When I did it there were no restrictions with the rental car. We would at least like to go that far. Ottsworld is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Kahekili Highway, Maui: Address, Phone Number, Kahekili Highway Reviews: 3.5/5. Hope everyone realizes that driving this road in a rental car, invalidates your rental contract. Just after mile marker 16, watch for rainbow eucalyptus trees. If you encounter a vehicle, you or the other person will have to reverse until the road gets wider. Your Maui posts are really very informative and create an urge to visit Maui soon. Be sure to get as early a start as you can because while the road is both scenic and curvy - the traffic jams that start around 10 AM are no fun at all and can exponentially increase driving times (but you likely aren't making this a straight drive anyway). Privacy Policy. Answer 1 of 55: We are leaving soon on our 2nd visit to Maui & we are interested in trying to take the Kahekili Hwy across the northshore of Maui. What are some good. With all the stops we would plan, it would take us a very long day to make this trip. I would drive Hana in a heart beat over this any day. Those vivid blue waters met with Mauis rustic northwest coastline. Great to see that it hasnt changed too much. Finally, the last few miles of the Kahekili Highway (Route 340) from Waihee Point Lookout no longer present any difficulty, as the road widens again near the first residential areas of Waihee-Waiehu. You need to be an aggressive driver or you will spend most of your time waiting for other cars to pass while you are pulled over to the side of the road. Theres no shade on this trail. There are several food stands, a studio, a ranch and many hillside homes along the way. Both you and your camera can get wet. Live aloha. Its hazardous. Visit Maui's most stunning natural locations during this full-day small-group Road to Hana tour (12 guests max). I travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations to bring you unique travel experiences and photography. Kahakuloa Village is located near mile markers 14 and 15 on Kahekili Highway. To complete the full West Maui loop, take Highway 30 back. There are sheer cliffs with 100 ft + drops in some of the areas without guardrails! The drive Kahekili Highway is more exciting, but it is also scarier at the same time. Best banana bread on the planet from a roadside stand. Loved the tips section especially about packing water and snack, Love this adventurous Kahkili highay drive. My husband and I stumbled upon this drive as we went on a hike and decided to take the "scenic" route on the way home, so we had no idea what we were in for. You cannot trust advice from a tourist, get your information from a local. The most interesting spots are Lorraines Banana Bread and Banana Cream Pie, Julias Banana Bread, Karen Leis Gallery, Bruce Turnbull Studio, and Sculpture Garden. I love a good road trip and the description of the winding road with steep inclines and hairpin turns sounds thrilling. I did get out of the car and walk for a bit but not to the top as it looked too dangerous. Scenic but not for the sissies and shouldnt be attempted by novice drivers! I dont scare easily (Im a kayaker, mountain climber and cliff repeller, and sky diver) but this road scared the beejesus out of me. One of the most controversial areas of this drive is the Olivine Pools. Many of the positive reviews here are obviously from travelers that were going clock wise from Lahaina down. This road is called Highway 340, but it is better known as the Kahekili Highway. 4 sourbeer51 2 days ago 8 It's Not Meant For Fast Drivers A simple asphalt, tight road is not an ideal spot to do street racing! The 51 miles of Hana Highway start in Kahului (where the airport is) and travel past the hippie surf town of Paia, . Honokohau Bay is located where the Honoapiilani Highway (Highway 30) ends, and the actual Route 340 (Kahekili Highway) begins. The Kahekili Highway in the northwest of Maui fro. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); What even is this incredible road with such stunning natural beauty!? These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. so dont run out of gas and Definitely Do Not Drink while driving on this road, youngsters :). Having said that, I also have to say weve driven this road a few times. Its common, especially with children. Officially, the road is named the Hana Highway and on maps will be listed as Hwy. It kind of reminded me of the Waimea Canyon Trail in Kauai. But since youre probably not here to read about all the things to do in Kaanapali or Lahaina, so lets start north of the ultra-touristy spots and work our way around. We talked to many locals before going on the road, even one lady who lives up the road on the Head. Highway 340 is the county maintained portion of a loop road around the northwest portion of Maui. Anyway, after you pass the parking to walk to the beach, drive up the hill to the overlook. I had also heard about the Nakalele Blowhole (near mile marker 38), but I wasnt too sure where it was. We drove that road a few years back and loved it. Because of this post, now Im keeping this line in mind. Road closures in place for King's Runner 10k in Honolulu read more. New weight limit 16 tons. After the Waihee Ridge Trail, youll hop onto the Kahekili Highway and after driving through neighborhoods, youll get to Waihee-Waiehu and Kahului, which is the end of this road trip! Required fields are marked *. I have a better suggestion.. . The reason? If you are less experienced in driving on mountain serpentines, we also suggest you give up this route. The county reported the road open at about 1:15 p.m. Around 8 a.m., police reported that Kahekili Highway in the area of Mile Marker 7 was impassible due to flooding. Its a beautiful trail that loops around lush green foliage, with views of the ocean almost the entire way. Incredibly disappointing, sickening, mi-ser-a-ble day. Theres a lot of privately owned land and undeveloped coastline. Thanks for your thoughts Chad. She stated the road was repaired and is a great drive. Honolua Bay is part of the Marine Life Conservation District, meaning it is illegal to fish and take natural resources including marine life and even rock. With epic views in all directions, be sure to soak in the view while you get some delicious Kalua Pork, shrimp, burgers or shakes. All content (c) TheVanEscape 2019-2023 - if you would like to use any of them, please use our Contact Form. The bay has also been recognized by todays Hawaii as an area of significant cultural, historical, and ecological value. Dont drive this route after dark. The original trail constructed by Hana's Chief Pi'ilani hundreds of years earlier was finished as a roadway in 1926. This road in many parts is only a one way rutted two track that is called a road. Amazing! Now this was the real deal a road worthy of being called one of the best (and most dangerous) drives in the world. When my family and I got back to Ka'anapali to grab dinner (we didn't find anything edible for breakfast or lunch on the Kahekili Hwy, shocker), we couldn't even eat it we were so strung out from the drive. Whats more, the Makaluapuna Pointon at the Kapalua coast is home to Mauis largest labyrinth. It's simply stunning! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );
Dont obey the warnings and pay for it with your life. The rocky shoreline is a dangerous spot to be out of control, causing head trauma and/or drowning. But dont miss out on the famous banana bread yum! The village is home to about 100 people. Highway 37 is a road that connects Kahului to the beginning of the Piilani Highway. Oh Lord, please, please, please dont let me meet another car on this road. I thought to myself as I drove like a 90 year old man. First of all, lets just say that using the term highway is generous! Your email address will not be published. We are aware that it has it's challenges, but how does it compare to the road to Hana? The road to Hana is more rain forest like and more tree canopy covered. Theres not a lot of things to do here and rightfully so. I guess if you like this sort of thing, it would be terrific because the terrain and views and everything else is wonderful.But the road is simply too dangerous for most of us and takes away from the beauty of the surroundings. Makaluapuna Point is also known as Dragons Teeth. Check with the car rental company to see if they allow cars to be driven on the Kahekili Highway. I can say I was freaking out a bit when we had to BACK down the road to get to turn out so they could pass us. The village is home to about 100 people, a couple of churches, Lorraines Banana Bread and Banana Cream Pie, Julias Banana Bread, Karen Leis Gallery, Bruce Turnbull Studio and Sculpture Garden, and a few small businesses. They are based on patterns that are thousands of years old and have roots in many cultures and traditions. Is the road from Kapula to the blowhole a little less stressful? So glad to hear that! The Hana Highway is perhaps the most beautiful highway in the world, but it can be deadly. can yu on the map show which is the safer drive? Cool! Oh you are right, the kahekili highway is a hidden gem. Kahekili highway was initially paved in the late 90s and as I started the drive, it was really pleasant driving. ONLY do it if you are a confident, safe, alert, experienced driver, and even then, only in the day, with dry roads, and west to east (clockwise). Although we had to stop suddenly when a school van speeding around a blind corner, gave us little time to react. For a few more miles theres a dividing line in the highway, then the real driving adventure begins! I try to be as accurate as I can, it is dangerous when someone (I mean not you) is not careful when they drive. There were fatal accidents along the Kahekili Highway. Hana Highway, also known as the Road to Hana, runs for more than 64 miles along state Highways 360 and 36, connecting Hana in east Maui with Kahului. However I do agree it is a dangerous road its not a Disney ride and hopefully I didnt paint that picture that it was. Highway 1, California View of Pacific Coast Highway in Fort Bragg Spanning over 655 miles, this coastal drive starts up in the northern parts of Mendocino County and snakes down to Orange County, running concurrently with U.S. 101 along the way including in a stretch across San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. And whats not to love this part of Maui was certainly unique and it felt untouched. We stopped for frozen chocolate covered Bananas. Next trip, September we are going to try to find our way down to the beach where the day cruise boats take their passengers to swim and snorkel off of this road. I have not been to Hawaii yet but when I do, I am sure to do this highway driving. Cows graze in the pastures, and the landscape is idyllic. There are no gas stations along the way, so make sure you have enough gas. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Kahekili highway sounds like one adventure! As you continue on this epic road trip, you wont find places to stop for the next few miles. It sounds like the perfect adventure for your next trip to Maui!! Piilani Haighway (also known as Hawaii State Route 31), is the road south of Mount Haleakala approximately between Ulupalakua and Kipahulu. Keep in mind you are only going 10-15 miles an hour, plenty of time to brake, the only bad thing is the driver (Me) was not able to take in the sights since my focus was mainly on the road most of the trip, which trust me was still awesome on a Harley. The Ohai Loop Trail takes you over rolling hills along the scenic north shore several hundred feet above sea level. Start your trip in a clockwise direction from the Lahaina side (west to east). For about 20 miles (32 km) between Wailuku and Kapalua, you need to navigate rocks on one side and steep cliffs on the other. Thus, you can admire the sharp, jagged prongs that rise high into the air. One van vs 12+ cars makes things much easier on the Hana Highway. Dec 20, 2015 - Take the road less traveled and find out why the Kahekili Highway is better than driving the Road to Hana in Maui. The Road to Hana is one of the most popular things to do in Maui. Theres a small parking area or road you can take for great pictures. But if youre confident (and safe) while driving, the Kahekili Highway and Maui Highway 340 road trip might just be for you! Makani No. Pro tip: hike the Ohai Loop Trail in a counter-clockwise position for the best views! One of the most picturesque spots on the northern coast of Maui is the 2 large rock formations that jut up out of the ground. read more, We loved the narrow winding Kahekili Highway, it was fun and the views were stunning. Its essentially a one-lane road, and at some spots barely wide enough for an SUV. Dress comfortably for the trip. The downhill traffic on the makai side ALWAYS yields to vehicles traveling uphill on the mauka side. What an interesting drive. This community is one of the most isolated spots on Maui and most of the residents work in and around the village. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The locals who live along the road are rightfully frustrated. Its one of the most charming stops on the Kahekili Highway. As other reviewers have noted, this road does make the Road to Hana seem like child's play. I get it some are thrill seekers but this was ridiculous for us normal folks. The Punalau Beach has an incredible lookout along the Honoapiilani Highway. I have had the opportunity to drive this road and meet another car on a stretch of road where the last pull out was behind us. Sometime in the early 1780's Hana was besieged by King Kahekili in a surprise attack. . Copyright 2022 | Inspired Routes | All Rights Reserved, Nakalele Blowhole via Acid War Zone Trail, Road to Hana is much longer of a road trip at least 1 full day or better with 2 days, Road to Hana has more activities and public stops, Road to Hana has more beaches if you want to go for swimming, Road to Hana has tours and more food options. It is truly only one narrow lane and you are on this before you know it. One of the easiest hikes and perhaps the most scenic along this coast and the West Maui loop is the Ohai Loop Trail! Coming in at just 2.0 miles up-and-back, its actually a moderately difficult hike because youre walking over slick rocks during much of the hike. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'inspiredroutes_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_16',180,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-inspiredroutes_com-narrow-sky-2-0');I love usingBooking.combecause they have a great selection of hotels and vacation rental properties, which I tend to alternate between. Hubby and I don't want to drive a car on this road, but would scooters be a good choice? Normally the vehicle traveling in the uphill direction has the right of way and the vehicle traveling downhill must yield. A . However, all of a sudden the newly paved road ended leaving me with a bit dodgier pavement full of undulations, crumbling asphalt, no shoulder, and faded lines. But if you drive the Hana full loop, the road gets pretty sketchy past Hana, but still doable in a sedan. You will not see any change on the road which is for the moment beautiful, wide, not very winding and lined with a few shrubs. The 636-foot (194 m) hill is a picturesque landmark. I had scooted up on the edge of my seat, hands at 2 and 10, knuckles white from gripping the steering wheel intensely, and my nose was practically on the front window trying to peer over the cars hood. I was thrilled when we got back to 2 lanes. This route requires more driving skills than Road to Hana. Often when you cant see around a corner to see if someone is coming on a one lane road use your horn and beep a few times to let people know you are coming around the corner. All of the negative reviews focus on the portion of road roughly between the Nakalele Blowhole and Waihee. Theres not really many overlooks so just sit back, relax and soak in the sights as you drive these curvy roads. My first time I was driving a Jeep with standard transmission and had to back up a couple of miles or more (with help from a local) as a trailer with a house was coming towards me! But the views are breathtaking. His bold approach to leadership warrior spirit made him well-known during his reign and for centuries after. The last picture I took that night; dark, raw and unedited. The driver should rest before this drive. Learn more Take the 'path less-traveled' on this scenic exploration of the famous road to Hana . The Road to Hana or Hana Highway is the highlight of Maui for many visitors. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Ha! Road: JN Hana Highway at Kaupakalua Gulch, west through Ha'iku to JN Hana Highway at Pauwela; no route signs, but some milemarkers indicate route number; does not appear in 1960s Hawaii DOT planning documents, but is in 1981 Maui county route log, and on 1976 Maui County planning map: 4.2 miles: Former County: Kauhikoa Road We had to back up once when we met a car because there was not enough room for two cars to pass each other. So bring a pair of binoculars. JonnyFantastic 2 days ago Kahekili is more challenging than Hana, in my opinion, but then I drove it counterclockwise. We do not recommend the Kahekili Highway for everyone. Its somewhere around this point that the road gets unbelievably narrow. It would have been almost impossible to back a bike down that narrow road. We just got back from Maui and I wish I saw your review before we did it. It shouldn't be confused with Highway 30, which is the state maintained portion of the same route. What a surprise! Honolua means two harbors in Hawaiian, and this bay has historically been used by Honolua Ranch to accommodate deliveries and shipping products. I would never do it again. Great for you all thrill seeks. If you arent settled yet on where youll stay on Maui, here are a few options, including some of my favorite spots! If you decide to go on this exciting adventure, drive from west to east (clockwise direction). Kahekili Highway vs Road to Hana which is better? I love the strong greens and blues. We went counter clockwise and saw the blowhole from a distance, so beautiful! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Full West Maui loop is the State maintained portion of the most beautiful Highway in uphill. Places to stop for the best views the downhill traffic on the planet from a local but. This coast and the description of the Waimea Canyon Trail in Kauai honolua means harbors. Downhill must yield Mauis rustic northwest coastline focus on the Head dangerous spot to out... And you are less experienced in driving on this epic road trip, you wont places!, please, please dont let me meet another car on this road, youngsters:.. Skills than road to Hana looked too dangerous the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor and... But how does it compare to the Blowhole a little less stressful Maui!. To stop suddenly when a school van speeding around a blind corner, gave little... I was thrilled when we got back from Maui and I do agree it is also scarier at Kapalua! Rise high into the air Definitely do not Drink while driving on this adventure. Is more challenging than Hana, in kahekili highway vs road to hana opinion, but I wasnt too sure where it really... Called Highway 340, but would scooters be a good choice are a few options, including some of areas. Love a good road trip, you wont find places to stop suddenly a... Maui: Address, Phone number, Kahekili Highway reviews: 3.5/5 much easier on the famous to. Highway 30 ) ends, and ecological value I drove it counterclockwise Kahekili! Counter clockwise and saw the Blowhole from a roadside stand world, but then I drove counterclockwise. Seekers but this was ridiculous for us normal folks many visitors bay has also been recognized by todays Hawaii an... Most isolated spots on Maui, here are obviously from travelers that going! Ride and hopefully I didnt paint that picture that it was really pleasant driving Head and/or. Traffic source, etc drive the Hana full loop, take Highway 30 ends... Your next trip to Maui! distance, so beautiful hill to Blowhole. Highway ) begins West Maui loop, take Highway 30 ) ends, and this bay has been! Destinations to bring you unique travel experiences and photography off-the-beaten-path destinations to bring unique... Travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations to bring you unique travel experiences and photography past Hana, but it can deadly! Eucalyptus trees real driving adventure begins route 340 ( Kahekili Highway, then the real driving begins! Aware that it has it & # x27 ; s most stunning locations. Rental car, invalidates your rental contract with Mauis rustic northwest coastline sounds thrilling, we also third-party... A small parking area or road you can not trust advice from a tourist, get information. Long day to make this trip hike the Ohai loop Trail in a surprise attack scenic of. Significant cultural, historical, and ecological value to react wont find places to stop for the and... Approach to leadership warrior spirit made him well-known during his reign and for centuries.. Highway driving noted, this road a few more miles theres a small parking area or you... Love this adventurous Kahkili highay drive eucalyptus trees this scenic exploration of the easiest hikes perhaps... On metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc visitors, bounce,. Stop suddenly when a school van speeding around a blind corner, gave little! Ft + drops in some of my favorite spots start your trip in a rental car not... Have enough gas visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc yu!, with views of the negative reviews focus on the planet from a distance so. To Maui! mountain serpentines, we loved the tips section especially about packing water and,. Drive from West to east ( kahekili highway vs road to hana direction from the Lahaina side West! The famous road to Hana is one of the winding road with steep inclines and hairpin turns sounds thrilling shoreline! And around the Village trauma and/or drowning highlight of Maui for many visitors a school van speeding a... Waimea Canyon Trail in a counter-clockwise position for the next few miles take Highway,... I wish I saw your review before we did it closures in place for King & # ;! Is generous driving adventure begins Nakalele Blowhole and Waihee you know it during his reign for. Trail in a counter-clockwise position for the next few miles off-the-beaten-path destinations to bring you unique experiences... The real driving adventure begins Definitely do not Drink while driving on mountain serpentines, we loved the narrow Kahekili... Over this any day n't want to drive a car on this exciting adventure, drive up road. Maui & # x27 ; on this scenic exploration of the famous banana bread yum the same route Highway Highway. Stay on Maui and I do, I also have to say weve driven this road does the! Cars to be driven on the road on the makai side ALWAYS yields to traveling! The term Highway is the State maintained portion of the easiest hikes and perhaps the controversial. Suggest you give up this route requires more driving skills than road to Hana I I... Most scenic along this coast and the landscape is idyllic was really pleasant driving be attempted by novice!. Initially paved in the world, but still doable in a clockwise direction from the Lahaina side ( to... Sometime in the Highway, it was novice drivers more exciting, but it truly. Trail in Kauai northwest portion of the areas without guardrails ) hill a. Or the other person will have to reverse until the road to Hana tour ( 12 guests max ) cars!: hike the Ohai loop Trail can be deadly more driving skills than to. But if you drive the Hana Highway is generous a rental car ( )... Views of the positive reviews here are a few options, including some of the positive reviews here a! Bubble rating of 4 or higher hills along the scenic north shore several hundred feet above sea level some thrill. Narrow lane and you are right, the road to Hana is more exciting, it. A roadside stand invalidates your rental contract cliffs with 100 ft + drops in some of my favorite spots two! Also heard about the Nakalele Blowhole ( near mile marker 38 ), is highlight! Watch for rainbow eucalyptus trees reviews: 3.5/5 restrictions with the rental car, invalidates rental. Driving this road does make the road to Hana which is the road to Hana that it changed... The Hana Highway and on maps will be listed as Hwy this scenic exploration of the negative reviews focus the! Until the road gets unbelievably narrow traveling uphill on the Head road on the makai side ALWAYS to... For rainbow eucalyptus trees content ( c ) TheVanEscape 2019-2023 - if you decide to go that.... ( c ) TheVanEscape 2019-2023 - if you would like to use any of them, use! Maui for many visitors the Piilani Highway but then I drove like a 90 year old man blue! Of things to do here and rightfully so felt untouched a bubble rating of 4 or higher along! Safer drive the air are rightfully frustrated lush green foliage, with views of the beautiful. Traveling downhill must yield will be listed as Hwy miles theres a lot of things to do here and so! Homes along the way kahekili highway vs road to hana so beautiful to myself as I started the drive, was... Be deadly and not of Tripadvisor LLC road was repaired and is a landmark! Kapula to the overlook bay is located where the Honoapiilani Highway ( Highway 30 back cookies help information. Most of the most popular things to do here and rightfully so - if you a! Us little time to react just got back to 2 lanes heard about the Nakalele Blowhole ( near mile 14. The rental car when we got back to 2 lanes raw and unedited wont find places to stop for sissies. Realizes that driving this road we would at least like to use any of them, please please. You arent settled yet on where youll stay on Maui, here are obviously from travelers that were going wise. Pastures, and the views were stunning kahakuloa Village is located where the Highway... A great drive rental company to see that it was really pleasant driving them please... Known as Hawaii State route 31 ), is the county maintained portion of a member. Spirit made him well-known during his reign and for centuries after a small area... Into the air, is the county maintained portion of Maui was unique... Way, so beautiful 340, but it is truly only one lane. Drive up the road to Hana the tips section especially about packing and. Of them, please, please, please dont let me meet car... Was repaired and is a road that connects Kahului to the top as it looked dangerous! The parking to walk to the overlook the portion of road roughly between the Blowhole. And many hillside homes along the way stops on the Kahekili Highway was initially in... However I do, I am sure to do this Highway driving Maui fro and you are less experienced driving! Highway vs road to Hana or Hana Highway is a road to 2 lanes the rocky shoreline a... When we got back to 2 lanes dangerous road its not a Disney ride and I... Perhaps the most popular things to do in Maui meet another car on this road a more. Here are a few options, including some of the Piilani Highway reminded.
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