Discover the Natural Beauty of Maui along Honoapiilani Highway A Scenic Road to Paradise
Honoapiilani Highway
Hawaii

Quick Facts
• Honoapiilani Highway is a highway in Maui, Hawaii, USA.
• It is approximately 38 miles (61 kilometers) long.
• The highway is also known as Route 30.
• It connects the town of Lahaina to the Maalaea area.
• Honoapiilani Highway hugs the coastline for much of its route.
• It runs along the coastline near the mountain range of the West Maui Mountains.
• Along the highway, drivers can see both coastline and distant volcanic mountains.
• In some areas, the road passes through agricultural farmland and developed residential areas.
• Some rugged shoreline and coves can also be seen and accessed along the route.
• Alternative route Lahaina Bypass was opened to alleviate traffic on the western stretch.
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Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
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Honoapiilani Hwy, Wailuku, HI 96793
Honoapiilani Highway A Scenic Route Through the Island of Maui
Located on the beautiful island of Maui in Hawaii, Honoapiilani Highway is a scenic route that spans approximately 38 miles from Maalaea to Lahaina. This route is one of the most popular and scenic drives in Hawaii, offering stunning ocean views, historic landmarks, and access to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches.
In this article, we will explore the history of Honoapiilani Highway, its significance to the island of Maui, and some of the popular attractions and activities that can be enjoyed along the way.
History of Honoapiilani Highway
The original Honoapiilani Highway was built over 500 years ago by the ancient Hawaiians who wanted to create a safe and efficient route between the islands of Maui and Oahu. The original road was a simple footpath that was used by travelers and traders who were seeking to connect the two islands. Over time, the footpath was widened and improved to accommodate horseback riders, and eventually, cars.
In the 1960s, the Hawaii Department of Transportation began constructing a new highway that would follow the route of the original footpath. The new highway was designed to be a scenic route that would showcase the natural beauty of Maui, while also providing a safe and efficient route for travelers.
Significance of Honoapiilani Highway
Honoapiilani Highway is significant to the island of Maui for several reasons. Firstly, it provides access to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches, including Kaanapali Beach, Honokowai Beach, and Napili Beach. These beaches are popular among tourists and locals alike and offer a range of activities, including snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing.
Secondly, Honoapiilani Highway is an important cultural and historical landmark. The highway runs along the coast of Maui and passes through several historic sites, including the Lahaina Historical Trail and the Kaanapali Historical Trail. These sites provide insight into the history of Maui and the ancient Hawaiians who once inhabited the island.
Lastly, Honoapiilani Highway is a major economic driver for the island of Maui. The highway provides access to several resorts and hotels, including the Kaanapali Beach Resort and the Lahaina Beach Resort. These resorts offer a range of amenities and activities, including golfing, dining, and shopping.
Popular Attractions and Activities Along Honoapiilani Highway
There are many popular attractions and activities along Honoapiilani Highway, including:
Papalaua State Wayside Park This park is a popular spot for picnics and offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
Kaanapali Beach This beach is one of the most popular beaches in Maui and offers a range of activities, including snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing.
Honokowai Beach This beach is a popular spot for surfers and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Lahaina Historical Trail This trail provides insight into the history of Lahaina and the ancient Hawaiians who once inhabited the island.
Kaanapali Historical Trail This trail provides insight into the history of Kaanapali and the ancient Hawaiians who once inhabited the island.
Whale Watching Along Honoapiilani Highway
One of the most popular activities along Honoapiilani Highway is whale watching. The highway runs along the coast of Maui and offers stunning views of the ocean, where visitors can see a variety of marine life, including whales, dolphins, and sea turtles.
The best time to see whales along Honoapiilani Highway is during the winter months, when the humpback whales migrate to Maui to mate and give birth. Visitors can take a guided tour or drive along the highway and look for whales from the many scenic overlooks.
Festivals and Events Along Honoapiilani Highway
Throughout the year, there are many festivals and events along Honoapiilani Highway, including:
Annual Maui Film Festival This festival is held every June and showcases a range of films, including feature films, documentaries, and short films.
Maui Marathon This marathon is held every October and attracts runners from around the world.
Maui Music Festival This festival is held every August and features a range of music, including traditional Hawaiian music and contemporary music.
Maui Arts and Cultural Festival This festival is held every July and showcases a range of arts and cultural activities, including music, dance, and visual arts.
Conclusion
Honoapiilani Highway is a scenic route that offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. From its stunning ocean views to its historic landmarks and cultural significance, this highway is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the island of Maui. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, Honoapiilani Highway has something for everyone.
Photos of Honoapiilani Highway




Frequently Asked Questions:
Honoapiilani Highway FAQ
Q What is Honoapiilani Highway
A Honoapiilani Highway is a state highway that runs along the western coast of the island of Maui in Hawaii USA
Q Where does the highway begin and end
A The highway begins in Lahaina and ends in Maalaea a distance of approximately 38 miles
Q What is the purpose of Honoapiilani Highway
A The highway connects Lahaina to other communities along the coast providing access to beaches parks and other scenic attractions
Q What are some popular attractions along the highway
A Some popular attractions along the highway include Kaanapali Lahaina Kahekili Highway side beaches and other scenic lookouts
Q Is Honoapiilani Highway prone to flooding or road closures
A Yes the highway is prone to flooding and road closures especially during heavy rainfall due to the mountainous terrain and ocean waves
Q Can you drive on Honoapiilani Highway after dark
A It is recommended to drive on the highway during daylight hours whenever possible as some sections have limited street lighting and narrow shoulders
Q Are there any bike paths or pedestrian walkways along the highway
A Yes there are bike paths and pedestrian walkways along certain sections of the highway but they are not continuous
Q What are the speed limits on Honoapiilani Highway
A Speed limits range from 25 to 55 mph depending on the location and road conditions
Q Are there any bus services or public transportation options on the highway
A Yes there are bus services and public transportation options available along the highway including the Maui Bus
Related Links & Information:
Honoapiilani Highway Historic Trail Bikeways
Honoapiilani Highway Improvements
Lahaina to Kapalua Highway Improvements Project
Honoapiilani Highway on Google Maps
Honoapiilani Highway Historical Marker
