Several locals warned me against riding the loop. I think they thought it was too big a loop (60 miles) and that the road is scary. The road is in fact a single lane for 10+ miles, but that turned out to be a blessing for cycling. The speed limit was 15 miles an hour and cars were super careful and respectful since they didn’t know who might be around the corner.
The Kahakili Highway winds up and down all the little canyons on the coast. It climbs up hundreds of feet and then back down constantly. There are a couple of very steep and 1 or two fairly long climbs and a different vista. The only ride I could compare it to for beauty would be Trail Ridge Road, back in Colorado. I also had a lesson on Hawaiian trade winds. They are incredibly steady at about 20MPH. Being a loop around the island though, I did get some very nice tailwinds, but I more than paid the price.
The little village of Kahukuloa might be as close to perfection as I have seen. It is in this incredible little valley with a single lane road as the only way in and out. It also has an amazingly good fruit/smoothie stand that was very welcome at the point in the ride. Surprise, the local fruit on Maui is pretty good…
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