There is also a very nice art gallery or two along the way. So, its a good idea to stop, buy something local to support small businesses, and stretch your legs. We are aware that it has it's challenges, but how does it compare to the road to Hana? There is a lookout point here thats quite beautiful! Maui's Road to Hana is perhaps the most popular scenic drive on the island and possibly all of Hawaii. 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. . Pro tip: take athletic shoes or comfortable water shoes with you! Instead of doing what everyone does and drive the road to Hana, I decided to take a different scenic route. Sometime in the early 1780's Hana was besieged by King Kahekili in a surprise attack. Having said that, I also have to say weve driven this road a few times. Theres your warning! This is probably a great time for your official warning: driving the Kahekili Highway Maui is not for the faint of heart. Nakalele Blowhole looks fun! Beautiful images are easy in a scenic spot like Maui! I love the idea of going west to east so that you dont have to be on the outside of the road. First of all, a warning although the name refers to pools, you should not enter or swim in these pools. Cows graze in the pastures, and the landscape is idyllic. Small natural pools are hidden at the bottom of the road, just a few feet from the ocean. At the end of Highway 30, the excellent road gives way to a simple asphalt road that narrows and becomes very narrow and winding. Kahekili Highway is more dangerous based on the width of the road Honestly, if you have to choose just one adventure, it will be difficult! Visible from the highway and located so close to the Road to Hana makes Wailua Falls one of Maui's unique and most accessible waterfalls. Kahakuloa Head looks gorgeous, I would defo make a stop there to soak in the views. Just when I didnt think the road could get any more questionable, Highway 340 narrows considerably for about 1 mile as it descends the mountain and enters Kahakuloa Village (near mile marker 14 and 15). , etc. I later read this warning about the blowhole so do be careful if you go visit it: While it may seen tempting to approach the blowhole for a great photo opportunity, dont do it. If you have a problem with the car on this road, rental car company will not help you ~ youre on your own! When we go in April, I'm going to go get properly fitted. You can drive the road to Hana yourself, or take a tour in a van . Recommended Reviews MP10 Hana Highway 360 due to landslide Video / Feb 27, 2023 / 07:03 PM HST. And whats not to love this part of Maui was certainly unique and it felt untouched. This has the advantage of driving on the inside of the road rather than along the edge. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Sherry, a corporate cube dweller turned nomadic traveler. Ultimately this stretch of road was named after a brazen Hawaiian ruler, Kahekili. Yet Kahekili highway was one very few people knew about which is probably what made me love it even more. Hi, we are Agnes & Chris! Lots of interesting stops along the route. Whats more, the Makaluapuna Pointon at the Kapalua coast is home to Mauis largest labyrinth. But some people like a little scary. Find this post helpful? Great views at every turn, and there are a lot of turns. 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. We would at least like to go that far. Coming in at 4 miles, 1600+ feet in elevation gain and rated as moderate, the Waihee Ridge Trail is one of the most scenic spots along the north shore. An Adventure EVERY TIME - thrilling and beautiful and scary!! Some like the adventure, some like the beach to each his/her own. It is a special road to be sure lots of dips to catch air on too. This is one of the most beautiful bays on the west coast of Maui. I pulled over and ate my picnic poke lunch at a lookout with absolutely no one around. A culvert is plugged and . The internet is replete with this kind of nonsense. Be polite. This is also a great place for whale watching in the winter. we where on our way up to see the sunrise on top of the Puu Kuni but missed the turn in the dark. 31. The water can push over the natural pools wall and when it recedes it can pull you overboard and into the ocean. His bold approach to leadership warrior spirit made him well-known during his reign and for centuries after. It is what we call the road to Hana today. Here are some pros and cons to each. This community is one of the most isolated spots on Maui and most of the residents work in and around the village. It is no prettier than what you already saw. 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. Its scenery is quite literally to die for. One van vs 12+ cars makes things much easier on the Hana Highway. After the nail biter one mile of narrow road where I luckily didnt meet an oncoming car, I stopped for a smoothie at Kahakuloa Village, and sat and just took in the view. Refer to tips above to be fully prepared. 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. No room for more than one car. Scenic but not for the sissies and shouldnt be attempted by novice drivers! Kahekili Highway: Road to Hana on steroids! Hobron Avenue from Hana Highway to the gate at Pier 1, Kahului Harbor (Route 32A) 10. These cookies do not store any personal information. Highway 340 is the county maintained portion of a loop road around the northwest portion of Maui. The roads were in as good a shape as could be expected for a windy, narrow road. When you get to the area where it turns to one lane you should turn around. Its a hazardous road. And after you have the pleasure of almost diving into the Pacific, enjoy the endless trek through what I can only describe as the hilliest desert on planet Earth. All of the negative reviews focus on the portion of road roughly between the Nakalele Blowhole and Waihee. We just got back from Maui and I wish I saw your review before we did it. This drive is not for the timid. I would drive Hana in a heart beat over this any day. My family and I were told to go this route as the main road to kaanapali was closed due to a brush Small Group Road to Hana Adventure Tour with Pickup 1,274 Reviews Kahului, United States Save to Wishlist From $219.99 Lowest Price Guarantee Select Date and Travelers Check Availability Non-refundable You will not receive a refund if you cancel. Drive very carefully, obeying all rules and road signs. Both you and your camera can get wet. We give you ready itineraries, hints, and essential tools to prepare you for your unforgettable lifetime journey. This is not for the faint of heart or anyone with a rental car that is concerned about violating their agreement. Ive worn them hiking the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail in Kauai and many other spots around the islands. It is 21 miles of stress. 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. In that case, you will find other exciting inspirations on what to see and how to spend an exciting time on this paradise island in our 5-day itinerary to Maui. And all this with oncoming traffic. It stretches 21.5 miles from Kapalua to Wailuku in western Maui. We saw the sunrise from the beach and no-one was disappointed . Great to see that it hasnt changed too much. Plus, your guides will take you to approved, safe places. I honestly cannot tell you where it was, because I was too busy fearing for my life! Are you so ready to hit the road? The Road to Hana or Hana Highway is the highlight of Maui for many visitors. My family hiked this with hiking shoes and trekking poles, which I recommend, especially if its recently rained. 7. The Ohai Loop Trail takes you over rolling hills along the scenic north shore several hundred feet above sea level. Did this trip today!!! Also, you can look farther ahead to see oncoming traffic. But what a view! 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. So our concierge in Kaanapali Beach suggested the 13 crossings trail. Its the same gorgeous blue water youre used to in Hawaii only without the loads of tourists. It shouldn't be confused with Highway 30, which is the state maintained portion of the same route. 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. The waves crash against the rocks below me in a rhythmic fashion and enjoyed my perfect moment of Maui Zen. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The hiking is fabulous and the coastline is pristine. I am definitely saving this post for future travel planning. The Kahekili Highway starts at the bottom of the gulch facing Honokhau Bay, taking over from the Honoapiilani Highway. Its an easy trail, but take shoes with good traction. I get it some are thrill seekers but this was ridiculous for us normal folks. I am glad I did. Its not nearly as tropical and does not have waterfalls, but it offers numerous sweeping ocean views that are missing on the Road to Hana. Forget the Road to Hana, take Highway 340 (also known as Maui's West Highway or Kahekili Highway) instead! . The community of Kahakuloa Village is one of the most isolated spots in Maui. The gorgeous Maui waterfall is nestled amidst lush tropical foliage and cascades 80 ft in two streams, making it the most photographed waterfall on Maui. In our. Maui Honokohau Stream Bridge on Kahekili Highway (Route 30) Milepost 35.8. The Road to Hana has unique attractions like the black sand beach (Honokalani Beach within the Waianapanapa State Park) and more waterfalls. There's no doubt that Kahekili Highway is the most dangerous road in the US. We also like cities by night and tasting local food & wine. So cool Rachel! Amazing! 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). 8 It's Not Meant For Fast Drivers A simple asphalt, tight road is not an ideal spot to do street racing! Those who say it's not dangerous are stupid so your review is very accurate. One of the top things to do on Maui is driving the Road to Hana. I can't wait to drive through the Kahekili Highway now - this guide has bumped this experience high up on my list. I travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations to bring you unique travel experiences and photography. If I lived here, I wouldnt necessarily want tourists coming in and wreaking havoc on the area, either! Holoholokai Beach278259 / 256.1 Puako2.7 However, the views are breathtaking. We are always looking for new things to do and the Kahelkili Highway drive certainly looks like a challenge. What restaurants are near Kahekili Highway? Thats why the hill is known as Kahekilis Leap (just like Black Rock in Kaanapali). Luckily, my husband is an aggressive driver so we were able to make fairly good progress. New weight limit 15 tons. This road is so dangerous because of the imbeciles driving like maniacs, with no regard for other people on the road. Don't get me wrong - DO NOT DO IT IF you are a timid or nervous driver. Absolutely beautiful. It will be much worse, and more tension and stress will be. So you have no excuse to travel on this road. Stopped several times to admire the beauty and buy some goodies at the stands. The downhill traffic on the makai side ALWAYS yields to vehicles traveling uphill on the mauka side. Anyway, after you pass the parking to walk to the beach, drive up the hill to the overlook. I'd love to do this road trip. Following advice from a no-nothing has lead to many tourists deaths. 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. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. 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. I was excited and scared at the same time. Makes the road to Hana look like child's play. Theres a lot of privately owned land and undeveloped coastline. 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. Just be careful on the bends, they're blind and other drivers come out of nowhere. Privacy Policy. Kahekili defeated him by stopping all freshwater flow to the hill and forcing them to surrender. But to get to the cove you will have to wander through magical forests Honolua Park. 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* 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. Contrary to prior reviews, there are plenty of pullouts if you plan ahead, and also, plenty of places to turn around if you change your mind By the by, doing the drive this way allows you to tack on the beautiful Iao Needle /Iao Valley on the far side, well worth a 30 min stop on the way by, or longer if you want to dip in the river Have fun! As you continue on this epic road trip, you wont find places to stop for the next few miles. New weight limit 16 tons. So if youre not up for driving the entire West Maui road trip loop, this should make your list before turning back. Its early in your trip, but every great road trip includes awesome food. Honolua means two harbors in Hawaiian, and this bay has historically been used by Honolua Ranch to accommodate deliveries and shipping products. Makaluapuna Point is also known as Dragons Teeth. 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. It will take you about 30 minutes. Elle n'a vraisemblablement que peu envier la beaucoup plus clbre route d'Hana (qu'on se rserve pour plus tard). I love the views you got along the way. Maui was certainly unique and it felt untouched very few people knew about which is probably what made me it. 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