I’m wondering if any dopers can provide insight on a couple of roads in Hawaii. The most current guidebooks I’ve read say that the Saddle Road is quite drivable, and that Hiway 31 from Hana around the southern part of Maui is actually driven by tour buses when the weather’s been good. What’s the scoop?
Saddle road on Big Island or Maui? I know the one on the Big Island is fine-- it’s paved, although there are probably still a lot of potholes. Make sure to gas up before you leave Hilo/ Kailua.
I lived on the big island about 4 years ago, so I’ll tell you what I knew of it:
Saddle road was quite drivable, but if you’re squeemish, I wouldn’t recommend doing it at night. There are sharp curves and shoddy pavement in some parts. I’d say your biggest problem would be crazy kids tearing down it at 100mph. Lots of rental car places would forbid you from driving on it when I lived there.
However, if you want to drive for the sake of driving and taking in the scenery, don’t do saddle road. Go around the island. It takes a while (~4hrs to go all the way around, from what I remember. I may be way off though, it has been a while), but it is absolutely breathtaking in places. There’s nothing quite like driving along the coast and watching the full moon’s reflection over the water… not that there isn’t plenty of other stuff to see as well. It’s also interesting to watch the climate change from rain forest to desert as you drive to the other side of the island.
I drove the Hana Road last year. The back side was rough and had to be taken slowly but it was driveable. I wish we’d taken off earlier in the day though, because it was getting dark when we started that part of the drive and I would have loved to have been able to see the ocean more.
I have driven the southern road back from Hana in a compact rental, and had no problems. Like photoplat said, you must go slow (it is not paved), but it’s pretty drivable. there were spots where I got a little worried, being in the cheapo-rattle trap that I was, but it handled everything like a champ.
HOWEVER, I would describe this as a hich risk, high reward type proposition. The views are cool, like nothing else on Maui (mostly desert), but it is very, very remote. If you get in trouble, you are going to be in big trouble. I doubt that there is cell phone coverage, and there is not going to be anything in terms of gas, food or water.
Not to mention that you will sign an agreement in your rental contract that says you promise not to drive that road.
All that said, I had a blast, I would just be better prepared next time. Take a little extra water, take a little food, and be sure to fill up in Hana. And I would feel more comfortable next time in a Jeep.
One last note: you can do the road to Hana and back in one day, with plenty of sunlight to spare, but I would start early, especially if you are staying on the West side of the island.
The Saddle Road on Hawaii is quite driveable. We’ve done it twice in the last two years. The rental companies tell you that you’re voiding your agreement, but I think the only thing you’ll have a problem with is a breakdown. You may be liable for the wrecker charges.
I highly recommend the drive to the top of Mauna Kea. I’ve driven it in a two wheel drive rental car. Stop at the visitors center (about 9000 feet elevation) and aclimate yourself and your car. Loosen the gas cap for a second to equalize the air pressure in your gas tank. Continue the drive to the top, take it easy driving.
You have to be off the top of the mountian by half an hour after sunset. Take it slow driving down, use low gear, pull over and let your brakes cool occasionally. Stop again at the visitors center (turn off your lights as you approach)
You can look through a number of small telescopes, and see the night skies like you’ve never imagined.
If I can add one bit of advice: if you choose to drive in Hawaii and happen to be in a convertible, please put sunblock on your thighs, so you don’t get sunburned so badly that you lose feeling from your knees up. :eek:
We used to drive the saddle road all the time. In fact my Mom worked on Mauna Loa for awhile and drove it every day in our little mazda. I’d say it’s much less dangerous then the H-82 that approaches Paris, TX. Although since you’re surrounded by sharp lava rock if you lose control and go off the road you can do huge amounts of damage to body and car. It’s a real moonscape.
We used to have a similar open road around Kaena point on Oahu. All dirt with huge potholes as pieces of the road kept falling into the ocean. Great views as on a clear day you could see Kauai. But it became too dangerous so they put a huge rock wall across the beginning to keep anyone from driving in. By dangerous I mean that at points the entire ocean side lane fell away. You can still hike it out to the point though, which I recommend. It’s right next to the skydiving field.
I drove both these roads on a recent visit to Hawaii, and they are fine. The saddle road on the Big Island is in excellent repair from Hilo west to the turnoff for Mauna Kea, and good from there on. I do believe it’s probably best to avoid this road at night, but the rental companies’ policy about not driving on this road at all is a joke.
As Rawduke says, the drive to the top of Mauna Kea is great. The road is suitable for any vehicle provided the driver has a modicum of good sense, and the views from the top can be spectacular. There must be few places in the world where you can drive with ease from sea level to over 13,000’. But beware the thin air at the top.
The road south of Hana on Maui is not so wonderful, but again within the reach of any vehicle whose driver has common sense. There are stretches that are one lane, with the occasional place to pull over and let an oncoming vehicle pass. Visibility is often restricted, and you must allow for this. But the sites and views are not to be missed. I’d recommend Lindbergh’s grave at Kipahulu (I’m a pilot), and the so-called “seven sacred pools.”
The guidebooks “Big Island Revealed” and “Maui Revealed” are the best – don’t waste your time with anything else.
If you want a hairy road on the Big Island, find the one that leads down to the north side of Kealakekua Bay. I drove a 4WD rental car down this once – a huge mistake. By some miracle, we found another route back. Don’t even think of driving this road.
If you drive the back road to Hana on Maui, start in Kula (upcountry) and go that way. It’s taking the long way to Hana and the less long way back.
Please stop at the Kaupo store halfway to Hana and say hello to the family that owns and runs it. They are friends of mine.