Piilani Highway is a road with bad reputation in Hawaii

Cruising the southern coast of Maui? Then the Pi'ilani Highway, also known as the "back road to Hana," is a must-do! This loop around the island dishes out serious scenery. Think stunning shorelines, vibrant beach colors, and the endless, majestic Pacific.

Hawaii Route 31 clocks in at 38 miles (61 km), a real roller coaster with twists, turns, and plenty of ups and downs. There's a roughly 6-mile (10 km) stretch that's the most… adventurous. Sometimes, it narrows to a single lane around super-sharp bends! Places like Lelekea Bay are just a lane and a half wide, hugging the sea cliffs around blind curves. They've even installed rockfall fencing – that’s how close you are to nature! Honk those horns heading into blind corners!

Okay, let's be real: this isn't your average smooth ride. While mostly paved, expect sections of gravel and dirt. You won't need 4x4, but be prepared for some bumpy patches. It's more like an old paved road that's been patched… and patched… and patched again with asphalt. Slow and steady wins the race here – you might even need to crawl along at 5 mph (8 km/h) on the roughest bits to protect your rental car's suspension. Heads up: some rental agreements specifically forbid driving this section, probably due to its remote location. Definitely avoid it during or after heavy rain. Sometimes, vehicles get stuck, or the road closes altogether.

But trust us, the views are worth it. You'll see pebble beaches, dramatic sea cliffs, and a totally undeveloped coastline. This area is probably the least visited part of Maui, making it feel raw and incredibly wild.