Papawai Scenic Lookout and Highway 30

star star star star star
Maui, HI
Papawai Scenic Lookout and Highway 30
pinit
1 likes
More Like This

Highway 30 is a pretty drive beside the deep blue ocean. It connects South Maui, such as Kihei and Wailea, with West Maui, such as Kaanapali.

The road is winding, with only one lane on each side. There is also plenty of traffic on it. A yellow landscape, scorched and dry, stretches out in front of you. Jagged mountains tower up to the sky in the distance. 
Heading north from Kihei, you pass Papawai Scenic Lookout. Stop here to admire the color of the sea.During whale season, December to April, you can see whales quite often, as they hang out safely in this sheltered area between the four islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kaho'olawe. It is best to stop at this lookout on your way back (going south) since it's hard to get back on the highway from it. 
Next, you pass Ukumehame Beach, a beach for beginner surfers. Olowalu is a tiny roadside town with a canopy of trees over Highway 30. Here you can stop at a fruit stand or gifts stall.
There are some touristy things along the way. Maui Butterfly Farm is an expensive one. Maui Animal Farm is a zoo. Maui Dragon Fruit Farm has a zipline and alpacas tour. I didn't try any of these.
Maria Lanakila Catholic Church is a miracle church that survived the 2023 fire in Lahaina. It is a bit dangerous to drive to it though, as there is debris and broken things you can crash into (we did).
Have lunch in the ocean breeze at Maui Brewing Company, on the tropical grounds of the Kaanapali Beach Resort. Leave some time to rest on the lawn, and jump into the gelatin-clear water. Bliss! This is the clearest and most pleasing water I saw on Maui. To get your parking validated, have it stamped at the entrance to the restaurant, and when you leave the hotel, take it to the valet stand. It feels a stressful because the ticket says something about not staying long, and also the parking structure is like a maze.
If you are seeking shade, hang out under the trees at Fleming Beach.
Snorkelers enjoy Honolua Bay, and the view from the top at the Honolua Bay Lookout is amazing, but there isn't much else to do on this beach of huge pebbles, and the forest is more sketchy than enchanted.
Nakalele Blowhole is at the northern tip of the island.
On the far north end of Maui, Highway 30 becomes Highway 340, a narrow highway that requires a lot of concentration.

or Continue to directions...

The glowing water.

Plaque about whale sightings at Papawai Scenic Lookout.

The shape of the mountains beside the road.

Tree canopy at Olowalu.

The mountains beside the road.

A beach beside the highway.

Norfolk pines and sea- a beautiful sight!

Driving along Highway 30.

Vegetation along Highway 30.

Long grasses and mesa ahead.

The lookout over Honolua Bay is worth stopping at.

Directions

There is a sign that says "scenic point" and shows you where to pull off.

map

Click on map for interactive view

Comments

Add your comments

Last Updated: Mon, 19 May 2025 19:45:46 GMT

Text and Image copyright: © 2006-2025 LotsaFunMaps.com.
Copying prohibited. Contact the editor | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram
Blog | The Official Mug | Privacy Settings | About Us