The drive
Highway 19 runs north from Hilo along the Hāmākua Coast through former sugar country, crossing a series of gulches on the way to Honokaʻa. The old plantation hamlets along it, among them Kūkaʻiau, Paʻauilo and Kalōpā, were once homes for plantation workers from the Philippines, China and Japan. Much of the highway uses the roadbed and bridges of the old Hawaii Consolidated Railway.
Shortly after mile 7, a right turn leads down the Onomea Scenic Drive, a 4-mile loop that crosses several one-lane wooden bridges and passes the Hawaiʻi Tropical Botanical Garden above Onomea Bay. It rejoins Highway 19 at mile 10 in Pepeʻekeō. Farther on, the highway has three sharp curves, at Maulua, Laupāhoehoe and Kaʻawaliʻi.
The drive ends on Highway 19 at Honokaʻa. At mile 42, Māmane Street branches off to become Honokaʻa's main street.
Along the way
- Hilo (Wailuku River)
- Onomea Bay
- Honokaʻa
Good to know
- The Onomea Scenic Drive has several one-lane wooden bridges, so yield and take your turn.
- Slow for the three sharp curves on Highway 19 at Maulua, Laupāhoehoe and Kaʻawaliʻi, and for the narrow Curved Bridge near mile 32.
- Waterfalls and gulch crossings come one after another, so pull off only where it's legal.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Hawaiʻi DOT Highways: roadwork.
Questions about this drive
How long does the Hāmākua Coast drive from Hilo to Honokaʻa take?
The Hāmākua Coast drive from Hilo to Honokaʻa is 41.4 miles and takes about 1 hr, without stops at the Onomea Scenic Drive or the waterfalls.
What is the Onomea Scenic Drive on the Hāmākua Coast?
It is a 4-mile loop off Highway 19, shortly after mile 7, that crosses several one-lane wooden bridges and passes the Hawaiʻi Tropical Botanical Garden above Onomea Bay. It rejoins the highway at mile 10 in Pepeʻekeō.
Is the Hāmākua Coast highway curvy?
Highway 19 along the Hāmākua Coast is mostly gentle, with sharp curves at Maulua, Laupāhoehoe and Kaʻawaliʻi and a short twisty stretch near Hilo.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.