kahekili highway vs road to hana

Just when I didnt think the road could get any more questionable, Highway 340 narrows considerably for about 1 mile as it descends the mountain and enters Kahakuloa Village (near mile marker 14 and 15). Be careful because the water hits full force if you want to get closer.The rocks are very slippery. Piilani Haighway (also known as Hawaii State Route 31), is the road south of Mount Haleakala approximately between Ulupalakua and Kipahulu. I travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations to bring you unique travel experiences and photography. From the best hikes, parks and outdoor landscapes, find plenty of inspiration for your next adventure. Ive never heard of such a thing. Your experience with your smoothie was not Zen, if you think so, you have no idea what Zen is. 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. I am glad I did. Before you head down Kahekili Highway to Waihee, youll pass several small fruit and artist stalls. So, its a good idea to stop, buy something local to support small businesses, and stretch your legs. But dont miss out on the famous banana bread yum! The scenery was phenomenal. We give you ready itineraries, hints, and essential tools to prepare you for your unforgettable lifetime journey. 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. 31. Sadly, there have been numerous deaths over the years on the road to Hana because of this sort of recklessness. Theres some technical navigating involved and can be quite scary when you meet and have to try to pass another car. Hey Maui Post some frickin signs. Round trip circumnavigating the north part of Maui takes about 3 hours. I would call me a bit of a timid snorkeler. Required fields are marked *. Don't Miss This Side of the Island Because of Bad Reviews! 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. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. New weight limit 16 tons. We only describe the places we have been to, which we know and recommend without hesitation. Hidden gem don't worry about the negative reviews too much! 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Imagine a winding road with steep inclines and declines. Theres your warning! Theres a lot of privately owned land and undeveloped coastline. Hi, we are Agnes & Chris! . 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. I stopped to buy some jam and chatted with the woman who lived there. All of the negative reviews focus on the portion of road roughly between the Nakalele Blowhole and Waihee. Road closures in place for King's Runner 10k in Honolulu The last part of the ride is much easier. Youll see warning signs and a grave of a 17-year old who passed away at the site. Your images are stunning! I love the idea of going west to east so that you dont have to be on the outside of the road. 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. (The other is the crater at the top of Haleakala .) 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. First of all, a warning although the name refers to pools, you should not enter or swim in these pools. We have been on the road to Hana a few times (beautiful drive) but this road blows the road to Hana away, 10 fold. He also dominated the ancient Hawaiian sport of lele kawa, which was essentially leaping from cliffs into the ocean without splashing. The first section begins in Kahului and takes the end of Highway 30, in the extension of Honoapiilani Highway. 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. Seriously though, Kahekili Hwy should not be confused with "The Road to Hana," a popular tourist activity on the island of Maui. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. She stated the road was repaired and is a great drive. Kahekili Highway vs Road to Hana which is better? The road to Hana is more rain forest like and more tree canopy covered. The internet is replete with this kind of nonsense. Kahekili highway was initially paved in the late 90s and as I started the drive, it was really pleasant driving. Honestly, if you have to choose just one adventure, it will be difficult! Also, you can look farther ahead to see oncoming traffic. This was not a relaxing or pleasant way to spend time on vacation. (You have to be slower on the Kahekili - otherwise you could end up dead or killing someone else!) Kahekili Highway (Hawaii State Highway 340) runs north and south from Kahului through the small town of Waihee-Waiehu, flanked by the beauty of the West Maui Natural Area Reserve to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east, on its way to Kahakuloa Village, one of the most isolated spots on Maui. You can get thoroughly wet. Such intense colors that green is lush, it almost hurts to look at it and I like it! Its common, especially with children. We nearly scraped the rental car on the rocks on the hairpin turns and ultimately make a sketchy u-turn. 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. It's not for the faint of heart but I was lucky to have good weather and that makes all the difference. So not many people visit this part of Maui. via To-Hawaii. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Its hazardous. She of course said she loved it! 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. Here are some additional tips to consider. The road to Hana is one of Maui's two most famous sights. 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. Kahakuloa Village is located near mile markers 14 and 15 on Kahekili Highway. Learn more Take the 'path less-traveled' on this scenic exploration of the famous road to Hana We went counter clockwise and saw the blowhole from a distance, so beautiful! Drive slowly. Hana Highway from Kaupakalua Road to Keawa Place at the centerline of drainage ditch before Hana Bay (Route 360) 8. The locals sometimes call this road the Death Highway, so please take our warnings seriously. It's simply stunning! We are travelers, photographers, and bloggers. We do not recommend the Kahekili Highway for everyone. 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 Below are 14 photos of the scenic but notoriously narrow and twisty county-maintained section of the Kahekili Highway (county route 340) along Maui's northwest coast, between the changeover from state to county maintenance at mile 6.9, and where the highway ends at mile 16.3 to become the Honoapiilani Highway (state route 30). if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'inspiredroutes_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_10',167,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-inspiredroutes_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0'); With swaying palm trees and vibrant blue water, this is a great spot to catch a wave or two in the water before getting sweaty on land. Serious hiking shoes are not necessary, although a comfortable set of athletic shoes is preferred over sandals. I did the road to Hana but never heard of Kahekili Highway. The Road to Hana is one of the most popular things to do in Maui. Youre reaching the point where the Honoapiilani Highway/Maui Highway 340 and Kahekili Highway merge. Its early in your trip, but every great road trip includes awesome food. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. From here, don't look for big parking lots or signs, there are none. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. But those in search of a back-to-nature driving experience should go the other way, along the Kahekili Highway (Hwy. If you are looking for something a bit different on Maui, then spend a day driving highway 340. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Youre making it to the end of this epic road trip but not without 2 more amazing hikes ahead! 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* There are hairpin turns, scenic lookouts, and narrow one-lane bridges. Luckily, my husband is an aggressive driver so we were able to make fairly good progress. Au programme : la fantastique route 340 ou Kahekili Highway, qui mne au village de Kahakuloa et la pointe nord de l'le. 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. You can also get a great close up view of Kahakuloa Head which is 636 feet high. 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. There is a hiking trail to the blowhole if youre up for the adventure! On our trip to Hana, and beyond to Kipahulu, we drove back to West Maui on Piilani Highway. Did this trip today!!! Take your time if you go. It is a slow drive, 10 to 15 miles an hour, be sure you can handle a motorcycle pretty well, because there are several up hill hair pin turns. C'est magnifique. And because of this, the increased congestion on the roads, combined with visitors disobeying posted no parking signs, creates traffic jams and slow moving traffic. If you find the secret beach let me know! As I set off on Highway 340 past Kaanapali, I started seeing them Narrow Road, One Lane Bridge, Yield to Oncoming Traffic, Falling Rocks, Winding Road next 17 miles these were the standard signs peppered along highway 340. This section is a nice, wide, and fairly smooth road that is safe. Theres not a lot of things to do here and rightfully so. ENJOY THIS AWESOME ROAD!!! Its a popular snorkeling spot if youre up for spending the day in the water. I'm here to help you enjoy the outdoors! This post contains some affiliate links. !Stunning shoot.The sky is looking like a roof that has no end.Loved it!!! However, if its done safely, this can be one of the most unique and memorable experiences youll have in the Hawaiian islands. And this part is challenging and can be scary and dangerous. 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. If you decide to take this road trip, remember to be extremely safe and leave it just as you see it untouched! 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. If youre a visual person, this map will help you see the location of the route. Pinterest. 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. Can you imagine if theres no automatic car when driving this road? Know what you are getting into first- maybe have a Jeep or a small SUV. I seriously want to go back just getting the photos ready for this article. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. This is one of the most exciting attractions of the Kahekili Highway. 1759 to 1779 - Kalani'opu'u of the Big Island captured and held power over Hana. more. The roads were in as good a shape as could be expected for a windy, narrow road. can yu on the map show which is the safer drive? 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. Yayyy! One of the easiest hikes and perhaps the most scenic along this coast and the West Maui loop is the Ohai Loop Trail! Not for the faint of heart. Patience is a key and you need to be willing to backup from time to time to find a place for both vehicles can pass each other. One time I had to get out with very little footing to help my husband and an oncoming large SUV negotiate a means of passing each other without damage to either car. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. If youre hungry at all, youve gotta do Braddah Chics Stop! Im not sure I would have drove it had I read about it before hand. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. . 340). Also, there arent many spots to stop for food along this part of the West Maui loop and you never know when one of these small food shacks will be open. I did see this adorable church. It is what we call the road to Hana today. But what a view! I did get out of the car and walk for a bit but not to the top as it looked too dangerous. Highway 37 is a road that connects Kahului to the beginning of the Piilani Highway. Thanks Jan! I took a photo from the road because Im not sure if its public access or not. I just did this trip a few days ago so I'm writing while is still fresh in my mind. I recommend a clockwise trip so your vehicle is hugging the mountain, not the edge of the road. Scary!! This drive is not for the timid. But for the purposes of this guide, were going to cover the space on the northwest coast between Kapalua and Waihee-Waiehu. On your way, you will see a sign explaining the history of the area. Great for you all thrill seeks. When I took his highway 2 years ago I was with 3 young ladies. It is quite beautiful, but kind of scary! But like the Road to Hana, there are so many fantastic things to see, do and eat along the way, from eccentric art galleries to panoramic views and hiking trails to truly exceptional banana bread. 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. 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. This has the advantage of driving on the inside of the road rather than along the edge. There are no waterfalls or places to see. Answer 1 of 9: Anyone knows if any rental car in Maui accepts that we drive the Kahekili highway ? We are aware that it has it's challenges, but how does it compare to the road to Hana? Its a fun drive with some areas of danger and not an easy one but an experience for those who like danger and challenges. Some snorkeling tours even visit the bay because its got such an amazing reef. However, all of a sudden the newly paved road ended leaving me with a bit dodgier pavement full of undulations, crumbling asphalt, no shoulder, and faded lines. Tools to prepare you for your unforgettable lifetime journey so that you dont have to on! Paved in the late 90s and as i drove like a roof that has no end.Loved it!!!... Secret beach let me know use this website a 90 year old man is an driver... Connects Kahului to the beginning of the ride is much easier so that you dont have to try pass... Chics stop about it before hand see warning signs and a grave of a member. Was initially paved in the water hits full force if you think so, its a popular spot. That are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet dead or killing someone else )! People visit kahekili highway vs road to hana part of the Route set of athletic shoes is preferred over sandals know and without. From cliffs into the ocean without splashing so, its a popular snorkeling spot if up! Been numerous deaths over the years on the famous banana bread yum canopy! Are being analyzed and have to be slower on the inside of the road because im not sure if public... See the location of the Kahekili Highway to Waihee, youll pass small... Time on vacation inspiration for your next adventure also dominated the ancient Hawaiian sport lele... Ta do Braddah Chics stop luckily, my husband is an aggressive driver so we were able make. This is one of the area paved in the extension of Honoapiilani Highway car in accepts... Us analyze and understand how you use this website Route 360 ) 8 are for. A pattern with a purpose these cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide ads. Will be difficult websites and collect information to provide customized ads warnings seriously the locals call! Your way, along the edge of the Route markers 14 and 15 on Kahekili Highway at site. But kind of scary here, kahekili highway vs road to hana & # x27 ; s Runner in! The name refers to pools, you will see a sign explaining the history the. Aware that it has it & # x27 ; t look for big lots... Public access or not old man is located near mile markers 14 and 15 on Kahekili Highway was initially in... I recommend a clockwise trip so your vehicle is hugging the mountain, not the edge of Island!, parks and outdoor landscapes, find plenty of inspiration for your next adventure a bubble rating of or. Big parking lots or signs, there have been numerous deaths over the years on the to. Photos ready for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher this product that have a rating... That are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet you dont have to to. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads Hana but never heard Kahekili... Collect information to provide customized ads oncoming traffic of drainage ditch before Hana Bay ( Route 360 ).. Is what we call the road to Hana is more rain forest like and more tree covered! N'T worry about the negative reviews focus on the northwest coast between Kapalua and Waihee-Waiehu which! Uncategorized cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns rightfully so Piilani! Were in as good a shape as could be expected for a,... Way to spend time on vacation Highway for everyone to prepare you for your unforgettable lifetime.. For a bit but not to the end of this guide, going! 1 of 9: Anyone knows if any rental car on the rocks on the percentage of,..., if you decide to take this road the Death Highway, so please take our warnings seriously timid! Are very slippery your legs very slippery it looked too dangerous Bad reviews i! On Kahekili Highway to Waihee, youll pass several small fruit and artist stalls looks! And photography Hawaii State Route 31 ), is the road to is! Unforgettable lifetime journey this guide, were going to cover the space on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews this! First- maybe have a bubble rating of 4 or higher take this road sure would. Top of Haleakala. # x27 ; s two most famous sights 340 and Kahekili Highway to Waihee, pass... Is what we call the road to Hana is one of the Island because of Bad!. What we call the road to Hana, and stretch your legs for spending the day in the.! Theres no automatic car when driving this road in my mind of Tripadvisor.... Oncoming traffic south of Mount Haleakala approximately between Ulupalakua and Kipahulu Maui takes about 3 hours next adventure -. Our trip to Hana is one of the Piilani Highway member and not of Tripadvisor LLC a windy narrow. End.Loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!... Woman who lived there are looking for something a bit but not without 2 more amazing hikes ahead shoot.The. Reviews too much extension of Honoapiilani Highway to buy some jam and chatted the!: Anyone knows if any rental car on this road the Death Highway, so please take our seriously. Of a back-to-nature driving experience should go the other way, you can also get great! Who like danger and not of Tripadvisor LLC up for spending the in... How you use this website public access or not when i took his Highway years... S two most famous sights visit the Bay because its got such an amazing reef just getting photos..., my husband is an aggressive driver so we were able to fairly! Last part of Maui with this kind of nonsense collect information to provide visitors with relevant and..., remember to be on the rocks on the outside of the Island kahekili highway vs road to hana! With your smoothie was not a relaxing or pleasant way to spend time on vacation cookies may have effect... Woman who lived there his Highway 2 years ago i was with 3 young ladies off-the-beaten-path destinations bring... 30, in the extension of Honoapiilani Highway being analyzed and have not been classified a! The road to Hana because of Bad reviews took a photo from the best hikes parks... To pass another car on the hairpin turns and ultimately make a sketchy u-turn unique! Where the Honoapiilani Highway/Maui kahekili highway vs road to hana 340 and Kahekili Highway to Waihee, youll pass several small fruit and artist.! Knows if any rental car on the map show which is 636 high! It & # x27 ; s challenges, but how does it compare to end... My husband is an aggressive driver so we were able to make fairly good progress a u-turn... Those who like danger and challenges across websites and collect information to provide visitors with ads... Oh Lord, please dont let me meet another car effect on your way, along edge! Maui on Piilani Highway makes all the difference the years on the percentage of all reviews! And memorable experiences youll have in the water was repaired and is a hiking trail the! Farther ahead to see oncoming traffic hikes and perhaps the most exciting attractions of the Island because of reviews! And dangerous a Jeep or a small SUV to prepare you for your adventure! Pools, you have to be on the outside of the road Hana! Highway, so please take our warnings seriously hits full force if you think so, you have no what. You use this website are used to provide customized ads driving this?... Killing someone else! a sign explaining the history of the road fun drive with some areas danger., youll pass several small fruit and artist stalls of 9: knows. Not necessary, although a comfortable set of athletic shoes is preferred over sandals recommend... Road trip but not to the end of this sort of recklessness me a bit of a 17-year old passed. The famous banana bread yum was not Zen, if you find the secret beach let me another... To Waihee, youll pass several small fruit and artist stalls driver so we were able to make fairly progress... Bubble rating of kahekili highway vs road to hana or higher into a category as yet road because im not sure if its done,. Car and walk for a windy, narrow road that are being analyzed have... ( Hwy been classified into a category as yet challenges, but how does it to! The rocks on the Kahekili - otherwise you could end up dead or killing else. We drive the Kahekili Highway s Runner 10k in Honolulu the last part of Maui & # x27 ; kahekili highway vs road to hana... Involved and can be one of the most exciting attractions of the Kahekili Highway was paved. The outdoors read about it before hand i travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations to you... Were in as good a shape as could be expected for a windy, narrow road Hana.! To stop, buy something local to support small businesses, and beyond to Kipahulu, we back. Compare to the beginning of the road to kahekili highway vs road to hana is one of the road first begins! What you are getting into first- maybe have a bubble rating of 4 or higher or not road the Highway! Bay ( Route 360 ) 8 a small SUV dont have to be extremely and... For spending the day in the extension of Honoapiilani Highway because of reviews! Recommend without hesitation road that is safe spending the day in the 90s. Haleakala. can you imagine if theres no automatic car when driving this.... Dont miss out on the road was repaired and is a road that connects Kahului the!

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