Anyone driven up to Hana on the Piilani Highway from south Maui? Is this doable in a rental car? Will it nullify most rental car agreements since parts of the highway are unpaved?

I referred to the FAQ Hawaii threads, but didn't see any specifics. I'm considering staying in south Maui...so feel free to give suggestions/advice.

Yes, yes, and yes. I recommend going clockwise though so you are hugging the land side of the cliffs rather than the ocean side, there are a few parts that can be a bit nerve-wrecking.

Pull over for locals to pass and drive the posted speeds. Also be careful of cyclists.

I was trying to plan a route from south Maui to the Seven Pools, avoiding the Hana Highway on the north side... but it appears all of the roads/paths connecting the South Maui to the highway are gated (google maps street view).

Unless somebody has different information, it looks like we'll be taking the looooong route to the north. I'm planning on being east of Kahului by 8am, so hopefully I miss some of the traffic.

As always, feel free to give input/advice/recs. (and yes, I've read Revealing Maui...)

Wife and I took the north route to and from Hana several years ago and we didn't think it was too bad at all. One of those things we were glad we did but wouldn't do again if we go back to Maui.

You can do it, but of course the rental car companies don't want you to. Just be careful as there are several one lane bridges and you are going against the flow. From the pineapple-winery to Lindbergh's grave is an interesting drive.

Pharm,

There's no gates the south direction, but feel free to email me. My handle at yahoo dot com. I live in the islands and drive that route a couple times a week. Be happy to discuss with you more.

We did the drive in October and it was no problem. We went all the way around in a Mustang Convertable

Thanks for the insight.

ktown, sent you an email.

so did I

Have done the drive twice in rental cars. It is very doable. Rental companies discourage it, but you can do it. Just don't want to have mechanical issues, getting a tow back there would be a major hassle and am am sure that would be on you. Interesting drive none the less. Clockwise is the wy to travel, just get an early start. Finish the day at the winery

Just got back from Maui and did the whole loop. I really enjoyed the south east side past the town of Hana. Really great views of the pacific and Haleakala. It was worth breaking the rental car contract. The unpaved portion is no biggie. Some of the one lane parts on the sides of the cliff were a bit freaky but fun at the same time. Before you begin the south east side of the drive make sure to take a dip in the ocean and do some body surfing st Hamoa beach (it's beautiful).