Maui's Road to Hana is perhaps the most popular scenic drive on the island and possibly all of Hawaii. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Welcome to The Van Escape! Up to the blow hole you dont have to worry. Kahekili Highway: Makes the road to Hana look like child's play - See 216 traveller reviews, 135 candid photos, and great deals for Maui, HI, at Tripadvisor. If you arent settled yet on where youll stay on Maui, here are a few options, including some of my favorite spots! Now that sells this dangerous one to me. Youll start off on Highway 30/Honoapiilani Highway until just past Punalau Beach, when it becomes Highway 340 Maui. It is dangerous and I cant believe the road dept doesnt have a warning sign. But did you get to stop by and view the views? We wandered down to the rocky coastline together and he took me further out in the tide pools than I ever would have went by myself. 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. The drive itself can be done in a couple of hours without stops. As someone whos experienced each of these roads twice, I can say theyre both truly unique in the experiences youll get. Honolua Bay and Honolua Park at Kahekili Highway. this loop, Slaughterhouse Beach, Olivine Pools. I was excited and scared at the same time. If you find the secret beach let me know! You can drive the road to Hana yourself, or take a tour in a van . It kind of reminded me of the Waimea Canyon Trail in Kauai. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The prior reviews initially convinced us not to do the drive, but a local friend provided reassurances and so we did it and were happy we did . So for those who like to live on the edge and are willing to risk everything, this is probably one of those places you will just have to try and most of you will probably think it was no big deal.But for me it was a big deal and I just can't recommend it for normal people!! What a wonderful trip! 36 and Hwy. Recommended Reviews It can be so peaceful and wild if you are lucky. Required fields are marked *. 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. 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! With all the stops we would plan, it would take us a very long day to make this trip. 1759 to 1779 - Kalani'opu'u of the Big Island captured and held power over Hana. can yu on the map show which is the safer drive? more. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Brilliant suggestion, beautifully described. ENJOY THIS AWESOME ROAD!!! If you take a car rental on the road you will be responsible for any break-downs or accidents, just fyi. At the parking lot, theres a short walk out to the overlook. If you decide to take this road trip, remember to be extremely safe and leave it just as you see it untouched! Its common, especially with children. It is worth stopping here for a moment because the rugged mountain serpentine ride is about to begin. If I lived here, I wouldnt necessarily want tourists coming in and wreaking havoc on the area, either! If youre wanting to make this stop quick or are traveling with young kids, just going to the overlook is adequate. We went on a Sunday afternoon, this time driving from Kahului toward Kahana/Lahaina. Better than the Road to Hana, minus waterfalls! 7. I think I would find that one lane road a bit stressful! But youre rewarded with a lush waterfall in the West Maui Mountains! 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. A: The scenic drive is located on the northeast coastline of Maui. I recommend a clockwise trip so your vehicle is hugging the mountain, not the edge of the road. . Did you stop and have some shave ice too?! Although the addresses here are technically Wailuku, this small village is a cluster of a few homes and businesses in the most picturesque valley on earth.. Kahekili Highway (Hawaii Route 340, Hawaii State Highway 340) is considered one of the most dangerous roads in Hawaii and the USA. Home Blog Destinations North America America Hawaii - Maui Kahekili Highway: Mauis Most Adrenaline Infused Drive. Dont hike this one in flip flops, its way to steep and slippery for that! Honestly, if you have to choose just one adventure, it will be difficult! Now this was the real deal a road worthy of being called one of the best (and most dangerous) drives in the world. And after Ohai Trail, it will officially become Kahekili Highway until you reach Waihee-Waiehu. We nearly scraped the rental car on the rocks on the hairpin turns and ultimately make a sketchy u-turn. You cannot trust advice from a tourist, get your information from a local. Visit Maui's most stunning natural locations during this full-day small-group Road to Hana tour (12 guests max). Drive very carefully, obeying all rules and road signs. We would at least like to go that far. 31. Highway 37 is a road that connects Kahului to the beginning of the Piilani Highway. Dont obey the warnings and pay for it with your life. I love scenic drives, so I'll definitely add this to my list of places I want to visit soon. I loved the Kahekili highway and nearby places. Most testifiers were in support of the affordable housing and highlighted the need for it. What a shame, to fall victim to the disrespect that these self proclaimed experts show for the aina of Hawaii. Whats more, the Makaluapuna Pointon at the Kapalua coast is home to Mauis largest labyrinth. Oh you are right, the kahekili highway is a hidden gem. I would love to run this road but there is no space for that if there is a car. The day dragged on for hours of ZERO cell service, no sign of civilization (except for the occasional shack), and the GPS our tour company provided us with suggesting we turn around until it sarcastically stated, and I quote, "This is where I leave you, good luck". 97% of travelers recommend this experience. He climbed this hill and jumped into the ocean below. Especially if youve done the Road to Hana, which has gotten incredibly popular and busy. No room for more than one car. Stopped several times to admire the beauty and buy some goodies at the stands. Learn more Take the 'path less-traveled' on this scenic exploration of the famous road to Hana If youre a visual person, this map will help you see the location of the route. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This post contains some affiliate links. And some car rental contracts still prohibit driving on it. It is believed that Kahakuloa Head was one of King Kahekilis favorite places to cliff jump. This is one of the most beautiful bays on the west coast of Maui. So you have no excuse to travel on this road. Large trucks dont dare drive this stretch and inexperienced drivers shouldnt either. The waves were tumultuous as they rolled in sets crashing into the rocks sending sea spray everywhere it was here where you felt the wrath of Mother Nature. All of the negative reviews focus on the portion of road roughly between the Nakalele Blowhole and Waihee. As one of the most picturesque drives in the world, the Hana Highway is filled with volcanic sights, cascading waterfalls, and incredible beaches. Once youre going clockwise the ride is just fine even w only one lane. This is a dangerous place to swim. I enjoy road trips and with its hair pin bends and turns, it does sound like an exciting one. The Road to Hana or Hana Highway is the highlight of Maui for many visitors. This road is so dangerous because of the imbeciles driving like maniacs, with no regard for other people on the road. And yes, we did (unfortunately) run into this situation! Labyrinths are tools for walking meditation and spiritual growth. As other reviewers have noted, this road does make the Road to Hana seem like child's play. Because of this post, now Im keeping this line in mind. 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! Kahekili Highway, Maui: Address, Phone Number, Kahekili Highway Reviews: 3.5/5. we are going to live in Wailea , and want to go to Ion Valley Needle, Waihee Ridge Trail, Honolua Bay Scenic Lookout, Olivine Pools I sure would love to stop by and take in those landscapes for myself -especially the blowhole. We are headed to Maui soon. On your way south from Kahului, be sure to check out the ao Valley State Monument or the Maui Ocean Center, one of the top things to do with kids in Maui. Kahekili Highway is a strip of one-lane paved road framed by rock on one side and sheer cliff drops. (The other is the crater at the top of Haleakala .) Our favorite spot was Nakalele Blowhole. Amazing! I'd love to do this road trip. Sounds like a good quest for your next trip. However, we We drove Kahekili Highway with our kids years ago. Ultimately this stretch of road was named after a brazen Hawaiian ruler, Kahekili. Make sure you are not violating the contract of your rental car. 132 Culvert, located on Makani Road between Apana Road and Kaupea Street. I have a better suggestion.. Kahekili Highway is different from the Road to Hana. This community is one of the most isolated spots on Maui and most of the residents work in and around the village. Great to see that it hasnt changed too much. Enjoy all kinds of goodies and take some to go. With so many fabulous stops along the Kahekili Highway in Maui, its quite the adventure! Anyway, just past mile marker 14, there is a scenic lookout. There is also a great lil' place with shave ice (Ululani's) where you can also buy cds of Grammy award winning Ho'ipi'i Brothers. Saving your blog post for future reference. MISERABLE; thought I was going to die every time I saw a cross driven into the dirt inches before a steep, possibly 100+ foot drop into the ocean. more, Small Group Road to Hana Adventure Tour with Pickup, Lahaina: Turtle Town Snorkel and Whale Watch (Dec-April Time Permitting), Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar from Ka'anapali Beach, From Lahaina Harbor: Whale Watching Tours Aboard the Quicksilver, Road to Hana, Black Sand Beach, Waterfalls & Turtles Tour from Maui, Hawaii, Eye-Level Whale Watching 2 Hour Eco-Raft Tour from Lahaina, Maui. The drive along the Kahekili Highway looks just like my kind of ride. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
. HAWAII'S BEST ROAD TRIP: The Road to Hana (4K) TIM and FIN 237K subscribers Subscribe 2.4K 160K views 1 year ago In this video we're exploring THE TOP THING TO DO IN MAUI: The Road to. The blowhole is located in the lava shelf and can reach over 100 feet high when air and water are forced up through the hole, causing a geyser-like effect. The road climbed out of the village of Kahakuloa and into ranch country with wide vistas of green pastures. It isnt easy to decide which road is better. My girlfriend has lived on Maui for 16 yrs. His bold approach to leadership warrior spirit made him well-known during his reign and for centuries after. These cookies do not store any personal information. I am taking notes about all of the great stops along the way. Punalau Beach looks gorgeous! I love the views you got along the way. Here are some additional tips to consider. Many people consider it (Kahekili Highway) hazardous and one of the spookiest roads they have ever driven. When I did it there were no restrictions with the rental car. Hubby and I don't want to drive a car on this road, but would scooters be a good choice? Kahakuloa Head (Puu Koae) is located near the sleepy village of Kahakuloa. So be extremely careful. We just got back from Maui and I wish I saw your review before we did it. We also like cities by night and tasting local food & wine. This has the advantage of driving on the inside of the road rather than along the edge. Whether this is your first time to Maui or your 10th theres something you should know: the banana bread competition here is fierce! The driver should rest before this drive. There is also a very nice art gallery or two along the way. As you continue on this epic road trip, you wont find places to stop for the next few miles. Located near mile marker 18 on the Kahekili Highway is the trailhead for 13 Crossings Makamakaole Stream. For some reason, that used to deter people (in the 70's this was an AMAZING adventure - virtually no cars except locals who stopped to talk to you as you yielded way to the "experienced") - now that is not the case. It's not for the faint of heart but I was lucky to have good weather and that makes all the difference. . The Kahekili Highway in the northwest of Maui fro. Thanks for sharing. 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. On this route, a fairly common way of driving in some Asian countries can be helpful. I havent seen many pictures of the inside, but its so pretty. we where on our way up to see the sunrise on top of the Puu Kuni but missed the turn in the dark. Its hazardous. 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 Road to Hana is one of the most popular things to do in Maui. It shouldn't be confused with Highway 30, which is the state maintained portion of the same route. Karen Lei's gallery is a great stop. This is probably a great time for your official warning: driving the Kahekili Highway Maui is not for the faint of heart. Thanks for your thoughts Chad. Road to Hana Day Trip 154 Recommended Full-day Tours from $219.99 per adult Small Group Road to Hana Adventure Tour with Pickup 896 Recommended Full-day Tours from $219.99 per adult Lahaina: Turtle Town Snorkel and Whale Watch (Dec-April Time Permitting) 120 from $89.95 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Your experience with your smoothie was not Zen, if you think so, you have no idea what Zen is. Glad you found this post helpful and inspiring. I am a two lane kinda girl. This is also a great place for whale watching in the winter. Hi, we are Agnes & Chris! With my vacation coming to an end it was my last chance to say I drove around the whoe island so I took the plunge and went. Loved the tips section especially about packing water and snack, Love this adventurous Kahkili highay drive. WTF. TheNakalele Blowhole via Acid War Zone Trail is just about 1.3 miles round trip, but rated as moderate because its really steep and has a rocky terrain that can be difficult to hike, especially when wet. Recommended experiences in and around Maui. One of the most popular stops along the Kahekili Highway, this is a must-do! Makes the road to Hana look like child's play. The Road to Hana has unique attractions like the black sand beach (Honokalani Beach within the Waianapanapa State Park) and more waterfalls. Some like the adventure, some like the beach to each his/her own. We drive this road every time we go to Maui and its my favorite. You'd absolutely love it, Bea :). Those vivid blue waters met with Mauis rustic northwest coastline. For us after dark with no GPS or clue what we were getting into (my fault, no one elses) it was rather scary. The Kahekili Highway provides incredible views of Maui, but travelers must be wary of the risk and challenges associated with driving this highway first and plan accordingly. We do not recommend the Kahekili Highway for everyone. 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. Most cars head that way, and youll be driving along the side of the mountain, not the cliffs. 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. Most rental car companies tell you not to drive this route as it can be extremely dangerous. Start your ride in the morning, so you have a chance to stop at all viewpoints and see all the attractions. This drive was hands down my favorite part of our visit to Maui. From here, youll start to approach the narrowest and most dangerous part of the Kahekili Highway. Important to consider: Since our reopening Maui to tourists, this last summer overwhelmed the local Hana community. 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. This road crosses Maui from north to south along the first gentle slopes of Haleakal and passes through the small towns of Pukalani, Kula and Keokea. If you drive very slow and have good weather, you'll be finejust don't assume the other drivers have any common sense and/or survival instincts. Youre reaching the point where the Honoapiilani Highway/Maui Highway 340 and Kahekili Highway merge. The Punalau Beach has an incredible lookout along the Honoapiilani Highway. We were a mile from the trail head but no, we did not make it in our ridiculous camero rental car. Outrageous Surf ScHool Lessons in Lahaina, Small-Group Luxury Tour: Road to Hana and Ka'eleku Cavern Day Trip, West Maui Half Day Snorkel from Kaanapali Beach, Road to Hana Day Trip - Private - Just for Your Family or Group. And bonus its one of the more affordable hotel booking tools out there. The Road to Hana has unique attractions like the black sand beach (Honokalani Beach within the Waianapanapa State Park) and more waterfalls. Wow, this looks like an amazing drive with such breathtaking scenery! It would have been almost impossible to back a bike down that narrow road. I love this highway and the images! It's dangerous! Its scenery is quite literally to die for. We waded through the water to get a bit closer and thats when it really hit. 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.I advise you to turn around and respect the wishes of your rental car company once you reach the beautiful, quaint town of Hana. So bring a pair of binoculars. The first section begins in Kahului and takes the end of Highway 30, in the extension of Honoapiilani Highway. Its a breathtaking, wild, and quite challenging drive. From here, don't look for big parking lots or signs, there are none. Great for you all thrill seeks. I stopped to buy some jam and chatted with the woman who lived there. Seriously though, Kahekili Hwy should not be confused with "The Road to Hana," a popular tourist activity on the island of Maui. This trail requires good shoes with traction and some endurance. If youre hungry at all, youve gotta do Braddah Chics Stop! Hidden gem don't worry about the negative reviews too much! As I set off on Highway 340 past Kaanapali, I started seeing them Narrow Road, One Lane Bridge, Yield to Oncoming Traffic, Falling Rocks, Winding Road next 17 miles these were the standard signs peppered along highway 340. There is a hiking trail to the blowhole if youre up for the adventure! Why Kahekili Highway Is Better Than the Road to Hana, Its Not as Well Traveled as the Road To Hana, Experience the Powerful Nakalele Blowhole, Experience the Ranch Land and Kahakuloa Head, Visit Fruit Stands That Dont Get Much Business, Maui Surf Lessons: Becoming a Gnarly Surfer Girl. What a trip!!! Thank you! However, the views are breathtaking. Cheers! The downhill traffic on the makai side ALWAYS yields to vehicles traveling uphill on the mauka side. This is not for the faint of heart or anyone with a rental car that is concerned about violating their agreement. Your images are stunning! Once you begin, you are committed, and by the end, in either direction, you can see the wear and tear on many drivers. 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. Yes this drive isnt for everyone which is why I tried to be honest about it and provide some images about what it looked like. The drive Kahekili Highway is more exciting, but it is also scarier at the same time. It is narrow, one lane, steep, winding and scenic. We started out driving to the Nakele Blowhole, and ended up following Highway 340 to Wailuku. The trail is stunning and one of my favorite things to do in Maui! Find this post helpful? I am sure enjoying your travels around Maui. I grabbed my DSLR and was ready for a little Maui road trip off the beaten path. are easily reached taking the western rou one of the dozens of blind hairpin turns on a one. Also, I mainly think about luaus and the ocean with Hawaii. One more note, at the Motorcycle rental in Kaanapali, they gave me a map for this road, is was not forbidden like car rental companies deem it. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Do not stop on the road to take just one photo. Its life-threatening. The Punalau Beach is better for surfing and watching the waves than for swimming. And of course, written details are below in this post! !Stunning shoot.The sky is looking like a roof that has no end.Loved it!!! But if you already had the opportunity to drive the Road to Hana and were tired of that route, it was exhausting for you, to give up the Kahekili Highway. If youre looking for a great way to experience Maui thats a little safer, opt for Road to Hana. Al of a sudden I let out a gasp I wasnt sure when it exactly happened but I was on a one lane road going around hairpin turns. I took a photo from the road because Im not sure if its public access or not. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. We drove this road during one of our Maui trips and it is gorgeous! 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. You could literally hang out here for a day, or just park at the lookout and see it briefly. Its some of Mauis most gorgeous land. Sadly, there have been numerous deaths over the years on the road to Hana because of this sort of recklessness. Dont play loud music you will want to hear the beeps of oncoming traffic (see above). So stop at the little hut just before Honolulu Bay and grab some fresh coconuts, shave ice, fruit or drinks and be on your way. You can get dizzy and nauseous on this stretch. I love the strong greens and blues. Can you imagine if theres no automatic car when driving this road? Wow! This should only be open to locals and there should be clear signage of that. At just 12 feet wide in spots, its definitely not comfortable for vehicles to pass side-by-side at times. Become one of the few who have been on this road, still have not met anyone else who traveled this road since we were on it back in 2011. Before you head down Kahekili Highway to Waihee, youll pass several small fruit and artist stalls. Yes the driving can be intimidating, but dangerous. 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.