Some of Maui's pristine coast is rough, remote - and uninsurable

Two isolated Maui road stretches are so hazardous that rental car companies prohibit driving them. The East Maui route follows Piilani Highway (Route 31) toward the back road to Hana after Kipahulu, continuing along the southeastern shore through Kaupo. The West Maui route follows Kahekili Highway (Route 340) beyond Kapalua. Both routes feature narrow winding driving, one-lane sections, blind curves, steep ocean cliffs, and limited emergency access. Heavy rain can trigger rockfalls and mudslides that block the roads. Limited cellphone and roadway services increase the risk of being stranded, and rough surfaces can damage vehicles’ suspension, engines, or transmissions.

"These roadway sections are challenging and require drivers to be aware of the terrain in which they are driving. These sections are located in remote areas with limited access to cellphone and roadway services. Visitors to Maui who are unfamiliar with the areas may not be aware of what to expect on these roadways."

"The road has some sections that are very rough, like washboarded dirt roads, those can be tough on cars. It can cause problems with the suspension or with other components. ... And there's also a possibility of bottoming out the car and damaging the engine or transmission by hitting the ground."

"There's almost no cellphone service, so if something happens, which it rarely does, but if something happens, the consequences are pretty serious because whomever is out ther"

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