Kahekili Highway is a strip of one-lane paved road framed by rock on one side and sheer cliff drops on the other, with a length of 21 miles, running from Kapalua to Wailuku. It’s a legendary road known for its snaking turns, narrow passages, and dangerous road conditions, though nowadays that last factor is gone, since the road was completely repaved not too long ago.
Can you drive Highway 340 Maui?
Located in Maui County, the road is 34.60 km (21.5 miles) long. 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. This rugged scenic highway extends for miles along Maui's north shore.
Is the Kahekili Highway in Hawaii paved?
The road is today totally paved, though there are portions where falling rocks can be a concern. It wasn't until sometime in the 1990s that this road was completely paved and open to travel for rental cars (though some companies may still place it off-limits, so visitors should check their rental contracts). Not for the faint of heart, sections slow to just 5 mph as the road wraps around blind curves; a lengthy stretch around the village of Kahakuloa is a mere one lane with cliffs on one side and a sheer drop on the other – if you hit oncoming traffic here, you may be doing your traveling in reverse.
Why is Kahekili Highway so dangerous?
Running through Kahakuloa Game Management Area, the infamous Hawaii State Highway 340 has humbled many egos. Big vans or SUVs are more difficult to navigate on this very narrow road, especially since it’s just barely one lane wide but with two-way traffic. If it is raining or has been raining, skip this road due to mud and rock slides. Don’t do this drive in the dark. Start early enough so you’ll reach your destination before the sun sets. Also, it’s best to do this drive on a sunny day as rainfall makes the road slippery. The road isn’t lit, and many segments don’t even have reflectors, so if you do plan to do the route, make sure to drive it during the daytime in nice weather conditions. It’s more like a goat trail, especially around the village of Kahakuloa (between mile 14-15 and 10-12). It is mainly a narrow, curvy, cliff-hugging one-lane road without guardrails. There are occasional pullouts if a car is coming from the opposite direction.
Is Kahekili Highway worthwhile?
This challenging road, which hugs the rugged northern tip of Maui, the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, needles around hairpin turns, careens over one-lane bridges, and teeters beside treacherous cliffs. It’s one of Maui’s most adventurous drives, and undoubtedly its most challenging. Perhaps it's for the thrill of driving on the edge of a cliff, but more likely it's for the incredible beauty of the views available on this drive. But what makes this route special? The road is narrow, twisty, and very slow (speed limits usually 15 mph or slower), with many one-lane stretches and often with minimal reflectorization and guardrails. This road is not recommended if you like driving fast or if it has been raining. The slower you go, the more you’ll find to adore. Most sections require you to slow to a meager 5 miles an hour to make those blind curves, and if you happen upon another car, one of you, most likely you, will be taking this road in reverse until you come upon a turn out. It’s treacherous and terrifying, and worth every second of the two hours.
Who was Kahekili Highway in Hawaii named after?
Highway is an euphemism for this paved but precarious narrow road; check your rental-car agreement before you head out—some companies don't allow their cars on this road. If it is raining or has been raining, skip this road due to mud and rock slides. The road is named after the great chief Kahekili, who built houses from the skulls of his enemies. Furthermore, when you get out of the car to explore the various sights along the road, be very careful, as many roads open out to a cliff with a deathly drop below. The drive is most picturesque and safe from Kapalua to Wailuku. Remember, as you turn those blind corners, honk your horn to communicate to oncoming traffic that you are on the way.
If you need to free up some time to explore this dangerous but exciting road, make sure to order essay online to free up the time needed for it. Students are always pressed for time, and it's good to have some helpful services at hand.
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FAQs
This includes Kahekili Highway, which has often been referred to as one of the most dangerous roads in the entire world. In fact, some car rental agencies prohibit their vehicles from traversing this road. Also called Highway 340, Kahekili Highway only spans 20 miles.
Is highway 340 in Maui safe? ›
It wasn't until I got back to our condo that I was told by one of our friends that highway is nicknamed "Death Highway" due to so many casualties along this treacherous drive. I was angry at Google Maps for leading us this way and not posting warnings on the maps. There were alternative, much safer routes to take.
What is the difference between the Road to Hana and the Kahekili? ›
Kahekili Highway is less known and less touristic than Maui's famous Road to Hana. This route requires more driving skills than the Road to Hana. We do not recommend the Kahekili Highway for everyone. It's a hazardous road, and there have been fatal accidents along it.
What is the death highway in Maui? ›
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.
What road to avoid in Maui? ›
Kahekili Highway
One of the most dangerous roads in Maui is also considered one of the most dangerous roads in the country. This is Kahekili Highway, also known as State Highway 340. Drivers navigate rocks to one side and steep cliffs on the other for about 20 miles between Kapalua and Wailuku.
Why is Road to Hana scary? ›
So you'll have to use your common sense as you navigate your way across bridges, curves, and low-visibility turns. The Road to Hana is particularly infamous for its 620 curves and 59 bridges throughout 64.4 miles. Don't worry too much if this makes you feel a little dizzy.
What does the name Kahekili mean? ›
Kahekili was a noted warrior chief who nearly destroyed his country and was styled Kahekilinui or "Kahekili the Great", even though his greatness was small in comparison to his descendant Kahekili II. His name was short for Kāne-Hekili after the Hawaiian god of thunder.
Is it safe to walk around Maui at night? ›
General Safety
It's wise to ask the island tourist office if you're in doubt about which neighborhoods are safe. Avoid deserted areas, especially at night. Don't go into any city park at night unless there's an event that attracts a crowd.
What is the best highway in Maui? ›
The Road to Hana is by far the most famous scenic drive on Maui! The route takes you along gorgeous spots on the island, including Paia Town, the impressive Twin Falls, Keanae, and Huelo Point Lookout.
Why is Road to Hana called divorce? ›
Some call it the “Road to Hell” or the “Road to Divorce” because you will have to journey across 52 miles of winding road, hairpin turns and numerous one lane bridges to experience all of Hana. This treacherous drive causes couples to argue. Don't worry, it's not that bad. Just take your time and drive carefully.
If you found Hana scary, this road isn't for you. If you go slow, and drive during the daylight hours, you'll be fine.
Why is the Road to Hana so famous? ›
The famed Road to Hana, also known as the Hana Highway or the Hana Millennium Legacy Trail is a 45 mile stretch of road that meanders its way through more than 600 winding curves, crosses 59 historic bridges, and treats you to panoramic views of the Pacific, cascading waterfalls, lush tropical rainforest, deep gorges, ...
What is the scary road on Maui? ›
Although often discouraged because of its potential dangerousness, the Kaheliki Highway offers a unique experience of discovering another little-known facet of the Hawaiian Islands.
How many people have died in Maui? ›
WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) — Authorities in Hawaii have adjusted the number of deaths from the deadly Maui wildfire down to at least 97 people. Officials previously said they believed at least 115 people had died in the fire, but further testing showed they had multiple DNA samples from some of the victims.
What is the Stairway to Heaven in Maui? ›
On the way to Kanehoe Bay, we saw the Ha'iku Stairs known as the Stairway to Heaven. The The vertical hike consists of 3,922 steps across the Ko'olau range. The stairs were built in 1942 by the U.S. Navy to transmit radio signals to ships sailing in the Pacific Ocean.
How scary is the drive to Haleakala? ›
Many people ask this question, and in case you're one of them, I'd like to reassure you. Driving at the lower elevations is no more dangerous than any other major highway, with very good visibility and wide open spaces all around.
What is the famous drive in Maui? ›
The Road to Hana is by far the most famous scenic drive on Maui! The route takes you along gorgeous spots on the island, including Paia Town, the impressive Twin Falls, Keanae, and Huelo Point Lookout. Make sure you stop by the Nahiku Marketplace to grab lunch!
What is the scary highway in Hawaii? ›
Ghost Stories of Pali Highway in Hawaii
In 1898, as this road was developed into a highway, workers found 800 human skulls, believed to be the remains of the warriors who fell to their deaths from the cliff above. Many ghost stories have settings along this old highway.
