Experience Hawaii to the full when you hire a car – the island has several state highways connecting the key locations. Together, they form the orbital Highway Belt Road.

Unlike in other American states, Hawaiian roads aren’t locked to a grid, so they are perfect for adventure.

Drive between Hilo and Kailua-Kona – the two major cities – using state Route 19 and Route 190. Or, use highway 11 to pass through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in your hire car.

If you’re arriving into Hilo International Airport, head east on Airport Road and Hawaii Belt Road to reach the city centre.

Highway 19 (Mamalahoa Highway) is an iconic coastal road, meandering south from Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site past golf courses and hotel resorts. Continue driving south to see Kauna‘oa Beach, the protected Kiholo Bay turtles and the Magic Sands Beach Park.

Further still, Captain James Cook Monument stands on the lush coast. Book a guided hiking tour to descend the steep hills of Kealakekua Bay to see the white obelisk.

The western half of the island is made up of golden beaches, rugged bays and lush coffee plantations, while further east you’ll find waterfalls and volcanoes.

Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road provide the main routes around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Here, you’ll see steam vents, sulphur banks and glowing craters at the roadside.

North of Hilo, take Route 19 to reach Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. Exit west from Honomu for Akaka Falls State Park and Mauna Kea, the mountain which extends 13,796 feet (4,205m) above sea level – and a huge 19,700 feet (6,000m) below it. The summit boasts incredible views of the night sky and is sacred to native Polynesians.

Drive on the right in Hawaii and heed the speed limits – even in good conditions, the speed limit is 55mph or lower on highways. Some cliffside roads have sheer drops.

To reach the other islands – which feature treats including the famous Road to Hana and Pearl Harbour – board a commuter airline flight. You’ll land in Oahu, Kauai or Maui in less than an hour.

Known for hula dancing and palm trees, Hawaii is a dream destination for many. Car hire allows you to discover more of Hawaii, from movie sets to coffee plantations.

A rainbow of beaches

Hawaii’s beaches come in all colours of the rainbow - but they always feel like paradise.

Papakolea Beach, on the southern coast, is one of the world’s few green sand beaches. Across the archipelago, there are also red sand beaches and beautiful orange-tinted coves.

Punaluu Beach is one of the best black volcanic beaches on Big Island – you’ll find it near Naalehu town. Endangered Hawksbill turtles often visit, so bring a snorkel. Lifeguards are on duty most days.

If you prefer secluded white sands, hop in your hire car to reach Manini’owali Beach at Kua Bay.

Vivacious volcanoes

The Hawaiian landscape is simply breathtaking, with lime-green mountains and ashen volcanoes that lie dormant, but occasionally fizz with life.

If you’re taking a road trip through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, be sure to stop off at Devastation Trail. This otherworldly place features a pathway through the landscape that has been recovering since the eruption of 1959.

Kīlauea Iki, the island’s most popular trail, can be accessed from the same parking lot. It’s especially mystical at sunrise, so set your alarm for an early departure.

Coffee and culture

If you’re big on speciality roasts and cold brews, you’ve come to the right place. Hawaii has been a coffee-growing haven since the early 19th century, when Chief Boki, governor of Oahu, successfully transformed the Manoa Valley.

The very first Kona coffee was cultivated in 1828 and began to thrive during the California gold rush of the 1840s.

At the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, you can step into this rich heritage. It’s the only place in Hawaii where you can take a self-guided tour through crops and historic buildings.

You may even greet a ‘Kona Nightingale’ – these donkeys served as four-legged coffee farmers for over a century.

For a unique look at native Hawaiian culture, head to Island Breeze Luau. This unique dinner comes with traditional entertainment celebrating ‘ohana’, the Hawaiian term for family.

Picture leafy garlands, headdresses and lūʻau dances. At the Kalua’ana o ka Pua’a ceremony, you’ll see kalua pork, fresh fish and beef emerge from an underground oven.

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is one of the best, where petroglyphs and sacred temples called heiau are scattered in the wilderness. Get an insight into this incredible civilisation at the adjoining visitor centre.

A real-life movie set

Thanks to the varied terrain afforded by Hawaii’s 11 climatic zones, the group of islands has become like something of a movie set.

Hollywood fans can use a hire car to tour the locations where films such as Pirates of the Caribbean, The Hunger Games and Jurassic Park were created.

The Big Island’s waterfalls have starred in the signature action scene of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. Head to the Kawainui Falls near Hilo to experience the magic for yourself.

Hire a car in Hawaii to enhance your escape to paradise.