Big Island Scenic Drive Guide

Queen Kaahumanu Highway

Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway is a major west Hawaii road linking Kailua-Kona, the airport, Waikoloa, the Kohala Coast and Kawaihae through wide lava-field scenery.

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Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, Big Island

Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway (Hwy 19) leads from Kailua-Kona 33 miles (53 km) north along the coast and ends just south of Kawaihae, where it intersects Mamalahoa Highway (Hwy 19) and Akoni Pule Highway (Hwy 270). It is a scenic highway and the only one that provides access to numerous North Kona and Kohala beaches and attractions, such as Kekaha Kai State Park, Kiholo Bay Lookout, Kua Bay, Mauna Kea Beach and Hapuna Beach, as well as the Waikoloa resort area.

The Kona International Airport is also located off Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway. The views from Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway are beautiful. One can see the ocean almost the entire stretch of the road, which cuts through vast volcanic lava fields. Here is an interesting story about two ghostlike figures that were seen while driving north on Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway (read story).

Key Features

Major west Hawaii highway on Hawaii Island
Connects Kailua-Kona, the Kona airport, Waikoloa, Kohala Coast resorts and Kawaihae
Named for Queen Ka'ahumanu, one of Hawaii's most influential royal figures
Open lava-field scenery with ocean and mountain views in many areas
Main access road for many Kohala Coast beaches, resorts and golf courses
Long exposed stretches have limited shade and can be windy
Beach access usually requires separate side roads from the highway
Traffic can build near Kailua-Kona, the airport and resort turnoffs
Gas stations and services are concentrated near towns and resort areas
Important north-south road for visitors driving west and northwest Hawaii

Kiholo Bay Lookout

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Queen Ka'ahumanu?

Queen Ka'ahumanu was a powerful wife of King Kamehameha I and later served as kuhina nui, a role similar to co-ruler. Her name is attached to roads, schools and places across Hawaii.

Why does the highway pass through so much lava landscape?

West Hawaii's dry side includes younger lava flows from Hualalai and Mauna Loa. The highway crosses wide basalt fields before side roads drop toward beaches and resort areas.

Why does the road feel so exposed?

The highway runs through open lava terrain with little shade, few buildings and broad views of mountain and ocean. Wind, heat and glare can be stronger here than in town areas.

What old coastal routes came before the modern highway?

Older Hawaiian trails and later coastal roads connected fishing villages, canoe landings, petroglyph areas and royal sites along this coast before modern highway travel changed access.

Why are many beaches not visible from the highway?

The road often runs above or inland from the shore. Beach access usually requires separate roads through lava fields, resort areas or coastal park entrances.