Highway Route 340 - Maui, Hawaii - Waterfront Shopping and Dining

Also known as the Kahekili Highway, Hawaii State Highway 340 is a rugged scenic route that extends for sixteen and a half miles along Maui's north shore. It runs north and south from Kahului through the small town of Waihee-Waiehu, flanked by the beauty of the West Maui Natural Area Reserve to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east, on its way to Kahakuloa Village, one of the most isolated spots on Maui. What makes this route special, however, are its many twists, turns and narrows, which can pose a challenge to even the most experienced drivers.

The highway begins in the town of Kahului near Maui Community College at the intersection of Kaahumanu Avenue. It heads north through Kahului Harbor Park, with Kahului Bay to the right (east). North of town, the route is called Waiehu Beach Road, and it passes by Waiehu Beach Pavilion and Waihee Beach Park, two popular seaside recreational areas.

Above Waihee-Waiehu, the route develops a series of snake-like curves, which continue all the way to Honokahua Bay. Along the way, there are several attractions, not the least of which is Camp Maluhia near mile marker 6.9. The Maui County Council of the Boy Scouts owns and manages this wilderness facility, where the panoramic ocean view is complemented by a quality summer camp experience for scout-aged boys. The camp is occupied 60 percent of the year and 95 percent of all weekends.

A little farther along Highway 340 is the family-owned and operated Mendes Ranch. It offers horseback trail rides through the mountainous terrain and down to the coast. Riding lessons, outdoor weddings and special events can also be arranged at the ranch, in addition to two-hour morning and afternoon rides priced at $110 per person.

Between the ranch and Kahakuloa Bay, the road is less well kept. The portions of the Kahekili Highway that are maintained by the county contain many one-lane stretches, often without reflectors or guardrails. Because the road is narrow and twisty, going is slow in places. In some stretches, the speed limits are posted at 15 miles per hour.

At mile marker 7.5 westbound, there is only room for one car. Along the coastal side of the road, there is nothing to separate the pavement from the embankment. Falling rocks are a danger here as well. For this reason, driving at night or in poor visibility on Highway 340 is not recommended unless drivers are quite familiar with the road. In fact, the route can be so treacherous that some rental car agencies have been said to prohibit taking their vehicles here.

Two more bottlenecks occur at mile markers 11.6 and 11.8. Traffic heading in either direction must yield so that cars can pass through the rock cuts. Then, Kahakuloa Head (also known as Pu'u Koae) juts out more than 600 feet toward the ocean overlooking Kahakuloa Bay and its village between mile markers 14 and 15. The views here are stunning and arguably worth the risk.

Drivers should be advised that Kahakuloa Village has no gas stations, and the road forward is considerably longer than the road back. Continuing west from the town, the highway rises for one and a half more miles of narrow curves and breathtaking scenery.

At mile marker 16.5 the Kahekili Highway joins the Honoapiilani Highway, also known as State Route 30. The pavement is much improved here. Four miles further on is a rest area and a hiking trail that leads to the Nakalele Blowhole, one of Maui's most famous natural attractions. The site can also be reached by taking the long way around on Route 30 from Kahului, which - given the slowness of the drive on Highway 340 - takes about the same amount of time.