Openai/69693831-d6c8-8013-beaa-1ec6b9f5c855

This conversation was exported from ChatGPT

gpt-5-2

User: How long does it take to drive the circumference of whole island of maui

How long does it take to drive the circumference of whole island of maui

Assistant: Driving all the way around Maui doing the full “loop,” including Hāna → Kīpahulu → Kaupō → Upcountry → West Maui depend…

Driving all the way around Maui (doing the full “loop,” including Hāna → Kīpahulu → Kaupō → Upcountry → West Maui) depends a lot on road conditions, stops, and your comfort level.

🚗 Approximate Drive Time (No Long Stops)

• 8–10 hours of actual driving time
• ~150–160 miles total

Key Factors That Affect Time

• Road to Hāna: very slow (narrow, windy, bridges)
• Backside of Hāna (Kaupō road): - Rough, narrow, sometimes unpaved - Can be impassable after heavy rain - Not allowed by some rental car companies
• West Maui (Kahekili Hwy): - Cliffside, one-lane sections - Slow and intimidating for some drivers

Typical Realistic Scenarios

• Locals / confident drivers, minimal stops: ~8 hours
• Visitors with stops, photos, food: 10–12+ hours
• If avoiding backside of Hāna: you cannot do a true full loop—only partial out-and-back routes

Important Notes

• Check weather first (rockslides, flooding happen)
• Start early (daylight is critical)
• Gas up fully before Hāna or West Maui
• Cell service is spotty to nonexistent in sections

If you want, I can:

• Break it down segment by segment
• Tell you the safest / least stressful version
• Advise whether it’s a good idea right now given current road conditions

Just let me know 🌺