Originally Posted by
kaukau
From Lahaina, one may drive to Kahului either by taking the Honoapiilani Highway through Olawalu and Maalaea to Kahului - the "normal" route: fast and easy -
or drive the "back way" through Kapalua, Nakalele and Kahakuloa via the Kuhilani Highway: slow difficult and treacherous, but incredibly scenic.
You did leave out
fun.
Maybe you heard my wife yelling at me to:
- pay attention
- stop looking at the scenery
- pay attention
- drive with 2 hands
- pay attention
She was a wreck. Good thing I had a small rental; otherwise I might not have passed, or shall I say
squeezed by the few oncoming cars.
One guy in a 4x4 had to back up for me.
As I rounded one turn along the cliff, I was able to look back at 2 'wide' cars that were attempting to pass each other in the opposite direction. One drive got out as he directed the other driver using his hands. I can only imagine the conversation.
My tightest squeeze was when I had to move my drivers side mirror closer to the car. Good thing those are flexible.
We're talking
s curves and 5 mph twist and turns. You never know if the oncoming traffic in this single lane road will be making a direct bullseye for you.
The ride was harrowing to say the least. The
AAA warns of a single lane for a few miles. Out of all the free maps available on Maui, only one remarked that this road was dangerous.
I'd do the drive again.
I'd do the drive alone.
FYI, there's a great gift shop somewhere along the road. Trust me when I say you can't miss it.
I purchased a tee-shirt that said I survived the drive.