2 island drives plus Kualoa UTV

Question

Hi! We are staying in Waikiki in early June. We plan to do 1 drive to the Windward Coast and 1 to the North Shore.

For the Windward drive, does it make any difference if we go clockwise around the loop (Pali, Kailua, Halona) or should we go counterclockwise?

For the North Shore, should we also make a loop for that drive? If so, any reason to go clockwise vs. counterclockwise?

Last, which of those drives would it be better to add our Kualoa UTV tour? Or should we do that on a different day?

Thank you!

Answer

It sounds like you have a fantastic trip planned for Oahu! The island is full of stunning drives, and both the Windward Coast and North Shore offer unique scenery. I’ll break down your questions and provide some guidance for your drives, as well as where to add the Kualoa UTV tour for the best experience.

Windward Coast Drive: Clockwise vs. Counterclockwise For your Windward Coast drive, whether you go clockwise or counterclockwise really depends on what you want to experience and the direction of the sunlight for photos. Both routes are scenic and offer great views, but here’s what each direction offers:

Clockwise (Pali, Kailua, Halona): Starting at the Pali Lookout, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the island. If you head toward Kailua, you’ll pass through Lanikai Beach, which is a great spot to stop and take in the beautiful turquoise waters. After Kailua, you’ll drive down to the Halona Blowhole, which is a great spot to see ocean waves crashing through the lava tubes. You can finish this drive with a relaxing stop at Hanauma Bay or the Halona Beach Cove.
Counterclockwise (Kailua, Pali, Halona): If you prefer a more relaxed drive that focuses on the windward beaches and the scenic coastal drive, starting in Kailua is a great option. You can take your time in Kailua, exploring Lanikai Beach or visiting Kailua Town. From there, you’ll head to the Pali Lookout for dramatic views of the Windward Coast and, if you're lucky, a bit of fog rolling through the valley. The Halona Blowhole will be a nice stop on your way back toward Honolulu. This direction can be a bit less crowded, especially if you go early in the day.

In terms of whether there’s a major difference in terms of scenery, it’s minimal either way, so it’s really about whether you want to start with the dramatic views from the Pali Lookout (clockwise) or end with them (counterclockwise). Both options are equally stunning and allow you to experience the best of Oahu’s east coast.

North Shore Drive: Clockwise vs. Counterclockwise For the North Shore drive, a loop route is definitely worth considering, as it allows you to experience both the eastern and western sides of the island and see more of what the North Shore has to offer. In terms of clockwise versus counterclockwise, here are some points to consider:

Clockwise (From Honolulu to the North Shore): Starting in Honolulu, you can head up to the North Shore via the scenic Kamehameha Highway (Hwy 99). This direction allows you to pass through the charming town of Haleiwa before hitting the famous beaches like Waimea Bay, Pipeline, and Sunset Beach. If you go in the morning, you’ll likely see fewer crowds at the beaches, and you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the serene beauty of the area. This direction is popular for its beaches and surf culture, and it’ll give you the best access to the iconic surfing spots.
Counterclockwise (From the North Shore back toward Honolulu): Starting at the North Shore, you’ll drive down the western side of the island, passing through quiet areas like Waianae and Makaha. The west side offers some stunning coastal views, but it's generally less developed and less populated than the east side. This direction is great if you want to avoid the more crowded spots on the North Shore and get a sense of Oahu's more rural side.

If you’re focused on experiencing the famous North Shore beaches and surf culture, I recommend driving clockwise from Honolulu to the North Shore, as it will give you a natural flow of the area’s highlights. However, if you’re looking for a more peaceful route and want to experience the quieter western side of Oahu, counterclockwise is a good choice.

Where to Add the Kualoa UTV Tour The Kualoa Ranch UTV tour is one of Oahu’s most popular and exciting experiences, and it’s conveniently located near the Windward Coast. Since the UTV tour is in the Kualoa Valley (which is located between Kailua and the North Shore), you can fit it in nicely with either of your drives. Here's the best option:

For the Windward Coast drive (Clockwise): You can easily add the Kualoa UTV tour during your clockwise route. After visiting Kailua and Halona, head up to Kualoa Ranch for your UTV adventure. It’s located off the main highway, so it won’t be hard to fit into your drive. This would give you a nice break from the driving and a chance to do something more hands-on and adventurous.
On a Separate Day: If you prefer a more relaxed day and want to avoid feeling rushed, you could also dedicate a full day to exploring Kualoa Ranch and doing the UTV tour. This way, you won’t feel pressured by the time constraints of your drives. You could spend the morning on the UTV tour, then explore the area, including a visit to the nearby secret beach or other scenic spots in the area.

Both options work well, but combining the UTV tour with the Windward Coast drive (clockwise) might be more convenient if you’re pressed for time, as it’ll allow you to hit multiple highlights in one day.

Additional Tips: - If you plan to visit the North Shore or Windward Coast on the weekends, expect more crowds, especially in popular spots like Haleiwa or Kailua. Weekdays are generally more relaxed. - For the UTV tour, make sure to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes, as the ride can get a bit bumpy. Also, bring sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be intense in the open areas of the ranch.

Overall, both drives offer incredible views and experiences, and the Kualoa UTV tour will be a fun and memorable part of your trip. Enjoy your time on Oahu!

2 island drives plus Kualoa UTV

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