Four Mile Scenic Drive on the Big Island of Hawaii

Key Takeaways

• The Four Mile Scenic Drive on the Hamakua Coast is widely recommended as a must-do drive on the Big Island
• The road winds through lush tropical rainforest lined with streams and ocean views
• Video cannot fully capture the beauty — driving it in person is the recommended experience
• Several pullout stops offer breathtaking views of the ocean and coastline
• The drive features a wide variety of tropical trees and vegetation

A Beloved Coastal Drive

Many visitors and locals alike say the Four Mile Scenic Drive on the Hamakua Coast is one of the must-do experiences on the Big Island. This short detour off Highway 19 takes you through a section of coastline that feels like driving through a botanical garden suspended above the Pacific Ocean.

The road twists and snakes through a lush tropical rainforest lined with streams. Several stops along the way allow for breathtaking views of the ocean and the dramatic Hamakua Coast stretching in both directions. You will be surrounded by a wide variety of trees — monkeypod, Norfolk pine, tropical hardwoods, and flowering species that create a dense canopy overhead.

The Video vs. Reality

We should note honestly that the video does not fully present or justify the beauty of this route. On a screen, the drive may seem somewhat ordinary. But in person, the combination of the winding road, the filtered light through the canopy, the sound of streams, and the periodic ocean vistas creates an experience that is genuinely enchanting.

If you missed this drive during your visit, the video provides a virtual version for your enjoyment. But we strongly recommend driving it yourself if you ever return to the Big Island. It is a short detour that takes only about 15-20 minutes but creates lasting memories.

Practical Information

The scenic drive begins and ends on Highway 19, so you can enter from either direction. There are no facilities along the route, so plan accordingly. The road is narrow in places and can be slippery when wet. Drive slowly to enjoy the scenery and watch for oncoming traffic on the tighter curves.

Planning Your Big Island or Kauai Trip

When planning a visit to Hawaii, consider that each island has its own distinct character and attractions. The Big Island offers volcanic landscapes, coffee plantations, and diverse climate zones ranging from tropical rainforest to snow-capped peaks. Kauai, the oldest of the major islands, features dramatic cliff formations, lush valleys, and a more relaxed pace than the busier islands of Oahu and Maui.

Rental cars are essential on both islands since public transportation is limited. Book accommodations well in advance, especially during peak seasons (December through March and June through August). The best weather for outdoor activities is generally in the morning, as afternoon clouds and rain are common, particularly on the windward (eastern) sides of both islands.

Respect the land and culture during your visit. Stay on marked trails, do not disturb wildlife, and learn basic Hawaiian words and customs. The aloha spirit is real, and visitors who show respect for the islands receive warm hospitality in return.

Planning Your Big Island or Kauai Trip

When planning a visit to Hawaii, consider that each island has its own distinct character and attractions. The Big Island offers volcanic landscapes, coffee plantations, and diverse climate zones ranging from tropical rainforest to snow-capped peaks. Kauai, the oldest of the major islands, features dramatic cliff formations, lush valleys, and a more relaxed pace than the busier islands of Oahu and Maui.

Rental cars are essential on both islands since public transportation is limited. Book accommodations well in advance, especially during peak seasons (December through March and June through August). The best weather for outdoor activities is generally in the morning, as afternoon clouds and rain are common, particularly on the windward (eastern) sides of both islands.

Respect the land and culture during your visit. Stay on marked trails, do not disturb wildlife, and learn basic Hawaiian words and customs. The aloha spirit is real, and visitors who show respect for the islands receive warm hospitality in return. For more Hawaii and travel content, see our guide to Dubrovnik, Croatia or read about internet access tips when traveling to Europe.