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. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. 340). From here, youll start to approach the narrowest and most dangerous part of the Kahekili Highway. It traverses a remote area in Maui. Thanks that you will be able to hear the beeps of oncoming traffic. If you are less experienced in driving on mountain serpentines, we also suggest you give up this route. read more. 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. There have been many injuries and deaths here, so enter at your own risk. Youll see many warning signs along the road. The drive along the Kahekili Highway looks just like my kind of ride. These are my favorite water shoes that travel with me every time I go to Hawaiior anywhere else for that matter! 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. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. One of the easiest hikes and perhaps the most scenic along this coast and the West Maui loop is the Ohai Loop Trail! Never Again. I panicked for a moment as I wondered if it was even possible to back up if I did meet a car. And we lived to tell the story. Do not stop on the road to take just one photo. Its life-threatening. I am amused by some reviews that seem SURPRISED at the quality of this "highway." The road hugs the sea cliffs and is very narrow (often just one lane), with many blind curves and no guard rails. please advice. MP10 Hana Highway 360 due to landslide Video / Feb 27, 2023 / 07:03 PM HST. This is a dangerous place to swim. JonnyFantastic 2 days ago Kahekili is more challenging than Hana, in my opinion, but then I drove it counterclockwise. 7. . Your email address will not be published. Your email address will not be published. Someone posted that an unwritten rule says that drivers on the makai/cliff side have that right of way. I seriously want to go back just getting the photos ready for this article. Be careful because the water hits full force if you want to get closer.The rocks are very slippery. We went on a Sunday afternoon, this time driving from Kahului toward Kahana/Lahaina. I have had the opportunity to drive this road and meet another car on a stretch of road where the last pull out was behind us. Again, no trespassing just for a photo! 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 :). Starting along the coast where the crowds start to fade away, one of your first stops along the highway is just outside of Kapalua at Slaughterhouse Beach. Good to know to plan to do the road from west to east. If I lived here, I wouldnt necessarily want tourists coming in and wreaking havoc on the area, either! Duration: 9 hours By: Hana and Beyond Free cancellation: up to 48 hours before tour from: $ 210 Details Recommended experiences in and around Maui. This road is so dangerous because of the imbeciles driving like maniacs, with no regard for other people on the road. It stretches 21.5 miles from Kapalua to Wailuku in western Maui. I travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations to bring you unique travel experiences and photography. Eventually, West Maui chief Kahekili surrounded him and forced Kalani'opu'u forcing retreat to defenses on Ka'uiki Hill. Be sure to stop in the village and rest for a while. So glad to hear that! Or are you thinking the Road to Hana is a better alternative for you? we are going to live in Wailea , and want to go to Ion Valley Needle, Waihee Ridge Trail, Honolua Bay Scenic Lookout, Olivine Pools So you have no excuse to travel on this road. The Road to Hana has unique attractions like the black sand beach (Honokalani Beach within the Waianapanapa State Park) and more waterfalls. 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). The water level fluctuates depending on the weather of the previous days, with waves filling the small cavities more or less. Be sure to stop and give the community some love. We went counter clockwise and saw the blowhole from a distance, so beautiful! Dont obey the warnings and pay for it with your life. Hi Sherry, I truly enjoyed reading this in-depth blog and gained valuable insights from it. We love to stop at the church at Honokahua (maybe the praying helps us enjoy the rest of the trip..hee hee). You will not see any change on the road which is for the moment beautiful, wide, not very winding and lined with a few shrubs. However, if its done safely, this can be one of the most unique and memorable experiences youll have in the Hawaiian islands. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Now this was the real deal a road worthy of being called one of the best (and most dangerous) drives in the world. Because it wasn't paved until the mid-1990s, many tourist maps show it as a dirt road, if they show it at all. By the time you reach Punalau Beach, youve really escaped the crowds of West Maui. But some people like a little scary. Explore different ways to experience this place. Youll understand once you do it. For us after dark with no GPS or clue what we were getting into (my fault, no one elses) it was rather scary. Your email address will not be published. When I did it there were no restrictions with the rental car. Do happy you took the drive as I think its SO much better than the road to Hana! So if youre not up for driving the entire West Maui road trip loop, this should make your list before turning back. I just did this trip a few days ago so I'm writing while is still fresh in my mind. !Stunning shoot.The sky is looking like a roof that has no end.Loved it!!! Don't Miss This Side of the Island Because of Bad Reviews! Be sure to always wear reef-safe sunscreen when in Hawaii, or any ocean destination for that manner. We also like cities by night and tasting local food & wine. Be on the lookout. - See 216 traveller reviews, 135 candid photos, and great deals for Maui, HI, at Tripadvisor. Maui Snorkeling Molokini Crater Uncrowded, Unhurried. Kahekili Highway vs Road to Hana which is better? I enjoy road trips and with its hair pin bends and turns, it does sound like an exciting one. Road closures in place for King's Runner 10k in Honolulu Honestly, if you have to choose just one adventure, it will be difficult! People have been killed as they get sucked back into the hole by the retreating water at this and other blowholes in Hawaii.. Maui Honokohau Stream Bridge on Kahekili Highway (Route 30) Milepost 35.8. 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. Once you begin, you are committed, and by the end, in either direction, you can see the wear and tear on many drivers. so dont run out of gas and Definitely Do Not Drink while driving on this road, youngsters :). So I had to check out this post. There is a lookout point here thats quite beautiful! The day dragged on for hours of ZERO cell service, no sign of civilization (except for the occasional shack), and the GPS our tour company provided us with suggesting we turn around until it sarcastically stated, and I quote, "This is where I leave you, good luck". document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); What even is this incredible road with such stunning natural beauty!? Take your time, explore, and soak in the views and the people you meet along the way. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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. 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. With epic views in all directions, be sure to soak in the view while you get some delicious Kalua Pork, shrimp, burgers or shakes. There are not guardrails - it is narrow, and many locals and surfers drove much faster than I remembered this time. 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 honestly cannot tell you where it was, because I was too busy fearing for my life! I'm Nikki. 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. First, A Serious Warning When I travel, I find the cheapest rental car rates at RentalCars.com. But what a view! 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. Such intense colors that green is lush, it almost hurts to look at it and I like it! This stretch of road is far less touristy than most of the island of Maui. I still recommend it because it IS that gorgeous but be careful! I think I would find that one lane road a bit stressful! If youre wanting to make this stop quick or are traveling with young kids, just going to the overlook is adequate. I sure would love to stop by and take in those landscapes for myself -especially the blowhole. Your images are stunning! Kahekili Highway (Hawaii Route 340, Hawaii State Highway 340) is considered one of the most dangerous roads in Hawaii and the USA. Did this trip today!!! Ive worn them hiking the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail in Kauai and many other spots around the islands. It's dangerous! Speed limits are usually 15 mph or slower. I know it will take us most of the day! Sometime in the early 1780's Hana was besieged by King Kahekili in a surprise attack. Whether on your own or on a tour, you will see the gorgeous scenery of the rainforest, including . We have been on the road to Hana a few times (beautiful drive) but this road blows the road to Hana away, 10 fold. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua would be built on an 11-acre site owned by the nonprofit Maui Economic Opportunity, near the intersection of Kahekili Highway and Waiehu Beach Road. Hey! Anyway, after you pass the parking to walk to the beach, drive up the hill to the overlook. But to be precise, it is necessary to explain that Kahekili Highway is divided into three sections. Makaluapuna Point is also known as Dragons Teeth. We waded through the water to get a bit closer and thats when it really hit. If youre hungry at all, youve gotta do Braddah Chics Stop! Honolua Bay is part of the Marine Life Conservation District, meaning it is illegal to fish and take natural resources including marine life and even rock. It's time to book a trip! The rocky shoreline is a dangerous spot to be out of control, causing head trauma and/or drowning. If youre looking for a true adventure and have a 44 vehicle, you can take the dirt road down to the beach. Theres no shade on this trail. This one-lane highway has been ranked as one of the most dangerous roads in the world time and time again. Start your ride in the morning, so you have a chance to stop at all viewpoints and see all the attractions. There are no waterfalls or places to see. Thank you! Makes the road to Hana look like child's play. Important to consider: Since our reopening Maui to tourists, this last summer overwhelmed the local Hana community. 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. Kahekili Highway Maui is just more remote and has far less traffic. Scenic but not for the sissies and shouldnt be attempted by novice drivers! Gah! Its some of Mauis most gorgeous land. But if you already had the opportunity to drive the Road to Hana and were tired of that route, it was exhausting for you, to give up the Kahekili Highway. 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. We started out driving to the Nakele Blowhole, and ended up following Highway 340 to Wailuku. 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. I am sure enjoying your travels around Maui. 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. The Kahekili Highway in the . Live aloha. I pulled over and ate my picnic poke lunch at a lookout with absolutely no one around. Up to the blow hole you dont have to worry. The roads were in as good a shape as could be expected for a windy, narrow road. Oh, and the roads are still very narrow the next 5 miles or so. Its early in your trip, but every great road trip includes awesome food. 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!! So we share our tips on what to do and how to prepare for this scenic and thrilling drive. I try to be as accurate as I can, it is dangerous when someone (I mean not you) is not careful when they drive. 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. If you are looking for something a bit different on Maui, then spend a day driving highway 340. It is quite beautiful, but kind of scary! Save it for later or share it on social media! The Hana Highway is perhaps the most beautiful highway in the world, but it can be deadly. What a wonderful trip! Its a beautiful and spectacular drive! When we go in April, I'm going to go get properly fitted. Refer to tips above to be fully prepared. Seriously though, Kahekili Hwy should not be confused with "The Road to Hana," a popular tourist activity on the island of Maui. Up the hill to the blow hole you dont have to worry the day drive kahekili highway vs road to hana hill. Soak in the world, but every great road trip loop, this time driving from toward... There are not guardrails - it is quite beautiful, but then I drove counterclockwise... Point here thats quite beautiful, but it can be one of the previous days, with filling... Dont have to worry its done safely, this last summer overwhelmed the local community... Is more challenging than Hana, in my opinion, but it can be deadly, it hurts. 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