When most people think of scenic drives on Maui, they think of the Road to Hana. But there’s another road – quieter, rougher, and in many ways, just as unforgettable. It winds around the northwest edge of the island, skimming along sea cliffs and carving through remote valleys. It’s called the Kahekili Highway, and it’s not for the faint of heart.

This drive is narrow. Parts of it shrink to a single lane, with blind corners, crumbling edges, and zero cell service. There are no safety nets here – just the open road, the ocean on one side, and the West Maui Mountains rising up on the other.

But if you’re up for the challenge, the Kahekili Highway rewards you with wild beauty and a glimpse into an older, quieter side of Maui.

Just a heads-up: this drive isn’t for everyone. Parts of the Kahekili Highway are extremely narrow, with blind turns and steep drop-offs. There are no guardrails in certain sections, and you may find yourself face-to-face with an oncoming car and nowhere to go but in reverse. If you’re a nervous driver – or if you’re traveling with someone who gets anxious on roads like this – it’s okay to skip it. It’s beautiful, yes, but also genuinely tricky in spots. You’ll want to stay alert, drive slow, and keep both hands on the wheel.

What to Expect Along Kahekili Highway

Kahekili Highway (also marked as Highway 340) begins just past Kapalua and hugs the coastline all the way up to Wailuku. It looks short on the map, roughly 20 miles, but you’ll want to give yourself a few hours.

From Kaanapali, take Honoapi‘ilani Highway (Route 30) north through Kapalua. Just after the turnoff for DT Fleming Beach, the road will subtly shift. That’s your entrance. Once you’re past the golf courses, it’s all raw coastline and tight curves from there.

• Cliffside Views: No marked overlooks, just wild coastline and sudden, sweeping views.
• Kahakuloa Village: A quiet community tucked in the valley. Drive slowly and respectfully, as this is home to many.
• Julia’s Banana Bread: A quaint wooden green shack along the roadside. Homemade banana bread, local fruit, and chilled coconut water. Cash only.
• Lorraine’s Shave Ice: If she’s open, stop. This isn’t a tourist stop, it’s actually her home, and one of the most memorable places you’ll ever enjoy a shave ice. Also of note is her “coconut crack.”

If You Go

• Drive clockwise: Start in Kapalua and head towards Wailuku. This keeps you on the inside lane instead of the cliffside.
• Avoid large vehicles: The road is extremely narrow in places. Full-size SUVs or vans can make the drive uncomfortable, especially at tight turns.
• Go early: Less traffic, better lighting, and a more relaxed pace.
• Let locals pass: If a car comes up behind you, pull over when you can. Locals drive this road regularly.
• No cell service: Download directions in advance, and don’t count on reception along the way.
• Check weather first: Avoid during rainstorms or if you’re not confident driving tight, winding roads.

Years ago, when I was a teenager, my dad took my brother and me out that way. He’d already driven the road many times – sometimes with clients, and sometimes on his own – and he wanted us to experience it too. He’d discovered Lorraine’s on one of his earlier trips and had struck up one of those easy friendships he was known for, with her and her husband. I remember how beautiful the drive was, how sweet Lorraine was, and how delicious the shave ice was. We sat at one of the picnic tables she had in her yard and ate it under the warm Hawaiian sun. It’s a memory that’s stayed with me all these years.

The Kahekili Highway isn’t on most people’s Maui itinerary, but it’s a chance to see a quieter side of the island – and maybe even discover a little more of that Maui magic. It may not be the day you planed, but it could be the one you remember most.

Guests on our all-inclusive Maui vacation packages have a rental car and time built into their itinerary, so if you’re feeling adventurous, Kahekili Highway is one of those side trips that quietly steals the show. Contact us today to start your Maui adventure.