Maui Travel Forum

Does anyone here have any experience driving on Rt. 31, the Piilani Highway? This is the "other" road to/from Hana, which crosses the southern part of the island.

I'm going to be down near Wailea for a few days and then need to head to Hana from there. Someone suggested I could take some local roads and then Rt. 31 to Hana from there as an alternative to taking Rt. 360. But from what I've read,it sounds like parts of this route are often not passable. I also have no idea what the local roads between Wailea and Rt 31 will be like. I will NOT have a 4x4.

Thanks for any help

It was closed a year ago when we were there. Call National Park first to inquire if it is open all the way.

You will not be able go directly from Wailea to Hwy 37, which will take the south route around Haleakala. There is no shortcut. You must go back to Kahului before heading south on 37, but from that point, it's closer to take the north route.

From Wailea, go north on Hwy 31 to Maalaea. Then take Hwy 350 to Kahului. From there, take Hwy 36 around the north side of island to Hana.

Ref:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&;hl=en&geocode=&q=maui,+hi&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&;sspn=33.160552,56.162109&ie=UTF8&ll=20.841486,-156.439819&spn=0.305457,0.438766&z=11

As bluecollar mentioned, you have to drive most of the way back to Kahalui and then drive back thru up country, however, it is much, much faster to get to Hana than the typical route on the North side. That said, as mentioned, the road is often closed. It was closed for most of 2007, however, a few years before that I had no problem. The road is unpaved for 5 miles or so and is washboard. Just a little rough (although I did pick up a nail in my tire) The area is desert like although the views over the ocean are nice. Once past the winery the road is a blast to drive and I was probably going too fast. Karl

Aloha - I agree with Roadquill that it's faster to take the southeast roads for the back way to Hana. From Kihei, take Mokulele Hwy. to Kahului, turn right on Dairy Rd. then turn rt. on Hana Hwy. and another rt. on Haleakala Hwy. up the mountain. Take Kula Hwy. Route 37 south to Keokea. This two-lane road winds around Ulupalakua, past Tedeschi Vineyard & Ulupalakua Ranch store (a nice stop) through dry terrain punctuated by interesting native plants and lots of lava rock. The road is open and driveable but it gets very dusty (or muddy after rains). Between Kaupo and Kipahulu is the roughest part, yes, kind of like a washboard. Views are really cool, though. Take plenty of water. First rest-stop these days is in Kipahulu at the organic coffee farm place.