The Road to Hana on Maui is legendary – a twisting, turning, waterfall-laden, jungle-draped drive that’s as much about the journey as the destination. Forget simply getting from point A to point B; this is an all-day adventure that demands patience, a sense of wonder, and a fully charged camera. This guide breaks down the must-know stops, essential tips, and insider secrets to make your Road to Hana experience unforgettable.
Pre-Trip Essentials: Gearing Up for the Adventure
Before you even think about starting your engine, preparation is key. First, download an offline map. While cell service can be spotty along the Road to Hana, apps like Google Maps (download the offline map area before you leave), Maps.me, or specialized apps like Gypsy Guide can provide navigation and commentary without an internet connection. Gypsy Guide, for example, acts like a knowledgeable tour guide, providing insights and directions as you drive. Charges apply to use Gypsy Guide.
Next, pack a cooler with snacks, drinks, and lunch. While there are a few food stands and restaurants along the way, they can be crowded and pricey. Having your own provisions allows you to stop wherever you like and enjoy a picnic with a view. Sandwiches, fruit, chips, and plenty of water are essential. Remember, stay hydrated!
Don’t forget the essentials: sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, a swimsuit, and a towel. You’ll likely want to hike to waterfalls, swim in pools (check conditions first!), and explore beaches. A lightweight rain jacket is also a good idea, as the weather in Hana can be unpredictable. Also, bring cash. Some smaller vendors and attractions only accept cash payments.
Finally, choose your ride wisely. A four-wheel-drive vehicle isn’t necessary for the main Road to Hana, but it can be helpful if you plan to explore some of the less-traveled side roads. Ensure your car is in good working order, with properly inflated tires and a full tank of gas. There aren’t many gas stations along the way.
The Must-See Stops (Starting from Paia): A Mile-by-Mile Guide
The Road to Hana officially begins (or ends, depending on your direction) in the charming town of Paia. Get an early start, preferably before 7:00 AM, to beat the crowds and maximize your daylight hours. Coffee and a quick breakfast in Paia are a great way to kick off your adventure. Paia Bay Coffee & Bar is a popular choice.
Mile Marker 2: Ho’okipa Beach Park. This world-famous windsurfing beach is a must-see, even if you don’t surf. Watch expert windsurfers catch waves and try and spot the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles basking in the sun on the beach. This is also a great bathroom stop before going deep into the Road to Hana. Be careful and respectful to the turtles; give them plenty of space.
Mile Marker 6: Twin Falls. This is one of the first easily accessible waterfall stops. It’s a short walk from the parking lot to the falls. Expect crowds, especially later in the day. There’s a small entrance fee (often around $10 per car) to help maintain the property. You can swim in the pools if the conditions are safe, but always be cautious of flash floods. Grab a refreshing sugar cane juice sold at the entrance.
Mile Marker 10: Garden of Eden Arboretum. This 26-acre botanical garden offers stunning views of the coastline, lush landscaping, and a variety of native Hawaiian plants, flowers, and trees. Entry is typically around $20 per person. Allow at least an hour to explore the gardens. The Puohokamoa Falls viewpoint here is well worth the short hike.
Mile Marker 11: Kaumahina State Wayside Park. This park offers panoramic coastal views and is a great spot for a short break. It also has restrooms.
Mile Marker 16: Honomanu Bay. This black sand beach is tucked away and often less crowded than other stops. It’s a beautiful spot to take photos, but swimming is generally not recommended due to strong currents.
Mile Marker 17: Ke’anae Peninsula. This rugged coastline is home to the Ke’anae Congregational Church, a historic stone church that survived a tsunami in 1946. The rocky shoreline and crashing waves make for dramatic scenery. Stop at Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread for a slice of warm, freshly baked banana bread. The banana bread usually costs around $7-10 dollars.
Mile Marker 22: Upper Waikani Falls (Three Bears Falls). This picturesque waterfall cascades down three separate streams. It’s easily visible from the bridge, but be careful pulling over; the parking area is limited. Be aware of slippery rocks if you decide to hike down for a closer look.
Mile Marker 27.2: Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park. Another opportunity for restrooms and a refreshing dip in a waterfall pool. There are two separate waterfalls, one closer to the parking area and a smaller one accessible by short walk.
Mile Marker 29: Hanawi Falls (Bridge). Towering waterfalls visible directly from the bridge. Parking can be tight and dangerous, so use caution. Take the chance to stop if available, it’s truly an impressive sight.
Mile Marker 31: Nahiku Marketplace. A collection of small shops and food vendors offering a variety of local crafts, souvenirs, and snacks. It’s a good place to stretch your legs and browse. This also provides another quick restroom stop for the journey.
Mile Marker 32: Hana Lava Tube (Ka eleku Caverns). Explore an underground lava tube created by volcanic activity centuries ago. It’s a self-guided tour, and you can rent flashlights at the entrance. The entry fee is typically around $12 per person. It’s a unique experience and worth the detour.
Mile Marker 34: Hana Town. You’ve made it! The town of Hana is small and laid-back, with a few shops, restaurants, and hotels. Check out the Hana Cultural Center & Museum to learn about the history and culture of Hana. Enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants, such as Huli Huli Chicken, or Braddah Hutt’s BBQ Grill. This is the furthest point with cell phone service, take advantage and let your family know you made it!
Mile Marker 34: Hana Bay Beach Park. Located in the town of Hana, it’s easy to spend some time at the Hana Bay Beach Park. The calm waters are great for families to swim in the Ocean. There are also picnic tables and a covered pavilion. Plenty of open space for kids to run around too.
Beyond Hana: More Adventures Await (If You Have the Time and Vehicle)
For those with more time and possibly a four-wheel-drive vehicle, the adventure doesn’t have to end in Hana.
Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools). Located in Haleakala National Park, just south of Hana. The Pools used to be open for swimming, but closed to swimming because of dangerous rock slides. Entry is $30 per vehicle (valid for 3 days) and also gives you access to the summit of Haleakala.
Pipiwai Trail. This hike takes you through a bamboo forest to Waimoku Falls, a towering 400-foot waterfall. The hike is moderately challenging and takes about 2-5 hours round. It is located at Haleakala National Park along with Ohe’o Gulch and entrance fee of $30 per vehicle (valid for 3 days).
The “Back Road” to Hana. After Mile Marker 42, the paved road turns to gravel. You may have to drive through this stretch of backroad, depending on your car rental contract. Some restrict driving it, if you have a sedan type vehicle, it should be avoided. The back road is an adventure and experience in itself with dramatic cliffs and unique views.
Navigating the Road: Essential Driving Tips
The Road to Hana is notorious for its narrow, winding roads and numerous one-lane bridges. Patience and courtesy are essential. Here are a few driving tips:
- Yield to oncoming traffic on one-lane bridges. The general rule is to yield to the car closest to the bridge.
- Drive slowly and cautiously. The speed limit is often 15-25 mph, and it’s important to stick to it.
- Pull over to let faster drivers pass. Don’t hold up traffic if you’re driving slowly to enjoy the scenery.
- Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists. Many people walk or bike along the road, so be extra vigilant.
- Honk your horn before entering blind curves. This alerts oncoming traffic to your presence.
- Watch out for potholes and other road hazards. The road can be rough in places, so pay attention to the surface.
- Park only in designated areas. Don’t block traffic or damage vegetation.
Food and Drink Along the Way: Fueling Your Adventure
While packing your own food is recommended, there are several places to grab a bite or a drink along the Road to Hana. Be prepared for slightly higher prices and potential crowds.
Paia Town. Start with breakfast, coffee, supplies to begin your travel.
Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread (Ke’anae). As mentioned earlier, Aunt Sandy’s is a must-stop for warm, freshly baked banana bread. Also has fresh fruit, coffee, smoothies.
Nahiku Marketplace. This collection of vendors offers a variety of food options. Some vendors worth trying are Troy’s Plate Lunch, Hana Farms Roadside Stand and Island Chef Cuisine.
Hana Farms Roadside Stand (Near Hana). A farm stand and cafe located near Hana, offering organic produce, smoothies, and light meals. They are closed on Saturdays.
Hana Bay Restaurant. Local cuisine to fuel up for a day of adventure. They have sandwiches, pupus, and entrees.
Barefoot Cafe. If you have time, stop in for casual eating right in Hana.
Respecting the ‘Āina: Practicing Responsible Tourism
The Road to Hana is a fragile and beautiful ecosystem. It’s important to practice responsible tourism to help preserve it for future generations. Here are a few tips:
Stay on marked trails. Don’t wander off established paths, as this can damage vegetation and disturb wildlife.
Don’t touch or disturb marine life. Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles are protected and should be admired from a distance.
Leave no trash behind. Pack out everything you pack in. If you see trash, pick it up, even if it’s not yours.
Be respectful of local residents and culture. Remember that you are a guest in their community. Be mindful of noise levels and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Drive carefully and avoid speeding. Slow down for the sake of the environment and the safety of others.
Support local businesses and vendors. This helps to sustain the local economy and preserve the unique character of the area.
Photography Tips: Capturing the Beauty of Hana
The Road to Hana is a photographer’s paradise. Here are a few tips to help you capture the beauty of this stunning landscape:
Shoot in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light. The golden hours provide warm, flattering light.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive landscapes and waterfalls.
Experiment with different perspectives. Get down low to the ground or climb to a high vantage point.
Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance colors. This is especially helpful for shooting waterfalls and ocean scenes.
Bring a waterproof camera or housing for shooting near water.
Be patient and wait for the perfect moment. The light and weather can change quickly in Hana, so be ready to capture those fleeting moments of beauty.
Possible Itineraries: Getting the Most Out of Your Day
Here are two possible itineraries, depending on your time and interests:
Full-Day Adventure (Most Popular):
- Start early (before 7:00 AM) from Paia.
- Stop at Ho’okipa Beach Park.
- Visit Twin Falls.
- Explore the Garden of Eden Arboretum.
- Stop at Ke’anae Peninsula and Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread.
- Admire Upper Waikani Falls (Three Bears Falls).
- Have lunch at Nahiku Marketplace (optional).
- Continue to Hana and explore the town.
- Optional: visit Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) and Pipiwai Trail (if time allows).
- Drive back to Paia (or continue around the island, if you’re comfortable driving the back road and your rental car agreement allows).
Hana Getaway (Shorter Version):
- Start early from Paia.
- Stop at Twin Falls.
- Visit the Garden of Eden Arboretum.
- Stop at Ke’anae Peninsula and Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread.
- Continue to Hana and back for a manageable day.
Alternatives if the Road to Hana is too Crowded
Sometimes the Road to Hana could be far too crowded, especially during peak season. Here are a couple of alternatives if you are looking for lower crowd options. These would have to be pre-booked to make sure space is reserved.
Helicopter Tour If the traffic is too much, consider taking an aerial tour by helicopter. Many companies offer flights over the Hana rainforest, the coastline, and Haleakala. It is an experience of a lifetime and you don’t have to be stuck in a car for an entire day. Expect to see waterfalls and other scenery you don’t get to see on the ground. This is definitely the most expensive option, it could easily run between $300-400 per person
Small Group Tour This is highly advantageous because it lets you sit back and relax. A driver and pre-arranged guide will be able to take you to the hot spots. This is a very relaxing way to still get what you want while not having to worry about the narrow roads.
FAQ Section: Common Questions Answered
Is the Road to Hana safe?
Yes, the Road to Hana is generally safe if you drive cautiously, follow the speed limits, and are aware of your surroundings. Be mindful of one-lane bridges, blind curves, pedestrians, and cyclists. Check weather conditions before a flash flood.
How long does it take to drive the Road to Hana?
It takes most people 8-12 hours to drive the Road to Hana round trip, including stops. However, it can take longer if you spend more time at each attraction or if you encounter traffic delays.
Do I need a four-wheel-drive vehicle?
A four-wheel-drive vehicle isn’t necessary for the main Road to Hana, however some car rental agreements do not cover driving on the “back-road” of Hana.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable walking shoes, a swimsuit, and a lightweight rain jacket. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and sunglasses.
Are there restrooms along the way?
Yes, there are restrooms at various stops along the Road to Hana, including Ho’okipa Beach Park, Kaumahina State Wayside Park, Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park, and Hana Town.
Can I swim in the waterfalls?
Swimming in waterfalls is possible and allowed at many locations but swim at your own risk and only if conditions are safe. Be cautious of flash floods!
What if I get car sick?
If you’re prone to car sickness, take medication before you start the drive. Sit in the front seat, open a window, and focus on the horizon.
What are the other activities beyond the Road to Hana?
Plenty! You can go surfing, whale watching or snorkeling. There is the Haleakala National Park where you can view the volcanic landscape. There are some really nice beaches, with Ka’anapali Beach being TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice in 2023.
How much does it cost to do the Road to Hana?
Costs will vary, depending on rental car payment, food, and admission to the different stops, expect anywhere from $100 – $300 total.
References
- Maui Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook
- National Park Service – Haleakala National Park
- TripAdvisor
Ready to embark on your Road to Hana adventure? With careful planning, a sense of adventure, and these insider tips, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. Remember to drive safely, respect the environment, and embrace the beauty of this magical journey. So, pack your bags, fill up your gas tank, and get ready for the drive of a lifetime! Your adventure awaits.
Explore Places to Stay
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