The world-famous street to Hana is without doubt one of the must-do experiences when visiting Maui. It might be overwhelming planning what to see on this iconic street journey when you have got restricted time. So we’ve rounded up all of the street to Hana stops that we did on Maui’s epic coastal drive. You don’t have to see all the things (until you have got the time) so we’re right here to aid you select what are the highest stops that you will need to make.
The Road to Hana, aka The Hana Highway, takes you from the surf city of Paia to the peaceable city of Hana. It’s straightforward to discover the most effective stops on the street to Hana, all you want to do is comply with the mile markers. We have included the mile marker for every cease on the Hana Highway on this information. It is a superb addition to any Maui trip.
The Road To Hana
Most individuals make a day journey out of the street to Hana drive and start in Paia within the morning spending the remainder of the day working their means out to Hana Town stopping alongside the best way. We as a substitute drove immediately out to Hana earlier than dawn to discover Hana Town and its close by sights earlier than making our means again slowly within the afternoon. It was the most effective choice we made. We averted the site visitors and had most of the prime stops on the Road to Hana all to ourselves.
The Hana Highway is without doubt one of the hottest day journeys on Maui, so it will probably get very busy quick. We advocate leaving early and driving immediately to the Pools at O’he’o Gulch a part of Haleakala National Park which is about half-hour past Hana. Getting there early beats the crowds and you’ll hike the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls in relative peace and quiet after which, you may then spend the day slowly making your means again to Paia.
Recommended Road To Hana Tours
Top Road to Hana Stops
Traffic on the street to Hana from Paia to Hana is plugged and stopped later within the day. Seeing the sights in reverse order, permits you to benefit from the viewpoints and waterfalls at your personal tempo. Plus, we discovered the views on the best way again, means higher than on the best way out as we had been on the correct aspect of the street with unobstructed views!
Stock up Before you Leave Paia
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Hot Hana Highway Tip
Before heading out, seize some gourmand picnic lunches to take with you on the Road to Hana. The Hana Picnic Lunch Company places collectively lunch and breakfast on your street journey. Order the day earlier than 2 pm so as to set out early within the morning. There are picnic tables alongside the route the place you may cease to benefit from the extraordinary ocean views. Or you may seize some banana bread and a espresso earlier than leaving and save lunch for when you arrive in Hana.
Note: The espresso retailers and eating places don’t open till 7 am, so if you’d like to decide up provides for the day, we recommend doing it the night time earlier than and making a espresso out of your lodge.
1. Paia Town
Paia isn’t only a cease on the Hana Highway, it’s a vacation spot unto itself. Located on the North Shore of Maui, there are many issues to do in Paia to hold you occupied. We recommend spending a few nights having fun with this surfer’s city. Ho’okipa Beach Park is a superb place to watch the world-class surfers and windsurfers and Baldwin Beach is a wonderful lengthy sandy seashore that could be a must-visit.
Making our base in Paia we stayed on the hip boutique lodge, the Paia Inn, the place we woke early to make our means to Hana. After selecting up a espresso at Paia Bay Coffee Bar and ordering a boxed lunch at CJ’s diner we had been on our means.
2. Haleakala National Park
As we talked about above we drove immediately to the top of the Road to Hana to start our street journey. Going in the other way of the site visitors.
The maps and guides could have Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) as your final cease on the street to Hana, however we like to be completely different, so that is the primary cease of our day.
Located half-hour past Hana at Mile Marker 42, this department of Haleakala National Park is beautiful. Once you arrive, you’ll stroll the Pipiwai Trail to a few of the most scenic sights on Maui. This stunning portion of the nationwide park homes a bamboo forest, the 400-foot-high Waimoku Falls, the Seven Sacred Pools ( Oheo Gulch), and the Haleakala volcano. This was positively the spotlight of our street journey and we spent the vast majority of the morning right here.
It prices $30 per car to enter Haleakala National Park. This provides you entry to the nationwide park for 3 Days which incorporates the Haleakala Summit. So you would spend the day right here at some point, after which head to Upcountry Maui and catch the dawn on the Haleakala Summit the next day.
3. Pipiwai Trail
The Pipiwai Trail is a straightforward path crammed with scenic views. The 4-mile mountaineering path is a wonderful scenic stroll that takes you thru large Banyan timber and an unlimited bamboo forest earlier than you attain your ultimate vacation spot on the stunning and really excessive Waimoku Falls. If you’re into mountaineering make certain to try our information Top 12 Hikes in Maui to Take your Breath Away for some nice ideas across the island.
4. Bamboo Forest
The bamboo forest was a spotlight of the path. We have by no means seen such a pristine bamboo forest outdoors of Asia. The bamboo was introduced to Maui by Asian migrants engaged on pineapple farms to use as scaffolding. There is a boardwalk that cuts by way of the forest and strolling trails placing you within the heart of this beautiful scene. Make certain to spend a little bit of time right here, it’s beautiful and really uncommon to see.
5. Waimoku Falls
The finish of the path comes to the 400-foot-high Waimoku Falls. It’s postcard-perfect for images. We advocate having pair of water footwear or Tevas as you’ll be crossing streams. By arriving early, we shared the waterfall views with just one different individual. It was actually spectacular.
Note: Obey the indicators not to get too shut to the falls. We noticed different individuals ignoring it, however have heard that there have been deaths at these falls due to falling rocks. It feels secure sufficient to have a look at, however it’s harmful.
6. Seven Sacred Pools (Oheo Gulch)
The Seven Sacred Pools (Also generally known as the Pools of ‘Ohe’o or Oheo Gulch) are one of many prime sights to see on Maui and they’re additionally positioned within the National Park. They can get very crowded, so it’s value getting there early. It is a stunning cascading steps waterfall. It is a brief loop path of solely 1km.
Be conscious, the Seven Sacred Pools Trail is usually closed due to flooding and there have been deaths at Oheo Gulch obey the indicators and comply with the foundations.
Once you have got completed up within the National Park it’s time to make your means again to Paia. We advocate stopping as a lot as doable at any scenic lookout you could.
We stopped at most of the waterfalls and scenic lookouts on the best way again and actually loved driving on this path. For one, we had been now on the correct aspect of the street to have the cliff views and two, we weren’t sitting in site visitors till the night.
7. Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls is taken into account Maui’s most photographed waterfall and you’ll cease right here for some picture alternatives. It’s essentially the most accessible waterfall on the street to Hana and it’s a beautiful cascade of 80 ft over a rocky jungle setting.
Wailua Falls is positioned a mile marker 45 in your means again from the Pools of O’he’o. You can swim within the plunge pool beneath these waterfalls
8. Koki Beach Park
Koki Beach Park is a pleasant picture cease since it’s a combination of pink, black, and white sand. It isn’t an appropriate swimming space due to the sturdy currents, however it’s a good picture cease for a scenic view. It’s positioned simply outdoors of Hana and is an effective spot to benefit from the gourmand picnic lunch that you simply had packed earlier than leaving Paia.
The turn-off for Koki Beach is positioned at Mile Marker 51.
9. Hamoa Beach
Hamoa Beach is that excellent crescent-shaped sandy seashore that everybody is searching for. There is a car parking zone right here, that fills up quick and you’ve got to stroll down a set of stairs to get to the seashore. The seashore is owned by Hana Maui Resort, so you can be sharing it with visitors who’ve entry to all of the facilities. But there are restrooms open to most of the people. If you keep the night time in Hana, this can be a good seashore to spend a while at.
Hamoa Beach is positioned at Mile Marker 50 and there’s a car parking zone right here. The stroll down is steep so be ready you probably have mobility points.
10. Hana Town
By the time we acquired to Hana Town (aptly nicknamed heavenly Hana), it was time for some meals. Hana is taken into account the “traditional Maui” feeling like a sleepy city you’d count on on the Hawaiian Islands. I think about that is what Paia was like a few many years in the past.
If you determine to spend the night time in or round Hana, it’s a fantastic place to calm down for the day. You can try the cultural heart, calm down on the seashore or get pleasure from some downtime on the spa. There is a picnic space the place you may seize a chew to eat and calm down by the water taking within the ocean views or you may hit one of many eating places.
We grabbed snacks on the common retailer as a substitute of choosing a sit-down lunch. There was an excessive amount of to see and we didn’t need to waste time consuming. So with our automotive stocked once more with meals, we had been on our means. Whenever we’re on a street journey, we want meals available.
11. Wai’anapanapa State Park
In a nutshell, Wai’anapanapa State Park is the place you get that traditional picture of the Hana Highway. With stunning scenic viewpoints and a black sand seashore, it’s a must-stop for not less than {a photograph}. There are some mountaineering trails, caves, and a blowhole to discover right here.
It is right here that you simply’ll see the Pa’iloa, the traditional black sand seashore of Maui. There is a stairway main down to the seashore the place you may rise up shut with the graceful black pebbles lining the shore.
Note: Wai’anapanapa State Park is positioned simply previous Mile Marker 32 and you will need to make reservations to enter the State Park.
12. Hana Lava Tube
This is your probability to go inside a lava tube in case you’ve by no means been. The Hana Lava Tube was shaped by lava flowing to the ocean for a two-year interval. As the outer layer cooled, the lava continued to circulation inside making a tube. Give your self an hour to see it. It is unquestionably one of the vital underrated stops on the Hana Highway the place guests can discover the 0.3 miles on their very own to discover the caverns, stalagmites, and lava tubes.
The Hana Lava Tube is positioned at Mile Marker 31 and the doorway payment is $15 per individual for a self-guided tour. There are restrooms right here.
13. Hanawi Falls and Upper Waikani Falls
Two of the stops on the best way again which can be positioned earlier than midway to Hana are the Hanawi Falls and Upper Waikani Falls. You can hike to see them however simply make certain to discover a secure parking spot that doesn’t block site visitors.
The falls are positioned at Mile Markers 19 and 24 respecively.
Upper Waikani Falls
If you need to cease at waterfalls, there are 18 alongside the Hana Highway. Upper Waikani Falls is usually referred to because the Three Bears with the papa, mama, and child bear waterfalls cascading at completely different lengths. You can go for a swim right here or simply calm down on the boulders and benefit from the views of one in all Maui’s hottest waterfalls.
Hanawi Falls
Hanawi Falls might be considered from Hanawi Stream’s bridge, (one of many 80 bridges alongside the street to Hana). The cascade of Hanawi Falls drops 200 ft into the plunge pool beneath. The water is chilly right here so it’s not one of many waterfalls to go swimming in.
Nearby there may be the Nahiku Market place the place you may get some espresso, tacos, sorbet, and different snacks you could get pleasure from underneath the shade.
14. Halfway to Hana Stand
The street to Hana is brief. If you allow early within the morning and drive immediately, you might be by way of it in 90 minutes. But in case you take your time, you may be prepared for a relaxation cease and a brief snack by the point you get to mile marker 17. Another nice street journey within the US is 17 Mile Drive in California.
This little store is understood for its banana bread made out of native bananas. They additionally promote Maui’s favourite “shave ice,” ice cream, and different snack bar favorites. There is even an atm in case you discover you’re operating quick on money. There is a bit of picnic space the place you sit underneath the shade to get pleasure from your ice cream too. If you need to strive one other nice banana bread try Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread which is about 4. miles earlier than you attain Halfway to Hana.
15. Ke’anae Arboretum
What is nice about this cease on the Hana Highway is that it’s free. The predominant attraction on the Ke’anae Arboretum is the rainbow eucalyptus timber. We thought the Eurcaplytus timber of Maui had been the good factor. They are an invasive species imported from Asia, however you may’t assist however cease to take photographs. They are eye-catching. It’s a brief path so it received’t take up an excessive amount of time on the Hana Highway to see them.
16. Honomanu Bay
If you need to see one other black sand seashore it may be completed at Honomanu Bay. This isn’t a preferred cease on the Hana Highway, so you can see fewer individuals right here if you’re searching for a spot with out crowds.
Located at Mile Marker 14, Honomanu Bay is a lush shoreline of Maui the place components of Jurrasic Park had been filmed. We snapped a shot of the coast from a helicopter. This is a cease on the Hana Highway that you simply’ll need to do solely you probably have time as you may’t drive down until you have got a 4X4. So you will want to hike.
17. Garden of Eden Arboretum
When driving the Hana Highway, it’s straightforward to discover the stops on the street as there are mile markers all alongside the street. The Maui Garden of Eden is positioned on Mile Marker 10. There are 2 1/2 miles of maintained strolling trails and you’ll see the Puohokamoa waterfalls from the Garden of Eden. It ought to take out about an hour.
There is a cost of $15 to get into the Garden of Eden however it’s value it if you’d like to see the flora of the island. There’s an outdated mango tree, and strolling trails by way of the immaculately saved gardens. , so be sure to have the time to actually discover the gardens.
18. Canyoning at Rappel Maui at Garden of Eden
If you need to do one thing adventurous in Maui, Rappel Maui is positioned within the Garden of Eden the place you may ebook a full-day tour to rappel down Puohokamoa Waterfall. We’ve rappelled down a waterfall and it’s wildly enjoyable!
19. Twin Falls
Twin falls is one other waterfall cease on the street to Hana. There are the decrease falls and the higher falls and it’s a quick one-mile hike making it an simply accessible waterfall for everybody to get pleasure from. It’s a fantastic place for a dip in one of many swimming pools. We didn’t go for a swim however you may swim there. There can be a farm stand the place you should purchase snacks and smoothies.
Twin Falls is positioned at mile marker 2 and there’s a car parking zone that’s restricted. There is barely room for 50 vehicles at Twin Falls, so when driving out on the street to Hana, we advocate stopping right here instantly as soon as you allow Paia as a result of there’s a good probability you received’t get a parking spot within the car parking zone and can miss it. There is not any parking on the street to Hana.
20. Ho’Okipa Lookout
We talked about Ho’Okipa Lookout as one of many issues to do in Paia. But when driving the street to Hana, this can be a nice cease for sundown on the best way again. Located simply outdoors of Paia on the Hana Highway is Ho’okipa Beach Park. It is without doubt one of the greatest spots on the island for sundown and a fantastic place to watch the professionals at work.
You can’t miss it since you’ll see all of the windsurfers taking pictures by way of the water as you strategy. The waves are large right here thanks to the right waves that break on its north shore. If you’re going to learn the way to Kite surf or windsurf don’t go right here. This is for professionals solely. Do what we did and go to Kahului Beach as a substitute.
21. Paia Fish Market
It’s been a protracted day. (not less than if you’re nuts like us) and supper time. One of the most effective locations to eat in Paia is the Paia Fish Market. Grab a plate of Mahi Mahi at this native favourite and reminisce in regards to the wonderful belongings you noticed as we speak on the Hana Highway.
Where to Stay on the Road to Hana
There are only some inns in Hana in case you determine to keep the night time which is a superb thought to enable extra time to discover. The lodging on this aspect of Maui as it’s extra of rugged and distant, however you may test VRBO for trip leases within the space like this beautiful keep in Hana.
We recommend leaving early to beat the site visitors. The Road to Hana can grow to be overcrowded shortly. If you have got two days, we advocate taking the total two days as there are many websites to see! There are a number of inns in Hana, we recommend the Hana Maui Resort: Check charges and availability
We stayed on the Paia Inn in Paia and it was fabulous. It’s positioned on the seashore and is inside strolling distance of most of the prime Paia sights. The boutique lodge has a hip vibe and affords yoga lessons, contemporary Kona espresso, and stylish rooms.
Quick Tips For Driving The Hana Highway
Make certain to decide up The Road to Hana CD at any memento store in Maui. Turn it on in Paia and comply with their suggestions as you go. It performs some native music and it’s fairly entertaining to boot. Stop in Paia to decide up a field lunch at CJ’s Diner. Leave early, the roads are completely free and away from site visitors within the morning and also you’ll have the freeway all to your self. Pack further water. Make certain to have sturdy water footwear with grip for the waterfall trails. We recommend taking 2 days to actually discover the Hana Highway, one isn’t sufficient to see all the things. There are lodging in Hana. Drive immediately to Hana stopping just for a number of of the waterfall and scenic ocean views so as to get to the park earlier than the crowds. Allow not less than 2 to 3 hours within the park to discover the mountaineering trails and make it out to the waterfalls. Once you’re completed within the park, make your means slowly again alongside the freeway stopping in any respect the spots you missed on the best way out. Stop on the black sand seashore in your means again to Hana from the park to see the locals picnicking and browsing. We discovered the freeway to be a extra scenic drive on the best way again to Paia so get pleasure from your afternoon. Pay particular consideration to the one-lane bridges, they are often difficult on winding roads.
About The Hana Highway
Maui’s Hana Highway is taken into account one of many world’s nice coastal drives and essentially the most stunning drive in Hawaii. beginning in Paia and ending simply previous the city of Hana. It is barely 45 miles (72 km) to Hana from Paia, however the drive can take a complete day once you cease in any respect the gorgeous sights alongside the best way. Read extra: The Most Amazing Facts About Hawaii
The twisting street to Hana is crammed with 600 hairpin turns crossing 59 bridges. The slim street clings to the aspect of excessive sea cliffs and also you usually come face-to-face with oncoming site visitors.
It isn’t advisable for somebody who isn’t used to driving, so in case you don’t have lots of expertise behind the wheel, we recommend taking a tour of the Hana Highway as a substitute of driving it your self. But in case you like to drive, and don’t thoughts one-lane bridges, get your self a cool automotive rental and hop on this street for a wonderful day in Maui.
To get to Hana from Paia you’ll truly take highways 36 and 360. But the Hana Highway sounds a lot cooler. We hopped on Highway 36 in the direction of Hana after which after 9.5 miles, we turned onto freeway 360 to Hana.
In some sources, you would possibly learn in regards to the Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach. This culturally delicate space is on non-public property and is off-limits to guests. Please respect the posted indicators and don’t go to Red Sand Beach.
The Best Tip for Driving the Hana Highway
The greatest tip for driving the street to Hana is to b-line it to Hana after which drive again slowly in the other way. We drove immediately to O’he’o Gulch very first thing within the morning. It is simply previous the city of Hana which we placed on our listing to cease at on the best way again. After exploring the paths and waterfalls, we then made our means slowly again in the direction of Paia for the remainder of the day.
It was a fantastic selection as we didn’t have to sit in site visitors. Plus we had the Pipiwai Trail to the waterfalls and thru the bamboo forest all to ourselves. We had been grateful for our selection and felt fairly happy with our choice once we noticed the lengthy strains of vehicles on the opposite aspect of the street as we drove in the other way of all of the site visitors.