The Nakalele Blowhole is near milepost 38. This community is one of the most isolated spots on Maui and most of the residents work in and around the village. All photos are also ours. And good hiking poles will help you stay upright and provide support during the most treacherous parts of the trail. 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!! and why one driving northwest tends to hug the cliff 91% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. The council committee heard testimony from more than 40 individuals on Tuesday. It can be so peaceful and wild if you are lucky. Not kidding, there were no guard rails. At the end of Highway 30, the excellent road gives way to a simple asphalt road that narrows and becomes very narrow and winding. Its not just about the driving, its also about what you can stop and see along the way that is virtually tourist-free. It's scary! Those who say it's not dangerous are stupid so your review is very accurate. Answer 11 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. He also dominated the ancient Hawaiian sport of lele kawa, which was essentially leaping from cliffs into the ocean without splashing. You need a small car because the road is so narrow that you can not drive it with anything bigger. An SUV is not required. I'd love to do this road trip. What a surprise! Scary!! 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. The Hana Highway is perhaps the most beautiful highway in the world, but it can be deadly. If I lived here, I wouldnt necessarily want tourists coming in and wreaking havoc on the area, either! Maui Snorkeling Molokini Crater Uncrowded, Unhurried. Instead of doing what everyone does and drive the road to Hana, I decided to take a different scenic route. Don't Miss This Side of the Island Because of Bad Reviews! The community of Kahakuloa Village is one of the most isolated spots in Maui. 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. This is my favorite reef-safe sunscreen I used in Maui and it worked great! So glad to hear that! Never Again. This is not for the faint of heart or anyone with a rental car that is concerned about violating their agreement. I loved the Kahekili highway and nearby places. This was not a relaxing or pleasant way to spend time on vacation. Watch for oncoming traffic and give as much as you can. Visible from the highway and located so close to the Road to Hana makes Wailua Falls one of Maui's unique and most accessible waterfalls. Ha! First of all, lets just say that using the term highway is generous! Do you need a Jeep for road to Hana? Better than the Road to Hana, minus waterfalls! Maui's Road to Hana is perhaps the most popular scenic drive on the island and possibly all of Hawaii. Thats why the hill is known as Kahekilis Leap (just like Black Rock in Kaanapali). 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. Makaluapuna Point is also known as Dragons Teeth. Plus, your guides will take you to approved, safe places. 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. For us after dark with no GPS or clue what we were getting into (my fault, no one elses) it was rather scary. 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! Today. They literally set up at the Nakalele Blowhole parking lot, so if its open you cant miss it. Ottsworld is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Its a popular snorkeling spot if youre up for spending the day in the water. If youre wanting to make this stop quick or are traveling with young kids, just going to the overlook is adequate. It's dangerous! But dont miss out on the famous banana bread yum! Good call! 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. Be careful because the water hits full force if you want to get closer.The rocks are very slippery. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. I would love to travel here some day and enjoy the blowhole and the views. This is one of the most beautiful bays on the west coast of Maui. The water level fluctuates depending on the weather of the previous days, with waves filling the small cavities more or less. The 51 miles of Hana Highway start in Kahului (where the airport is) and travel past the hippie surf town of Paia, . If you are looking for something a bit different on Maui, then spend a day driving highway 340. This one-lane highway has been ranked as one of the most dangerous roads in the world time and time again. Recommended experiences in and around Maui. There have been many injuries and deaths here, so enter at your own risk. Answer 1 of 9: Anyone knows if any rental car in Maui accepts that we drive the Kahekili highway ? Hobron Avenue from Hana Highway to the gate at Pier 1, Kahului Harbor (Route 32A) 10. The Kahekili Highway provides incredible views of Maui, but travelers must be wary of the risk and challenges associated with driving this highway first and plan accordingly. Its an easy trail, but take shoes with good traction. 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. Its available to everyone, although only to be used with extreme caution. The drive along the Kahekili Highway looks just like my kind of ride. Born on Maui in the 1700s, he ruled all of Maui Nui, and then went onto conquer Oahu, Lanai and Kauai, according to legend. Its a thrilling drive one of the best in your lifetime! Theres still a trail that leads up there, but its too narrow and dangerous. Scenic but not for the sissies and shouldnt be attempted by novice drivers! This scenic drive is really around the entire side of west Maui. Cows graze in the pastures, and the landscape is idyllic. Do happy you took the drive as I think its SO much better than the road to Hana! I later read this warning about the blowhole so do be careful if you go visit it: While it may seen tempting to approach the blowhole for a great photo opportunity, dont do it. Once youre going clockwise the ride is just fine even w only one lane. I love the idea of going west to east so that you dont have to be on the outside of the road. The Road to Hana is one of the most popular things to do in Maui. I asked her about what it was like to live so remotely out here. If you decide to take this road trip, remember to be extremely safe and leave it just as you see it untouched! You cannot trust advice from a tourist, get your information from a local. As one of the most picturesque drives in the world, the Hana Highway is filled with volcanic sights, cascading waterfalls, and incredible beaches. What a trip!!! If you find the secret beach let me know! I have a better suggestion.. Just sayin. Makes the road to Hana look like child's play. more, Small Group Road to Hana Adventure Tour with Pickup, Lahaina: Turtle Town Snorkel and Whale Watch (Dec-April Time Permitting), Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar from Ka'anapali Beach, From Lahaina Harbor: Whale Watching Tours Aboard the Quicksilver, Road to Hana, Black Sand Beach, Waterfalls & Turtles Tour from Maui, Hawaii, Eye-Level Whale Watching 2 Hour Eco-Raft Tour from Lahaina, Maui. This was all I needed to hear to kick my craving for unique experiences into high gear. This road in many parts is only a one way rutted two track that is called a road. Home Blog Destinations North America America Hawaii - Maui Kahekili Highway: Mauis Most Adrenaline Infused Drive. The 636-foot (194 m) hill is a picturesque landmark. I panicked for a moment as I wondered if it was even possible to back up if I did meet a car. Its common, especially with children. If you want to show reverence for this land, you will not follow this amateurs advice. Learn more Take the 'path less-traveled' on this scenic exploration of the famous road to Hana Find the trailhead for the Ohai Trail between mile markers 40 and 41. Note: I am absolutely not encouraging you to swim in the natural pools. The road climbed out of the village of Kahakuloa and into ranch country with wide vistas of green pastures. Here are some pros and cons to each. From here, don't look for big parking lots or signs, there are none. I love the strong greens and blues. It is narrow, one lane, steep, winding and scenic. The trail is stunning and one of my favorite things to do in Maui! Its a beautiful trail that loops around lush green foliage, with views of the ocean almost the entire way. Kahekili Highway vs Road to Hana which is better? Thanks everyone. If you choose to purchase items through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. There are no gas stations along the way, so make sure you have enough gas. Yayyy! But for the purposes of this guide, were going to cover the space on the northwest coast between Kapalua and Waihee-Waiehu. We do not recommend the Kahekili Highway for everyone. I am definitely saving this post for future travel planning. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But it was a good tip to check out the terms of a car rental agreement to see if we can even do this route. It kind of reminded me of the Waimea Canyon Trail in Kauai. 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. 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. Large trucks dont dare drive this stretch and inexperienced drivers shouldnt either. This N Ala Hele trail is a great place to stretch your legs. This road is very open allowing you to see much, much more than the forested road to Hana. Regardless, this area has a one-mile stretch where cars cannot pass. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Coming in at just 1.2 miles and rated as easy this trail is for almost any fitness or skill level. Banana bread is sold at many roadside stands on the island, including a few convenient spots on the Road to Hana. Some snorkeling tours even visit the bay because its got such an amazing reef. Also, you can look farther ahead to see oncoming traffic. So fun! Dont play music in the car. The trail is easy and flat. 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