So glad to hear that! The village is home to about 100 people. read more, We loved the narrow winding Kahekili Highway, it was fun and the views were stunning. Drive slowly. Start your ride in the morning, so you have a chance to stop at all viewpoints and see all the attractions. So you have no excuse to travel on this road. Do you need a Jeep for road to Hana? Ultimately this stretch of road was named after a brazen Hawaiian ruler, Kahekili. 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. Some snorkeling tours even visit the bay because its got such an amazing reef. If you encounter a vehicle, you or the other person will have to reverse until the road gets wider. Highlights include several swimming stops, panoramic views from Keanae peninsula, and glimpses of Haleakala volcano. Some say that Maui is the most beautiful island in Hawaii. Drive very carefully, obeying all rules and road signs. If youre a visual person, this map will help you see the location of the route. And the weather can also play into it. Its a popular snorkeling spot if youre up for spending the day in the water. 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. Regardless, this area has a one-mile stretch where cars cannot pass. My family and I were told to go this route as the main road to kaanapali was closed due to a brush We loved the narrow winding Kahekili Highway, it was fun and the views were stunning. Thanks for your thoughts Chad. It starts on Highway 30/Honoapiilani Highway which turns in to Highway 340 which then turns into Kahekili Highway. Kahekili Highway: Makes the road to Hana look like child's play - See 216 traveller reviews, 135 candid photos, and great deals for Maui, HI, at Tripadvisor. Pro tip: hike the Ohai Loop Trail in a counter-clockwise position for the best views! Do happy you took the drive as I think its SO much better than the road to Hana! As the nickname suggests, the lava rocks resemble the mouth of a dragon. Watch. I enjoy road trips and with its hair pin bends and turns, it does sound like an exciting one. Because of this post, now Im keeping this line in mind. These are my favorite water shoes that travel with me every time I go to Hawaiior anywhere else for that matter! The water level fluctuates depending on the weather of the previous days, with waves filling the small cavities more or less. I love the strong greens and blues. Ha! please advice. Yayyy! 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. Your experience with your smoothie was not Zen, if you think so, you have no idea what Zen is. Kahekili highway was initially paved in the late 90s and as I started the drive, it was really pleasant driving. Forget the Road to Hana, take Highway 340 (also known as Maui's West Highway or Kahekili Highway) instead! This was all I needed to hear to kick my craving for unique experiences into high gear. The road is only wide enough for 1 car but it is a two way road. Punalau Beach looks gorgeous! The Hana Highway is perhaps the most beautiful highway in the world, but it can be deadly. You can see them for miles along the coast, but as you drive the Kahekili Highway, youll get closer and eventually pass them. They literally set up at the Nakalele Blowhole parking lot, so if its open you cant miss it. Its located on the side of the road right before you pass the Puu Koae. Its somewhere around this point that the road gets unbelievably narrow. Road: JN Hana Highway at Kaupakalua Gulch, west through Ha'iku to JN Hana Highway at Pauwela; no route signs, but some milemarkers indicate route number; does not appear in 1960s Hawaii DOT planning documents, but is in 1981 Maui county route log, and on 1976 Maui County planning map: 4.2 miles: Former County: Kauhikoa Road 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. Ended up needing a massage the next day, no surprise here, the masseuse commented on "how tense" I was.DON'T DO IT. The road to Hana is one of Maui's two most famous sights. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. I get it some are thrill seekers but this was ridiculous for us normal folks. The Ohai Loop Trail is an excellent short hike on the north side of West Maui. Your email address will not be published. This post contains some affiliate links. You'd absolutely love it, Bea :). Thats why the hill is known as Kahekilis Leap (just like Black Rock in Kaanapali). But it is very similar, but shorter than the road past Hana, which is just as tight, rutted and driving on the edge of nothingness. Explore different ways to experience this place. A must stop is the art gallery at the top before you descend. Whether on your own or on a tour, you will see the gorgeous scenery of the rainforest, including . This drive is not for the timid. He also dominated the ancient Hawaiian sport of lele kawa, which was essentially leaping from cliffs into the ocean without splashing. 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. We are aware that it has it's challenges, but how does it compare to the road to Hana? Youll see many warning signs along the road. Elle n'a vraisemblablement que peu envier la beaucoup plus clbre route d'Hana (qu'on se rserve pour plus tard). Dont hike this one in flip flops, its way to steep and slippery for that! 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. 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. TURN AROUND. - See 216 traveller reviews, 135 candid photos, and great deals for Maui, HI, at Tripadvisor. I can say I was freaking out a bit when we had to BACK down the road to get to turn out so they could pass us. Know what you are getting into first- maybe have a Jeep or a small SUV. 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. I'd love to do this road trip. This is the real deal and you must be comfortable driving on this type of narrow road with big drop offs, and no help for miles. Related read: 20 Things to Do in Maui on a Budget. But it was a good tip to check out the terms of a car rental agreement to see if we can even do this route. I travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations to bring you unique travel experiences and photography. 7. 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. . Suppose you do not want to risk taking the Kahekili Highway. Kahekili Highway Maui is just more remote and has far less traffic. Stop only in designated areas. I pulled over and ate my picnic poke lunch at a lookout with absolutely no one around. We waded through the water to get a bit closer and thats when it really hit. But if you drive the Hana full loop, the road gets pretty sketchy past Hana, but still doable in a sedan. I am amused by some reviews that seem SURPRISED at the quality of this "highway." This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. I try to be as accurate as I can, it is dangerous when someone (I mean not you) is not careful when they drive. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Youll start off on Highway 30/Honoapiilani Highway until just past Punalau Beach, when it becomes Highway 340 Maui. This drive was hands down my favorite part of our visit to Maui. I am glad I did. From the best hikes, parks and outdoor landscapes, find plenty of inspiration for your next adventure. It is truly only one narrow lane and you are on this before you know it. These commissions help reduce the costs of running this site. We just got back from Maui and I wish I saw your review before we did it. Learn more Take the 'path less-traveled' on this scenic exploration of the famous road to Hana After the nail biter one mile of narrow road where I luckily didnt meet an oncoming car, I stopped for a smoothie at Kahakuloa Village, and sat and just took in the view. Now this was the real deal a road worthy of being called one of the best (and most dangerous) drives in the world. This one-lane highway has been ranked as one of the most dangerous roads in the world time and time again. It's scary! Its a beautiful and spectacular drive! 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. Now that sells this dangerous one to me. I had zero clue what I was getting my daughter and I into. If you decide to take this road trip, remember to be extremely safe and leave it just as you see it untouched! For about 20 miles (32 km) between Wailuku and Kapalua, you need to navigate rocks on one side and steep cliffs on the other. For those driving the Road to Hana over the next few months, consider booking Road to Hana tours. My girlfriend has lived on Maui for 16 yrs. I recommend both but I guarantee you will never forget this road. The most interesting spots are Lorraines Banana Bread and Banana Cream Pie, Julias Banana Bread, Karen Leis Gallery, Bruce Turnbull Studio, and Sculpture Garden. First of all, a warning although the name refers to pools, you should not enter or swim in these pools. And yes, we did (unfortunately) run into this situation! If you want to show reverence for this land, you will not follow this amateurs advice. Be sure to stop in the village and rest for a while. 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! 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. Another travelogue from a one time tourist, who thinks they know everything. 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. So our concierge in Kaanapali Beach suggested the 13 crossings trail. The driver should rest before this drive. With no guardrail, a cliff right beside the road and the concrete barely wide enough for a small rental car, I was too busy hoping and praying that we wouldnt encounter another vehicle to know exactly where we were! We talked to many locals before going on the road, even one lady who lives up the road on the Head. We purchased the Shaka audio download guide which has a driving tour for "West Maui Coastline Tour" which takes you on this road. It's simply stunning! Its essentially a one-lane road, and at some spots barely wide enough for an SUV. It shouldn't be confused with Highway 30, which is the state maintained portion of the same route. It will be much worse, and more tension and stress will be. Finally before coming down the Kahekili highway into Waihee I passed a number of little fruit and artist stands. Your images are stunning! Not kidding, there were no guard rails. It sounds perfect for us! The road has sheer drop offs on one side and a rock wall on the other side. When I travel, I find the cheapest rental car rates at RentalCars.com. Hubby and I don't want to drive a car on this road, but would scooters be a good choice? 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. If I lived here, I wouldnt necessarily want tourists coming in and wreaking havoc on the area, either! But those in search of a back-to-nature driving experience should go the other way, along the Kahekili Highway (Hwy. All of the negative reviews focus on the portion of road roughly between the Nakalele Blowhole and Waihee. If you read your rental car agreements, traveling this road violates your rental car contract. Coming in at just 1.2 miles and rated as easy this trail is for almost any fitness or skill level. And given this stretch of highway has deep cliffs that dive straight into the water, the name is certainly fitting! Kahekili defeated him by stopping all freshwater flow to the hill and forcing them to surrender. Large rocks line the coast and it can be hard to keep steady while standing or swimming in the water. I absolutely fell in love with it there and it was pretty nail-biting to do in a carby yourself! 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. Well, thats a wrap! The Road to Hana is about 52 miles from Kahului. 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. Its a great place to snorkel. We started out driving to the Nakele Blowhole, and ended up following Highway 340 to Wailuku. Drive from Lahaina to Waihee so that you are on the inside when/if you pass another car on the narrow bits. Be polite. The drive itself can be done in a couple of hours without stops. You can also get a great close up view of Kahakuloa Head which is 636 feet high. Its a thrilling drive one of the best in your lifetime! we are going to live in Wailea , and want to go to Ion Valley Needle, Waihee Ridge Trail, Honolua Bay Scenic Lookout, Olivine Pools Also known as State Highway 340, it also happens to be one of the most dangerous roads in Maui. The Kahekili Highway in the northwest of Maui fro. It is a demanding, tiring and stressful way. , etc. David What a lovely story you shared about such a spectacular road and drive. My family hiked this with hiking shoes and trekking poles, which I recommend, especially if its recently rained. 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. Good to know to plan to do the road from west to east. There is a lookout point here thats quite beautiful! 8 It's Not Meant For Fast Drivers A simple asphalt, tight road is not an ideal spot to do street racing! 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* Dec 20, 2015 - Take the road less traveled and find out why the Kahekili Highway is better than driving the Road to Hana in Maui. But we do enjoy renting a car when we travel so that we have the freedom to check out the different sights. Instead of doing what everyone does and drive the road to Hana, I decided to take a different scenic route. What to wear and what to pack for the Kahekili Highway trip? Scenic but not for the sissies and shouldnt be attempted by novice drivers! 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 Most rental car companies tell you not to drive this route as it can be extremely dangerous. I also cannot recommend enough starting your Road to Hana drive early so you can safely explore and take in the scenery on the way home. This is a prayer labyrinth (Dragons Teeth Labyrinth). No thanks. I still recommend it because it IS that gorgeous but be careful! It certainly looks breathtakingly beautiful, unspoiled, and uncrowded but, I go to Maui to relax so, this road is not for me! Are you so ready to hit the road? But to get to the cove you will have to wander through magical forests Honolua Park. If you choose to purchase items through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. However, if its done safely, this can be one of the most unique and memorable experiences youll have in the Hawaiian islands. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Your Maui posts are really very informative and create an urge to visit Maui soon. I happened to see some on private property, so this picture is from the road. This looks like it will be a good option for snorkeling for us. They are based on patterns that are thousands of years old and have roots in many cultures and traditions. But it was definitely worth it! 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. There youll find amazing rock formations. There's no doubt that Kahekili Highway is the most dangerous road in the US. Depending on the tide and weather conditions when you go, the blowhole could be showing off or pretty minimal. Be sure to stop and give the community some love. What looks like a labyrinth or a simple ring of concentric circles is actually a pattern with a purpose. Kahekili Highway (Hawaii Route 340, Hawaii State Highway 340) is considered one of the most dangerous roads in Hawaii and the USA. And of course, written details are below in this post! I'm Nikki. 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.