The world-famous highway to Hana is likely one of 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 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 should 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 simple to discover the perfect stops on the highway 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 folks 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 method out to Hana Town stopping alongside the way in which. We as an alternative drove instantly out to Hana earlier than dawn to discover Hana Town and its close by sights earlier than making our method again slowly within the afternoon. It was the perfect choice we made. We averted the visitors and had most of the high stops on the Road to Hana all to ourselves.
The Hana Highway is likely one of the hottest day journeys on Maui, so it could possibly get very busy quick. We suggest leaving early and driving instantly 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’ll be able to then spend the day slowly making your method 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, allows you to benefit from the viewpoints and waterfalls at your individual tempo. Plus, we discovered the views on the way in which again, method higher than on the way in which out as we had been on the correct facet of the highway 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 in your highway journey. Order the day earlier than 2 pm as a way to set out early within the morning. There are picnic tables alongside the route the place you’ll be able to cease to benefit from the extraordinary ocean views. Or you’ll be able to 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 in order for you to choose up provides for the day, we advise doing it the evening earlier than and making a espresso out of your resort.
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 counsel 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 may be a must-visit.
Making our base in Paia we stayed on the hip boutique resort, the Paia Inn, the place we woke early to make our method 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 method.
2. Haleakala National Park
As we talked about above we drove instantly to the top of the Road to Hana to start our highway journey. Going in the wrong 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 attractive. Once you arrive, you’ll stroll the Pipiwai Trail to a number 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 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 can spend the day right here sooner or later, 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 simple path stuffed with scenic views. The 4-mile mountaineering path is a wonderful scenic stroll that takes you thru enormous Banyan bushes 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 take a look at our information Top 12 Hikes in Maui to Take your Breath Away for some nice strategies 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 exterior 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 heart of this beautiful scene. Make certain to spend a little bit of time right here, it’s attractive 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 pictures. We suggest having a great 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 really spectacular.
Note: Obey the indicators not to get too shut to the falls. We noticed different folks 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 known as the Pools of ‘Ohe’o or Oheo Gulch) are one of many high sights to see on Maui and they’re additionally situated within the National Park. They can get very crowded, so it’s price 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 commonly 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 method again to Paia. We suggest stopping as a lot as attainable at any scenic lookout that you may.
We stopped at most of the waterfalls and scenic lookouts on the way in which again and actually loved driving on this route. For one, we had been now on the correct 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 photograph alternatives. It’s essentially the most accessible waterfall on the highway to Hana and it’s a pretty cascade of 80 ft over a rocky jungle setting.
Wailua Falls is situated a mile marker 45 in your method again from the Pools of O’he’o. You can swim within the plunge pool under these waterfalls
8. Koki Beach Park
Koki Beach Park is a pleasant photograph cease since it’s a combination of pink, black, and white sand. It shouldn’t be an acceptable swimming space due to the sturdy currents, however it’s a good photograph cease for a scenic view. It’s situated simply exterior of Hana and is an effective spot to benefit from the gourmand picnic lunch that you just 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 good crescent-shaped sandy seashore that everybody is in search of. 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’ll 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 evening in Hana, this can be 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 if 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 a long time in the past.
If you resolve to spend the evening in or round Hana, it’s a terrific place to chill out for the day. You can take a look at the cultural heart, chill out on the seashore or get pleasure from some downtime on the spa. There is a picnic space the place you’ll be able to seize a chew to eat and chill out by the water taking within the ocean views or you’ll be able to hit one of many eating places.
We grabbed snacks on the basic retailer as an alternative 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 method. 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 basic photograph of the Hana Highway. With stunning scenic viewpoints and a black sand seashore, it’s a must-stop for at the least {a photograph}. There are some mountaineering trails, caves, and a blowhole to discover right here.
It is right here that you just’ll see the Pa’iloa, the basic black sand seashore of Maui. There is a stairway main down to the seashore the place you’ll be able to 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 should make reservations to enter the State Park.
12. Hana Lava Tube
This is your likelihood to go inside a lava tube in case you’ve by no means been. The Hana Lava Tube was fashioned 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 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 individual 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 make certain 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 chill out on the boulders and benefit from the views of certainly one of 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 under. 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 that you may 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 instantly, you will be via it in 90 minutes. But in case you take your time, you is likely to be 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 understood for its banana bread comprised 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 attempt one other nice banana bread take a look at 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 major attraction on the Ke’anae Arboretum is the rainbow eucalyptus bushes. We thought the Eurcaplytus bushes of Maui had been the good factor. They are an invasive species imported from Asia, however you’ll be able to’t assist however cease to take images. 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 achieved at Honomanu Bay. This isn’t a well-liked cease on the Hana Highway, so you will discover fewer folks right here in case you are in search of 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 just’ll need to do solely if in case you have time as you’ll be able to’t drive down until you have got a 4X4. So you’ll need to hike.
17. Garden of Eden Arboretum
When driving the Hana Highway, it’s simple 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 price it in order for you to see the flora of the island. There’s an outdated mango tree, and strolling trails via the immaculately stored gardens. , so be sure you 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’ll be able to guide 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 quick 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’ll be able to 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 simply room for 50 automobiles 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 likelihood you received’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, this can be a nice cease for sundown on the way in which again. Located simply exterior of Paia on the Hana Highway is Ho’okipa Beach Park. It is likely one of 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 taking pictures via the water as you strategy. The waves are enormous right here thanks to the proper 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 an alternative.
21. Paia Fish Market
It’s been a protracted day. (at the least in case you are nuts like us) and meal time. One of the perfect 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 superb stuff you noticed at this time on the Hana Highway.
Where to Stay on the Road to Hana
There are just a few resorts in Hana in case you resolve to keep the evening 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’ll be able to examine VRBO for trip leases within the space like this pretty keep in Hana.
We counsel leaving early to beat the visitors. The Road to Hana can turn out to be 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 resorts 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 high Paia sights. The boutique resort has a hip vibe and gives yoga courses, recent 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 comply with 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 further water. Make certain to have sturdy water footwear with a great grip for the waterfall trails. We counsel taking 2 days to actually discover the Hana Highway, one isn’t sufficient to see all the things. There are lodging in Hana. Drive instantly to Hana stopping just for a couple of of the waterfall and scenic ocean views as a way to get to the park earlier than the crowds. Allow at the least 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 method 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 method 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 stunning drive in Hawaii. beginning in Paia and ending simply previous the city of Hana. It is simply 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 stuffed 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 shouldn’t be beneficial for somebody who shouldn’t be used to driving, so in case you don’t have numerous expertise behind the wheel, we advise taking a tour of the Hana Highway as an alternative 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 highway for a wonderful day in Maui.
To get to Hana from Paia you’ll really 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 highway to Hana is to b-line it to Hana after which drive again slowly in the wrong way. We drove instantly to O’he’o Gulch very first thing within the morning. It is simply previous the city of Hana which we placed on our record to cease at on the way in which again. After exploring the paths and waterfalls, we then made our method 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 pleased with our choice after we noticed the lengthy strains of automobiles on the opposite facet of the highway as we drove in the wrong way of all of the visitors.