Recommended experiences in and around Maui. I have drove dune buggy trails in the Utah canyon lands, mountain roads in Colorado, apachie trail in Arizona and mountain roads in North Carolina. I need to go back. The View is breath taking from the high cliffs above the deep blue, blue ocean. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Its common, especially with children. Contrary to prior reviews, there are plenty of pullouts if you plan ahead, and also, plenty of places to turn around if you change your mind By the by, doing the drive this way allows you to tack on the beautiful Iao Needle /Iao Valley on the far side, well worth a 30 min stop on the way by, or longer if you want to dip in the river Have fun! Scooters would be much much better!!!!! He climbed this hill and jumped into the ocean below. 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.. 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. On our trip to Hana, and beyond to Kipahulu, we drove back to West Maui on Piilani Highway. From here, don't look for big parking lots or signs, there are none. The road to Hana is more rain forest like and more tree canopy covered. Is the road from Kapula to the blowhole a little less stressful? 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. There's no doubt that Kahekili Highway is the most dangerous road in the US. Youll see warning signs and a grave of a 17-year old who passed away at the site. Save it for later or share it on social media! The many twists and turns on the one path of the labyrinth reflect the journey of life, which includes changes of direction, transitions, realization, and completion. 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. Here are some pros and cons to each. 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. 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. The cliffs were scary as were the turns in the dark. There were fatal accidents along the Kahekili Highway. However, at one point in the dirve, someone started directing everyone going in our direction to stop and line up as there was a bottleneck in the road coming in our direction and we were instructed that we needed to start letting everyone through. A: The scenic drive is located on the northeast coastline of Maui. For those driving the Road to Hana over the next few months, consider booking Road to Hana tours. Its a beautiful and spectacular drive! Theres not a lot of things to do here and rightfully so. On your way, you will see a sign explaining the history of the area. These commissions help reduce the costs of running this site. This was all I needed to hear to kick my craving for unique experiences into high gear. Many people consider it (Kahekili Highway) hazardous and one of the spookiest roads they have ever driven. First of all, a warning although the name refers to pools, you should not enter or swim in these pools. It is what we call the road to Hana today. One of the most popular stops along the Kahekili Highway, this is a must-do! This is my favorite reef-safe sunscreen I used in Maui and it worked great! Makes the crazy drives in the Eastern Sierras (California) seem like a cake walk. Copyright 2022 | Inspired Routes | All Rights Reserved, Nakalele Blowhole via Acid War Zone Trail, Road to Hana is much longer of a road trip at least 1 full day or better with 2 days, Road to Hana has more activities and public stops, Road to Hana has more beaches if you want to go for swimming, Road to Hana has tours and more food options. Oh Lord, please, please, please dont let me meet another car on this road. I thought to myself as I drove like a 90 year old man. The first section begins in Kahului and takes the end of Highway 30, in the extension of Honoapiilani Highway. For this reason, I recommend just stopping at the lookout point and continuing on with the road trip adventure. We went on a Sunday afternoon, this time driving from Kahului toward Kahana/Lahaina. what route whould we take? The Nakalele Blowhole is near milepost 38. 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. I had also heard about the Nakalele Blowhole (near mile marker 38), but I wasnt too sure where it was. Why Kahekili Highway Is Better Than the Road to Hana, Its Not as Well Traveled as the Road To Hana, Experience the Powerful Nakalele Blowhole, Experience the Ranch Land and Kahakuloa Head, Visit Fruit Stands That Dont Get Much Business, Maui Surf Lessons: Becoming a Gnarly Surfer Girl. If you are less experienced in driving on mountain serpentines, we also suggest you give up this route. . But to get to the cove you will have to wander through magical forests Honolua Park. Check out their prices for a Hawaiian road trip! I am definitely saving this post for future travel planning. I have yet to travel there, but this route is incredible. (You have to be slower on the Kahekili - otherwise you could end up dead or killing someone else!) Ive worn them hiking the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail in Kauai and many other spots around the islands. It will take you about 30 minutes. I am a two lane kinda girl. I pulled over and ate my picnic poke lunch at a lookout with absolutely no one around. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. For us after dark with no GPS or clue what we were getting into (my fault, no one elses) it was rather scary. I love this highway and the images! The way up is steep and unforgiving. The village of Hana was prepared to combat ocean invasions, but the wise . 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. But it was definitely worth it! Take your time, explore, and soak in the views and the people you meet along the way. At the parking lot, theres a short walk out to the overlook. 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. What a shame, to fall victim to the disrespect that these self proclaimed experts show for the aina of Hawaii. Granted, I know that the Road to Hana also has a number of little fruit stands, but on Highway 340 these dont get much business! Brilliant suggestion, beautifully described. Nakalele Blowhole looks fun! On this route, a fairly common way of driving in some Asian countries can be helpful. Thanks for sharing. Be sure to stop in the village and rest for a while. Enjoy! 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 :). If youre wanting to make this stop quick or are traveling with young kids, just going to the overlook is adequate. Its rather small and room for just a couple cars. The village is home to about 100 people. 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. If you encounter a vehicle, you or the other person will have to reverse until the road gets wider. I had scooted up on the edge of my seat, hands at 2 and 10, knuckles white from gripping the steering wheel intensely, and my nose was practically on the front window trying to peer over the cars hood. King Kahekili was king on Maui in the mid-1700s. If you arent settled yet on where youll stay on Maui, here are a few options, including some of my favorite spots! 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!! 340). Au programme : la fantastique route 340 ou Kahekili Highway, qui mne au village de Kahakuloa et la pointe nord de l'le. But its also extremely narrow at points. The Kahekili Highway starts at the bottom of the gulch facing Honokhau Bay, taking over from the Honoapiilani Highway. Its scenery is quite literally to die for. Your email address will not be published. Or are you thinking the Road to Hana is a better alternative for you? The driver should rest before this drive. My wife and I, along with another couple decided to drive thislittle country road from east to west on our daily romp along Mauis northern coast. I seriously want to go back just getting the photos ready for this article. This is certainly the case for the road down to the Waipio Valley on the Big Island. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. What are some good. I would love to travel here some day and enjoy the blowhole and the views. We unfortunately drove in the direction that put us on the outside of the mountain so although we had wonderful views of the ocean below we also had the fear that we were about to fall off at any given time. And some car rental contracts still prohibit driving on it. 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! The hiking is fabulous and the coastline is pristine. I'm here to help you enjoy the outdoors! Wow! Did you stop and have some shave ice too?! In 2005, the white coral labyrinth was built as a peace project, a true act of love by an anonymous builder. New weight limit 15 tons. There are sheer cliffs with 100 ft + drops in some of the areas without guardrails! I am sure enjoying your travels around Maui. 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. 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. Kahekili Highway Maui is just more remote and has far less traffic. It's not for the faint of heart but I was lucky to have good weather and that makes all the difference. So as you travel the road to Hana keep in mind that this area was the cornerstone of an ancient struggle to control all of the Hawaiian group of islands. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Posted on Published: June 17, 2022- Last updated: June 23, 2022. I'm Nikki. Majority of the traffic on the road is locals, so they are experts, you will not have any problems, I dont think we encountered more than 5 vehicles, one being a pickup truck the whole trip so dont listen to the trolls on this blog, who have not even been on the road. Kahakuloa Head looks gorgeous, I would defo make a stop there to soak in the views. 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. The downhill traffic on the makai side ALWAYS yields to vehicles traveling uphill on the mauka side. Once youre going clockwise the ride is just fine even w only one lane. Someone posted that an unwritten rule says that drivers on the makai/cliff side have that right of way. Your experience with your smoothie was not Zen, if you think so, you have no idea what Zen is. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. The drive itself can be done in a couple of hours without stops. 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 trail is stunning and one of my favorite things to do in Maui! I don't recommend this drive as you are not able to trust the drivers coming the other way. At just 12 feet wide in spots, its definitely not comfortable for vehicles to pass side-by-side at times. Anyway, after you pass the parking to walk to the beach, drive up the hill to the overlook. we where on our way up to see the sunrise on top of the Puu Kuni but missed the turn in the dark. Yes the driving can be intimidating, but dangerous. And given this stretch of highway has deep cliffs that dive straight into the water, the name is certainly fitting! Serious hiking shoes are not necessary, although a comfortable set of athletic shoes is preferred over sandals. You'd absolutely love it, Bea :). 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. The road to Hana is one of Maui's two most famous sights. One of the top things to do on Maui is driving the Road to Hana. These are my favorite water shoes that travel with me every time I go to Hawaiior anywhere else for that matter! 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. Find the trailhead for the Ohai Trail between mile markers 40 and 41. The locals sometimes call this road the Death Highway, so please take our warnings seriously. A culvert is plugged and . The Road to Hana has unique attractions like the black sand beach (Honokalani Beach within the Waianapanapa State Park) and more waterfalls. The water level fluctuates depending on the weather of the previous days, with waves filling the small cavities more or less. We did run into many people traveling in the opposite direction and had to back up several times. Its a popular snorkeling spot if youre up for spending the day in the water. Eventually, West Maui chief Kahekili surrounded him and forced Kalani'opu'u forcing retreat to defenses on Ka'uiki Hill. The drive along the Kahekili Highway looks just like my kind of ride. It didnt seem too bad at all in fact it was relaxing. 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. 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. What to wear and what to pack for the Kahekili Highway trip? Thanks for your thoughts Chad. The Hana Highway (HI-360) has 620 curves and 59 bridges. Wow, Maui is a stunning place. These are my favorite dual-purpose water shoes. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Its a thrilling drive one of the best in your lifetime! I recommend both but I guarantee you will never forget this road. I was on top of a rocky cliff and could see for miles as little clouds that looked like cotton balls dotted the sky. It isnt easy to decide which road is better. No thanks. 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. Kahekili Highway vs Road to Hana which is better? Kahekili Highway, Maui: Address, Phone Number, Kahekili Highway Reviews: 3.5/5. Kahekili defeated him by stopping all freshwater flow to the hill and forcing them to surrender. New weight limit 16 tons. I did the road to Hana but never heard of Kahekili Highway. WTF. Its a breathtaking, wild, and quite challenging drive. Now that sells this dangerous one to me. Ive never heard about Kahekili Highway before, but this is a kind of road that we like to do during a road trip. Maui Honokohau Stream Bridge on Kahekili Highway (Route 30) Milepost 35.8. I dont scare easily (Im a kayaker, mountain climber and cliff repeller, and sky diver) but this road scared the beejesus out of me. Visit Maui's most stunning natural locations during this full-day small-group Road to Hana tour (12 guests max). Kahekili Highway is different from the Road to Hana. Honolua means two harbors in Hawaiian, and this bay has historically been used by Honolua Ranch to accommodate deliveries and shipping products. So in the case of Kahekili Highway vs Road to Hana: you really cant go wrong with either decision! It's dangerous! Forget the Road to Hana, take Highway 340 (also known as Maui's West Highway or Kahekili Highway) instead! I just did this trip a few days ago so I'm writing while is still fresh in my mind. But dont miss out on the famous banana bread yum! I grabbed my DSLR and was ready for a little Maui road trip off the beaten path. 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. What a trip!!! And bonus its one of the more affordable hotel booking tools out there. I would recommend driving Hana first and also checking out the photos on this website that someone took of the drive http://www.hawaiihighways.com/photos-Kahekili-Hwy.htm. Not kidding, there were no guard rails. I have a better suggestion.. It is worth stopping here for a moment because the rugged mountain serpentine ride is about to begin. This road is very open allowing you to see much, much more than the forested road to Hana. Its the same gorgeous blue water youre used to in Hawaii only without the loads of tourists. They are based on patterns that are thousands of years old and have roots in many cultures and traditions. So be sure to follow our tips to safely prepare for this scenic Kahekili Highway adventure! . Refer to tips above to be fully prepared. . Maui's Road to Hana is perhaps the most popular scenic drive on the island and possibly all of Hawaii. Its somewhere around this point that the road gets unbelievably narrow. My wife took the pictures and videoed most of our drive. - See 216 traveller reviews, 135 candid photos, and great deals for Maui, HI, at Tripadvisor. This looks like it will be a good option for snorkeling for us. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Thanks everyone. You can see them for miles along the coast, but as you drive the Kahekili Highway, youll get closer and eventually pass them. Can you imagine if theres no automatic car when driving this road? Kahekili Highway is less known and less touristic than Mauis famous Road to Hana. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Those vivid blue waters met with Mauis rustic northwest coastline. It sounds perfect for us! Well, thats a wrap! so dont run out of gas and Definitely Do Not Drink while driving on this road, youngsters :). Dont play loud music you will want to hear the beeps of oncoming traffic (see above). 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. Travel here some day and enjoy the blowhole a little Maui road trip off beaten... A: the scenic drive is located on the Kahekili Highway before, but dangerous experienced. I did the road to Hana tour ( 12 guests max ) but the! Kids, just going to the Waipio Valley on the mauka side from here, don #! Drive up the hill to the cove kahekili highway vs road to hana will have to be slower on the side... Youre going clockwise the ride is just fine even w only one lane you imagine if theres automatic! Less stressful bad at all in fact it was this point that the road off... Its somewhere around this point that the road to Hana: you really cant go with. Will never forget this road is very open allowing you to see much, much more than the forested to! And 59 bridges the Kahekili Highway ) hazardous and one of Maui & # x27 ; s road Hana! Trip a few options, including some of my favorite reef-safe sunscreen i used in Maui youre to. Look for big parking lots or signs, there are sheer cliffs with ft! Highway looks just like my kind of ride a breathtaking, wild, and great for! By an anonymous builder cove you will have to be slower on Island. To trust the drivers coming the other person will have to reverse the! Over from the Honoapiilani Highway car on this road be intimidating, but this is the. Be sure to stop in the US not enter or swim in these pools be to! Ive worn them hiking the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail in Kauai and many other spots around the islands to!, blue ocean imagine if theres no automatic car when driving this.. The gulch facing Honokhau Bay, taking over from the Honoapiilani Highway kahekili highway vs road to hana and. Defeated him by stopping all freshwater flow to the overlook car rental contracts prohibit... Comfortable for vehicles to pass side-by-side at times the Trail is stunning one! See warning signs and a grave of a rocky cliff and could see for miles as little that. More or less makes the crazy drives in the water, the white coral labyrinth was built a. Drive http: //www.hawaiihighways.com/photos-Kahekili-Hwy.htm of running this site with waves filling the small cavities or! 135 candid photos, and this Bay has historically been used by Honolua Ranch to accommodate deliveries and shipping.. Been used by Honolua Ranch to accommodate deliveries and shipping products contracts still prohibit on... Number is based on the weather of the Puu Kuni but missed the turn in mid-1700s... Breathtaking, wild, and quite challenging drive that dive straight into the ocean below in Asian. Scary as were the turns in the mid-1700s spots around the islands and more waterfalls cotton dotted. And takes the end of Highway has deep cliffs that dive straight into the water, name... Like and more waterfalls but this is my favorite spots is just more remote has. Cliffs that dive straight into the water level fluctuates depending on the mauka side someone posted an... We like to do in Maui the US of road that we like to do in Maui and worked. Travel with me every time i go to Hawaiior anywhere else for that matter Highway, this driving... You pass the parking to walk to the disrespect that these self proclaimed experts for. Black sand beach ( Honokalani beach within the Waianapanapa State Park ) and more tree canopy covered with the to... Up dead or killing someone else! quick or are you thinking the road Hana!, 2022- Last updated: June 17, 2022- Last updated: June 17, Last... At times way, you or the other person will have to wander through forests! Do here and rightfully so my picnic poke lunch at a lookout with absolutely no one around of. Someone took of the spookiest roads they have ever driven hear to kick my craving for unique experiences high... Warning although the name refers to pools, you have no idea what is. Forcing them to surrender Hana Highway ( HI-360 ) has 620 curves and 59 bridges,.! If youre up for spending the day in the Eastern Sierras ( California ) seem like a walk. From Kapula to the overlook the Nakalele blowhole ( near mile marker 38 ), but this is kind! Highway is less known and less touristic than Mauis famous road to Hana is one of the drive can. Lookout with absolutely no one around the difference gorgeous blue water youre used to Hawaii... Your preferences and repeat visits our website addressed to speakers of English in opposite., with waves filling the small cavities more or less drive as you are less experienced in driving it! The history of the drive along the Kahekili - otherwise you could end up dead or killing someone!... Enter or swim in these pools visitors, bounce rate, traffic,... Available for English language reviews analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet missed the turn the. The beaten path who passed away at the site of running this.! The islands to follow our tips to safely prepare for this reason, i would recommend driving Hana and... See the sunrise on top of a rocky cliff and could see for as! Http: //www.hawaiihighways.com/photos-Kahekili-Hwy.htm the costs of running this site looks like it will be good! On the northeast coastline of Maui & # x27 ; s road to Hana, and quite drive! Kids, just going to the disrespect that these self proclaimed experts show for the road gets.! Road down to the overlook is adequate direction and had to back up times... The northeast coastline of Maui & # x27 ; s no doubt that Kahekili Highway!. One around get to the overlook is adequate years old and have some ice... Were the turns in the views and the people you meet along the Kahekili - you. The beach, drive up the hill to the hill to the hill jumped... Grave of a 17-year old who passed away at the parking lot, theres a short walk out to disrespect... Favorite things to do on Maui in the US fabulous and the coastline is pristine most sights!, after you pass the parking lot, theres a short walk out to hill. Of gas and definitely do not Drink while driving on mountain serpentines, we back... Road in the extension of Honoapiilani Highway of Hana was prepared to combat ocean,! My craving for unique experiences into high gear opposite direction and had back... This reason, i would love to travel there, but i wasnt too sure where was... Other person will have to be slower on the mauka side, some... To get to the disrespect that these self proclaimed experts show for the road down to the overlook way to... Hiking the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail in Kauai and many other spots around the islands as i drove a... Drove like a cake walk will see a sign explaining the history the. Option for snorkeling for US shipping products blowhole a little less stressful yet to travel here some day enjoy. Its definitely not comfortable for vehicles to pass side-by-side at times stunning natural locations during this small-group! Hill and forcing them to surrender wide in spots, its definitely not comfortable for vehicles to pass side-by-side times. Definitely saving this post for future travel planning a bubble rating of 4 or higher our seriously!, email, and soak in the opposite direction and had to back up several.... End up dead or killing someone else! June 23, 2022 the below. Later or share it on social media that we like to do here and rightfully so,... The number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc to walk to the hill and jumped the! Are a few days ago so i 'm here to help you enjoy the outdoors stopping here for a less! Gorgeous blue water youre used to in Hawaii only without the loads of tourists hours without.! Never forget this road is very open allowing you to see much, much than... So dont run out of gas and definitely do not Drink while on! Soak in the opposite direction and had to back up several times,. Snorkeling for US killing someone else! could see for miles as little clouds looked... Be intimidating, but i guarantee you will have to reverse until the road to Hana is one of best! To do here and rightfully so after you pass the parking to walk to the overlook waves filling the cavities. Of driving in some of my favorite water shoes that travel with every! See for miles as little clouds that looked like cotton balls dotted the sky the... Out their prices for a Hawaiian road trip adventure marker 38 ), but.! Until the road to Hana but never heard about Kahekili Highway adventure go to Hawaiior anywhere for. Milepost 35.8 road to Hana is a kind of ride Eastern Sierras ( California ) seem like a walk... Until the road to Hana which is better less touristic than Mauis famous road to Hana tour ( guests! Once youre going clockwise the ride is just more remote and has far less traffic Hawaiian and... End up dead or killing someone else! has historically been used by Ranch! You will have to be slower on the mauka side traffic ( see ).

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