Pi'ilani Highway

Piilani Highway traces Maui's remote back road between Kipahulu and Upcountry, with dry lava fields, sea cliffs, ranchland and long stretches with limited services.

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Pi'ilani Highway (Hwy 31), Maui

Also known as the back road to Hana, the Pi'ilani Highway (Hwy 31) leads along Mt. Haleakala's southern flank, from upcountry Kula and Ulupalakua to the small communities of Kipahulu and Hana on Maui's east shore. The highway has a bad reputation and some rental car companies either caution against driving this road or prohibit it.

The "highway" is not really a highway like you would imagine it, with at least one lane in either direction, but more like a remote country road. In some areas (such as at Lelekea Bay) it's just a one-and-a-half lane bumpy road hugging the sea cliff around a blind curve. Fences have been installed on the mountain here to prevent rocks from falling onto cars.

Luckily the traffic on Pi'ilani Highway is much lighter than on the Hana Highway between Kahului and Hana, the road most people take to get to Hana. Compared to the lush and green rainforest vegetation and many waterfalls along the Hana Highway, the vegetation along the Pi'ilani Highway is drier with red-brown meadows, pebble beaches and sea cliffs.

Key Features

Remote back-side Maui drive between Kipahulu, Kaupo and Upcountry
Known for dry lava fields, ranchland, sea cliffs and open ocean views
Road conditions can change after rain, wind, rockfall or maintenance
Narrow sections, blind curves and rough pavement require slow driving
Rental car restrictions may apply on parts of the route
Services are very limited, with long stretches and no gas stations
Cell service can be unreliable along the back-side route
Best approached with a full tank, water, snacks and current road information

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Piilani Highway the same as the back road to Hana?

Piilani Highway is part of the back-side Maui route that some drivers use between Kipahulu, Kaupo and Upcountry after visiting Hana or Haleakala National Park's Kipahulu area.

Is Piilani Highway paved?

Parts of the road are paved, but conditions can vary. Rough pavement, narrow sections, blind curves and debris can make the drive more demanding than many Maui roads.

Can rental cars drive Piilani Highway?

Rental rules vary by company and contract. Check your rental agreement before driving the back-side route, because some companies restrict travel on certain sections.

Are there services along Piilani Highway?

Services are very limited. Drivers should have fuel, water, snacks and a charged phone before leaving Hana, Kipahulu or Upcountry Maui.

What makes the drive different from the Road to Hana?

The Road to Hana is greener and wetter, with more waterfalls and jungle scenery. Piilani Highway is drier and more open, with lava fields, ranchland and broad ocean views.