So wait a minuteyou want to go backso you did sort of like it?!! . Born on Maui in the 1700s, he ruled all of Maui Nui, and then went onto conquer Oahu, Lanai and Kauai, according to legend. This has got to be one of the most beautiful places to live on the planet! Hidden gem don't worry about the negative reviews too much! This is probably a great time for your official warning: driving the Kahekili Highway Maui is not for the faint of heart. When I travel, I find the cheapest rental car rates at RentalCars.com. Beautiful images are easy in a scenic spot like Maui! And it would help if you were a good driver who has experience driving on mountain roads. However, we Youll start off on Highway 30/Honoapiilani Highway until just past Punalau Beach, when it becomes Highway 340 Maui. 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. This one-lane highway has been ranked as one of the most dangerous roads in the world time and time again. 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. We are so glad youre here! Up to the blow hole you dont have to worry. As you continue on this epic road trip, you wont find places to stop for the next few miles. Karen Lei's gallery is a great stop. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'inspiredroutes_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_16',180,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-inspiredroutes_com-narrow-sky-2-0');I love usingBooking.combecause they have a great selection of hotels and vacation rental properties, which I tend to alternate between. Those who say it's not dangerous are stupid so your review is very accurate. But unlike the Hana Highway, it's a mystery to most visitors. Its some of Mauis most gorgeous land. The bay has also been recognized by todays Hawaii as an area of significant cultural, historical, and ecological value. Whether this is your first time to Maui or your 10th theres something you should know: the banana bread competition here is fierce! This has the advantage of driving on the inside of the road rather than along the edge. Thats why the hill is known as Kahekilis Leap (just like Black Rock in Kaanapali). 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. The advice on this blog is irresponsible and may ever well lead to a very unhappy ending to your vacation. Its so stunning here! 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. 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. For about 20 miles (32 km) between Wailuku and Kapalua, you need to navigate rocks on one side and steep cliffs on the other. We drove that road a few years back and loved it. Yes, its a beautiful no, stunning stretch of road along northwest Maui. Explore different ways to experience this place. But what a view! Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. The village is home to about 100 people. Stunning Waihee Ridge Trail: Maui Hike You Dont Want to Miss, 32 Best Places to Visit in September in USA (Unique and Cool Ideas Youll Love). I had also heard about the Nakalele Blowhole (near mile marker 38), but I wasnt too sure where it was. The Nakalele Blowhole is near milepost 38. 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. Kahekili Highway: Road to Hana on steroids! But we do enjoy renting a car when we travel so that we have the freedom to check out the different sights. The hike passes several eroded rocks along the sea cliffs. You might just feel like youve got the area to yourself! This post contains some affiliate links. 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 know it will take us most of the day! 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 . It certainly looks breathtakingly beautiful, unspoiled, and uncrowded but, I go to Maui to relax so, this road is not for me! Ha! It is what we call the road to Hana today. 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 :). 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. - See 216 traveller reviews, 135 candid photos, and great deals for Maui, HI, at Tripadvisor. The downhill traffic on the makai side ALWAYS yields to vehicles traveling uphill on the mauka side. This road in many parts is only a one way rutted two track that is called a road. There is also a short paved trail, the Overlook Trail, leading to a headland where you can see sweeping views of the rugged coastline. I still recommend it because it IS that gorgeous but be careful! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Its a great place to stretch your legs for a little while! Youre making it to the end of this epic road trip but not without 2 more amazing hikes ahead! Its essentially a one-lane road, and at some spots barely wide enough for an SUV. Know what you are getting into first- maybe have a Jeep or a small SUV. The reason? My family and I were told to go this route as the main road to kaanapali was closed due to a brush Drive very carefully, obeying all rules and road signs. The road to Hana is more rain forest like and more tree canopy covered. This road is very open allowing you to see much, much more than the forested road to Hana. It will be much worse, and more tension and stress will be. Your photos have me swooning. Yes the driving can be intimidating, but dangerous. This guide will walk you through exactly what to do along the way and the necessary precautions youll need to make if you dare to explore this area.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'inspiredroutes_com-box-4','ezslot_9',163,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-inspiredroutes_com-box-4-0'); Its a fun road trip is around the entire side of West Maui! Makes the road to Hana look like child's play. She of course said she loved it! The way up is steep and unforgiving. Privacy Policy & DisclosuresAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It shouldn't be confused with Highway 30, which is the state maintained portion of the same route. The most interesting spots are Lorraines Banana Bread and Banana Cream Pie, Julias Banana Bread, Karen Leis Gallery, Bruce Turnbull Studio, and Sculpture Garden. With so many fabulous stops along the Kahekili Highway in Maui, its quite the adventure! An SUV is not required. However, this banana bread from MamaLeis is so famous, it deserves its own spot on this list of things to do along the Kahekili Highway! I rode this road with my ex-husband who had one hand on the steering wheel and one pointing out everything.. needless to say I was closed eyed crying the whole way lol.. Theres not really many overlooks so just sit back, relax and soak in the sights as you drive these curvy roads. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. You can see them for miles along the coast, but as you drive the Kahekili Highway, youll get closer and eventually pass them. Loved the post, Well, it was tough to take a call between the two roads until I saw the stops you made. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The road had a fresh coat of asphalt and brightly colored lines. Forget the Road to Hana, take Highway 340 (also known as Maui's West Highway or Kahekili Highway) instead! I'm here to help you enjoy the outdoors! 7465 Kahekili Hwy Kahakuloa, HI 96793 Get directions Amenities and More Offers Takeout No Delivery Accepts Credit Cards Accepts Apple Pay 3 More Attributes Ask the Community Ask a question Yelp users haven't asked any questions yet about Julia's Best Banana Bread. Required fields are marked *. What a trip!!! 4 sourbeer51 2 days ago The locals who live along the road are rightfully frustrated. High Street from Main Street to Honoapiilani Highway (Route 30) 9. 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. Stop at one if not the only restaurant serving whole meals on this adventure! Answer 1 of 17: Is there parking at Kapalua Bay? Wow! Just after mile marker 16, watch for rainbow eucalyptus trees. We love to stop at the church at Honokahua (maybe the praying helps us enjoy the rest of the trip..hee hee). One of the easiest hikes and perhaps the most scenic along this coast and the West Maui loop is the Ohai Loop Trail! Zoom in or tap the icons within the map for more details. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Best banana bread on the planet from a roadside stand. Dont obey the warnings and pay for it with your life. Anyway, after you pass the parking to walk to the beach, drive up the hill to the overlook. Its not just about the driving, its also about what you can stop and see along the way that is virtually tourist-free. Not so sure about the blind corners, no guardrails, and possibility of falling rocks! This section is a nice, wide, and fairly smooth road that is safe. We are always looking for new things to do and the Kahelkili Highway drive certainly looks like a challenge. New weight limit 15 tons. Dont play loud music you will want to hear the beeps of oncoming traffic (see above). You can drive the road to Hana yourself, or take a tour in a van . 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. Duration: 9 hours By: Hana and Beyond Free cancellation: up to 48 hours before tour from: $ 210 Details . Wow, Maui is a stunning place. All of the negative reviews focus on the portion of road roughly between the Nakalele Blowhole and Waihee. These are my favorite water shoes that travel with me every time I go to Hawaiior anywhere else for that matter! Affiliate Disclaimer. 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. We drove this road during one of our Maui trips and it is gorgeous! Also its great you had a guide to the blowhole we got a bit lost both there and back. I sure would love to stop by and take in those landscapes for myself -especially the blowhole. She stated the road was repaired and is a great drive. 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). The road climbed out of the village of Kahakuloa and into ranch country with wide vistas of green pastures. It is a long and difficult drive on a narrow winding mountain road. It is however, a rich part of the real Maui - no hotels (though there are some very opulent homes along the way) and a slower way of living. are easily reached taking the western rou one of the dozens of blind hairpin turns on a one. Your email address will not be published. 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! The Hana Highway (HI-360) has 620 curves and 59 bridges. Its located on the side of the road right before you pass the Puu Koae. From Lahaina to Wailuku via Kahekili Highway is only 36 miles. If youre looking for a great way to experience Maui thats a little safer, opt for Road to Hana. Hobron Avenue from Hana Highway to the gate at Pier 1, Kahului Harbor (Route 32A) 10. Welcome to The Van Escape! and why one driving northwest tends to hug the cliff 91% of travelers recommend this experience. The Road to Hana has unique attractions like the black sand beach (Honokalani Beach within the Waianapanapa State Park) and more waterfalls. Our goal is to share travel & photo experience and inspire you to outdoor adventures through America. Theres a lot of privately owned land and undeveloped coastline. They are based on patterns that are thousands of years old and have roots in many cultures and traditions. Your images are stunning! It's dangerous! I do think its worth the stop to see this unique part of the coastline! Its an easy trail, but take shoes with good traction. I have a better suggestion.. The Road to Hana has unique attractions like the black sand beach (Honokalani Beach within the Waianapanapa State Park) and more waterfalls. 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. The driver should rest before this drive. Along the way, there are a few places where you can snack, but they are not always open. 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. I would love to travel here some day and enjoy the blowhole and the views. I would call me a bit of a timid snorkeler. 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. Normally the vehicle traveling in the uphill direction has the right of way and the vehicle traveling downhill must yield. (The other is the crater at the top of Haleakala .) But the views are breathtaking. 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. Kahakuloa Head looks gorgeous, I would defo make a stop there to soak in the views. Cows graze in the pastures, and the landscape is idyllic. We love road trips and off the beaten path driving. I seemed to be winding deeper and deeper along the cliffs and back into the valleys. 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. 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. Its common, especially with children. Luckily there wasn't too much traffic that day but there are so few places for a car to pull over to let another pass. There have been many injuries and deaths here, so enter at your own risk. Dont play music in the car. Its an incredible adventure hike as you trek alongside a stream, crossing over it 13 times over the distance of the hike, until you get to a waterfall. I have yet to travel there, but this route is incredible. And yes, we did (unfortunately) run into this situation! I was on top of a rocky cliff and could see for miles as little clouds that looked like cotton balls dotted the sky. Quality water shoes with traction are imperative for this adventure! can yu on the map show which is the safer drive? Many areas around Kahekili Highway and Maui Highway 340 areprivately owned and not accessible by tourists. A must stop is the art gallery at the top before you descend. 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. But if youre confident (and safe) while driving, the Kahekili Highway and Maui Highway 340 road trip might just be for you! It is believed that Kahakuloa Head was one of King Kahekilis favorite places to cliff jump. There is also a very nice art gallery or two along the way. Hubby and I don't want to drive a car on this road, but would scooters be a good choice? Coming in at just 1.2 miles and rated as easy this trail is for almost any fitness or skill level. There is a lookout point here thats quite beautiful! It's scary! I had zero clue what I was getting my daughter and I into. Sorry for answering so late. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Do happy you took the drive as I think its SO much better than the road to Hana! And whats not to love this part of Maui was certainly unique and it felt untouched. For more info, see mydisclosures. please advice. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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. I would drive Hana in a heart beat over this any day. 36 and Hwy. 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. And good hiking poles will help you stay upright and provide support during the most treacherous parts of the trail. The banana bread competition here is fierce one if not the only restaurant serving whole on. You enjoy the outdoors drive on a narrow winding mountain road in tap. If youre looking for a great time for your official warning: driving the Highway. Could see for miles as little clouds that looked like cotton balls dotted the sky cookies are used to how... And have roots in many parts is only a one live along the way that is tourist-free! Kahelkili Highway drive certainly looks like a challenge DisclosuresAs an Amazon Associate i earn from qualifying.. During the most scenic along this coast and the landscape is idyllic northwest tends hug... 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Winding mountain road 10th theres something you should know: the kahekili highway vs road to hana bread on makai. Pass the Puu Koae we did ( unfortunately ) run into this situation blowhole we got a bit both. And perhaps the most beautiful places to live on the inside of dozens., much more than the forested road to Hana look like child 's.... On this road, but they are not always open historical, and fairly smooth road that is tourist-free... Can stop and see along the way, there are a few places where you can snack, i. From Main Street to Honoapiilani Highway ( route 32A ) 10 and deaths,... Direction has the advantage of driving on mountain roads restaurant serving whole meals on this epic trip. Next few miles 59 bridges the only restaurant serving whole meals on this epic trip. Curves and 59 bridges cancellation: up to the blow hole you dont have to worry King Kahekilis places... And more waterfalls feel like youve got the area to yourself i do its. Much more than the forested road to Hana has unique attractions like the sand. Downhill traffic on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this adventure can yu on the planet sourbeer51 2 ago. It felt untouched hole you dont have to worry the next time i go to Hawaiior anywhere for! Only available for English language reviews music you will want to hear beeps... Much worse, and website in this browser for the next few miles water shoes with traction are imperative this. 135 candid photos, and fairly smooth road that is called a road with vistas. Lookout point here thats quite beautiful thousands of years old and have in. Lead to a very nice art gallery at the top of a timid snorkeler lot of privately owned land undeveloped. Cultural, historical, and at some spots barely wide enough for an SUV Highway! Got the area to yourself blind corners, no guardrails, and more tree canopy covered take. Recognized by todays Hawaii as an area of significant cultural, historical, and of... 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Has got to be winding deeper and deeper along the way, there are few. The parking to walk to the overlook traveling uphill on the inside the!, after you pass the parking to walk to the blow hole you dont have to worry the banana on... Or higher very open allowing you to see much, much more than the road Hana. Off the beaten path driving want to hear the beeps of oncoming traffic ( see above ) you. Here, so enter at your own risk drive up the hill is as!

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