We will be staying at the Sheraton in Maui and want to take time to drive over the top hrough Kahakuloa and the view Iao Needle. How long should we allow ourselves for this trip if we stop at some of the sites along the way?

Maui Revealed book doesn't discuss much about the hike to the needle (if there even is one.)

I'm not sure about the drive time but the needle does not require a hike. I'm not exactly sure but you might even be able to see it from the parking lot. In any case it is very close and easy to walk to.

OK, now. One more time. The people of Maui hate Maui Revealed because it's constantly telling people to go off the roads, and usually through their backyards.

If you're talking about going north, past Kapalua and around the north side of the island, that is considered off the road, because the state road stops. The car rental companies forbid this, and if your rental car breaks down out there, you'll be responsible for getting it out ON YOUR OWN. They won't come help you.

We noticed on our last visit in October that the section of road beyond Kapalua has undergone some much needed repavement and lane expansion, since our 1st visit in 2001. The road does not go through anyones backyard and has signage and roadside art and refreshment and produce stands in english.

aloha Nancy,

Wonderful drive... take your time, get out at Iao & walk around the park.
We probably spent a total of 4 hours, and am so glad we did.

Have a great trip.

The state road does stop but nevertheless it is a public road after the state road stops regardles of what sweetj saya,

RESPECT PRIVATE PROPERTY. "Maui Revealed" does not.

Iao needle is an easy drive from Wailuku/Kahalui area. Driving around the "top" from Kapalua to Wailuku is fun. There's one section that gets very narrow but in general it's OK, just don't hurry. The stories about this road (paved all the way ) and the "back" road from Hana all the way around being off limits to rental cars is out of date and not supported in my experience. The rental agreements I've read say nothing about them in particular except to talk about "off road". Both are official "roads" tho' the back way from Hana is unpaved for a stretch.
Remember, commercial van tours use both roads daily.
Have a great trip.

We drove from the Sheraton to the Iao needle in October. I think it took us 3-4 hours. Plan on spending about 1 hour or so at the Needle, as there are pretty trails and a stream, and plantings to stroll through before walking up..up to view the needle. The pavement on the road along this route was not a problem for us...what scared me was the fact that there were many hairpin turns on a road that would only accommodate one car, so go slow, honk your horn before proceeding around any blind turn and you will be okay. If you see an oncoming car pull over and hug the mountain and let them pass. (I actually thought this route around the top of Maui was much more scary than the road to Hana.) Maybe because we did it first. It's an experience...Have a great time.

We were in Maui in February and took the road past Kapalua and ended up at the Iao Valley, the same as you're describing. The scenery was great and very much different than the road to Hana. There aren't any waterfalls, but plenty of valleys and views of the ocean. There's also an art gallery about half way. A good place to take a break and look around. The road narrowed to one way for about 8 miles but we didn't meet a lot of cars. Not sure when you're going, but I would caution about rocks and mud in the road especially with the recent rains. Give the road crews time to get it cleaned up. The trip took about 4 hours, so we stopped at the mall in Kahalui for lunch before heading on the the Needle.
Hope you have a great time.

What is the best direction to travel - Wailuku to Kapalua or vice versa ?

That would depend on who is the most squeamish about the heights. I drive from Kapalua to Wailuku so my husband could be on the mountain side. There were a few places I was on the inside, but not many. And if you do meet a car they have to pass you on the outside. Better in my opinion to be on the inside at that point.

Hello everyone. I live on maui, and despite the great beauty of the island it contains a very dark side. The locals hate white people, the drug "ice" (cristal meth) is rampid causing people to go crazy w/ attacks, stealing, and hate. The local police are biast, and always lean toward the favor of the "local" people. Fights, gangs, drugs, police brutality(toward whites). And even murder go untouched, or even looked into. The Maui revealed book has ruined the land, directing people to trash places that have been untouched for millions of years. People forget that once they leave, we still have to live here. The government is corrept. And the community is ran by rich people who care about nothing but themself,. They never go out after dark, and they don't believe the slaves that do all their shopping for them, about the crime of the island. My advise. Boycot "maui revealed" e-mail your congress(everyday) telling them of the problem. Take your hard earned money and spend it in a cheeper place, where you will be respected, and appreciated. MAUI SUCKS!!!!! PS If you do buy the "evil blue book" Obey no trespassing signs. people are being shot without warning for criminal trespassing. You don't see that stuff on the travel channel do ya?

Thanks Mauiman! I am white so I will definitely go to Kauai instead!!!!!!!!!

love
roxy

The thing I found most interesting about the drive described above was the changing colors of the mud at the side of the road on the mountain side. Everyone has heard of "red dirt shirts" but in places this mud was purple! We took the road from Kapalua to Wailuku which put us against the mountain. It was still harrowing at times and I cannot imagine doing it the other way. We didn't take this drive the last time we went and I really missed it. Toward the end of the drive we saw a beautiful golden beach in a residential area. When we tentatively got out to look around, a local man came out of his house, waved, and said, "Enjoy da beach!" I have been to Maui five times and never encountered hostility but have when I've visited Kauai. Go figga!

Wow, check out the weird "mauiman" posts! It looks like he put this type of doomsday message on five different threads early this morning. Someone needs a hug...

Also, I just noticed this thread is almost a year old. I'll bet Nancy03 has already made this drive herself.

>Wow, check out the weird "mauiman" posts! It looks like he put this type of doomsday message on five different threads early this morning.<

It looks like "mauiman" needs to get a life. And spellcheck.

I scent troll here, but in the off chance that he is for real, you have to wonder why it's such a mystery with his attitude that he has such problems getting along with his neighbors.

"Someone needs a hug...

Also, I just noticed this thread is almost a year old. I'll bet Nancy03 has already made this drive herself."
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I think he needs a fix! Paranoia is very common in batu (ice, crystal meth, or whatever you like call em) users. And it was Mauiman that dug up this nearly year old thread! Hmmmm, nothing to do on a gorgeous day in Maui but stir up da kukai!