The world-famous highway to Hana is among the must-do experiences when visiting Maui. It will be overwhelming planning what to see on this iconic highway journey when you have got restricted time. So we’ve rounded up all of the highway to Hana stops that we did on Maui’s epic coastal drive. You don’t have to see the whole lot (except you have got the time) so we’re right here to show you how to select what are the highest stops that you 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 highway to Hana, all you want to do is observe 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 highway 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 way in which. We as a substitute drove immediately out to Hana earlier than dawn to discover Hana Town and its close by points of interest earlier than making our means again slowly within the afternoon. It was the most effective choice we made. We prevented the visitors and had most of the prime stops on the Road to Hana all to ourselves.
The Hana Highway is among the hottest day journeys on Maui, so it will probably get very busy quick. We suggest 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 possibly can then spend the day slowly making your means again to Paia.
Recommended Road To Hana Tours
Top Road to Hana Stops
Traffic on the highway to Hana from Paia to Hana is plugged and stopped later within the day. Seeing the sights in reverse order, enables you to benefit from the viewpoints and waterfalls at your personal tempo. Plus, we discovered the views on the way in which again, means higher than on the way in which out as we had been on the precise facet of the highway with unobstructed views!
Stock up Before you Leave Paia
Get your Maui self guided tour to discover the highest websites on Maui and verify with CarRentals.com to examine automotive rental charges. And see our suggestions for locations to keep in Maui at Where to Stay in Maui – The Best Hotels
Hot Hana Highway Tip
Before heading out, seize some connoisseur picnic lunches to take with you on the Road to Hana. The Hana Picnic Lunch Company places collectively lunch and breakfast to your highway journey. Order the day earlier than 2 pm in an effort to set out early within the morning. There are picnic tables alongside the route the place you possibly can cease to benefit from the extraordinary ocean views. Or you possibly can seize some banana bread and a espresso earlier than leaving and save lunch for when you arrive in Hana.
Note: The espresso outlets and eating places don’t open till 7 am, so if you’d like to choose up provides for the day, we advise 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 preserve 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 ravishing 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 choosing 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 highway journey. Going in the other way of the visitors.
The maps and guides can have Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) as your final cease on the highway to Hana, however we like to be totally 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 points of interest on Maui. This lovely 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 undoubtedly the spotlight of our highway journey and we spent nearly all of the morning right here.
It prices $30 per car to enter Haleakala National Park. This offers you entry to the nationwide park for 3 Days which incorporates the Haleakala Summit. So you could possibly 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 mountain climbing path is a ravishing scenic stroll that takes you thru big Banyan timber and an unlimited bamboo forest earlier than you attain your closing vacation spot on the lovely and really excessive Waimoku Falls. If you might be into mountain climbing ensure to try our information Top 12 Hikes in Maui to Take your Breath Away for some nice options 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 via the forest and strolling trails placing you within the middle 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 suggest having a superb pair of water sneakers or Tevas as you’ll be crossing streams. By arriving early, we shared the waterfall views with just one different particular person. 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 protected sufficient to have a look at, however it’s harmful.
6. Seven Sacred Pools (Oheo Gulch)
The Seven Sacred Pools (Also often called the Pools of ‘Ohe’o or Oheo Gulch) are one of many prime points of interest to see on Maui and they’re additionally situated within the National Park. They can get very crowded, so it’s value getting there early. It is a beautiful cascading steps waterfall. It is a brief loop path of solely 1km.
Be conscious, the Seven Sacred Pools Trail is commonly closed due to flooding and there have been deaths at Oheo Gulch obey the indicators and observe the principles.
Once you have got completed up within the National Park it’s time to make your means again to Paia. We suggest stopping as a lot as doable at any scenic lookout that you would be able to.
We stopped at most of the waterfalls and scenic lookouts on the way in which again and actually loved driving on this course. For one, we had been now on the precise facet of the highway to have the cliff views and two, we weren’t sitting in 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 highway to Hana and it’s a beautiful cascade of 80 ft over a rocky jungle setting.
Wailua Falls is situated 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 will not be an appropriate swimming space due to the robust currents, however it’s a good picture cease for a scenic view. It’s situated simply outdoors of Hana and is an effective spot to benefit from the connoisseur picnic lunch that you simply had packed earlier than leaving Paia.
The turn-off for Koki Beach is situated at Mile Marker 51.
9. Hamoa Beach
Hamoa Beach is that excellent crescent-shaped sandy seashore that everybody is searching for. There is a 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 company 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, it is a good seashore to spend a while at.
Hamoa Beach is situated at Mile Marker 50 and there’s a parking zone right here. The stroll down is steep so be ready in case you have mobility points.
10. Hana Town
By the time we obtained 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 anticipate on the Hawaiian Islands. I think about that is what Paia was like a few many years in the past.
If you resolve to spend the night time in or round Hana, it’s a terrific place to loosen up for the day. You can try the cultural middle, loosen up on the seashore or get pleasure from some downtime on the spa. There is a picnic space the place you possibly can seize a chew to eat and loosen up by the water taking within the ocean views or you possibly can 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 highway journey, we want meals readily 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 lovely scenic viewpoints and a black sand seashore, it’s a must-stop for no less than {a photograph}. There are some mountain climbing 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 possibly can rise up shut with the sleek black pebbles lining the shore.
Note: Wai’anapanapa State Park is situated simply previous Mile Marker 32 and you need to make reservations to enter the State Park.
12. Hana Lava Tube
This is your probability to go inside a lava tube in the event 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 move inside making a tube. Give your self an hour to see it. It is unquestionably some of the 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 situated at Mile Marker 31 and the doorway charge is $15 per particular person for a self-guided tour. There are restrooms right here.
13. Hanawi Falls and Upper Waikani Falls
Two of the stops on the way in which again which are situated earlier than midway to Hana are the Hanawi Falls and Upper Waikani Falls. You can hike to see them however simply ensure to discover a protected parking spot that doesn’t block visitors.
The falls are situated 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 commonly referred to because the Three Bears with the papa, mama, and child bear waterfalls cascading at totally different lengths. You can go for a swim right here or simply loosen up on the boulders and benefit from the views of one among Maui’s hottest waterfalls.
Hanawi Falls
Hanawi Falls will be considered from Hanawi Stream’s bridge, (one of many 80 bridges alongside the highway 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 will get some espresso, tacos, sorbet, and different snacks that you would be able to get pleasure from underneath the shade.
14. Halfway to Hana Stand
The highway to Hana is brief. If you permit early within the morning and drive immediately, you will be via it in 90 minutes. But in the event you take your time, you is perhaps prepared for a relaxation cease and a brief snack by the point you get to mile marker 17. Another nice highway journey within the US is 17 Mile Drive in California.
This little store is thought for its banana bread constituted of native bananas. They additionally promote Maui’s favourite “shave ice,” ice cream, and different snack bar favorites. There is even an atm in the event you discover you might be operating brief on money. There is a little bit picnic space the place you sit underneath the shade to get pleasure from your ice cream too. If you need to attempt 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 sweet about this cease on the Hana Highway is that it’s free. The foremost attraction on the Ke’anae Arboretum is the rainbow eucalyptus timber. We thought the Eurcaplytus timber of Maui had been the best factor. They are an invasive species imported from Asia, however you possibly can’t assist however cease to take pictures. They are eye-catching. It’s a brief path so it gained’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 carried out at Honomanu Bay. This isn’t a preferred cease on the Hana Highway, so you can find fewer individuals right here in case you are 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 in case you have time as you possibly can’t drive down except 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 highway as there are mile markers all alongside the highway. The Maui Garden of Eden is situated 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 previous mango tree, and strolling trails via the immaculately stored 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 situated within the Garden of Eden the place you possibly can 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 highway to Hana. There are the decrease falls and the higher falls and it’s a brief one-mile hike making it an simply accessible waterfall for everybody to get pleasure from. It’s a terrific place for a dip in one of many swimming pools. We didn’t go for a swim however you possibly can swim there. There can be a farm stand the place you should purchase snacks and smoothies.
Twin Falls is situated at mile marker 2 and there’s a parking zone that’s restricted. There is just room for 50 vehicles at Twin Falls, so when driving out on the highway to Hana, we suggest stopping right here instantly as soon as you permit Paia as a result of there’s a good probability you gained’t get a parking spot within the parking zone and can miss it. There isn’t any parking on the highway 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 highway to Hana, it is a nice cease for sundown on the way in which again. Located simply outdoors of Paia on the Hana Highway is Ho’okipa Beach Park. It is among the greatest spots on the island for sundown and a terrific place to watch the professionals at work.
You can’t miss it since you’ll see all of the windsurfers capturing via the water as you method. The waves are big right here thanks to the right waves that break on its north shore. If you’re going to find out how 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. (no less than in case you are nuts like us) and time for supper. 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 concerning the superb stuff you noticed right now on the Hana Highway.
Where to Stay on the Road to Hana
There are only some accommodations in Hana in the event you resolve to keep the night time which is a superb thought to enable extra time to discover. The lodging on this facet of Maui as it’s extra of rugged and distant, however you possibly can verify VRBO for trip leases within the space like this beautiful keep in Hana.
We recommend leaving early to beat the visitors. The Road to Hana can develop into overcrowded rapidly. If you have got two days, we suggest taking the total two days as there are many websites to see! There are a couple of accommodations in Hana, we advise the Hana Maui Resort: Check charges and availability
We stayed on the Paia Inn in Paia and it was fabulous. It’s situated on the seashore and is inside strolling distance of most of the prime Paia points of interest. The boutique lodge has a hip vibe and gives yoga lessons, contemporary Kona espresso, and stylish rooms.
Quick Tips For Driving The Hana Highway
Make certain to choose up The Road to Hana CD at any memento store in Maui. Turn it on in Paia and observe their suggestions as you go. It performs some native music and it’s fairly entertaining to boot. Stop in Paia to choose up a field lunch at CJ’s Diner. Leave early, the roads are completely free and away from visitors within the morning and also you’ll have the freeway all to your self. Pack additional water. Make certain to have sturdy water sneakers with a superb grip for the waterfall trails. We recommend taking 2 days to actually discover the Hana Highway, one isn’t sufficient to see the whole lot. There are lodging in Hana. Drive immediately to Hana stopping just for a couple of of the waterfall and scenic ocean views in an effort to get to the park earlier than the crowds. Allow no less than 2 to 3 hours within the park to discover the mountain climbing trails and make it out to the waterfalls. Once you might be completed within the park, make your means slowly again alongside the freeway stopping in any respect the spots you missed on the way in which 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 way in which 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 lovely drive in Hawaii. beginning in Paia and ending simply previous the city of Hana. It is just 45 miles (72 km) to Hana from Paia, however the drive can take a complete day while you cease in any respect the gorgeous sights alongside the way in which. Read extra: The Most Amazing Facts About Hawaii
The twisting highway to Hana is crammed with 600 hairpin turns crossing 59 bridges. The slim highway clings to the facet of excessive sea cliffs and also you typically come face-to-face with oncoming visitors.
It will not be advisable for somebody who will not be used to driving, so in the event you don’t have quite a lot of expertise behind the wheel, we advise taking a tour of the Hana Highway as a substitute of driving it your self. But in the event you like to drive, and don’t thoughts one-lane bridges, get your self a cool automotive rental and hop on this highway for a ravishing 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 concerning the Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach. This culturally delicate space is on personal 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 highway 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 way in which 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 terrific selection as we didn’t have to sit in 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 traces of vehicles on the opposite facet of the highway as we drove in the other way of all of the visitors.