Fall Foliage Road Trips Across Hawaii
Just a short drive north of Hilo on the Big Island, the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden reveals a surprising palette of colors each fall, even in the islands. Nestled in a lush valley along the rugged Hamakua Coast, the garden stretches over 40 acres with winding paths that showcase an array of tropical trees and plants. Unlike the typical autumn leaves of the mainland, here you’ll find vibrant hues in the foliage of native ohia lehua trees, whose bright red blossoms contrast vividly against green ferns and palms. Strolling the garden’s trails, visitors can absorb both the subtropical environment and the seasonal shifts that lend a unique kind of fall ambiance. Early mornings with mist rolling off the ocean create an especially magical atmosphere.
On Maui, the scenic drive up to Haleakalā National Park from the town of Kahului, about 30 miles southeast, offers a rare chance to see cooler temperatures bring subtle changes to the park’s alpine ecosystems. The Sliding Sands Trail descends into the volcanic crater, where low-growing native shrubs like āhinahina or silversword can take on a reddish tint in the fall months. This high-altitude desert landscape, at over 10,000 feet, contrasts sharply with the lush coastal vegetation below. The summit area’s sweeping vistas are unparalleled, and the crisp air often enhances the clarity of the views across the island. Early morning or late afternoon light brings out the delicate colors on these hardy plants, making it a rewarding time for photographers and hikers alike.
On Oahu, the Nuuanu Pali Lookout, about 15 minutes from downtown Honolulu, is not just a spot for panoramic views but also a place where local koa trees subtly shift in hue as fall approaches. The lookout, perched high above the windward coast, offers a dramatic vantage point over lush valleys and the Koʻolau mountain range. Although the islands don’t experience traditional leaf-peeping, the koa’s reddish-brown leaves and the scattered golden hues on other native trees provide a softer but still captivating fall palette. The strong trade winds that sweep through the Pali add an invigorating edge to the experience, especially in the late afternoon when the sun begins to lower behind the mountains.
Lanai’s Munro Trail, located about 12 miles from Lanai City, takes explorers through a rare high-elevation forest of eucalyptus and pine amid volcanic landscapes. This 12.8-mile trail, considered moderate in difficulty, climbs to nearly 3,000 feet above sea level and offers refreshing cooler air and a surprising shift in foliage color as the seasons turn. The trail weaves through groves where the leaves of introduced trees such as the eucalyptus turn deep oranges and reds, contrasting with the island’s typical tropical green. Due to its remoteness, the area feels like a secret haven for those seeking fall colors far from the busier tourist spots. Early morning hikes here can reward visitors with misty views and subtle light filtering through the canopy.
Kauai’s Waimea Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” lies about an hour’s drive west of Lihue and stands out as a place where geological color takes center stage during the fall. The canyon’s red and ochre cliffs, carved by millennia of erosion, deepen in color as the angle of the fall sun changes, creating dramatic shadows and highlights. The Canyon Trail from Waimea Canyon Lookout provides a moderately challenging route to the canyon floor, where native plants like koa and ohia contribute subtle autumnal tones amid the striking rocky landscape. Early fall mornings, when the air is crisp and clear, reveal expansive views that seem to blaze with color, making it a must-visit for those seeking nature’s artistry in a different dimension.
On Molokai, the Kalaupapa National Historical Park, reached via a short drive from Kaunakakai followed by a steep hike or mule ride, offers a poignant fall experience grounded in history and nature. The park’s rugged cliffs and shoreline are framed by glimmers of seasonal color in native plants along the Kalaupapa Trail. This isolated peninsula, once a quarantine site for Hansen’s disease patients, combines cultural significance with scenic beauty. The fall months often bring cooler weather and less haze, allowing visitors to better appreciate the vivid greens and softer reds of the surrounding vegetation. The journey here feels immersive, as the changing light and foliage underscore the resilience of the land and its people.
Finally, on Oahu’s North Shore, the Pu’u O Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site, about 20 minutes north of Haleiwa, offers visitors a chance to connect with Hawaiian history amid gently shifting fall foliage. The site features an ancient temple complex overlooking Waimea Bay and the Banzai Pipeline, with native trees surrounding the heiau that show subtle autumnal variations in leaf color during the cooler months. This cultural landmark, set on a windswept ridge, provides sweeping ocean views framed by the soft rusts and golds of seasonal foliage. Visiting in late afternoon lets you catch the warm light bathing the stone structures and the colorful landscape, making for a memorable blend of natural and historical exploration.