town with a central square (Dole Park). Rent a 4WD to explore Munro Trail, a 12-mile dirt road through Cook Island pines and native forest, ending at the highest point on Lanai (2,350 ft). On clear days, you can see Maui, Molokai, and Hawaii Island.

• Best stops Kailua-Kona, HI to Lanai City, HI: On Hawaii Island, stop at Waimea’s Parker Ranch Museum or the historic Waipi’o Valley overlook (20 miles east of Waimea). On Lanai, visit the Lanai Culture & Heritage Center in Lanai City.
• Things to do between Kailua-Kona, HI and Lanai City, HI: On Big Island, explore Pololu Valley (end of Route 270) for hiking. On Lanai, hike the Koloiki Ridge Trail in Lanai City.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is 90 miles south of Kona (not on route). No UNESCO sites directly on this corridor, but the entire route offers landscapes shaped by volcanic activity.

Local commerce along the way: In Kawaihae, grab lunch at the Cafe Pesto (local seafood). In Waimea, visit the Kamuela Farmers Market (Saturdays 7am-12pm). On Lanai, dine at the Lanai City Grindz for plate lunches. For a unique coffee stop, visit the Cloudia’s Coffee Shop in Lanai City.

The journey begins on Hawaii Island’s Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway (Route 19) heading north from Kailua-Kona. This four-lane coastal road offers expansive ocean views and passes through lava fields. After 27 miles you reach Kawaihae, a small port town. From here, continue on Route 19 to Waimea (Kamuela), then east on Route 19 to Hilo or south on Route 200 (Saddle Road) to Hilo. The fastest route to Hilo is via Saddle Road (60 miles, 1.5 hours), but it climbs over Mauna Kea. Alternatively, stay on Route 19 along the Hamakua Coast (75 miles, 2 hours) for lush scenery. For the Lanai-bound, the logical end point on Big Island is Kona Airport, not Hilo.

• Road conditions: Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway is well-paved but can be windy near Kawaihae. Saddle Road is narrow with steep grades and sudden fog; check weather. Hamakua Coast road is winding but scenic.
• Fuel stations: Abundant in Kona, Waimea, and Hilo. Sparse between Kawaihae and Waimea (about 20 miles without stations). On Lanai, only one gas station in Lanai City.
• Ferry timing: Expeditions ferry from Lahaina to Lanai departs 5 times daily (6:45am-5:30pm). Book ahead. No car reservation needed for passenger travel; car space limited.
• Air travel: Multiple daily flights from Kona to Lanai on Mokulele Airlines (Cessna Caravan, 9 seats) or Hawaiian Airlines (regional jet). Rent a car at Lanai Airport from Dollar or Lanai Car Rental.

For those using the barge option, Young Brothers sails from Kawaihae to Kahului, Maui (once weekly, 6 hours, ~$400 per car). From Kahului, drive 20 miles to Lahaina, then take the Lanai ferry. This multi-day detour is only for enthusiasts.