we hear that the road is open. are there any great beaches or scenery places to stop?

I'm no Maui expert but I have a correction: The road that is once again passable is the Piilani Highway which goes around the south end of the island and then up the side of Haleakala and becomes 37 which goes into Kahului. The Piilani Highway does not go all the way through south Maui. Look at a map.

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=...num=1&ct=image

I like to stay in Hana, but if it must be a day trip, go early and go deep and then make your way back. Head to Red Beach, have breakfast at Hana Hotel relax and when the tourists have all passed you by, head back and beat them to Haillimaile General Store!

I'm no expert or pert either, but I have been blessed to stay in Hana on 3 visits and it has good reason to be called heavenly.

gyppie **2008 Fodors "Word of Mouth" Contributor

thank you to all 3 of you. i'm still trying to get an answer to my particular question. anyone?

Do you have a guidebook? If not, get one. Sounds like the Maui Revealed book would be right up your alley.

I certainly don't understand your response bodhijack.

All three of us tried to offer something in our own ways. Has the road reopened all the way round? That is news to me.

From your other posts seems you have already been to Homoa Beach in Hana. Red Sands is not for body surfing.

Sorry my response was useless to your needs. Iamq is correct, The Blue Book sounds like your Ultimate Guide.

Safe journey

I have not taken the road all the way around.

Just went as far as Lindbergh's grave & went back the same way.

But here is some info for you:

There are some places on this link including Kula Botanical Gardens, Tedeshi Winery & Laperouse Overlook:

http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/drives/maui/ump.htm

But those I listed can also be visited with an upcountry driving tour or on the way back from Haleakala Summit.

Also:

http://www.hawaiihighways.com/photos-Piilani-Hwy.htm

For more info:

Google: Piilani Highway

Keep in mind that most car rental agencies do no allow you to drive past Lindbergh's grave.

I think you are better off going back the same direction. There will be places that you might have missed or scenic lookouts that look better driving the opposite direction.

Hwy 31 was not a very good road the last time I was on it but it was beautiful and exciting. We drove on it a few times over the years, even though it was off limits per the rental company. I would recommend it for the scenery if you care to chance it. This was a few years ago so maybe it is better paved now. Where did you hear that it was open?

Car rental contracts say no "unimproved" roads. Pilani is constantly being improved (and I have driven rental cars on it for 20 years, no problems). There are scenic overviews, interesting lava-flow features, a couple of high-surf rocky beaches to walk, but the first "attraction" would probably be Tedeschi winery.
If the road is open again I would take it (we always do). (The drive back to Kahului on that road, if against traffic, is not fun.)

Sea Urchin,

It apparently opened in October. Any Maui residents want to confirm this?

http://www.mauinews.com/page/content...54.html?nav=10

I don't think any of us thought the road would be open any time soon. If it has i would love the details.

Weel I called the national park and they told me that yes indeed the road had been reopened in October after the closing a couple of years ago. However due to recent winter starms the road has again been closed indefinately, but you can reach the major areas of kipilua, just cant drive round.

You forgot to sign your name

"gyppielou, travel scout and information gatherer, 2009

where's Kipilua? You don't mean Kapalua? Then we're talking about different roads, the northern road (Hwy. 340 that's turns into 30) vs. the southern part of the Pilani Hwy (31). The road to Hana (360) changes into 31 past Hana, then into 37 where it parallels the Pilani hwy, which is below (so near and yet so far).

good lord, I am typing and not looking at the keyboard and lose all form of realizing the typos I have made.

kipahulu is what I meant

Clearly, gyppielou meant Kipahulu, the town west of Hana.

The road is rocky and narrow. If you are in a rental car, and end up with a flat tire, or some other problem that requires towing, you will have serious problems if your rental car agreement prohibits driving on this road.

thanks marginal, although the road has been washed out, I am hoping it is temporary and to once again frollick the days in that area....it is a very challenging area to drive, but heaven. I will never forget the shrine constructed to those lost 9/11 on the side of the road with fresh flowers. In such a rural area, it made me weep.

It will be closed about a week.

This is an article in today's Honolulu Advertiser:

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/ar...localnewsfront

thanks dusty!!!!