On the Road Again Tor Planners

The Road to Hana is one of the nigh talked about breathtaking drives in all of Hawaiʻi, and a big reason why people choose to visit Maui. Loaded with viewpoints and various points of interest, it'southward the most popular mode to explore the island's eastern side, which is lightly populated and total of tropical rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails, and panoramic ocean views.

Below, you'll find everything you lot need to optimize your feel on the Route to Hana.

Table of contents

Know before yous become
Pop stops and sights
Bottom visited points of interest
Things to do in Hana
Tips for finding Road to Hana tours

Tabular array of Contents

Know before you lot get
Pop stops and sights
Lesser visited points of involvement
Things to exercise in Hana
Tips for finding Route to Hana tours

Imagine living close to the Hana highway (the line in the trees on the top right) 😍. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

Skilful to Know Before You Get

Here's what yous need to know before embarking on the Road to Hana.

Road A or Route B?
Please be respectful
Planning tips

The Route: 2 options

When y'all await at a map, the Road to Hana appears to be rather straightforward. The journey is just 50-some miles from Kahului to Hana, so you might be thinking you can be at that place and back in a half 24-hour interval.

Retrieve once more. Sure, it'southward but l-miles, but you're traveling on a minor, two-lane country route, with 620 turns and 59 one-lane bridges. For much of information technology, you won't go any faster than 25 miles-per-hr, and at some points, y'all'll crawl along in traffic or find yourself yielding at span crossings.

Plus, this is not an A-to-B type drive. It's a first and terminate kind of drive, with endless pull-offs and points of interest to check out. Cars are often turning on and off the road, and if you're not one of them, you're missing out what makes the bulldoze so special. In this sense, ane should budget an unabridged day to experience the Road to Hana, and do then with relaxation and patience in mind.

In that location are two options for completing the Road to Hana.

Kahului-Hana-Kahului: Wherever y'all begin the day, you'll drive through Kahului and officially being your journey from there, cruising forth the Hana Highway through Paʻia and past Hoʻokipia. From there, you'll get in at the official Mile Marker Zero location for the route, and then it's 35 miles to the town of Hana. Once you reach Hana, you plow effectually and come back the way you came.
Kahului-Hana-Kīpahulu-Kula: The outbound journey remains the same, starting in Kahului and heading to Hana. But instead of turning around, you continue through Hana and brand a circle around Haleakalā, following the littoral route through the Kīpahulu Commune of Haleakalā National Park to the much-drier south shore, eventually arriving in the upcountry boondocks of Kula.

Both road options include the Hana highway, part of which is shown here. Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

Please exist respectful of the residents

Every bit yous'll see below, in that location are many wonderful opportunities to stop along the Road to Hana. But when you do, brand sure you exercise so while thinking near the people that live in that location. Residents forth the Hana Highway have been impacted greatly in the past past illegal parking, overcrowding, trespassing on individual property, and a myriad of other disappointing realities. Recall, this expanse is habitation for residents, so please keep the following in heed:

Exist certain to park in designated areas simply, and if it's too full or crowded, come up back later or choose a unlike stop.
Exist kind and courteous to local volunteers who patrol the surface area to help manage crowds.

These all seem like basic pointers on respectful behavior, but, as information technology seems to go with the human race, yous'll see many putting their own agendas above those of the local residents. We highly recommend you avoid falling into that category.

A minor bay subconscious in the mountainside along the Road to Hana on Maui. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

Our #1 tip for planning your own "road to Hana" adventure: take it easy!

Every bit y'all'll see below, there are countless means to explore the Road to Hana. Between the points of interest, the pull-offs, the fruit stands, the trails, the waterfalls, and the town of Hana itself, in that location's more than anyone could perhaps experience in one trip; nevertheless, nosotros often find that people notwithstanding attempt, making stop after end after stop and spending every ounce of daylight along the route.

If that sounds like a peachy programme for you, and then hey, do your thing. Only, we really recommend a more measured, relaxed approach to the journey.

To make the almost out of your route trip you should start early. Bonus: amazing sunrise views! Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authorisation (HTA) / Tor Johnson

In theory, sure, you could fit in five, six, maybe fifty-fifty x stops along the way. It looks really good on paper, all the things yous tin can see. The problem is how it plays out in reality: Parking lots fill up, traffic moves slow, congestion occurs. Some stops are quick; others crave more time. The more you programme, the more you're going to put pressure level on yourself to "practice it all," and we find that mostly results in a decrease in quality – you're so focused on checking off all the spots that yous don't truly get to know whatever of them, and all the stopping and starting brings on a wave of fatigue. The road itself is prone to brand people tired because of its abiding twisting and turning.

Our advice is to take it easy. Pick two, three, or four stops to target, with a couple backup plans in the event a identify is already congested (call up, we're trying to respect the locals by not overloading places). Accept your fourth dimension, bring snacks, and don't attempt to do too much. The nifty thing about the Road to Hana is that it tin be a different experience every time. Brand the bulldoze early in your trip, and if you are completely smitten with it, you can come back a few days later and practice it again with new stops.

The near well-known and popular stops along the Road to Hana

Below are established, popular places along the Road to Hana that you should consider stopping at to experience, despite the fact that they tend to be crowded. After all, things are pop for a reason, and each stop offers something special to visitors.

Fruit Stands

Location: Diverse

Description: In that location are too many to listing, and they often bear diverse hours, and so just keep your eye out for fruit stands along the Road to Hana, selling fruit, smoothies, breads, and other local treats.

Fruit stands along the Road to Hana come up in all sizes and shapes. Image credit: Amy Meredith, source.

Bridge Crossings

Location: Various

Clarification: In that location will be many people stopped at bridge crossings, equally lots of h2o tends to fall below them. Though this adds to congestion and confusion, nosotros're non then jaded every bit to overlook them completely. Crossing narrow valleys, the scenery around bridges can be downright spectacular, so practise relish them every bit you lot pass. If you make up one's mind to stop, exist sure to park out of the style, and avoid bridge crossings that are already crowded.

1 of the many one-lane bridges and waterfalls on the road to Hana. Prototype credit: Woods and Kim, source.

Twin Falls

Location: Mile Marker 2

Description: This is the first easily accessible waterfall along the Hana Highway, and then naturally, information technology is 1 of the nigh popular to visit. The appeal is a storybook, circular pond pool at the base of operations of a waterfall at the end of a three-quarter mile hike. It's unremarkably packed, but information technology'southward an inspiring place, especially for families with small children, who will bask the hike and swim.

Brand certain to bring a towel and wear swim gear when hiking to the Twin Falls. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)

Kaumahina Country Wayside Park

Location: Mile Mark 12

Description: Kaumahina is the get-go "real" end along the road to Hana – "real" in the sense that it's a state park with facilities – and people tend to pop in for a bathroom break. But don't be in such a rush. This 8-acre park offers great views of the bounding main/eastern coast, plenty of shade, picnic tables, and walking paths. If you travel to Hana and back along the same route, we similar this as a last finish on the trip back, for a terminal breath.

Upper Waikani Falls (aka Three Bears)

Location: Mile Marker 19

Description: Too known as Iii Bears, this spot features iii side-by-side-by-side 70-foot waterfalls. Need we say more? Waterfall lovers will want to check this out, crowds or no crowds.

The Upper Waikani Falls are pop stop on the route to Hana because information technology is photogenic and situated like a drive-thru correct off the route. Photo by Kevin Barasa on Unsplash

Puaʻa Kaa State Wayside Park

Location: Mile Marking 22

Description: This high-trafficked stop is fun considering y'all can take a quick bathroom break, and so jump in for a swim in a waterfall pool. Picnic tables are bachelor for a longer hang out, only most people come and go in less than thirty minutes. This is a prime instance of what made the Road to Hana and then famous: The ability to pull over, jump in a waterfall, and be dorsum in your automobile in a matter of minutes. In that sense, you should appreciate information technology for yourself.

Kaʻeleku Cave (Hana Lava Tube)

Location: Mile Marking 31

Description: This stop provides the unique opportunity to walk through a lava tube, an experience and so unique to Hawaiʻi that even though there's an entry fee ($12 for adults) and it brings you underground (away from the waterfalls), it has become a well-established stop, with bathrooms and a maze for children.

Tip: You lot'll want shut-toed shoes for this adventure.

Hana lava tubes - Maui Hawaii

Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park

Location: Approximately x miles due south of Hana.

Clarification: This ocean-level, coastal section of Haleakalā National Park has a tremendous corporeality to offer visitors, including the Pīpīwai Trail (bamboo forest and 400-foot waterfall), the Pools of ʻOheʻo (Seven Scared Pools), and a campground. For more than, run across our guide to Haleakalā National Park.

Aerial photo of the Pools of ʻOheʻo running into the ocean. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

Lesser Visited Points of Involvement

To exist clear, there aren't too many publicly-accessible secrets left on the Road to Hana, and yous'll see other people no matter where you get. But, some places tend to draw less crowds than others, for various reasons. Beneath are some places that are nevertheless hands accessible (aka, they're "on the map") only are usually not equally busy.

Rainbow Eucalyptus Grove

Location: Mile Marking vii

Description: This colorful grove of copse is not marked by whatsoever sign, so information technology's easy to miss. But on the Ma Kai side (ocean side) of mile marker 7 is a small grove of rainbow eucalyptus copse. If you've never seen one, they are quite a site, with multi-colored trunks. Exist respectful about where you pull over when visiting this site.

Waikamoi Ridge Trail

Location: Mile Marking 9.five

Clarification: This small two-loop trail will accept y'all less than an hr, bringing you lot through a multifariousness of Hawaiian foliage, including eucalyptus, kukui nut, bamboo, and more tropical plants than you lot tin count. It remains less appreciated because one) it does not atomic number 82 to a waterfall, and people who take the Road to Hana become fixated on waterfalls and ii) it tends to be muddy, and people don't like mud. Only, nosotros see it as a very beautiful, worthwhile walk through a dumbo Hawaiian rainforest. Bring some towels for your muddy shoes.

Ke'anae Peninsula

Location: Mile Marker 16.5

Description: This modest village is an interesting-yet-heartbreaking historical stop. In 1946, the peninsula was ravaged by a surprise tsunami, killing all 24 children (and the teacher) in the town's school. The only building that remains today from that catamenia is an old stone church, and at present well-nigh of the peninsula is a working farm for taro and other crops. The cease of the peninsula is a great place to reflect and grab some views – there'due south room to spread out – but near people don't take the time to get there because they're in too much of a rush.

On your drive downward the peninsula you'll pass a stone church built in 1856, the only remaining building after the devastating tsunami of 1946. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

Kahanu Gardens

Location: Mile Marker 31

Description: Though information technology is an established botanical gardens, information technology doesn't become equally decorated as y'all might wait considering ane) there is a $12 entry fee and 2) it takes about an 60 minutes and a half to properly explore (most people, every bit nosotros mentioned above, are trying to striking as many places as possible, and attractions such equally these "take likewise long"). Well, all the improve for you. Kahanu relays the history of the area and its settlers, including a restored Hawaiian heiau (temple). For the full experience and a true sense of place, take the guided tour ($thirty).

Things to Do in Hana

Many people await at the Road to Hana as the journey and, for some reason, don't spend whatever time in Hana itself. Instead, they turn around and head dorsum the style they came, or go on on towards Kīpahulu. In our volume, that's a mistake. Spend some fourth dimension exploring the area, visiting the local beaches, and grab something to eat at a local eatery or food truck.

Embankment Parks

Hither's a list of beach parks to cheque out in Hana.

Waiʻānapanapa State Park: This black-sand and blackness-rock beach is the largest beach park in the expanse and is a local favorite for fishing, barbecuing, and hanging.

Koki Beach Park: There are 2 main appeals to this beach – reddish sand and a surf break. Swimming is non recommended due to the stiff currents, which makes surfers happy. On-lookers will be happy, also, hanging out and exploring the red-sand embankment.

Kaihalulu Beach: Some other famous red-sand beach in Hana is Kaihalulu. It requires a curt just slippery/steep hike along the coast, with many roots and unmaintained areas long the trail. Annotation: Visitation of this beach is controversial with locals considering the trail passes through individual property. You will no dubiety see others doing this; however, we recommend visiting Koki instead, out of respect for local residents.

Crescent-shaped Kaihalulu (red sand) beach is cutting deep into the Ka'uiki Head cinder cone, whose rust-blood-red lava supplies the beach with red sand. Paradigm credit: Paul Bica, source.

Hāmoa Beach: This crescent-shaped embankment is where you want to become to spread out in the sand, backdropped by small green cliffs. When calm, swimming and snorkeling are possible, and its breaks concenter bodyboarders and surfers, too. If you're looking for a classic, family unit-friendly, white-sand embankment in Hana, Hāmoa is a great option.

Hāmoa Embankment is a striking beach & surf spot known for articulate water, (sometimes) sizeable waves & strong currents. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority/Tor Johnson

Accommodations

One way to beat the fatigue of driving is to split the trip into two days with an overnight in Hana. You'll encounter more, and get a better experience for Hana and the surrounding area. Hither are some places nosotros recommend.

Hana-Maui Resort: This beautiful resort in Hana has changed ownership several times – now it's a Hyatt – simply regardless of who owns it, information technology'southward nonetheless the top pick for well-appointed luxury considering of its location on 66 acres and a sloping hillside that offers dramatic views from many of its rooms and pool.
Ala Kukui Retreat Center: One of the about interesting accommodations in Hana is the apartment at the Ala Kukui Retreat Center. Located in a lush valley, it is the ultimate relaxation stay, with placidity grounds to stroll, tropical gardens, and a stiff Hawaiian cultural plan.
Waiʻānapanapa Land Park Campground and Cabins: This country park is the all-time rustic option in Hana, offering a campground and cabins forth its blackness-sand shores. Campsites are $30 a night for non-residents and reservations must be made in advance.

Read more in our complete adaptation guide for Maui.

Vacation Rentals and Condos

In that location are diverse inns, holiday rentals, and condos in Hana. You can observe them on Airbnb and like websites.

Food

You'll discover small fruit and food stands forth the Road to Hana, but if you're looking for a real restaurant, make plans to try i of these local establishments in the town of Hana.

Hana Ranch Eating place: Looking for a full-service, locally-oriented restaurant with a full bar? Expect no further than Hana Ranch Restaurant, the culinary arm of Hana Ranch. Effort the classic Hana burger – made with Hana beef raised correct on property – or another isle favorite, similar poke or kalua pork.
Da Fish Shack: If information technology's fresh fish on your brain, Da Fish Shack Food Truck serves up a mix of seafood offerings using local fish. Nosotros recommend one of the classics: the fish burger, fish and chips, or the fish tacos.
Ae's Thai Kitchen: If you hadn't noticed, Hawaiʻi is full of Asian-fusion, and this Thai truck expresses it fully. Try the Shrimp Pad Thai or, on a rainy day, one of the firm-made curries.
Troy'south Plate Lunch: Troy, the proprietor, goes fishing each calendar week and sells his grab at his nutrient truck, along with other chicken and pork plate lunch options.

Tips for finding good Route to Hana Tours

1 way to bypass the need to self-drive and decide between stops is to jump on a tour, such equally the ones offered by Skyline Hawaiʻi.

There are many companies that offer tours along the Route to Hana, so here's what you should consider:

Cull a small-group tour (12 people or less). This ensures a more personalized feel, and to reduce the bear upon along the Road to Hana (bigger buses take upward more parking room, etc.).
Inquire about the type of van used on the tour. Does information technology have big windows? Is information technology climate controlled? Recall, it's a winding journey, so yous'll want to be comfy.
Ask about the planned stops. Unlike companies will make dissimilar stops, so it's a nice mode to decide which one is the best fit for you. For instance, some may be more than adventurous than others.
Check with your concierge for any deals. Sometimes, companies offer specials that may be appealing, all other things existence equal.
Consider the fourth dimension commitment. Many tours are all day, eight to ten hours in length. When driving yourself, you have flexibility in how you manage your time and when you lot caput home. With a bout, you lot do non.

Road to Hana Audio tours

Sound tours are a good compromise betwixt a 100% DIY trip and joining a guided tour. Costing typically $15 they rails your position using GPS and let you know about all activities, stops, and viewpoints along the way, likewise as sharing knowledge most local history and Hawaiian culture. See e.k. this audio guide that includes 135 narration points and is good for an viii to 10 hours road trip.

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Source: https://www.lovebigisland.com/maui/road-to-hana/