Piilani Highway Coastal Route

Road cycling the difficult Piilani Highway from Paia offers 93.5 miles (150.5 km) of dramatic coastal views and remote jungle roads.

Embark on a truly epic road cycling journey along Maui's eastern and southern coasts, combining the iconic Hana Highway with the wilder Piilani Highway. This difficult 35.7-mile (57.4 km) route offers a constant change of scenery, from the lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls of the Hana side to the dramatic coastal views and lava fields of the Piilani section, especially as you pass Kūloa Point. Expect a challenging ride with 3941 feet (1201 metres) of elevation gain, taking around 5 hours and 19 minutes, making it ideal for experienced cyclists seeking adventure.

Planning your ride requires attention to the varied road conditions; while the Hana Highway is mostly paved, the Piilani Highway includes substantial unpaved and gravel segments, particularly a 6-mile stretch past Haleakalā National Park. Cycling anti-clockwise is often recommended to keep the ocean on your right and manage traffic on the narrower sections. Be aware that the Piilani Highway can narrow to a single lane along cliffs with blind curves, so honk before turns for safety.

What makes this route truly special is its blend of the famed Road to Hana experience with the untamed beauty of Maui's