Kanaio Coast
South East Maui, Backside of Hana

The most desolate area on Maui, the Kanaio Coast stretches from Makena, South Maui to Hana in the East. This arid and dry area composes the entire Southeast coast as well as the Southeast side of Mount Haleakala. A road from Upcountry leads you around and down to the Kanaio Coast from Kula.
See Kanaio Map

This road is made up of the Kula Highway, Ulupalakua Highway, Piilani Highway, and finally the Hana Highway. The road is blocked on occasion just before Kipahulu barring access to Hana Town and the connecting circumference of the island. Popular for years as a part of the Road to Hana drive, after an earthquake, the road was blocked off. There was no apparent damage in this area, and the road can be safely driven from both directions. Speculation points to the road being closed because the local people want to curb the constant traffic from tourist vehicles past their homes. As of this writing, it is back open, but could be closed again without notice.

The coast can best be accessed by boat on many different tours available. Snorkeling and scuba diving in this area reveals large expanses of diverse volcanic underwater landscapes and undisturbed tropical fish sanctuaries. The sea caves both above and below water offer some great perspectives.