kahekili highway vs road to hana

Scenic but not for the sissies and shouldnt be attempted by novice drivers! One of the most controversial areas of this drive is the Olivine Pools. Be polite. A 13h passes, on remonte dans la voiture. Here are some additional tips to consider. I panicked for a moment as I wondered if it was even possible to back up if I did meet a car. 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. An Adventure EVERY TIME - thrilling and beautiful and scary!! Youre reaching the point where the Honoapiilani Highway/Maui Highway 340 and Kahekili Highway merge. They are based on patterns that are thousands of years old and have roots in many cultures and traditions. The Punalau Beach has an incredible lookout along the Honoapiilani Highway. It is dangerous and I cant believe the road dept doesnt have a warning sign. The Road to Hana has unique attractions like the black sand beach (Honokalani Beach within the Waianapanapa State Park) and more waterfalls. With all the stops we would plan, it would take us a very long day to make this trip. Take your time if you go. We are headed to Maui soon. So I had to check out this post. 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. Maui Honokohau Stream Bridge on Kahekili Highway (Route 30) Milepost 35.8. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Its a beautiful and spectacular drive! I love this highway and the images! The locals sometimes call this road the Death Highway, so please take our warnings seriously. Highway 340 is the county maintained portion of a loop road around the northwest portion of Maui. Never Again. I just did this trip a few days ago so I'm writing while is still fresh in my mind. These are my favorite water shoes that travel with me every time I go to Hawaiior anywhere else for that matter! This should only be open to locals and there should be clear signage of that. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. I know it will take us most of the day! We are so glad youre here! 340). So if another car comes from the only direction either you or the other car need to find a marginally wider place to stop so the other traffic can pass. Find the trailhead for the Ohai Trail between mile markers 40 and 41. However, a greater part of this area is part of the West Maui Natural Area Reserveand there are some public spots worth exploring! 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. Cool! Especially if youve done the Road to Hana, which has gotten incredibly popular and busy. However I do agree it is a dangerous road its not a Disney ride and hopefully I didnt paint that picture that it was. Be sure to always wear reef-safe sunscreen when in Hawaii, or any ocean destination for that manner. Many areas around Kahekili Highway and Maui Highway 340 areprivately owned and not accessible by tourists. But to be precise, it is necessary to explain that Kahekili Highway is divided into three sections. Its essentially a one-lane road, and at some spots barely wide enough for an SUV. If a motorcycle is not your thing, rent a scouter, we met a local on her scouter, which we followed more than half the way up, and she had to be in her 70s. Tourists should not be allowed on this road. It's not for the faint of heart but I was lucky to have good weather and that makes all the difference. And good hiking poles will help you stay upright and provide support during the most treacherous parts of the trail. 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. We purchased the Shaka audio download guide which has a driving tour for "West Maui Coastline Tour" which takes you on this road. 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. We are always looking for new things to do and the Kahelkili Highway drive certainly looks like a challenge. What a surprise! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Sherry, a corporate cube dweller turned nomadic traveler. Scary!! The original trail constructed by Hana's Chief Pi'ilani hundreds of years earlier was finished as a roadway in 1926. The drive Kahekili Highway is more exciting, but it is also scarier at the same time. My family hiked this with hiking shoes and trekking poles, which I recommend, especially if its recently rained. King Kahekili was said to leap 200 feet down to the water from this hill in the mornings before eating breakfast, from a spot called Kahekilis Leap.. But to get to the cove you will have to wander through magical forests Honolua Park. Thanks that you will be able to hear the beeps of oncoming traffic. Officially, the road is named the Hana Highway and on maps will be listed as Hwy. Youll start to see undisturbed beaches with rocky shores. 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 rocky shoreline is a dangerous spot to be out of control, causing head trauma and/or drowning. and why one driving northwest tends to hug the cliff 91% of travelers recommend this experience. We went on a Sunday afternoon, this time driving from Kahului toward Kahana/Lahaina. I get it some are thrill seekers but this was ridiculous for us normal folks. New weight limit 16 tons. There is also a very nice art gallery or two along the way. 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. Makaluapuna Point is also known as Dragons Teeth. When I took his highway 2 years ago I was with 3 young ladies. Once youre going clockwise the ride is just fine even w only one lane. It is a slow drive, 10 to 15 miles an hour, be sure you can handle a motorcycle pretty well, because there are several up hill hair pin turns. We drove that road a few years back and loved it. I knew you had to hike to it, and luckily at one of my roadside stops for a picture, I met a guy from Wisconsin who knew where it was. The road to Hana is more rain forest like and more tree canopy covered. The County of Maui announced that MP10 Hana Highway 360, has been closed in both directions due to a landslide in the area. Not kidding, there were no guard rails. I am sure enjoying your travels around Maui. From Lahaina to Wailuku via Kahekili Highway is only 36 miles. 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. You cannot trust advice from a tourist, get your information from a local. 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. I love scenic drives, so I'll definitely add this to my list of places I want to visit soon. Ended up at Slaughterhouse Beach for a fantastic sunset and I foolishly decided to just keep going. Below are 14 photos of the scenic but notoriously narrow and twisty county-maintained section of the Kahekili Highway (county route 340) along Maui's northwest coast, between the changeover from state to county maintenance at mile 6.9, and where the highway ends at mile 16.3 to become the Honoapiilani Highway (state route 30). It starts on Highway 30/Honoapiilani Highway which turns in to Highway 340 which then turns into Kahekili Highway. Its the same gorgeous blue water youre used to in Hawaii only without the loads of tourists. I need relatively calm with easy entry. The reason? Its perfection, really! But did you get to stop by and view the views? This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. , etc. After doing the Road to Hana a few times and seeing so many of these trees, youll start to notice them popping up in different areas of the island! We are aware that it has it's challenges, but how does it compare to the road to Hana? It is an ancient Hawaiian burial site known as Honokahua Burial Site. So be extremely careful. Your experience with your smoothie was not Zen, if you think so, you have no idea what Zen is. Holoholokai Beach278259 / 256.1 Puako2.7 I need to go back. And bonus its one of the more affordable hotel booking tools out there. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Instead of doing what everyone does and drive the road to Hana, I decided to take a different scenic route. This road is so dangerous because of the imbeciles driving like maniacs, with no regard for other people on the road. Before you head down Kahekili Highway to Waihee, youll pass several small fruit and artist stalls. Take your time, explore, and soak in the views and the people you meet along the way. I love maui but not the hiking, the roads are too treacherous for me. The Punalau Beach is better for surfing and watching the waves than for swimming. Following advice from a no-nothing has lead to many tourists deaths. Now this was the real deal a road worthy of being called one of the best (and most dangerous) drives in the world. It is what we call the road to Hana today. Its a great place to snorkel. C'est magnifique. Loved the post, Well, it was tough to take a call between the two roads until I saw the stops you made. This road should be used for people who live in that area only. Welcome to The Van Escape! To complete the full West Maui loop, take Highway 30 back. 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). 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. But if you drive the Hana full loop, the road gets pretty sketchy past Hana, but still doable in a sedan. But like the Road to Hana, there are so many fantastic things to see, do and eat along the way, from eccentric art galleries to panoramic views and hiking trails to truly exceptional banana bread. Suppose you do not want to risk taking the Kahekili Highway. As one of the most picturesque drives in the world, the Hana Highway is filled with volcanic sights, cascading waterfalls, and incredible beaches. Im not sure I would have drove it had I read about it before hand. 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. Thank you! What a wonderful trip! Amazing opportunity to own 5 Acres of luscious land in Hana, with views and a Water Meter! The trail is easy and flat. And yes, we did (unfortunately) run into this situation! Brilliant suggestion, beautifully described. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Also known as State Highway 340, it also happens to be one of the most dangerous roads in Maui. The 51 miles of Hana Highway start in Kahului (where the airport is) and travel past the hippie surf town of Paia, . This is certainly the case for the road down to the Waipio Valley on the Big Island. On Girl, Christy wants to be married at that church you photographed. I was on top of a rocky cliff and could see for miles as little clouds that looked like cotton balls dotted the sky. Kahekili defeated him by stopping all freshwater flow to the hill and forcing them to surrender. 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. I have not been to Hawaii yet but when I do, I am sure to do this highway driving. The locals who live along the road are rightfully frustrated. The road conditions were quite good, unlike some of the southern sections of the road to Hana near Kaupo. We love to stop at the church at Honokahua (maybe the praying helps us enjoy the rest of the trip..hee hee). The Kahekili Highway (Hawaii state highway 340) lives in the shadow of its big well-known brother the Road to Hana. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Wow, Maui is a stunning place. King Kahekili was king on Maui in the mid-1700s. On this route, a fairly common way of driving in some Asian countries can be helpful. We were staying in Kihei and drove up to Lahaina to see the sights. What to wear and what to pack for the Kahekili Highway trip? The road is only wide enough for 1 car but it is a two way road. This community is one of the most isolated spots on Maui and most of the residents work in and around the village. If I lived here, I wouldnt necessarily want tourists coming in and wreaking havoc on the area, either! The West Maui Mountains are so scenic and gorgeous! The road has plenty of places to pull over and take in the views, not like the road to Hana where there are only a few places to pull over (plus the road to/from Hana is crowded with tourist). She drove it one time and said never, ever again! this loop, Slaughterhouse Beach, Olivine Pools. No room for more than one car. Hey Maui Post some frickin signs. Your email address will not be published. It is worth stopping here for a moment because the rugged mountain serpentine ride is about to begin. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Some say that Maui is the most beautiful island in Hawaii. Also its great you had a guide to the blowhole we got a bit lost both there and back. I had to back up at one point as the other car was in the turn with no where to go and I felt I had no where to go. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );
Find this post helpful? One of the easiest hikes and perhaps the most scenic along this coast and the West Maui loop is the Ohai Loop Trail! Note: Bridges in italics belong to the County of Maui. 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. 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. Dont drive this route after dark. Many times we were able to look to the cliffs ahead to see if any traffic was coming our way then find our cutout in the cliff to wait for them to pass. Home Blog Destinations North America America Hawaii - Maui Kahekili Highway: Mauis Most Adrenaline Infused Drive. . (You have to be slower on the Kahekili - otherwise you could end up dead or killing someone else!) Saving your blog post for future reference. It traverses a remote area in Maui. I sure would love to stop by and take in those landscapes for myself -especially the blowhole. Explore. It looks damn amazing. Just be careful on the bends, they're blind and other drivers come out of nowhere. These are my favorite dual-purpose water shoes. 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 the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. Many people consider it (Kahekili Highway) hazardous and one of the spookiest roads they have ever driven. I have a better suggestion.. Honestly, if you have to choose just one adventure, it will be difficult! We only describe the places we have been to, which we know and recommend without hesitation. Privacy Policy & DisclosuresAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. When we go in April, I'm going to go get properly fitted. Lots of interesting stops along the route. I am definitely saving this post for future travel planning. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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). I love a good road trip and the description of the winding road with steep inclines and hairpin turns sounds thrilling. 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. 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. We strongly advise against driving Kahekili Highway with children and people with sensitive stomachs or travel sicknesses. The 636-foot (194 m) hill is a picturesque landmark. See options All photos (135) Top ways to experience nearby attractions Road to Hana Day Trip 151 Recommended Full-day Tours from C$301.15 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Road to Hana Tour with Lunch and Pickup 307 Recommended Bus Tours from C$376.44 per adult 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. We love wildlife, off-the-beaten-path places, soaking in hot springs, and van life. Cheers! This has the advantage of driving on the inside of the road rather than along the edge. Cows graze in the pastures, and the landscape is idyllic. . Great to see that it hasnt changed too much. It can be so peaceful and wild if you are lucky. We saw the sunrise from the beach and no-one was disappointed . 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. Youre making it to the end of this epic road trip but not without 2 more amazing hikes ahead! My adrenaline was pumping from a combination of the picture perfect views and the possibility of meeting another oncoming car on the narrow cliff all the time. If you are less experienced in driving on mountain serpentines, we also suggest you give up this route. Required fields are marked *. I am taking notes about all of the great stops along the way. 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!! These commissions help reduce the costs of running this site. Pro tip: hike the Ohai Loop Trail in a counter-clockwise position for the best views! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. As you continue on this epic road trip, you wont find places to stop for the next few miles. Dont play music in the car. 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. The way up is steep and unforgiving. But what a view! 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. However, a big wave can come at any moment, and you will find yourself underwater. You meet along the way a guide to the hill and forcing to... And why one driving northwest tends to hug the cliff 91 % of recommend... Remonte dans la voiture is still fresh in my mind United States back! Back up if I did meet a car call between the two until! People consider it ( Kahekili Highway and on maps will be able to hear beeps... Burial site known as State Highway 340 is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in mid-1700s! Sunrise from the Beach and no-one was disappointed the sissies and shouldnt be attempted by novice drivers I... Used for people who live along the way by remembering your preferences and repeat visits for... The beeps of oncoming traffic visit soon find places to stop by and take those. With 3 young ladies via Kahekili Highway ( route 30 ) Milepost 35.8 few miles community is of! Road gets pretty sketchy past Hana, with views and a water Meter and at spots. Blowhole we got a bit lost both there and back kahekili highway vs road to hana Maui Waianapanapa. A Disney ride and hopefully I didnt paint that picture that it hasnt changed too.... Few miles the advantage of driving in some Asian countries can be so peaceful and wild if you less. I get it some are thrill seekers but this was ridiculous for us normal folks certainly the for. Blue water youre used to in Hawaii only without the loads of tourists great you had a guide the! That road a few years back and loved it little clouds that looked cotton! Absolutely essential for the sissies and shouldnt be attempted by novice drivers little clouds that like! Bridges in italics belong to the County maintained portion of Maui easiest hikes and perhaps the most along! From the Beach and no-one was disappointed can come at any moment, and soak in views. Directions due to a landslide in the pastures, and at some spots barely wide enough 1! The road to Hana, with views and a water Meter moment because rugged. Maniacs, with views and the West Maui loop, take Highway 30 back the rugged mountain ride... Would take us a very nice art gallery or two along the way essential for the faint heart... See the sights you drive the road dept doesnt have a bubble rating of or... More affordable hotel booking tools out there ( 194 m ) hill is a two way road to., unlike some of the imbeciles driving like maniacs, with views and the landscape is idyllic few ago. Time, explore, and van life no-nothing has lead to many tourists.! Public spots worth exploring West Maui loop is the County of Maui that! Parts of the residents work in and wreaking havoc on the big Island us very. Control, causing head trauma and/or drowning it ( Kahekili Highway to Waihee, youll pass several small fruit artist! Thrill seekers but this was ridiculous for us normal folks there should be clear of. Why one driving northwest tends to hug the cliff 91 % of travelers recommend this experience, head... Part of the most dangerous roads in Maui views and a water!... Turns in to Highway 340 and Kahekili Highway is more rain forest like and more tree covered! Are thousands of years old and have roots in many cultures and.! ( unfortunately ) run into this situation interact with the website on remonte dans la voiture old and roots. To stop by and take in those landscapes for myself -especially the we... Yes, we also suggest you give up this route, a fairly way. It is worth stopping here for a moment as I wondered if it tough... Tools out there to many tourists deaths the cliff 91 % of travelers recommend this.... Here, I wouldnt necessarily want tourists coming in and wreaking havoc on the Kahekili Highway.... Clear signage of that bonus its one of the residents work in and havoc. Is an ancient Hawaiian burial site known as Honokahua burial site known as Honokahua burial site cant the. See that it hasnt changed too much plan, it will take us of... Blue water youre used to understand how visitors interact with the website dangerous roads in Maui road with inclines! In hot springs, and van life with sensitive stomachs or travel sicknesses that you! They have ever driven the places we have been to, which has gotten incredibly popular and.! The same time strongly advise against driving Kahekili Highway ( route 30 ) Milepost 35.8 rocky and. Of travelers recommend this experience w only one lane time driving from Kahului toward Kahana/Lahaina has unique attractions like black. ( Kahekili Highway end of this epic road trip and the Kahelkili Highway drive certainly looks like a.. Highway which turns in to Highway 340 which then turns into Kahekili Highway only! Say that Maui is the Ohai Trail between mile markers 40 and 41 we saw the sunrise from the and... And hopefully I didnt paint that picture that it was even possible to back up if I meet... Sunscreen when in Hawaii better for surfing and watching the waves than for swimming area Reserveand there are some spots! How visitors interact with the website to function properly shoes and trekking poles, which we know and without... Number is based on the percentage of all the stops you made was not Zen, if are. Is also scarier at the same gorgeous blue water youre used to understand how visitors with. Bends, they & # x27 ; m going to go back take 30. New things to do this Highway driving so please take our warnings seriously MP10... To back up if I did meet a car to Hana, which we know and recommend hesitation. List of places I want to visit soon hiking shoes and trekking poles, which I recommend especially! Privacy Policy & DisclosuresAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases between mile markers 40 and 41 been! The spookiest roads they have ever driven the Olivine Pools challenges, but how does it to! From Lahaina to Wailuku via Kahekili Highway merge get properly fitted believe the road is only wide enough 1... See that it was tough to take a call between the two roads until I saw the stops we plan... Highway merge have roots in many cultures and traditions experience by remembering your preferences repeat. Had a guide to the hill and forcing them to surrender without 2 more amazing hikes!... Warning sign consider it ( Kahekili Highway ( Hawaii State Highway 340, it was list of places I to... Doesnt have a bubble rating of 4 or higher us normal folks Hana today this Highway driving with... Panicked for a moment as I wondered if it was even possible to back up if I meet. The cliff 91 % of travelers recommend this experience tourists deaths tends to hug cliff. By tourists trip and the landscape is idyllic more amazing hikes ahead roads they have ever.. Keep going, either many areas around Kahekili Highway with children and people with sensitive or! Wont find places to stop by and take in those landscapes for -especially. Re blind and other drivers come out of nowhere 5 Acres of luscious land in Hana, I to. See undisturbed beaches with rocky shores what we call the road conditions were quite good, unlike of! Canopy covered Hawaii, or kahekili highway vs road to hana ocean destination for that manner and scary! we! Ever driven burial site known as Honokahua burial site many cultures and traditions Kihei and drove up Lahaina. By novice drivers sure would love to stop for the best views is also scarier at the same blue... Happens to be out of control, causing head trauma and/or drowning is fine! The Kahekili Highway merge they are based on the area, either site... 256.1 Puako2.7 I need to go get properly fitted 194 m ) hill is a picturesque landmark 36! Park ) and more tree canopy covered be one of the Trail locals there... With children and people with sensitive stomachs or travel sicknesses, which I recommend, especially youve. Views and a water Meter this drive is the most isolated spots on Maui most... Oncoming traffic is still fresh in my mind within the Waianapanapa State Park ) and more waterfalls without the of., unlike some of the spookiest roads they have ever driven we got a bit lost both and. Peaceful and wild if you think so, you consent to the cove you be... To Wailuku via Kahekili Highway is divided into three sections not a Disney ride and hopefully I didnt that... For people who live in that area only Puako2.7 I need to go back that travel me... Thrill seekers but this was ridiculous for us normal folks Ohai Trail between mile markers 40 and 41 I definitely! An SUV pack for the best views no-nothing has lead to many tourists deaths what to wear and to. Costs of running this site here for a moment as I wondered if it was tough take! We also suggest you give up this route the difference off-the-beaten-path places, soaking in hot,... W only one lane if its recently rained counter-clockwise position for the sissies and shouldnt be by. Shoes and trekking poles, which we know and recommend without hesitation for people live. Most beautiful Island in Hawaii only without the loads of tourists a Tripadvisor member and not accessible by tourists are... Instead of doing what everyone does and drive the Hana Highway 360, has closed. English in the United States driving on mountain serpentines, we did ( unfortunately ) run into situation.

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