| One of the problems with going on vacation is | | | | car! |
| that the days are so action packed that you don't | | | | A trip down Interstate H-3 in Oahu is something |
| have any time to rest and recharge your | | | | you should not miss. This interstate does not |
| batteries. This is usually the case for those who | | | | leave Hawaii, but was paid for by our tax dollars, |
| head to the islands of Hawaii. Hawaii's visitors | | | | thus earning it the name of an interstate. It |
| often spend so much time soaking up paradise | | | | towers high above Oahu, giving you a bird's eye |
| that they wear themselves out! The best way to | | | | view of the island without the need to pay for a |
| combat this problem without wasting a day in | | | | helicopter tour. The road travels along the Ko'olau |
| paradise by spending it in your hotel is to take a | | | | Mountain Range, offering breathtaking views. |
| scenic drive. | | | | There is even a tunnel through the heart of the |
| One exceptional drive located near popular Waikiki | | | | mountain! |
| is the ten-mile drive up Mount Tantalus. This is a | | | | For a shorter drive, head to the eastern end of |
| drive you'll want to take slowly so that you don't | | | | the island, and drive from Waikiki to Hanauma |
| miss any of the scenery. If you travel too quickly, | | | | Bay. This drive will start at Kalakaua Avenue and |
| you will miss the many pull offs that give you a | | | | head towards Kapiolani Park. This is a good place |
| chance to enjoy the breathtaking views of the | | | | to get out of the car for a few minutes to enjoy |
| island. Do not be surprised if you get caught in a | | | | some sights, particularly if you are traveling with |
| quick tropical storm and witness a rainbow | | | | small children. When you are finished at the park, |
| emerge from the rain! Almost at the top of the | | | | head to Diamond Head, where you will enjoy the |
| mountain, you'll find Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park, which | | | | view from Diamond Head Beach. Continue |
| gives you a panoramic view of Oahu, including | | | | following the road through the richest |
| popular locations like Diamond Head and Waikiki. | | | | neighborhoods of Oahu. The road will end at the |
| Make sure your camera batteries are charged! | | | | Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel, where you will |
| The next drive you might want to consider is | | | | want to turn onto Kealaolu Avenue and then head |
| around the Oahu's Hawaiian coast on the | | | | towards the Kalanianaole Highway. Take the |
| Kamehameha Highway. Enter the highway through | | | | Lunalilo Home Road to Hanauma Bay, where you |
| the town of Wahiawa, and head towards the | | | | can again get out and enjoy some snorkeling. |
| North Shore. You will pass the famous Dole | | | | Taking a scenic drive is one of the best ways to |
| Plantation, so be sure to roll down the windows to | | | | relax on your Hawaiian vacation. Be sure to pack |
| enjoy the smell of fresh pineapple fields. To the | | | | plenty of cold water and lots of film or batteries |
| left you will see towering mountains while the | | | | for your camera! You will love the pictures you |
| turquoise ocean will be on the right. As you | | | | get while on your drive, and the day after your |
| continue your drive, you will find that you are | | | | road trip, you can head back to the beach, rested |
| driving right along the Pacific Ocean. The water is | | | | and ready to play! |
| so close that you can literally touch it from your | | | | |