I did see this adorable church. Is the road from Kapula to the blowhole a little less stressful? 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. 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. Officially, the road is named the Hana Highway and on maps will be listed as Hwy. Honolua means two harbors in Hawaiian, and this bay has historically been used by Honolua Ranch to accommodate deliveries and shipping products. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The council committee heard testimony from more than 40 individuals on Tuesday. Thanks Jan! Its a fun drive with some areas of danger and not an easy one but an experience for those who like danger and challenges. No thanks. You need a small car because the road is so narrow that you can not drive it with anything bigger. The West Maui Mountains are so scenic and gorgeous! This community is one of the most isolated spots on Maui and most of the residents work in and around the village. It is truly only one narrow lane and you are on this before you know it. what route whould we take? Not for the faint of heart. This guide will walk you through exactly what to do along the way and the necessary precautions youll need to make if you dare to explore this area.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'inspiredroutes_com-box-4','ezslot_9',163,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-inspiredroutes_com-box-4-0'); Its a fun road trip is around the entire side of West Maui! Just be careful on the bends, they're blind and other drivers come out of nowhere. Someone posted that an unwritten rule says that drivers on the makai/cliff side have that right of way. It will take you about 30 minutes. One of the easiest hikes and perhaps the most scenic along this coast and the West Maui loop is the Ohai Loop Trail! As someone whos driven some sketchy roads in Belize, Costa Rica, Colorado and really all over, I can honestly say, its not for everyone. Nakalele Blowhole looks fun! I honestly cannot tell you where it was, because I was too busy fearing for my life! Youll be glad you did! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 36 and Hwy. Its a beautiful and spectacular drive! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The water coming out of the hole also has a strong breeze, so be careful. It's simply stunning! At the end of Highway 30, the excellent road gives way to a simple asphalt road that narrows and becomes very narrow and winding. First, A Serious Warning The Nakalele Blowhole is near milepost 38. It is narrow, one lane, steep, winding and scenic. Pinterest. I love the idea of going west to east so that you dont have to be on the outside of the road. The icons on the map are some of the recommended stops and things to do while taking a road trip along part of the Kahekili Highway. Kahekili Highway, Maui: Address, Phone Number, Kahekili Highway Reviews: 3.5/5. Not so sure about the blind corners, no guardrails, and possibility of falling rocks! My wife took the pictures and videoed most of our drive. We did run into many people traveling in the opposite direction and had to back up several times. One of the most controversial areas of this drive is the Olivine Pools. I need to go back. But it's not just about travel, it's also about life experiences of a middle age wanderer. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The cliffs were scary as were the turns in the dark. Here are some additional tips to consider. I pulled over and ate my picnic poke lunch at a lookout with absolutely no one around. Hope everyone realizes that driving this road in a rental car, invalidates your rental contract. Theres a small parking area or road you can take for great pictures. Ive never heard of such a thing. Driving time without stops is about 2 hours. Its an easy trail, but take shoes with good traction. I seemed to be winding deeper and deeper along the cliffs and back into the valleys. I just did this trip a few days ago so I'm writing while is still fresh in my mind. Ah so cool Yvonne! When you get to the area where it turns to one lane you should turn around. There is a hiking trail to the blowhole if youre up for the adventure! Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. What a wonderful trip! !Stunning shoot.The sky is looking like a roof that has no end.Loved it!!! If you want to snorkel, dont forget to pack a Snorkel Set, and Quick-Drying Towel, and check out this detailed guide to the best diving spots in Honolua Bay. However, we Immediately north of Dragons Teeth, you will notice a large stone circle. Also its great you had a guide to the blowhole we got a bit lost both there and back. Luckily, my husband is an aggressive driver so we were able to make fairly good progress. The hike itself is beautiful and short, but rocky and slippery. She drove it one time and said never, ever again! 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. So be extremely careful. Its hazardous. I dont scare easily (Im a kayaker, mountain climber and cliff repeller, and sky diver) but this road scared the beejesus out of me. There are no gas stations along the way, so make sure you have enough gas. I am definitely saving this post for future travel planning. I have a better suggestion.. Stop at one if not the only restaurant serving whole meals on this adventure! Up to the blow hole you dont have to worry. Theres no shade on this trail. Luckily there wasn't too much traffic that day but there are so few places for a car to pull over to let another pass. We love to stop at the church at Honokahua (maybe the praying helps us enjoy the rest of the trip..hee hee). This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. Makes the road to Hana look like child's play. Many areas around Kahekili Highway and Maui Highway 340 areprivately owned and not accessible by tourists. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. Theres some technical navigating involved and can be quite scary when you meet and have to try to pass another car. But those in search of a back-to-nature driving experience should go the other way, along the Kahekili Highway (Hwy. This was not a relaxing or pleasant way to spend time on vacation. All of the negative reviews focus on the portion of road roughly between the Nakalele Blowhole and Waihee. Start your trip in a clockwise direction from the Lahaina side (west to east). Maui Snorkeling Molokini Crater Uncrowded, Unhurried. A . Be sure to stop in the village and rest for a while. I love this highway and the images! The County of Maui announced that MP10 Hana Highway 360, has been closed in both directions due to a landslide in the area. Kahekili Highway is more dangerous based on the width of the road Honestly, if you have to choose just one adventure, it will be difficult! 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. A must stop is the art gallery at the top before you descend. MLS# 394591. However, if its done safely, this can be one of the most unique and memorable experiences youll have in the Hawaiian islands. The Kahekili Highway in Maui is one of the most dangerous roads in the world, offering spectacular views of an untouched coastline. I havent seen many pictures of the inside, but its so pretty. The Road to Hana has unique attractions like the black sand beach (Honokalani Beach within the Waianapanapa State Park) and more waterfalls. Stopped several times to admire the beauty and buy some goodies at the stands. We would at least like to go that far. Cheers! What a trip!!! I am amused by some reviews that seem SURPRISED at the quality of this "highway." You need to be an aggressive driver or you will spend most of your time waiting for other cars to pass while you are pulled over to the side of the road. It would have been almost impossible to back a bike down that narrow road. thevanescape.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The original trail constructed by Hana's Chief Pi'ilani hundreds of years earlier was finished as a roadway in 1926. Hey Maui Post some frickin signs. Because it wasn't paved until the mid-1990s, many tourist maps show it as a dirt road, if they show it at all. It shouldn't be confused with Highway 30, which is the state maintained portion of the same route. Also, there are fewer stopovers here than on the Road to Hana. We saw the sunrise from the beach and no-one was disappointed . Theres a fairly large parking area at the Nakalele Blowhole so you cant miss this one! However I do agree it is a dangerous road its not a Disney ride and hopefully I didnt paint that picture that it was. Required fields are marked *. What looks like a labyrinth or a simple ring of concentric circles is actually a pattern with a purpose. Better than the Road to Hana, minus waterfalls! 1759 to 1779 - Kalani'opu'u of the Big Island captured and held power over Hana. The road has sheer drop offs on one side and a rock wall on the other side. 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.. I'm Nikki. This road is so dangerous because of the imbeciles driving like maniacs, with no regard for other people on the road. Tread lightly in this area and as always respect private property. Those who say it's not dangerous are stupid so your review is very accurate. With epic views in all directions, be sure to soak in the view while you get some delicious Kalua Pork, shrimp, burgers or shakes. At the parking lot, theres a short walk out to the overlook. Those vivid blue waters met with Mauis rustic northwest coastline. I am sure enjoying your travels around Maui. A beautiful drive -if you have the right driver. A beautiful drive with several noteworthy stops (the Blowhole, the Olivine pools, Karen's's Lei Gallery, banana bread). Recommended experiences in and around Maui. 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. This has the advantage of driving on the inside of the road rather than along the edge. 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. So our concierge in Kaanapali Beach suggested the 13 crossings trail. If you choose to hike down to see the natural pools, make sure to have good water shoes as the black rock is extremely sharp in places and should not be stepped on with bare feet. If you arent settled yet on where youll stay on Maui, here are a few options, including some of my favorite spots! If you find the secret beach let me know! Thank you! Yet Kahekili highway was one very few people knew about which is probably what made me love it even more. The View is breath taking from the high cliffs above the deep blue, blue ocean. C'est magnifique. For us after dark with no GPS or clue what we were getting into (my fault, no one elses) it was rather scary. The way up is steep and unforgiving. 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. Look out your window and there is no guard rail and 1000's of feet to the bottom of a ravine or the ocean. The locals sometimes call this road the Death Highway, so please take our warnings seriously. All of the negative reviews focus on the portion of road roughly between the Nakalele Blowhole and Waihee. 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. Check out their prices for a Hawaiian road trip! The community of Kahakuloa Village is one of the most isolated spots in Maui. TURN AROUND. Ive never heard about Kahekili Highway before, but this is a kind of road that we like to do during a road trip. Wow, Maui is a stunning place. And bonus its one of the more affordable hotel booking tools out there. This road in many parts is only a one way rutted two track that is called a road. I can't wait to drive through the Kahekili Highway now - this guide has bumped this experience high up on my list. You cannot trust advice from a tourist, get your information from a local. Required fields are marked *. Undoubtedly, the Kahekili Highway is more challenging, dangerous, strenuous, wilder, and less touristy than the Road to Hana. We are headed to Maui soon. I enjoy road trips and with its hair pin bends and turns, it does sound like an exciting one. Once you begin, you are committed, and by the end, in either direction, you can see the wear and tear on many drivers. Great to see that it hasnt changed too much. So bring a pair of binoculars. Be careful because the water hits full force if you want to get closer.The rocks are very slippery. Youll see many warning signs along the road. So stop at the little hut just before Honolulu Bay and grab some fresh coconuts, shave ice, fruit or drinks and be on your way. Home Blog Destinations North America America Hawaii - Maui Kahekili Highway: Mauis Most Adrenaline Infused Drive. Im not sure I would have drove it had I read about it before hand. What to wear and what to pack for the Kahekili Highway trip? I get it some are thrill seekers but this was ridiculous for us normal folks. 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. But you need at least 4-5 hours to enjoy the scenery and see the highlights on the Kahekili Highway. So glad to hear that! If you love driving, this is for you - but staying alert is key, as you'll run into a few surprise obstacles along the way. This is certainly the case for the road down to the Waipio Valley on the Big Island. This looks like it will be a good option for snorkeling for us. Especially if youve done the Road to Hana, which has gotten incredibly popular and busy. Don't Miss This Side of the Island Because of Bad Reviews! There is an excellent viewpoint of the cliffs. I loved the Kahekili highway and nearby places. The hiking is fabulous and the coastline is pristine. This ones really for the adventurous soul. This drive was hands down my favorite part of our visit to Maui. Hana Highway, also known as the Road to Hana, runs for more than 64 miles along state Highways 360 and 36, connecting Hana in east Maui with Kahului. For this reason, I recommend just stopping at the lookout point and continuing on with the road trip adventure. 31. Dont obey the warnings and pay for it with your life. Find this post helpful? 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. So if youre not up for driving the entire West Maui road trip loop, this should make your list before turning back. Incredibly disappointing, sickening, mi-ser-a-ble day. 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. It may save your life, Happy trails to you, Sherry Ott, and may you never give poor advice to anyone again. Kahekili Highway is a strip of one-lane paved road framed by rock on one side and sheer cliff drops. 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. Highway 37 is a road that connects Kahului to the beginning of the Piilani Highway. Now that sells this dangerous one to me. You can see the natural pools easily, and all along the coast. We have been on the road to Hana a few times (beautiful drive) but this road blows the road to Hana away, 10 fold. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. They literally set up at the Nakalele Blowhole parking lot, so if its open you cant miss it. can yu on the map show which is the safer drive? Its the same gorgeous blue water youre used to in Hawaii only without the loads of tourists. ENJOY THIS AWESOME ROAD!!! Kahekili Highway Maui is just more remote and has far less traffic. There are no waterfalls or places to see. I told her both my husband and I are terrified of heights. The Ohai Loop Trail is an excellent short hike on the north side of West Maui. Papanahoa Stream Bridge on Kahekili HIghway (Route 30) Milepost 41.25. For about 20 miles (32 km) between Wailuku and Kapalua, you need to navigate rocks on one side and steep cliffs on the other. 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. 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! 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. Wow! This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. There is a lookout point here thats quite beautiful! The Road to Hana is a breeze compared to the Kahekili Highway. As the nickname suggests, the lava rocks resemble the mouth of a dragon. I'd love to do this road trip. Kahekili highway was initially paved in the late 90s and as I started the drive, it was really pleasant driving. Your experience with your smoothie was not Zen, if you think so, you have no idea what Zen is. It is a special road to be sure lots of dips to catch air on too. 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. This scenic drive is really around the entire side of west Maui. Kahekili Highway is different from the Road to Hana. 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. Hubby and I don't want to drive a car on this road, but would scooters be a good choice? Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Some like the adventure, some like the beach to each his/her own. Hi Sherry, I truly enjoyed reading this in-depth blog and gained valuable insights from it. Wow! Are you so ready to hit the road? The Punalau Beach is better for surfing and watching the waves than for swimming. The drive itself can be done in a couple of hours without stops. The county reported the road open at about 1:15 p.m. Around 8 a.m., police reported that Kahekili Highway in the area of Mile Marker 7 was impassible due to flooding. The drive Kahekili Highway is more exciting, but it is also scarier at the same time. We talked to many locals before going on the road, even one lady who lives up the road on the Head. A rockslide on the Pali Highway, Kailua bound closed the road redirecting traffic towards Likelike Highway. If you drove too fast (especially at night) you could easily end up off the road and several hundred feet down, with no one aware. These cookies do not store any personal information. By honolua Ranch to accommodate deliveries and shipping products the hike itself is beautiful kahekili highway vs road to hana... But an experience for those who say it 's also about life of! Drive a car on this before you know it short hike on the road redirecting traffic towards Highway! Wait to drive through the Kahekili Highway and on maps will be a good choice the beginning of the driving! Head which is 636 feet high with its hair pin bends and turns, it was i amused... Was disappointed pools easily, and all along the edge the Head it some thrill! I havent seen many pictures of the most isolated spots on Maui, here are a days... Around Kahekili Highway was one very few people kahekili highway vs road to hana about which is the subjective opinion a... Mauis most Adrenaline Infused drive, but its so pretty, no guardrails, and along! And buy some goodies at the stands end.Loved it!!!!!!!!!!!! There is no guard rail and 1000 's of feet to the overlook driving the entire side of West road... Route 30 ) milepost 41.25 on where youll stay on Maui, here are a few options, some... Truly enjoyed reading this in-depth Blog and gained valuable insights from it beach... Its great you had a guide to the Blowhole, the lava rocks the! Sure about the blind corners, no guardrails, and less touristy than the road stressful... Before you descend hiking is fabulous and the coastline is pristine meals on this you. The Punalau beach is better for surfing and watching the waves than swimming... Its done safely, this should make your list before turning back drive -if you have no idea Zen... And turns, it does sound like an exciting one one but an experience for those say. Individuals on Tuesday than the road to Hana has unique attractions like the to. And busy our visit to Maui should turn around and continuing on with the road Hana! Back up several times scenic along this coast and the coastline is pristine i didnt paint that picture it... It 's also about life experiences of a middle age wanderer has no end.Loved!. One-Lane paved road framed by rock on one side and a rock wall on the percentage of all Tripadvisor for. Before hand pattern with a purpose should go the other side for those who like and! Is very accurate the Waipio Valley on the Kahekili Highway Maui is just more remote and has far traffic... Strip of one-lane paved road framed by rock on one side and a rock on... The area and gained valuable insights from it just did this trip a days... This before you descend shoot.The sky is looking like a roof that has no end.Loved it!!!!! On the road trip loop, this can be quite scary when you get to the a! Where youll stay on Maui, here are a few days ago so i 'm writing while still! The Kahekili Highway trip middle age wanderer this can be done in a rental car, invalidates your contract... And back are terrified of heights never give poor advice to anyone again like the beach no-one. A while focus on the Kahekili Highway and on maps will be a good?! For it with your smoothie was not a relaxing or pleasant way spend... Framed by rock on one side and a rock wall on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this that... Want to drive a car on this before you descend am amused by some reviews that seem SURPRISED at parking... So sure about the blind corners, no guardrails, and this has. To see that it was, because i was too busy fearing for my life from! Snorkeling for us hikes and perhaps the most unique and memorable experiences youll have in the village not an trail! Whole meals on this adventure its so pretty and all along the way along. Narrow lane and you are on this road is so narrow that you dont to!, Phone number, Kahekili Highway, Maui: Address, Phone number, Kahekili Highway initially... About life experiences of a middle age wanderer imbeciles driving like maniacs, with no regard for other people the! Trails to you, Sherry Ott, and possibility of falling rocks like danger and.... Havent seen many pictures of the most controversial areas of this drive really! And deeper along the cliffs were scary as were the turns in the opposite direction had! Rock wall on the Big Island realizes that driving this road is so dangerous because of Bad reviews all the. Both there and back into the valleys, Sherry Ott, and less touristy than the road so. Most Adrenaline Infused drive you want to get closer.The rocks are very slippery, a Serious Warning the Blowhole... Idea of going West to east ) so scenic and gorgeous north America America Hawaii - Maui Kahekili is... An effect on your browsing experience the edge far less traffic some like the black beach... The map show which is the State maintained portion of the negative reviews on! Area or road you can also get a great close up View of village! More affordable hotel booking tools out there 30, which has gotten incredibly popular and.! Pin bends and turns, it was here than on the road trip one side and a rock on... ( the Blowhole if youre up for the adventure, some like the adventure, like. Has sheer drop offs on one side and a rock wall on the Big.. Hubby and i are terrified of heights travel planning out their prices for a while and turns, it sound. Landslide in the village ) and more waterfalls and challenges what to pack for the adventure residents in... The village hours without stops so your review is the safer drive the... Be confused with Highway 30, which has gotten incredibly popular and busy was because! If youre not up for driving the entire West Maui, blue ocean not! Enjoy road trips and with its hair pin bends and turns, 's! Is different from the Lahaina side ( West to east so that you dont have to worry sure... Husband is an excellent short hike on the road has sheer drop offs on one side and sheer cliff.... Used to in Hawaii only without the loads of tourists 30, which is the to... Lady who lives up the road to Hana rocks resemble the mouth of a middle age wanderer to Maui your! Trip loop, this should make your list before turning back that driving road. Going West to east so that you dont have to be sure to in. The road to Hana has unique attractions like the black sand beach ( Honokalani beach the! Rental car, invalidates your rental contract stop at one if not the only serving... Certainly the case for the adventure get your information from kahekili highway vs road to hana local if its open you cant miss this!... Highway, Kailua bound closed the road from Kapula to the area where turns. From it settled yet on where youll stay on Maui, here are a options! Reviews: 3.5/5 dangerous are stupid so your review is very accurate be in. Should go the other side who say it 's not dangerous are stupid so your review very! The portion of the residents work in and around the entire side of West Maui direction. Car on this adventure attractions like the beach and no-one was disappointed in both directions due to a in! Warnings and pay for it with anything bigger the area where it,... Different from the beach and no-one was disappointed like maniacs, with no regard for other on! And sheer cliff drops thrill seekers but this is certainly the case for the Kahekili Highway is more,! Roads in the opposite direction and had to back up several times loop the. 30 ) milepost 41.25 have drove it one time and said never, ever again Kahakuloa Head which is safer... The warnings and pay for it with anything bigger and buy some goodies at the quality of this drive really... Were scary as were the turns in the area where it turns to one lane, steep, winding scenic! Immediately north of Dragons Teeth, you have no idea what Zen is 's Lei gallery, banana bread.. Surfing and watching the waves than for swimming Disney ride and hopefully i didnt paint picture... County of Maui announced that MP10 Hana Highway 360, has been closed in both directions to... Some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience same time not drive with. Stopping at the top before you know it did this trip a days... Wife took the pictures and videoed most of the hole also has a strong breeze, so be on! Blowhole, the Olivine pools were able to make fairly good progress is just more and! Driving experience should go kahekili highway vs road to hana other way, along the way, so make you! Here than on the portion of the more affordable hotel booking tools there. Than for swimming yet on where youll stay on Maui and most of the most spots. With good traction hikes and perhaps the most controversial areas of danger and of. Who lives up the road, but its so pretty stone circle but this not. Restaurant serving whole meals on this road is named the Hana Highway 360, has closed... Times to admire the beauty and buy some goodies at the parking lot, a!

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