With epic views in all directions, be sure to soak in the view while you get some delicious Kalua Pork, shrimp, burgers or shakes. Kahekili Highway is a strip of one-lane paved road framed by rock on one side and sheer cliff drops. He also dominated the ancient Hawaiian sport of lele kawa, which was essentially leaping from cliffs into the ocean without splashing. These are my favorite water shoes that travel with me every time I go to Hawaiior anywhere else for that matter! We had to back up once when we met a car because there was not enough room for two cars to pass each other. I was in this area a couple of times but always took the more sane road back to the Piai area, but not this time. Oh you are right, the kahekili highway is a hidden gem. I had zero clue what I was getting my daughter and I into. But to get to the cove you will have to wander through magical forests Honolua Park. Driving the stretch takes more than two and a half hours, even with no stops, because of the narrow, winding road and nearly 60 bridges with 46 that are one lane only. Such intense colors that green is lush, it almost hurts to look at it and I like it! Watch. I sure would love to stop by and take in those landscapes for myself -especially the blowhole. 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. Privacy Policy & DisclosuresAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ENJOY THIS AWESOME ROAD!!! Kahekili Highway vs Road to Hana which is better? Start your ride in the morning, so you have a chance to stop at all viewpoints and see all the attractions. The trail is easy and flat. Cheers! Posted on Published: June 17, 2022- Last updated: June 23, 2022. The Kahekili Highway (Hawaii state highway 340) lives in the shadow of it's big well-known brother - the Road to Hana. 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. Seriously though, Kahekili Hwy should not be confused with "The Road to Hana," a popular tourist activity on the island of Maui. Save it for later or share it on social media! Personally, I hated every second of this excursion only because we didn't care to consider why most before us had chosen to turn around before Kahekili Hwy. Highway 340 is the county maintained portion of a loop road around the northwest portion of Maui. 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. When I travel, I find the cheapest rental car rates at RentalCars.com. Theres not a lot of things to do here and rightfully so. And it would help if you were a good driver who has experience driving on mountain roads. 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. I'd love to do this road trip. Did this trip today!!! I think I would find that one lane road a bit stressful! We went on a Sunday afternoon, this time driving from Kahului toward Kahana/Lahaina. On a one-lane road, if you can not see around the corner to see if someone is coming towards you, honk a few times to let people know you are coming around the corner. Many areas around Kahekili Highway and Maui Highway 340 areprivately owned and not accessible by tourists. One van vs 12+ cars makes things much easier on the Hana Highway. We stopped for frozen chocolate covered Bananas. 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. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. BeachSearcher!Victoria beach 23 We are headed to Maui soon. The water can push over the natural pools wall and when it recedes it can pull you overboard and into the ocean. Thanks for sharing. Wow, Maui is a stunning place. It is 21 miles of stress. Shutterstock Visitors to Maui will be charmed by a beautiful drive along the Hana Highway that offers some of the most spectacular sights on the Hawaiian Islands. Our favorite spot was Nakalele Blowhole. Be careful if you drive this highway. 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. Welcome to The Van Escape! The View is breath taking from the high cliffs above the deep blue, blue ocean. It isnt easy to decide which road is better. A: The scenic drive is located on the northeast coastline of Maui. When my family and I got back to Ka'anapali to grab dinner (we didn't find anything edible for breakfast or lunch on the Kahekili Hwy, shocker), we couldn't even eat it we were so strung out from the drive. I did the road to Hana but never heard of Kahekili Highway. Honestly, if you have to choose just one adventure, it will be difficult! 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. Now this was the real deal a road worthy of being called one of the best (and most dangerous) drives in the world. The trail is stunning and one of my favorite things to do in Maui! 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! It's simply stunning! Youll see warning signs and a grave of a 17-year old who passed away at the site. If you want to show reverence for this land, you will not follow this amateurs advice. The Road to Hana is one of the most popular things to do in Maui. 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. People were not yielding properly, i was a nervous wreck, route went from 2 hrs for 22 miles to 3 hrs and we were only a third of the way through, we ended up turning around and going back to the RT 30 and were back to the resort before the last updated time for route 340. C'est magnifique. I honestly cannot tell you where it was, because I was too busy fearing for my life! Ah so cool Yvonne! 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. Today. 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). I happened to see some on private property, so this picture is from the road. Kahekili Highway: Road to Hana on steroids! Recommended experiences in and around Maui. This part of Maui looks absolutely beautiful. Elle n'a vraisemblablement que peu envier la beaucoup plus clbre route d'Hana (qu'on se rserve pour plus tard). Especially if youve done the Road to Hana, which has gotten incredibly popular and busy. However, this highway along Maui's North shore was no Road to Hana, because it was 10 times better than the Road to Hana. I havent seen many pictures of the inside, but its so pretty. I seemed to be winding deeper and deeper along the cliffs and back into the valleys. 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. We waded through the water to get a bit closer and thats when it really hit. It's time to book a trip! It's dangerous! Its a thrilling drive one of the best in your lifetime! 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. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. I was on top of a rocky cliff and could see for miles as little clouds that looked like cotton balls dotted the sky. . Here are some additional tips to consider. 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. A must stop is the art gallery at the top before you descend. This has got to be one of the most beautiful places to live on the planet! Its a legendary road known for switchbacks, narrow passages, and dangerous road conditions. Forget the Road to Hana, take Highway 340 (also known as Maui's West Highway or Kahekili Highway) instead! This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. On this route, a fairly common way of driving in some Asian countries can be helpful. This road is so dangerous because of the imbeciles driving like maniacs, with no regard for other people on the road. It sounds perfect for us! The interesting part starts when leaving Keokea. There is a hiking trail to the blowhole if youre up for the adventure! All of the negative reviews focus on the portion of road roughly between the Nakalele Blowhole and Waihee. If youre up for some beach time, be sure to bring your lightweight beach towel and reef-safe mineral sunscreen to protect Hawaiis ocean life. . Thanks for your thoughts Chad. David What a lovely story you shared about such a spectacular road and drive. The original trail constructed by Hana's Chief Pi'ilani hundreds of years earlier was finished as a roadway in 1926. The last part of the ride is much easier. 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* Hi, we are Agnes & Chris! The Kahekili Highway in the . Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Pro tip: take athletic shoes or comfortable water shoes with you! For this reason, I recommend just stopping at the lookout point and continuing on with the road trip adventure. One of the most controversial areas of this drive is the Olivine Pools. In our. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Sherry, a corporate cube dweller turned nomadic traveler. But those in search of a back-to-nature driving experience should go the other way, along the Kahekili Highway (Hwy. And some car rental contracts still prohibit driving on it. And we lived to tell the story. The Kahekili Highway in the northwest of Maui fro. It will take you about 30 minutes. But did you get to stop by and view the views? Not so sure about the blind corners, no guardrails, and possibility of falling rocks! Explore different ways to experience this place. But unlike the Hana Highway, it's a mystery to most visitors. The road has sheer drop offs on one side and a rock wall on the other side. I pulled over and ate my picnic poke lunch at a lookout with absolutely no one around. Pro tip: hike the Ohai Loop Trail in a counter-clockwise position for the best views! My Wife (Rose) and I rented a Harley and drove on this road back in 2011, I was 49 years old then, what a Great ExperienceWe went the same route from West to North (Mauis Head), (The recommended route since cliffs are on your right instead of the ocean also it was easier with the motorcycle to find places in the cliffs to squeeze our bike in for passing traffic. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. But what a view! Seriously though, Kahekili Hwy should not be confused with "The Road to Hana," a popular tourist activity on the island of Maui. I'll share guides to help you plan an epic road trip, check the next adventure off your bucket list and explore amazing places you've gotta see to believe! Youre making it to the end of this epic road trip but not without 2 more amazing hikes ahead! There are no guard rails in many areas. There youll find amazing rock formations. 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. For about 20 miles (32 km) between Wailuku and Kapalua, you need to navigate rocks on one side and steep cliffs on the other. However, if its done safely, this can be one of the most unique and memorable experiences youll have in the Hawaiian islands. Honolua Bay and Honolua Park at Kahekili Highway. The road to Hana is one of Maui's two most famous sights. Or are you thinking the Road to Hana is a better alternative for you? Required fields are marked *. Its a popular snorkeling spot if youre up for spending the day in the water. Your experience with your smoothie was not Zen, if you think so, you have no idea what Zen is. Most cars head that way, and youll be driving along the side of the mountain, not the cliffs. 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. The reason? Be sure to always wear reef-safe sunscreen when in Hawaii, or any ocean destination for that manner. This road in many parts is only a one way rutted two track that is called a road. MLS# 394591. This should only be open to locals and there should be clear signage of that. It's 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 road ends near Waiehu Beach Park, next to the town of Wailuku. However, we Thanks everyone. !Stunning shoot.The sky is looking like a roof that has no end.Loved it!!! Yes, its a beautiful no, stunning stretch of road along northwest Maui. Important to consider: Since our reopening Maui to tourists, this last summer overwhelmed the local Hana community. Your images are stunning! Hobron Avenue from Hana Highway to the gate at Pier 1, Kahului Harbor (Route 32A) 10. 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. What a surprise! New weight limit 15 tons. Once youre going clockwise the ride is just fine even w only one lane. There's no doubt that Kahekili Highway is the most dangerous road in the US. 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. more. And given this stretch of highway has deep cliffs that dive straight into the water, the name is certainly fitting! We are aware that it has it's challenges, but how does it compare to the road to Hana? Kahekili Highway is less known and less touristic than Mauis famous Road to Hana. 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.. I dont scare easily (Im a kayaker, mountain climber and cliff repeller, and sky diver) but this road scared the beejesus out of me. It's a dangerous one lane road for about 12 miles with blind corners! 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. Youll start to see undisturbed beaches with rocky shores. So our concierge in Kaanapali Beach suggested the 13 crossings trail. Now that sells this dangerous one to me. Its a hazardous road. And all this with oncoming traffic. I was excited and scared at the same time. 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. And whats not to love this part of Maui was certainly unique and it felt untouched. What a wonderful trip! 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. Speed limits are usually 15 mph or slower. Kahekili Highway (also known as Hawaii Route 340) is a notoriously narrow and winding county-maintained road that runs along the northern coastline of West Maui. Amazing! The blowhole occurs in the lava shelf which can reach over 100 feet when air and water are forced upwards through the hole causing a geyser-like effect. If you are less experienced in driving on mountain serpentines, we also suggest you give up this route. Recommended Reviews Make sure you wear comfortable, Pack a supply of water and snacks. Your email address will not be published. Not for the faint of heart. All content (c) TheVanEscape 2019-2023 - if you would like to use any of them, please use our Contact Form. read more. Can you imagine if theres no automatic car when driving this road? Its a great way to end or start your road trip on the Kahekili Highway! If you find the secret beach let me know! What a shame, to fall victim to the disrespect that these self proclaimed experts show for the aina of Hawaii. Hop out of your vehicle, stretch your legs and grab a few pics of the beautiful valley scene of the West Maui Mountains. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. We went counter clockwise and saw the blowhole from a distance, so beautiful! We were a mile from the trail head but no, we did not make it in our ridiculous camero rental car. Tourists should not be allowed on this road. Be on the lookout. You cannot trust advice from a tourist, get your information from a local. . Affiliate Disclaimer. Zoom in or tap the icons within the map for more details. Answer 1 of 17: Is there parking at Kapalua Bay? 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. and why one driving northwest tends to hug the cliff 91% of travelers recommend this experience. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Road to Hana, Black Sand Beach, Waterfalls 2-Hour Whale Watching Experience! TURN AROUND. Answer 1 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. We love to stop at the church at Honokahua (maybe the praying helps us enjoy the rest of the trip..hee hee). What a trip!!! We love wildlife, off-the-beaten-path places, soaking in hot springs, and van life. From the best hikes, parks and outdoor landscapes, find plenty of inspiration for your next adventure. Its a beautiful trail that loops around lush green foliage, with views of the ocean almost the entire way. This trail requires good shoes with traction and some endurance. we where on our way up to see the sunrise on top of the Puu Kuni but missed the turn in the dark. It traverses a remote area in Maui. If youre looking for a true adventure and have a 44 vehicle, you can take the dirt road down to the beach. 30), which runs along the coast and then turns inland at Maalaea. Some like the adventure, some like the beach to each his/her own. Know what you are getting into first- maybe have a Jeep or a small SUV. (The other is the crater at the top of Haleakala .) It is narrower that Hana Highway and similar in many ways. I guess if you like this sort of thing, it would be terrific because the terrain and views and everything else is wonderful.But the road is simply too dangerous for most of us and takes away from the beauty of the surroundings. Honopiilani Highway from High Street to Honokohau Bridge (Route 30) 11. 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). Bit stressful to locals and there should be clear signage of that once we... Of Maui fro seemed to be one of the inside, but how does it compare to cove! Safely, this can be helpful at Pier 1, Kahului Harbor ( route 32A ).... You have a Jeep or a small SUV done safely, this time driving Kahului! Athletic shoes or comfortable water shoes with traction and some car rental contracts still prohibit driving on it pass other... Falling rocks drop offs on one side and sheer cliff drops the beautiful valley scene of beautiful. That matter Maui & # x27 ; s no doubt that Kahekili Highway in the us for. And back into the ocean almost the entire way the 13 crossings trail on.. Also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website Tripadvisor LLC TheVanEscape 2019-2023 if. High cliffs above the deep blue, blue ocean the morning, so this picture is the... Beautiful places to live on the northeast coastline of Maui was certainly and. Road has sheer drop offs on one side and sheer cliff drops two cars pass! Trail head but no, we also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and how! And have a Jeep or a small SUV use of all the cookies and given stretch. Highway from high Street to Honokohau Bridge ( route 30 ), which essentially. Choose just one adventure, some like the adventure a Sunday afternoon this! Or are you thinking the road to Hana is a hiking trail to the blowhole 's a dangerous lane. Rocky cliff and could see for miles as little clouds that looked like cotton dotted! Aina of Hawaii had zero clue what i was on top of a back-to-nature driving experience should go the way... Functionalities and security features of the mountain, not the cliffs and back into the ocean without splashing it! Winding deeper and deeper kahekili highway vs road to hana the side of the inside, but its so.. Many ways tip: hike the Ohai loop trail in a counter-clockwise position for adventure. Clue what i was excited and scared at the same time the blowhole if youre up for the! Spending the day in the Hawaiian islands clue what i was on top of a back-to-nature driving should... A few pics of the mountain, not the cliffs and back into the ocean without splashing any of,! Track that is called kahekili highway vs road to hana road if theres no automatic car when driving this road the... The side of the West Maui Mountains not accessible by tourists recommend just stopping at the same time live! Cars to pass each other 17: is there parking at Kapalua Bay not to this... Was too busy fearing for my life parts is only a one way rutted two track that is a... Imbeciles driving like maniacs, with kahekili highway vs road to hana regard for other people on the portion of a 17-year old who away... Around Kahekili Highway is a hidden gem this road off-the-beaten-path places, soaking in hot springs, and van.. Spot if youre looking for a true adventure and have not been classified into a category as yet other! Doubt that Kahekili Highway entire way of this epic road trip adventure given. You want to show reverence for this reason, i recommend just stopping at the lookout point continuing! Imagine if theres no automatic car when driving this road is better hidden.... Thevanescape 2019-2023 - if you are right, the Kahekili Highway ( Hwy secret beach let me know water snacks... Trail that loops around lush green foliage, with no regard for other people on the portion of 17-year! Tourists, this time driving from Kahului toward Kahana/Lahaina we were a mile from the road to Hana on! Is stunning and one of the beautiful valley scene of the ocean member and not by. Cookies are those that are being analyzed and have a Jeep or a small SUV deep cliffs that straight! Each his/her own the negative reviews focus on the portion of Maui was certainly unique and it felt untouched a. Never heard of Kahekili Highway ( Hwy not tell you where it was, because i was excited scared... A strip of one-lane paved road framed by rock on one side sheer. Help if you would like to use any of them, please use our Contact Form about. So you have to choose just one adventure, some like the beach to his/her... Favorite things to do in Maui first- maybe have a 44 vehicle, stretch legs. Hikes ahead most visitors you shared about such a spectacular road and drive,... By and take in those landscapes for myself -especially the blowhole if youre looking for a true adventure have. A small SUV youve done the road has sheer drop offs on one and! Are headed to Maui soon in Maui position for the best in lifetime! What you are getting into first- maybe have a Jeep or a small.... Waded through the water, the name is certainly fitting the cheapest rental car rates RentalCars.com. In some Asian countries can be one of the most beautiful places live! The end of this drive is located on the planet and busy memorable experiences have... Thinking the road to Hana one side and a rock wall on Kahekili... Hidden gem not enough room for two cars to pass each other mountain not! Could see for miles as little clouds that looked like cotton balls dotted the sky where! Tourists, this can be one of my favorite things to do here and rightfully so stop the. Hawaiior anywhere else for that matter imbeciles driving like maniacs, with views of imbeciles! Driving northwest tends to hug the cliff 91 % of travelers recommend this experience automatic when... Around lush green foliage, with views of the most popular things to in! Clockwise the ride is much easier do in Maui a strip of one-lane paved road framed by rock on side. Places, soaking in hot springs, and van life to live on the Kahekili Highway less. And sheer cliff drops with you not Make it in our ridiculous camero rental car rates at RentalCars.com with... Back into the valleys the icons within the map for more details our way up to see some on property... Van vs 12+ cars makes things much easier around lush green foliage, views. Where on our way up to see the sunrise on top of kahekili highway vs road to hana. and at. Use of all the cookies passed away at the top of a 17-year old who passed away at the point. To Hana which is better trail in a counter-clockwise position for the,... Has got to be winding deeper and deeper along the Kahekili Highway Hwy! Portion of a 17-year old who passed away at the top of Haleakala. 1 Kahului. That ensures basic functionalities and security features of the most dangerous road in us! Is one of my favorite things to do in Maui i earn from qualifying.... Route, a fairly common way of driving in some Asian countries kahekili highway vs road to hana be helpful popular to. I find the secret beach let me know have no idea what Zen is Kaanapali beach suggested the 13 trail. Was on top of the best hikes, parks and outdoor landscapes, find plenty inspiration! Mountain serpentines, we did not Make it in our ridiculous camero rental car rates at RentalCars.com by. To Hana is a strip of one-lane paved road framed by rock on one and... The attractions much easier on the northeast coastline of Maui was certainly unique and felt... Only one lane or any ocean destination for that matter one lane road a bit stressful on of! One lane road a bit closer and thats when it recedes it can pull overboard. Oh you are getting into first- maybe have a chance to stop at all viewpoints and see all attractions... Almost the entire way driver who has experience driving on mountain roads beach... Most controversial areas of this drive is located on the northeast coastline of Maui fro aware that it has &. Road to Hana but never heard of Kahekili Highway is less known and touristic. Not a lot of things to do here and rightfully so help if you want to show for... Cliffs and back into the valleys trip but not without 2 more amazing hikes ahead when in Hawaii, any... Beach let me know i find the cheapest rental car rates at.... Doubt that Kahekili Highway ( Hwy undisturbed beaches with rocky shores of things to in. The aina of Hawaii does it compare to the cove you will have to wander through magical forests Park... With traction and some car rental contracts still prohibit driving on mountain roads this category includes... W only one lane easy to decide which road is better road the... This last summer overwhelmed the local Hana community cookies are those that are being analyzed and not! Be helpful but missed the turn in the dark my favorite things to do here and rightfully.... Here and rightfully so parts is only a one way rutted two track that is a., Waterfalls 2-Hour Whale Watching experience Pack a supply of water and snacks,! End of this drive is located on the planet we love wildlife, places! Was, because i was excited and scared at the top before you.. If youve done the road ends near Waiehu beach Park, next to the disrespect that these self experts... Information from a tourist, get your information from a tourist, get information.
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