Even though we can’t take a traditional road trip like our friends on the mainland, the Hawaiian Islands are home to several incredible scenic drives just waiting to be explored — and we can almost guarantee that our views are better. And while we love Hana Highway as much as the next person, there’s another scenic drive on the island of Maui we’d love to share with you today. So, grab a cup of coffee from the unparalleled Wailuku Coffee Company and embark on the unforgettable 35-mile drive along Maui’s Honoapi’ilani Highway with us.
Honoapi’ilani Highway, also known as Hawaii Route 30, traverses Maui for 35 miles from downtown Wailuku, across the base of the West Maui Mountains to Maalaea before meandering along the coast through Lahaina and Kapalua before ending at Honokahua Bay.
clickfarmer/Flickr
As you make your way from Wailuku to Maalaea, you will drive through this magnificent stretch of road lined with large trees.
Jim Mullhaupt/Flickr
You will also be treated to the lush, verdant landscape of the West Maui Mountains.
Jim Mullhaupt/Flickr
But that’s not even the best part… the views of the vast Pacific Ocean as seen from the highway are truly second to none.
Jim Mullhaupt/Flickr
Carved into the coast from Maalaea to Kapalua, the Honoapi’ilani features a 318-foot long tunnel carved into the mountain, and is an architectural marvel, especially when viewed from above.
Maui 24/7/Facebook
This is one drive you’ll want to make sure you have your camera for. Amateur and professional photographers alike love capturing the landscapes seen from Honoapi’ilani Highway.
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
Don’t forget to take your eyes of the ocean for a few seconds, though: the rock formations along this highway are unexpectedly gorgeous.
Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr
If you happen to be driving during sunset, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views like this. Even cloudy sunsets are gorgeous in Hawaii.
katsuhiro7110/Flickr
Featuring breathtaking mountain and ocean views, the Honoapi’ilani Highway absolutely must be on your Hawaii scenic drive bucket list. So, what are you waiting for? Pack up the car and hit the road for some of the prettiest views in Hawaii.
Lesley Wilson/Flickr
While it’s used by Maui commuters on a regular basis, it also happens to be one of the prettiest roads in the Aloha State. When was the last time drove the scenic Honoapi’ilani Highway? Share your experience and opinions in the comments below!
clickfarmer/Flickr
Jim Mullhaupt/Flickr
Maui 24/7/Facebook
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr
katsuhiro7110/Flickr
Lesley Wilson/Flickr
If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path scenic drive along Maui’s coast, check out Hawaii’s loneliest road: Kahekili Highway.
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