Maui Scenic Drives: How to See the Best of the Island

 

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Explorers thrive on Maui, so if you’re an adventurous spirit, you found the right place! Think about all the beautiful landscapes you’ll see, palm trees, lush jungles, turquoise blue ocean fronts, quaint towns, and more. The best way to discover all the gems our island has to offer is to go on a fun road trip! We have selected three Maui scenic drives for you to enjoy. They all cover different areas of the island so you can see as much as you can during your visit!

Read on to discover your itineraries and plan your trip today! Make sure you download our free Vacation Guide for more local recommendations, including top restaurants, shops, museums, outdoor activities, and more.

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GO ON A ROAD TRIP ALONG THESE 3 MAUI SCENIC DRIVES!

 ROAD TO HANA

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! You can find delicious treats like Coconut Willie’s homemade coconut chips, but also lovely souvenirs to bring home to your family. Make sure to drive carefully as the road to Hana can be quite the haul, and the sudden turns with low visibility can be a real challenge.

Tip: Load your itinerary on your phone before your departure! You probably won’t be able to get a cell phone signal once you’re out there!


UPCOUNTRY MAUI

Take a break from the shore and drive into the upper part of Maui surrounding Haleakala. Upcountry Maui is a fantastic area to visit if you wish to discover the island’s farmlands, plantations, and historic towns. Start your road trip adventure with a stop at the Haleakala Crater for a morning hike, then head over to the rustic village of Kula for a visit to the Alii Kula Lavender Farm! Before you head back to your excellent PMI Maui condo, make sure you stop by the T. Komoda Store and Bakery to grab a delicious cream puff!


WEST MAUI NORTH SHORE OR THE NORTHWESTERN SEA COAST

The North Shore is considered a beautiful, rugged road that offers spectacular ocean views in an uncharted landscape. If you’re up for an adventure, you’ll love the narrow lanes and curves of the Kahekili Highway, especially with all the jaw-dropping vistas along the way! Start in Kapalua and head north towards Honolua Bay (One of the top spots for surfing and snorkeling). Take a peek at Nakalele Blowhole, take a dip in the Olivine Pools, and pick up some delicious banana bread in the nearby town of Kahakuloa for the drive back!

Note: The road you’ll travel in the Northwestern part of Maui can be pretty dangerous because of its narrow lanes and rugged terrain. Many car rental companies will have some restrictions for you to go to the area, so make sure you check on that before you venture out there. Our advice is to stop near Honolua Bay and to honk your horn before approaching any blind turns. Make sure you also have enough gas as there aren’t any gas stations on that stretch of the road.

Haleakala National Park

The road to Haleakala National Park is a gorgeous drive through the interior of Maui. Haleakala Highway has mountains on one side and forests on the other as you drive to the Visitors Center. From there, you can take a tour to the Haleakala volcano, where you can see a sunset fit for the history books.

Fun Fact: The National Park is considered sacred! Be sure to note that the park is remote, so there are no gas stations, and cell reception is hit or miss.


Treat Yourself to the Ultimate Hawaiian Backdrop This Vacation!

Chairs on the Lanai overlooking the gardens and blue sky

You could be going to the most beautiful places on Earth like Maui and still not enjoy a relaxing vacation. It all comes down to where you stay, don’t you agree? Be kind to yourself this upcoming trip and book a top-notch home through PMI Maui! We offer high-end, spacious, and modern properties that will take your Maui getaway to another level of relaxation.

Please take a look at our Wailea Ekahi 46b condo! You’ll love its modern decor and amenities, and the gorgeous ocean and garden views. It’s an excellent unit for couples. The condo offers two bedrooms and two baths, an extra-large lanai with lounge chairs, a BBQ gas grill to cook dinner, a pullout queen sofa sleeper, two large flat-screen TVs, as well as full access to the resort’s pools, tennis courts, and beachfront. What are you waiting for? Book it before it’s gone!

 

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