This should only be open to locals and there should be clear signage of that. Absolutely beautiful. 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. I honestly cannot tell you where it was, because I was too busy fearing for my life! Seriously though, Kahekili Hwy should not be confused with "The Road to Hana," a popular tourist activity on the island of Maui. Make sure you are not violating the contract of your rental car. I do think its worth the stop to see this unique part of the coastline! Because of this post, now Im keeping this line in mind. Along the way, there are a few places where you can snack, but they are not always open. Today. The water can push over the natural pools wall and when it recedes it can pull you overboard and into the ocean. Hi Sherry, I truly enjoyed reading this in-depth blog and gained valuable insights from it. So be extremely careful. However, this highway along Maui's North shore was no Road to Hana, because it was 10 times better than the Road to Hana. 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. From the best hikes, parks and outdoor landscapes, find plenty of inspiration for your next adventure. If youre wanting to make this stop quick or are traveling with young kids, just going to the overlook is adequate. Honokohau Bay is located where the Honoapiilani Highway (Highway 30) ends, and the actual Route 340 (Kahekili Highway) begins. The most interesting spots are Lorraines Banana Bread and Banana Cream Pie, Julias Banana Bread, Karen Leis Gallery, Bruce Turnbull Studio, and Sculpture Garden. . As the nickname suggests, the lava rocks resemble the mouth of a dragon. Although we had to stop suddenly when a school van speeding around a blind corner, gave us little time to react. My husband and I, not wanting to spend the rest of the evening waiting on the other side of the mountain for all the traffic to clear, prodded on (no one followed, so I'm not sure how long everyone bottlenecked traffic coming from our direction). The scenery is beautiful, but 90% of the drive is spent pulling over and hoping your car doesn't end up over the side of the road. It didnt seem too bad at all in fact it was relaxing. From here, youll start to approach the narrowest and most dangerous part of the Kahekili Highway. It can be so peaceful and wild if you are lucky. The Hana Highway is perhaps the most beautiful highway in the world, but it can be deadly. Kahekili Highway is different from the Road to Hana. We are travelers, photographers, and bloggers. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. It's not nearly as tropical and does not have waterfalls, but it offers numerous sweeping ocean views that are missing on the Road to Hana. Located near mile marker 18 on the Kahekili Highway is the trailhead for 13 Crossings Makamakaole Stream. Dont hike this one in flip flops, its way to steep and slippery for that! I can say I was freaking out a bit when we had to BACK down the road to get to turn out so they could pass us. 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! Please respect the locals and their private land. Its early in your trip, but every great road trip includes awesome food. One of the top things to do on Maui is driving the Road to Hana. The spray felt refreshing, but of course I had stupidly left my LensCoat raingear for my camera back in the car since it certainly wasnt rainy weather, but down by the blowhole it was pretty easy to get drenched. Oh, and dont forget the ocean-safe sunblock. I sure would love to stop by and take in those landscapes for myself -especially the blowhole. Yet Kahekili highway was one very few people knew about which is probably what made me love it even more. I recommend both but I guarantee you will never forget this road. I travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations to bring you unique travel experiences and photography. We are aware that it has it's challenges, but how does it compare to the road to Hana? Kahekili Highway (Hawaii Route 340, Hawaii State Highway 340) is considered one of the most dangerous roads in Hawaii and the USA. These commissions help reduce the costs of running this site. Up to the blow hole you dont have to worry. At the end of Highway 30, the excellent road gives way to a simple asphalt road that narrows and becomes very narrow and winding. We went counter clockwise and saw the blowhole from a distance, so beautiful! Learn more Take the 'path less-traveled' on this scenic exploration of the famous road to Hana We also like cities by night and tasting local food & wine. An Adventure EVERY TIME - thrilling and beautiful and scary!! 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. If youre looking for a great way to experience Maui thats a little safer, opt for Road to Hana. This was not a relaxing or pleasant way to spend time on vacation. At the parking lot, theres a short walk out to the overlook. I love maui but not the hiking, the roads are too treacherous for me. TURN AROUND. Required fields are marked *. We are so glad youre here! Road closures in place for King's Runner 10k in Honolulu This route requires more driving skills than Road to Hana. It had a completely different vibe than the rest of the island. My girlfriend has lived on Maui for 16 yrs. 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. 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. Also, there are fewer stopovers here than on the Road to Hana. The drive Kahekili Highway is more exciting, but it is also scarier at the same time. I enjoy road trips and with its hair pin bends and turns, it does sound like an exciting one. 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. You can get thoroughly wet. We love to stop at the church at Honokahua (maybe the praying helps us enjoy the rest of the trip..hee hee). Kahekili Highway (Hawaii Route 340) is a single-lane paved road framed by rocks on one side and sheer cliffs on the other. Seriously though, Kahekili Hwy should not be confused with "The Road to Hana," a popular tourist activity on the island of Maui. Kahekili Highway, Maui: Address, Phone Number, Kahekili Highway Reviews: 3.5/5. Stopped several times to admire the beauty and buy some goodies at the stands. He climbed this hill and jumped into the ocean below. These cookies do not store any personal information. I absolutely fell in love with it there and it was pretty nail-biting to do in a carby yourself! If youre up for some swimming and surfing, this is your spot! But if youre confident (and safe) while driving, the Kahekili Highway and Maui Highway 340 road trip might just be for you! Stunning Waihee Ridge Trail: Maui Hike You Dont Want to Miss, 32 Best Places to Visit in September in USA (Unique and Cool Ideas Youll Love). Courtyard by Marriott Maui Kahului Airport, View all hotels near Kahekili Highway on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Kahekili Highway on Tripadvisor, Hotels near Haleakala Highway (Crater Road), Hotels near Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve, Hana Highway - Road to Hana: Tickets & Tours, Haleakala Highway (Crater Road): Tickets & Tours, Coral Island Half-day Tour from Pattaya including Lunch, Punta Cana (PUJ) TRANSFER to FINEST PUNTA CANA EXCELLENCE COLLECTION ROUND TRIP, Traditional Private Geisha Experience/Dinner Show in Tokyo, Fukagawa District, Kauai's Ultimate South Island Zodiac Boat Snorkel Adventure, Spanish Flamenco Show in Puerto de la Cruz. I need to go back. It's simply stunning! Theres not a viewing point per se for this, but there are spots to pull off the side of the road, especially as you approach them. It will be much worse, and more tension and stress will be. Regardless, this area has a one-mile stretch where cars cannot pass. Refer to tips above to be fully prepared. Also, you can look farther ahead to see oncoming traffic. Dress comfortably for the trip. But some people like a little scary. If you have a problem with the car on this road, rental car company will not help you ~ youre on your own! Look out your window and there is no guard rail and 1000's of feet to the bottom of a ravine or the ocean. Youll see warning signs and a grave of a 17-year old who passed away at the site. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The 636-foot (194 m) hill is a picturesque landmark. Ive never heard about Kahekili Highway before, but this is a kind of road that we like to do during a road trip. 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! However, we 7. Banana bread is sold at many roadside stands on the island, including a few convenient spots on the Road to Hana. Loved the tips section especially about packing water and snack, Love this adventurous Kahkili highay drive. 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. As a reminder, a small stele by the path mourns Steven, a 34-year-old young man who was swept away by a wave in 2017 and whose body was never found. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. There is an excellent viewpoint of the cliffs. I seriously want to go back just getting the photos ready for this article. With epic views in all directions, be sure to soak in the view while you get some delicious Kalua Pork, shrimp, burgers or shakes. The road had a fresh coat of asphalt and brightly colored lines. Welcome to The Van Escape! And we lived to tell the story. Route 340 is a road for adventurous types who like high adrenaline levels. The Nakalele Blowhole is near milepost 38. The Kahekili Highway (Hawaii state highway 340) lives in the shadow of it's big well-known brother - the Road to Hana. For us after dark with no GPS or clue what we were getting into (my fault, no one elses) it was rather scary. 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. The Ohai Loop Trail takes you over rolling hills along the scenic north shore several hundred feet above sea level. 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