Alaska & Hawaii Road Trips

SR 550 winds through two state parks known for spectacular scenery: Waimea Canyon and Kōke‘e. A deep gorge with crimson rock walls, lush vegetation and soaring waterfalls, Waimea Canyon has been called “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Kōke‘e State Park overlooks the stunning Kalalau Valley, rimmed by steep, green-cloaked ridges dramatically descending to the Pacific.

Driving Kalanianaole Scenic Highway (SR 72) highlights the natural splendor of Oahu. From high-elevation vantage points along the route, the waters look turquoise, and the mountains seem to drop anchor into the sea. Waves crash against the rocky shore, and sandy beaches hug greenish hillsides down beneath Koko Crater.

George Parks Highway (SR 3) parallels the Alaska Range, which means views of Denali, the highest point in North America. Valleys, alpine tundra and peaks carved by glacier are among the views you'll see from your car. The route offers access to Denali National Park and Denali State Park, where there are recreational opportunities like hiking, camping and fishing.

Denali Highway (SR 8)—mostly gravel and closed seasonally—offers a rugged Alaskan journey. The lowlands on the western two-thirds of the route, between the Alaska Range and the Talkeetna Mountains, are watered by broad, glacial rivers and lakes formed by sinkholes in the tundra. On the eastern end, MacLaren Glacier and the snow-capped peaks that formed it dominate.