Kailua-Kona to Princeville: Ultimate Multi-Island Road Trip Guide

This road trip from Kailua-Kona, HI to Princeville, HI is an inter-island adventure requiring a flight between the Big Island and Kauai. The driving portion on the Big Island follows Highway 11 and 19 around the south flank of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, crossing the 4,000-foot saddle at Saddle Road (Highway 200). On Kauai, the route from Lihue Airport to Princeville traverses Kuhio Highway (56) along the lush eastern coast before climbing to the north shore. The total driving distance on both islands is about 200 miles, but the journey spans two distinct volcanic landscapes.

This guide answers: best stops Kailua-Kona, HI to Princeville, HI; how long to drive Kailua-Kona, HI to Princeville, HI (approx 6 hours total driving plus 1-hour flight); is it worth driving Kailua-Kona, HI to Princeville, HI? Absolutely, for the diverse ecosystems. For tips on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, see our detailed guide.

Here is a logistics overview table:

Fuel stations are plentiful on both islands, but note that on the Big Island's Saddle Road (Hwy 200), there are no services for 40 miles. Fill up in Hilo or at the junction of Hwy 11 before climbing. On Kauai, gas stations exist in Lihue, Kapa'a, and Hanalei, but Princeville has only one station. Economy: expect fuel prices about 15% higher than mainland US. For rentals, one-way drop-offs between islands are rare; you may need two separate rentals or a multi-island package.

Road quality: Big Island's Hwy 11 is well-paved but winding near Volcano Village. Hwy 200 (Saddle Road) is recently repaved and straight, but often foggy. Kauai's Hwy 56 is good, but the final stretch to Princeville has narrow bridges and sharp curves. Watch for livestock on Kauai's rural roads. Parking in Princeville is limited; use the resort lots or park at Hanalei Pavilion. Toll roads: none.

• Big Island: Hwy 11 (south route) vs Hwy 19 (north via Waimea) – south is faster but Hwy 19 offers views of Kohala mountains.
• Kauai: Hwy 56 from Lihue to Princeville, but consider detour to Poipu if time allows.
• Flight options: Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest fly Hilo to Lihue multiple times daily. Book in advance for car reservations.

The Big Island segment features Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), with Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Stop at the Kīlauea Visitor Center (mile marker 28 on Hwy 11). The drive across Saddle Road offers views of Mauna Kea (13,803 ft) and the observatories. On Kauai, Waimea Canyon ("Grand Canyon of the Pacific") and the Na Pali Coast are must-sees. Princeville overlooks Hanalei Bay and the Na Pali cliffs.

Culinary highlights: On the Big Island, try Kona coffee in Kailua-Kona; at Punalu'u Bake Shop for sweet bread. In Hilo, the Farmers Market offers fresh tropical fruit. On Kauai, stop at the Shrimp Station in Kapaa and the Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant for fish tacos. Local commerce includes art galleries in Hanalei and Princeville center.

• UNESCO Sites: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Big Island) and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (not on route but reachable from Kauai via boat).
• Climatic conditions: Big Island's Kona side is dry and sunny; Hilo side is rainy. Kauai's north shore (Princeville) is one of the wettest places on earth (annual rainfall 400+ inches). Pack rain gear.
• Hidden off-route spots: On Big Island, the South Point cliffs and green sand beach (Papakolea). On Kauai, the secluded Lumahai Beach (off Hwy 56) and the Kīlauea Lighthouse National Wildlife Refuge.

Infrastructure safety: Both islands have reliable cell service along main routes, but Saddle Road has dead zones. Keep a physical map. On Kauai, flash floods can close Hwy 56 near Hanalei; check weather. Road quality is good, but potholes appear after heavy rains. Speed limits: Big Island 55 mph max; Kauai 40-50 mph. Seatbelt laws enforced.

Family and child suitability: The trip is child-friendly with many short walks (e.g., Akaka Falls on Big Island, Fern Grotto by boat on Kauai). Rest stops with playgrounds: Lili'uokalani Gardens in Hilo and Hanalei Pier with a beach. Pet-friendly framework: Most parks allow leashed pets; the National Park requires pets on paved paths only. Many rental cars allow pets with fee.

Fatigue management & rest zones: Big Island drive between Kona and Hilo is about 2.5 hours with few rest stops (Punalu'u Beach Park, Volcano Village). On Kauai, the 1-hour drive from Lihue to Princeville has several scenic lookouts (Opaekaa Falls, Kintzner's Lookout). Recommended stop: Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge for lighthouse views and restrooms. Always take breaks every 2 hours.

• Things to do between Kailua-Kona, HI and Princeville, HI: Snorkel at Two Step (Kona), visit Volcano National Park, explore Hilo's waterfalls, then on Kauai hike the Kalalau Trail (if you have a permit) or take a helicopter tour of Na Pali.
• Hidden off-route spots: On the Big Island, drive to the end of Highway 137 at Kahena Beach (clothing-optional). On Kauai, the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail near Shipwreck Beach offers petroglyphs.
• Local commerce: On Kauai, the Hanalei Farmers Market on Saturdays features local crafts and produce. In Princeville, the Foodland supermarket supplies groceries for condo stays.