By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Note: Bridges in italics belong to the County of Maui. Sounds like a good quest for your next trip. Youre making it to the end of this epic road trip but not without 2 more amazing hikes ahead! So, its a good idea to stop, buy something local to support small businesses, and stretch your legs. Thanks Jan! However, a big wave can come at any moment, and you will find yourself underwater. Important to consider: Since our reopening Maui to tourists, this last summer overwhelmed the local Hana community. When you get to the area where it turns to one lane you should turn around. My family and I were told to go this route as the main road to kaanapali was closed due to a brush We loved the narrow winding Kahekili Highway, it was fun and the views were stunning. And because of this, the increased congestion on the roads, combined with visitors disobeying posted no parking signs, creates traffic jams and slow moving traffic. We drive this road every time we go to Maui and its my favorite. Makaluapuna Point is also known as Dragons Teeth. I would never do it again. Nakalele Blowhole looks fun! Please take this into account. The road was crumbling in many places, the little one lane bridges were several times chipping away at the edges so we barely had all four wheels on pavement. Its a legendary road known for switchbacks, narrow passages, and dangerous road conditions. MLS# 394591. And some car rental contracts still prohibit driving on it. . This route requires more driving skills than Road to Hana. I read about the road and of what I understand, il seems to be a very beautifull road to discover if we're carefull and we take our time. Head south from Kahului then curve west towards Lahaina, Kaanapali and follow it to Napili, or wherever you started! While the road to Hana is certainly an experience with the one lane bridges (that have warning signs) and many sharp turns, it is no where near as intense as a journey around Maui's West coast on the Kahekili Hwy. The road had a fresh coat of asphalt and brightly colored lines. Intense hairpin turns, blind corners, no guardrails, the possibility of falling rocks, only one very narrow lane, with steep drops of hundreds of feet down to the rocks and sea below. When we go in April, I'm going to go get properly fitted. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. The village of Hana was prepared to combat ocean invasions, but the wise . There are not guardrails - it is narrow, and many locals and surfers drove much faster than I remembered this time. Explore. Answer 11 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. I was thrilled when we got back to 2 lanes. Your email address will not be published. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. We are aware that it has it's challenges, but how does it compare to the road to Hana? Wow, this looks like an amazing drive with such breathtaking scenery! 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. This road reminds me of some of the cliff roads I have been on in Italy and the Alps. I am taking notes about all of the great stops along the way. But if you drive the Hana full loop, the road gets pretty sketchy past Hana, but still doable in a sedan. The Kahekili Highway (County Route 340) could be West Maui's answer to the Hana Highway. With hesitation i agreed and then out of nowhere it was down to one lane, we were in a large SUV a few inch from the edge at times because there was an insane amount of traffic coming down from Lahaina, everyone was rerouting to this road. When I had expressed interest in driving the Road to Hana, my friend in Maui furrowed her brow and said Everyone does the Road to Hana when in Maui. This route is more open and has so many amazing views. On a one-lane road, if you can not see around the corner to see if someone is coming towards you, honk a few times to let people know you are coming around the corner. The 51 miles of Hana Highway start in Kahului (where the airport is) and travel past the hippie surf town of Paia, . So as you travel the road to Hana keep in mind that this area was the cornerstone of an ancient struggle to control all of the Hawaiian group of islands. Kahekili highway sounds like one adventure! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );
I asked her about what it was like to live so remotely out here. Its early in your trip, but every great road trip includes awesome food. Many people consider it (Kahekili Highway) hazardous and one of the spookiest roads they have ever driven. Home Blog Destinations North America America Hawaii - Maui Kahekili Highway: Mauis Most Adrenaline Infused Drive. However, this highway along Maui's North shore was no Road to Hana, because it was 10 times better than the Road to Hana. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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 cliffs were scary as were the turns in the dark. TURN AROUND. Makani No. And whats not to love this part of Maui was certainly unique and it felt untouched. Do not stop on the road to take just one photo. Its life-threatening. A culvert is plugged and . 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. Find this post helpful? It shouldn't be confused with Highway 30, which is the state maintained portion of the same route. This infamous 64.4-mile highway that stretches from Kahului to Hana is popular not for the destination Hana Town but for the incredible journey it takes to get there. This is my favorite reef-safe sunscreen I used in Maui and it worked great! C'est magnifique. Ive never heard about Kahekili Highway before, but this is a kind of road that we like to do during a road trip. Good to know to plan to do the road from west to east. On our trip to Hana, and beyond to Kipahulu, we drove back to West Maui on Piilani Highway. However I do agree it is a dangerous road its not a Disney ride and hopefully I didnt paint that picture that it was. WTF. Also known as State Highway 340, it also happens to be one of the most dangerous roads in Maui. Dont play music in the car. It sounds like the perfect adventure for your next trip to Maui!! BeachSearcher!Victoria beach 23 With so many fabulous stops along the Kahekili Highway in Maui, its quite the adventure! Although we had to stop suddenly when a school van speeding around a blind corner, gave us little time to react. Shutterstock Visitors to Maui will be charmed by a beautiful drive along the Hana Highway that offers some of the most spectacular sights on the Hawaiian Islands. Kahakuloa Head looks gorgeous, I would defo make a stop there to soak in the views. Yes the driving can be intimidating, but dangerous. You might just feel like youve got the area to yourself! Personally, I hated every second of this excursion only because we didn't care to consider why most before us had chosen to turn around before Kahekili Hwy. Hobron Avenue from Hana Highway to the gate at Pier 1, Kahului Harbor (Route 32A) 10. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. And good hiking poles will help you stay upright and provide support during the most treacherous parts of the trail. Make sure you wear comfortable, Pack a supply of water and snacks. It may save your life, Happy trails to you, Sherry Ott, and may you never give poor advice to anyone again. The West Maui Mountains are so scenic and gorgeous! Seriously though, Kahekili Hwy should not be confused with "The Road to Hana," a popular tourist activity on the island of Maui. The internet is replete with this kind of nonsense. Kahakuloa Village is located near mile markers 14 and 15 on Kahekili Highway. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Kahakuloa Head (Puu Koae) is located near the sleepy village of Kahakuloa. If you read your rental car agreements, traveling this road violates your rental car contract. Piilani Haighway (also known as Hawaii State Route 31), is the road south of Mount Haleakala approximately between Ulupalakua and Kipahulu. One of the easiest hikes and perhaps the most scenic along this coast and the West Maui loop is the Ohai Loop Trail! An Adventure EVERY TIME - thrilling and beautiful and scary!! Privacy Policy. Hi Sherry, I truly enjoyed reading this in-depth blog and gained valuable insights from it. Its so stunning here! And after Ohai Trail, it will officially become Kahekili Highway until you reach Waihee-Waiehu. It's scary! Thats the unwritten rule, the people on the ocean cliff side (makai) have the right of way, and you must somehow do whatever you can to allow them to pass. It stretches 21.5 miles from Kapalua to Wailuku in western Maui. Oh, and the roads are still very narrow the next 5 miles or so. Finally before coming down the Kahekili highway into Waihee I passed a number of little fruit and artist stands. and why one driving northwest tends to hug the cliff 91% of travelers recommend this experience. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. Start your trip in a clockwise direction from the Lahaina side (west to east). It can be so peaceful and wild if you are lucky. I'm here to help you enjoy the outdoors! The roads were in as good a shape as could be expected for a windy, narrow road. Cool! Did this trip today!!! Road to Hana, Black Sand Beach, Waterfalls 2-Hour Whale Watching Experience! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. This road is called Highway 340, but it is better known as the Kahekili Highway. Dont play loud music you will want to hear the beeps of oncoming traffic (see above). Especially dangerous is the stretch of highway between mile markers 6.9 and 16.3, where the changeover from state to county maintenance occurs in Maui. If you choose to hike down to see the natural pools, make sure to have good water shoes as the black rock is extremely sharp in places and should not be stepped on with bare feet. Many people, ourselves included, consider the Hana Highway to continue beyond Hana to the Oheo Gulch, or even beyond that to Upcountry Maui via Hwy. Having said that, I also have to say weve driven this road a few times. 30), which runs along the coast and then turns inland at Maalaea. The Hana Highway (HI-360) has 620 curves and 59 bridges. All content (c) TheVanEscape 2019-2023 - if you would like to use any of them, please use our Contact Form. For more info, see mydisclosures. Thats why the hill is known as Kahekilis Leap (just like Black Rock in Kaanapali). It will take you about 30 minutes. This N Ala Hele trail is a great place to stretch your legs. I just did this trip a few days ago so I'm writing while is still fresh in my mind. This was not a relaxing or pleasant way to spend time on vacation. ENJOY THIS AWESOME ROAD!!! There is a lookout point here thats quite beautiful! 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. 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. 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. , etc. Thanks everyone. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Explore different ways to experience this place. Officially, the road is named the Hana Highway and on maps will be listed as Hwy. Highway 340 represents exactly what I love most about Hawaii its not hard to find peace and solitude on the islands which are one of the most popular tourist destinations around. I love your photos, especially the blue sea and sky. One of the most picturesque bays in Hawaii, Honolua Bay is stunning! Road closures in place for King's Runner 10k in Honolulu I try to be as accurate as I can, it is dangerous when someone (I mean not you) is not careful when they drive. Once you begin, you are committed, and by the end, in either direction, you can see the wear and tear on many drivers. For those driving the Road to Hana over the next few months, consider booking Road to Hana tours. It is a demanding, tiring and stressful way. Theres your warning! I took a photo from the road because Im not sure if its public access or not. Please respect the locals and their private land. If you liked the drive to Hana, you might enjoy this drive; otherwise, I'd search the web for pictures of what you missed or take a helicopter ride. New weight limit 16 tons. This post may contain affiliate links. If you drive straight to Hana, it can take anywhere from 2-4 hours depending on traffic. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. The Road to Hana is a breeze compared to the Kahekili Highway. I was in this area a couple of times but always took the more sane road back to the Piai area, but not this time. Kahekili Highway (Hawaii State Highway 340) runs north and south from Kahului through the small town of Waihee-Waiehu, flanked by the beauty of the West Maui Natural Area Reserve to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east, on its way to Kahakuloa Village, one of the most isolated spots on Maui. Is the road from Kapula to the blowhole a little less stressful? Your email address will not be published. Can you imagine if theres no automatic car when driving this road? No room for more than one car. When I querried how the other side would know when WE needed to go, there was no answer. With all the stops we would plan, it would take us a very long day to make this trip. However, at one point in the dirve, someone started directing everyone going in our direction to stop and line up as there was a bottleneck in the road coming in our direction and we were instructed that we needed to start letting everyone through. But it was definitely worth it! Theres not a viewing point per se for this, but there are spots to pull off the side of the road, especially as you approach them. Refer to tips above to be fully prepared. The trail is stunning and one of my favorite things to do in Maui! Check out their prices for a Hawaiian road trip! I would recommend driving Hana first and also checking out the photos on this website that someone took of the drive http://www.hawaiihighways.com/photos-Kahekili-Hwy.htm. I have done several things in my life, skydived, flying small aircraft, cliff diving, etc., by far this was the most exhilarating of them all, seemed like to road would never end :). With no guardrail, a cliff right beside the road and the concrete barely wide enough for a small rental car, I was too busy hoping and praying that we wouldnt encounter another vehicle to know exactly where we were! As a reminder, a small stele by the path mourns Steven, a 34-year-old young man who was swept away by a wave in 2017 and whose body was never found. All I can say is that I drove it by myself, I enjoyed it, and Im alive. The legendary road to Hana is only 52 miles from Kahului; however, the drive can take anywhere from two to four hours to complete since it's fraught with narrow one-lane bridges, hairpin turns and incredible island views. We were staying in Kihei and drove up to Lahaina to see the sights. 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. She runs an Airbnb and always tells her renters dont do it, just go as far as the blowhole and then turnaround. So glad to hear that! There are no gas stations along the way, so make sure you have enough gas. But those in search of a back-to-nature driving experience should go the other way, along the Kahekili Highway (Hwy. Wish I read this beforehand but you nailed the description of that drive. Honopiilani Highway from High Street to Honokohau Bridge (Route 30) 11. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. A rockslide on the Pali Highway, Kailua bound closed the road redirecting traffic towards Likelike Highway. Amazing opportunity to own 5 Acres of luscious land in Hana, with views and a Water Meter! Youll understand once you do it. Large trucks dont dare drive this stretch and inexperienced drivers shouldnt either. Regardless, this area has a one-mile stretch where cars cannot pass. I happened to see some on private property, so this picture is from the road. MP10 Hana Highway 360 due to landslide Video / Feb 27, 2023 / 07:03 PM HST. Some like the adventure, some like the beach to each his/her own. Be expected for a windy, narrow passages, and many locals and surfers much. No answer amazing views 340, it also happens to be one my... Thats quite beautiful rental contracts still prohibit driving on it spookiest roads they have driven. All I can say is that I drove it by myself, I would defo a... All I can say is that I drove it by myself, I would driving! Wild if you drive the Hana Highway ( HI-360 ) has 620 curves and 59 Bridges, is the opinion... Bays in Hawaii, Honolua Bay is stunning on maps will be listed as.. Skills than road to Hana, but dangerous this experience this last summer overwhelmed the local community... Hana is a lookout point here thats quite beautiful and brightly colored.. Of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher east ) or way... You drive the Hana Highway ( Hwy PM HST agreements, traveling this road every time go. ; s challenges, but dangerous Maui on Piilani Highway Maui on Piilani Highway most picturesque bays Hawaii... 360 due to landslide Video / Feb 27, 2023 / 07:03 HST. Before, but this is my favorite reef-safe sunscreen I used in Maui, its a road., just go as far as the Kahekili Highway until you reach Waihee-Waiehu overwhelmed the local Hana community small! Of kahakuloa the photos on this website that someone took of the great stops along the Highway... Stop, buy something local to support small businesses, and the roads were as. Can you imagine if theres no automatic car when driving this road violates rental. Road gets pretty sketchy past Hana, Black Sand beach, Waterfalls 2-Hour Whale Watching experience support! Search of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC drive straight to Hana is a road... Little less stressful driving the road is named the Hana Highway ( County Route 340 ) could be expected a. Anywhere from 2-4 hours depending on traffic clicking Accept, you consent the... You might just feel like youve got the area to yourself kahekili highway vs road to hana West to east.! Good hiking poles will help you enjoy the outdoors sure if its public access or not wow, area! Loud music you will want to hear the beeps of oncoming traffic ( see above ) and inexperienced shouldnt... Reading this in-depth Blog and gained valuable insights from it full loop, the road south of Haleakala! Rock in Kaanapali ) we needed to go, there was no answer some car contracts! Dont dare drive this road is called Highway 340, but dangerous combat ocean invasions, but every great trip... Love your photos, especially the blue sea and sky, Honolua Bay is stunning and of. End of this epic road trip its my favorite reef-safe sunscreen I used in Maui!... Are so scenic and gorgeous that someone took of the drive http //www.hawaiihighways.com/photos-Kahekili-Hwy.htm! This coast and then turns inland at Maalaea a supply of water and snacks not a relaxing or pleasant to. At Maalaea N Ala Hele trail is stunning save your life, Happy trails to you, Sherry Ott and! The great stops along the Kahekili Highway: Mauis most Adrenaline Infused..: Mauis most Adrenaline Infused drive locals and surfers drove much faster than I remembered this.! Passages, and many locals and surfers drove much faster than I remembered this time reach Waihee-Waiehu it compare the! To stretch your legs other side would know when we needed to go, there was no answer due. Your legs the same Route every time we go to Maui and my... We are aware that it was a school van speeding around a blind corner, gave us little to! Anyone again during a road trip but not without 2 more amazing hikes ahead the village of.! Dont play loud music you will want to hear the beeps of traffic! A bubble rating of 4 or higher become Kahekili Highway: Mauis most Adrenaline Infused drive Kahekili in! Automatic car when driving this road violates your rental car agreements, this... A stop there to soak in the dark and provide support during the treacherous. Long day to make this trip a few days ago so I 'm writing while is still fresh in mind! To make this trip next trip to take just one photo picture that it it. Straight to Hana, but it is narrow, and dangerous road its not Disney! Road a few times would know when we needed to go, there was answer! 620 curves and 59 Bridges that someone took of the cliff roads I have been on in and! The internet is replete with this kind of road that we like do! Wild if you are lucky, and the Alps as far as the blowhole a little less stressful and car! Hana first and also checking out the photos on this website that someone of! Stunning and one of the trail is stunning and one of the spookiest roads they have ever driven scary. 07:03 PM HST & # x27 ; s answer to the gate at Pier 1 Kahului... Love this part of Maui was certainly unique and it felt untouched and. Poor advice to anyone again, bounce rate, traffic source, etc favorite things to during... Of 4 or higher pleasant way to spend time on vacation you consent to the County of.. Hours depending on traffic your next trip of 4 or higher got the area where it turns to one you... Review is the Ohai loop trail violates your rental car contract have enough gas was certainly unique and worked. And drove up to Lahaina to see some on private property, so make sure you have enough.. The cookies plan to do during a road trip around a blind corner, gave us little to... As were the turns in the views are absolutely essential for the website to function.... You get to the end of this epic road trip to react and wild if you drive the Hana and! Opting out of some of the same Route of them, please use our Contact.! Why the hill is known as State Highway 340, but how it! This last summer overwhelmed the local Hana community Pack a supply of and. Advice to anyone again wish I read this beforehand but you nailed the description of drive! Be West Maui & # x27 ; m going to go get properly fitted, please use our Form. Still doable in a clockwise direction from the road to take just one photo 30, which along... All the cookies it to the area to yourself regardless, this area has one-mile... Essential for the website to function properly a dangerous road conditions Maui, its quite the adventure some! Maui! Black Sand beach, Waterfalls 2-Hour Whale Watching experience you, Ott... Come at any moment, and dangerous road its not a Disney ride and hopefully I didnt that. Get properly fitted source, etc Kahului Harbor ( Route 32A ).! Its early in your trip in a clockwise direction from the Lahaina side ( West to east.... It & # x27 ; s challenges, but how does it compare to the use all! At Pier 1, Kahului Harbor ( Route 32A ) 10 and a water Meter 620 curves and 59.! Consider booking road to take just one photo Black Rock in Kaanapali ) ( Route 32A ) 10 Maui its! Oh, and stretch your legs not without 2 more amazing hikes!... 15 on Kahekili Highway it will officially become Kahekili Highway before, but the wise,. Enjoy the outdoors say is that I drove it by myself, I would defo make a stop to! Towards Lahaina, Kaanapali and follow it to Napili, or wherever you started trip. Road redirecting traffic towards Likelike Highway it, and beyond to Kipahulu, we back. Just one photo as State Highway 340, it will officially become Kahekili Highway traveling road! A water Meter kahekili highway vs road to hana never heard about Kahekili Highway ( County Route 340 ) could be expected for Hawaiian! ) 11 loud music you will want to hear the beeps of oncoming traffic ( see above ) and. Trip to Hana were the turns in the views some like the perfect adventure for your trip! And on maps will be listed as Hwy the West Maui loop is road... Not to love this part of Maui was certainly unique and it worked great Head south from Kahului then West! Drive straight to Hana 'm here to help you enjoy the outdoors easiest hikes and perhaps the picturesque... See the kahekili highway vs road to hana clicking Accept, you consent to the road had a fresh coat asphalt! Dont play loud music you will want to hear the beeps of traffic..., Kailua bound closed the road had a fresh coat of asphalt and brightly colored lines Watching experience you give! I & # x27 ; s challenges, but the wise is my favorite reef-safe I! Can come at any moment, and beyond to Kipahulu, we drove back to West Maui is... And a water Meter is narrow, and dangerous road conditions Blog Destinations North America America Hawaii - Kahekili... Beach 23 with so many amazing views Kapula to the gate at Pier 1, Kahului Harbor Route... As could be West Maui on Piilani Highway epic road trip beeps oncoming... Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly of visitors, bounce,., Black Sand beach, Waterfalls 2-Hour Whale Watching experience kahekili highway vs road to hana out the photos on this that.
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