Things to do / Travel Guide
One thing to be acutely aware of on a scenic drive is the proximity of services, or lack thereof. While gas stations and rest stops with small restaurants are usually available along the scenic routes in Maui, they are scarce in Molokai and Lanai.
Maui
Maui is, in and of itself, a very scenic island. One very popular scenic drive is the “Road to Hana,” which journeys up to Hana from the island's central valley. This road is well-paved and suitable for most cars, not just four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles.
From Kahului Airport, the Road to Hana goes on for 53 miles and crosses 54 bridges. On the way, the pineapple fields of Haiku can be viewed, as well as many natural waterfalls, taro fields, tropical plants and birds, and, of course, the wonderful scenery of Maui. The Road to Hana also passes by old churches and secluded beaches, offering travelers a real taste of Hawaii.
Another scenic drive is the drive up the Haleakala volcano and the Makawao region, and beyond to the Iao Valley. The road, Highway 37, crosses down the middle of the island, and, from Kahului, rides through the inland towns of Pukalani, Waiakoa, and Keokea before ending in the southwestern corner of the island, in a place called Ulupalakua Ranch. The Makawao region, anchored by the town of Makawao, is a quaint and picturesque ranching town that has, in the past decade, become home to feed and garden shops and health food stores. The town looks like it was picked up in the Old West and dropped suddenly on the island of Maui. The Iao Valley is flanked in the distance by the West Maui Mountains and is additionally offset by Puu Kukui, Maui's highest and wettest peak. The scenery of the Iao Valley is so popular with tourists to the extent that tour operators consider a trip to Maui incomplete without a stop there.
One of the best times to drive up to the Haleakala summit is in the wee hours of the morning, to arrive there and witness one of the world's most dramatic and spectacular sunrises. Also, Haleakala National Park is not only a popular site for biking, hiking, camping, and nature walks, but also home to a geological marvel; a natural (dormant) volcano!
Molokai
For visitors to the Hawaiian island of Molokai, perhaps a drive along the Halawa Valley on the island's southern coast is just the thing. This road trip is about 37 miles long in each direction and passes by beautiful beaches, delightful little old churches, and a wide network of ancient fish ponds.
Lanai
Munro Trail leads all the way up to Lanaihale, one of the highest peaks on Lanai, before coming back down the eastern slope of the mountain. While driving along the trail, travelers will pass by abandoned churches and isolated beaches before eventually returning to Lanai City. This scenic drive is about seven miles long and brings tourists to the height of the peak to look out over the island of Lanai.
Another trail on Lanai is the Keomuku Beach Road. This 30-mile loop dirt road runs all the way down from Lanai City to the coast. Lined with Kiawe trees, travelers on the Keomuku Beach Road can see the eastern shore of Lanai as well as abandoned villages and quiet, remote beaches. As this road is not entirely paved, it is considered suitable only for 4WD vehicles.
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