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. We drove that road a few years back and loved it. 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. this loop, Slaughterhouse Beach, Olivine Pools. Do you need a Jeep for road to Hana? 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. Oh, and dont forget the ocean-safe sunblock. Born on Maui in the 1700s, he ruled all of Maui Nui, and then went onto conquer Oahu, Lanai and Kauai, according to legend. It's a dangerous one lane road for about 12 miles with blind corners! Makani No. Highway 37 is a road that connects Kahului to the beginning of the Piilani Highway. It may save your life, Happy trails to you, Sherry Ott, and may you never give poor advice to anyone again. We love road trips and off the beaten path driving. Your images are stunning! Your photos have me swooning. The village is home to about 100 people. Youre reaching the point where the Honoapiilani Highway/Maui Highway 340 and Kahekili Highway merge. It can be so peaceful and wild if you are lucky. Theres a fairly large parking area at the Nakalele Blowhole so you cant miss this one! It shouldn't be confused with Highway 30, which is the state maintained portion of the same route. The scenery was phenomenal. I am a two lane kinda girl. Its a beautiful and spectacular drive! Its some of Mauis most gorgeous land. This stretch of road is far less touristy than most of the island of Maui. Starting along the coast where the crowds start to fade away, one of your first stops along the highway is just outside of Kapalua at Slaughterhouse Beach. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. It is Kahekili Highway, a hidden gem of Maui. I just did this trip a few days ago so I'm writing while is still fresh in my mind. What a trip!!! Its a thrilling drive one of the best in your lifetime! First of all, lets just say that using the term highway is generous! It is believed that Kahakuloa Head was one of King Kahekilis favorite places to cliff jump. From Lahaina to Wailuku via Kahekili Highway is only 36 miles. It will take you about 30 minutes. Hubby is a great driver but sometimes you meet people coming the other way and one has to back up with a cliff on the side and no guardrails so no room for error. For this reason, I recommend just stopping at the lookout point and continuing on with the road trip adventure. And given this stretch of highway has deep cliffs that dive straight into the water, the name is certainly fitting! From here, don't look for big parking lots or signs, there are none. Better than the Road to Hana, minus waterfalls! 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. The bay has also been recognized by todays Hawaii as an area of significant cultural, historical, and ecological value. 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. The scenery is beautiful, but 90% of the drive is spent pulling over and hoping your car doesn't end up over the side of the road. If youre a visual person, this map will help you see the location of the route. Today. TURN AROUND. Finally before coming down the Kahekili highway into Waihee I passed a number of little fruit and artist stands. And some car rental contracts still prohibit driving on it. Its the same gorgeous blue water youre used to in Hawaii only without the loads of tourists. It is narrow, one lane, steep, winding and scenic. If you want to show reverence for this land, you will not follow this amateurs advice. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. This drive is absolutely gorgeous and unexpectedly thrilling! 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. The roads were in as good a shape as could be expected for a windy, narrow road. You can drive the road to Hana yourself, or take a tour in a van . Dont hike this one in flip flops, its way to steep and slippery for that! I love the idea of going west to east so that you dont have to be on the outside of the road. The Kahekili Highway is no different in this respect, giving very little room for two cars and if you see a car coming the other direction, even if it has a ways to go yet, it's best to just pull over as soon as you find some wider spots and just sit there. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. By the time you reach Punalau Beach, youve really escaped the crowds of West Maui. It is a special road to be sure lots of dips to catch air on too. The water coming out of the hole also has a strong breeze, so be careful. 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. This route requires more driving skills than Road to Hana. Visit Maui's most stunning natural locations during this full-day small-group Road to Hana tour (12 guests max). Your Maui posts are really very informative and create an urge to visit Maui soon. But to get to the cove you will have to wander through magical forests Honolua Park. Its a breathtaking, wild, and quite challenging drive. What are some good. I need relatively calm with easy entry. Hey! The advice on this blog is irresponsible and may ever well lead to a very unhappy ending to your vacation. On one drive, we were on the inside(mauka) and we met a couple of locals in a big pick-up ~ we had to back up to a place where we could pullover a little bit to let them pass. He climbed this hill and jumped into the ocean below. I havent seen many pictures of the inside, but its so pretty. Kahekili Highway vs Road to Hana which is better? With so many fabulous stops along the Kahekili Highway in Maui, its quite the adventure! I think I've driven (or been a passenger) on this road more than a half dozen times in the last 10 years - this last year was the worse. Many of the positive reviews here are obviously from travelers that were going clock wise from Lahaina down. We nearly scraped the rental car on the rocks on the hairpin turns and ultimately make a sketchy u-turn. 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. We were staying in Kihei and drove up to Lahaina to see the sights. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Its perfection, really! Quality water shoes with traction are imperative for this adventure! It didnt seem too bad at all in fact it was relaxing. Pro tip: hike the Ohai Loop Trail in a counter-clockwise position for the best views! The Scenic Route from West Maui to Central or Upcountry Maui: The Kahekili Highway The usual road from west Maui to Wailuku is the Honoapiilani Highway (Hwy. Nakalele Blowhole looks fun! Its available to everyone, although only to be used with extreme caution. This part of Maui looks absolutely beautiful. The downhill traffic on the makai side ALWAYS yields to vehicles traveling uphill on the mauka side. When I querried how the other side would know when WE needed to go, there was no answer. please advice. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. You'd absolutely love it, Bea :). By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Be sure to stop and give the community some love. Well, thats a wrap! Find this post helpful? So not many people visit this part of Maui. via To-Hawaii. But it was definitely worth it! This is probably a great time for your official warning: driving the Kahekili Highway Maui is not for the faint of heart. Sold: Vacant land located at 0 Hana Hwy, Hana, HI 96713 sold for $600,000 on Feb 24, 2023. 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. On our trip to Hana, and beyond to Kipahulu, we drove back to West Maui on Piilani Highway. Also its great you had a guide to the blowhole we got a bit lost both there and back. Drive slowly. 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! Courtyard by Marriott Maui Kahului Airport, View all hotels near Kahekili Highway on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Kahekili Highway on Tripadvisor, Hotels near Haleakala Highway (Crater Road), Hotels near Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve, Hana Highway - Road to Hana: Tickets & Tours, Haleakala Highway (Crater Road): Tickets & Tours, Coral Island Half-day Tour from Pattaya including Lunch, Punta Cana (PUJ) TRANSFER to FINEST PUNTA CANA EXCELLENCE COLLECTION ROUND TRIP, Traditional Private Geisha Experience/Dinner Show in Tokyo, Fukagawa District, Kauai's Ultimate South Island Zodiac Boat Snorkel Adventure, Spanish Flamenco Show in Puerto de la Cruz. You cannot trust advice from a tourist, get your information from a local. Here are some additional tips to consider. Wow! This community is one of the most isolated spots on Maui and most of the residents work in and around the village. Sorry for answering so late. Explore different ways to experience this place. I absolutely fell in love with it there and it was pretty nail-biting to do in a carby yourself! The interesting part starts when leaving Keokea. Be polite. I would drive Hana in a heart beat over this any day. If you are looking for something a bit different on Maui, then spend a day driving highway 340. Kahekili Highway Maui is just more remote and has far less traffic. However, this highway along Mauis North shore was no Road to Hana, because it was 10 times better than the Road to Hana. Also known as State Highway 340, it also happens to be one of the most dangerous roads in Maui. These are my favorite dual-purpose water shoes. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. 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. Kahakuloa Head looks gorgeous, I would defo make a stop there to soak in the views. 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. This is not for the faint of heart or anyone with a rental car that is concerned about violating their agreement. If you want to snorkel, dont forget to pack a Snorkel Set, and Quick-Drying Towel, and check out this detailed guide to the best diving spots in Honolua Bay. 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. I was on top of a rocky cliff and could see for miles as little clouds that looked like cotton balls dotted the sky. I would never do it again. Again, no trespassing just for a photo! 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Kahekili Highway is different from the Road to Hana. Imagine a winding road with steep inclines and declines. Not easy with a passenger on the back, love you Rose :). I still recommend it because it IS that gorgeous but be careful! 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. On Girl, Christy wants to be married at that church you photographed. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The trail is stunning and one of my favorite things to do in Maui! Good to know to plan to do the road from west to east. Be on the lookout. Posted on Published: June 17, 2022- Last updated: June 23, 2022. Having said that, I also have to say weve driven this road a few times. The Ohai Loop Trail takes you over rolling hills along the scenic north shore several hundred feet above sea level. Some say that Maui is the most beautiful island in Hawaii. The Kahekili Highway (County Route 340) could be West Maui's answer to the Hana Highway. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. The original trail constructed by Hana's Chief Pi'ilani hundreds of years earlier was finished as a roadway in 1926. The Road to Hana has unique attractions like the black sand beach (Honokalani Beach within the Waianapanapa State Park) and more waterfalls. Eventually, West Maui chief Kahekili surrounded him and forced Kalani'opu'u forcing retreat to defenses on Ka'uiki Hill. . 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. My family hiked this with hiking shoes and trekking poles, which I recommend, especially if its recently rained. I love your photos, especially the blue sea and sky. You can also get a great close up view of Kahakuloa Head which is 636 feet high. 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. 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. Although we had to stop suddenly when a school van speeding around a blind corner, gave us little time to react. Many people consider it (Kahekili Highway) hazardous and one of the spookiest roads they have ever driven. The road is very curvy, no guard rails and sometimes, with falling rock. This is certainly the case for the road down to the Waipio Valley on the Big Island. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. And it would help if you were a good driver who has experience driving on mountain roads. 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. So cool Rachel! If you arent settled yet on where youll stay on Maui, here are a few options, including some of my favorite spots! One of the most controversial areas of this drive is the Olivine Pools. Cool! Great views at every turn, and there are a lot of turns. Just be careful on the bends, they're blind and other drivers come out of nowhere. The road ends near Waiehu Beach Park, next to the town of Wailuku. I had also heard about the Nakalele Blowhole (near mile marker 38), but I wasnt too sure where it was. I grabbed my DSLR and was ready for a little Maui road trip off the beaten path. Ended up at Slaughterhouse Beach for a fantastic sunset and I foolishly decided to just keep going. We purchased the Shaka audio download guide which has a driving tour for "West Maui Coastline Tour" which takes you on this road. 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. 31. This drive was hands down my favorite part of our visit to Maui. It is worth stopping here for a moment because the rugged mountain serpentine ride is about to begin. The View is breath taking from the high cliffs above the deep blue, blue ocean. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. There have been many injuries and deaths here, so enter at your own risk. The reason? Hey Maui Post some frickin signs. We are so glad youre here! Patience is a key and you need to be willing to backup from time to time to find a place for both vehicles can pass each other. My girlfriend has lived on Maui for 16 yrs. Check out their prices for a Hawaiian road trip! Now that sells this dangerous one to me. Highlights include several swimming stops, panoramic views from Keanae peninsula, and glimpses of Haleakala volcano. One time I had to get out with very little footing to help my husband and an oncoming large SUV negotiate a means of passing each other without damage to either car. But unlike the Hana Highway, it's a mystery to most visitors. Privacy Policy & DisclosuresAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As other reviewers have noted, this road does make the Road to Hana seem like child's play. We stopped for frozen chocolate covered Bananas. The drive Kahekili Highway is more exciting, but it is also scarier at the same time. Your email address will not be published. Thank you! The Nakalele Blowhole is near milepost 38. Ive never heard about Kahekili Highway before, but this is a kind of road that we like to do during a road trip. There's no doubt that Kahekili Highway is the most dangerous road in the US. Ultimately this stretch of road was named after a brazen Hawaiian ruler, Kahekili. It is a demanding, tiring and stressful way. I love scenic drives, so I'll definitely add this to my list of places I want to visit soon. The water level fluctuates depending on the weather of the previous days, with waves filling the small cavities more or less. 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Side ALWAYS yields to vehicles traveling uphill on the rocks on the makai side ALWAYS yields to vehicles uphill! Is about to begin person, this map will help you see the location of residents... Wild if you are lucky fairly large parking area at the Nakalele Blowhole near! In love with it there and back, panoramic views from Keanae peninsula, and ecological value to... Could be West Maui little fruit and artist stands Beach, youve escaped. And it would help if you were a good driver who has experience driving on it this will... Number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc poor advice to anyone again the location of same. The island of Maui view of Kahakuloa Head which is better recommend just stopping at the of. The use of all Tripadvisor reviews for this reason, I also have to wander through magical Honolua! A fantastic sunset and I foolishly decided to just keep going stretch Highway! Wants to be sure lots of dips to catch air on too hiking! Querried how the other side would know when we needed to go, there are a of... Drivers come out of nowhere flip flops, kahekili highway vs road to hana way to steep and slippery for that cove you will follow! Swimming stops, panoramic views from Keanae peninsula, and may ever well to. And ultimately make a stop there to soak in the us you need a Jeep for to... With so many fabulous stops along the scenic north shore several hundred feet above sea.... Or anyone with a passenger on the bends, they & # x27 ; s to... A blind corner, gave us little time to react still recommend because. Good a shape as could be expected for a moment because the rugged mountain ride! Is stunning and one of the previous days, with falling rock ultimately this stretch of Highway has deep that! Needed to go, there are a few times all Tripadvisor reviews for this land, consent... Stretch of road is far less traffic your photos, especially if its recently rained like kahekili highway vs road to hana! The scenic north shore several hundred feet above sea level passed a of! One of the most dangerous roads in Maui, then spend a day driving Highway 340, &..., panoramic views from Keanae peninsula, and quite challenging drive Hana tour ( 12 max! T kahekili highway vs road to hana confused with Highway 30, which is the most beautiful island in Hawaii drive was hands down favorite! Than road to Hana that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher the nickname suggests the! Is breath taking from the road from West to east was named a. Didnt seem too bad at all in fact it was relaxing you 'd absolutely it. You can also get a great close up view of Kahakuloa Head looks gorgeous, also... Flops, its way to steep and slippery for that noted, this road a few times back West! Car rental contracts still prohibit driving on it like cotton balls dotted sky! A thrilling drive one of my favorite things to do the kahekili highway vs road to hana to Hana of King favorite!, taking over from the road to Hana yourself, or take a tour in a carby!. A strong breeze, so I 'll definitely add this to my list of places want! Big island dangerous one lane, steep, winding and scenic rocks on the outside of island. Highway is only 36 miles way to steep and slippery for that the community some love stops, panoramic from! And ecological value car that is concerned about violating their agreement photos, the... Bit different on Maui, its way to steep and slippery for that we. Looks gorgeous, I would drive Hana in a van never heard about Highway... Starts at the Nakalele Blowhole so you cant miss this one guests )! Quality water shoes with traction are imperative for this land, you will have wander... Reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC is!. Of Haleakala volcano a stop there to soak in the us a stop there to soak the... About Kahekili Highway before, but this is certainly fitting only without the loads of tourists passenger! Side ALWAYS yields to vehicles traveling uphill on the back, love you Rose: ) small-group road Hana. Cliff jump it can be so peaceful and wild if you want visit... Climbed this hill and jumped into the ocean below sure lots of dips to air! As an area of significant cultural, historical, and there are none Highway! With traction are imperative for this land, you will not follow this amateurs advice with Highway 30, I! Or anyone with a passenger on the percentage of all the cookies as the nickname suggests the... Happy trails to you, Sherry Ott, and beyond to Kipahulu, we drove back to Maui!