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Hana Highway
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45 reviews for Hana Highway
I think I must be jaded. I lived in two developing countries. Drove the roads through the Blue Mountain on Jamaica. Drove across a lack of roads in Tibet.
This is a WELL PAVED, WELL TRAFFICKED highway. If you want scary coast line driving you should drive around the OTHER side of the island (the northwest side.. seems so much smaller than the road to Hana but it's MUCH windier and there are parts still unpaved and one lane.. now that's a bit adrenaline inducing).
It's a beautiful drive, especially if you take the time to do it right. Go slowly. Make lots of stops. Travel the highway clockwise so you can take advantage of the sunlight. Pack a lunch so that you can stop off the beaten path and experience some amazing scenery while you just take it all in.
Absolutely do this if you're coming to Maui.
Why is everyone so whiny about this road?!
If you wanted a freeway maybe you should have stayed on the mainland!
Hana, and the road to get there, is by far the most beautiful, magical place on the entire island. How people stay at their resorts the entire time on the island is beyond me. Bring some snacks, respect the speedy locals and pull your ass over when they want to pass. And explore! There are so many pull outs with amazing hikes and waterfalls, do it all! Take all day!
I would recommend staying in Hana for the night. Its so amazing!
I will also recommend buying the revealed book. So many people on here talk about how the drive isn't that amazing, I'm thinking you didn't really get out of the car much? Check out the Blowhole, the mushroom rock, waterfalls, 7 sacred pools, hike all the way to the back of the pools! it's all so freaking cool! There is somewhere to stop at least every 10 minutes. So get the book and do it all. Have some respect for the locals, the land, and the road. If someone pulls out so you can get through, can you please at least wave?! yeah, thanks :P
Beautiful drive! Just be prepared to stop - alot! It's not really a "highway," per se. Really more of a twisting, 2-lane road with lots of 1-way bridges. You need a VERY ALERT driver to maneuver all the curves. If you get carsick, do yourself a favor and rent a convertible for the day.
After seeing all there was to see (this was our second time, but our first was 11 years ago), our favorite spots were just a few miles into the drive - Twin Falls and the first beach town off the beaten path (don't remember the exact name - sorry).
The 7 Sacred Pools were anticlimactic. They are building a visitor's center and CHARGE $10 to get in. This is a new thing, as I understand. The pools were really more like "The 7 Crowded Pools." The entrance fee is good for 3 days and gets you into the crater park as well. Now THAT trip was crazy good. I'll share in another yelp!
We had the CD guide you can pick up at the Shell in Kahalui. "Craig" had lots of interesting things to share that you wouldn't know otherwise. It made the journey more enjoyable for sure.
Overall, a very beautiful journey with not one destination, but a collection of destinations - each worth the drive and the twisty road that gets you there. Probably not great for small children of people who get car sick easily...
It's really not all that bad, the drive (the driving the car part of the drive). If you get car sick, be the driver if you are able to - I know I woulda been ill if I wasn't. But really, driving this isn't nearly as bad as some of the other roads on the island (like the one around the north part), or some of the roads around California for that matter.
But please remember to use the pullouts if someone is on your tail.
Scenery is pretty great, obviously. Make your stops on the way south, by the way. Since you're on that side of the road and it's that much uh easier.
And be wary of slippery rocks.
Road was closed after Hana due to a broken bridge. So be sure to talk to locals before heading out if you're planning your day trip (so you can spend more time at areas BEFORE hitting Hana if your idea was to do the seven sacred pools instead of those and then couldn't). And such.
Drive safe.
I decided to take this drive alone, in the afternoon. It was beautiful and I lonely and actually not scary at all for me.
I do wish to do it again and have more stops along the way.
But just driving along the highway was amazing, it was like being in Jurassic park.
This is a cool highway. Well, sort of. Very twisty road. Not many stops along the way. Not so cool for someone in the back seat prone to car sickness :)
So, vacationed in Hawaii with DH and his folks eons ago. BC actually. His mom wanted to visit the Seven Pools. At that time, only one way to get to them: The Hana Highway.
We set off. Beautiful scenery and curvy road. Not feeling so good and I have to pee. More beautiful scenery and more curvy road. Still not feeling so good and I still have to pee. More beautiful scenery and curves. Really not feeling so good and I really have to pee.
So, DH, his mom, and his dad eventually convince me that it would be "ok" to pull over so that I can commune with Nature. I communed with Nature (and a few feral cats).
Back in the car and ready for more beautiful scenery and curvy road. I no longer have to pee. Still not feeling so good.
Around the next curve, less than 1/8th mile, FIL pulls into a rest stop and DH, his mother, and his father all get out of the car to use the restroom.
We arrive at the Seven Pools. MIL looks downward and realizes she has to walk to them. She is no longer interested in them. We get back in the car and begin the long, twisting, curving drive back down the highway.
I survived the Hana Highway!
Oh, hell. Just thinking about this drive makes me carsick. We didn't make it all the way to Hana. I would do it again with both motion sickness wristbands in place because it is everything it's said to be. We met a famous parrot (never thought I'd say that). And I thought the lava tubes were amazing (right after the 31 mile marker, because it's not on the maps).
A really pretty drive, that's been reviewed quite enough. But for the purposes of my 3-day in Maui list, I will note what we did do here. We did not (gasp!) go all the way to Hana, and if you only have 3 days in Maui, you would consume 1 just going back and forth on this road.
But we did get a great taste of what the drive does offer. Our stops included Haipua'ena Falls (past mile 11) - jump in, the water is amazing, and there are huge rocks where you can lounge in the sun afterwards and sing Little Mermaid songs, the botanical gardens around mile 15? that had rainbow eucalyptus trees which are about the coolest thing everrrrr, and our turnaround point was Kaenae Pt. where you can see the awesome power of the sea crashing into recently (?) made lava rocks. Try to pull over as much as you can to get pictures of the coastline, rainforest, and of the road itself!
I love this drive! This is the 2nd time I've done it - and glad that I actually got a front seat this time. No car sickness for me or my husband. This is a good drive to get you into "Hawaiin time" real quick! They say over 53 one lane bridges - just plan to yield every time to oncoming traffic and you are good.
Stop in Paia (cute town and cute shops) to get sandwiches to go. They also have motion sickness pills, bug repellant (which we didn't need), coolers and cds to buy that describe the drive and points of interests along the way. That cost $17 - we purchased and tried to put it into the cd player and found that the previous renter had left the exact same thing in the car! BONUS!
Twin Falls - We stopped at a fruit stand and took the trail to a watering hole / water fall. They say its a 3-5 minute walk up - don't believe them. It's more like 15 - but keep going as it's not a hard hike and absolutely worth it!
We got banana bread from Aunty Sandy's on the Ke'anae Peninsula - delish!
Four years ago - I didn't purchase a ring at a roadside store / lunch spot - and have kicked myself ever since. We made the stop again - and I got my ring!!! I'm a happy camper! Also try the coconut candy/chips and the coffee. Both excellent.
Wai'anapanapa State Park is also a great stop. Especially if you haven't eaten your lunch yet. The park is beautiful - you'll see lava caves, the best black sand beach, and blow spouts. The grounds are beautiful as well.
Hana is a beautiful ranch village - get out and check out general store. It's amazing how much they pack into that store and how diverse the merchandise is. Also make a point to ask the staff here if the road onward is closed at any point. I have yet to take the time to tour the Hana Hotel - but plan to stay there on our next visit.
Continue on to Oheo Gulch / 7 pools. When I was here in winter - the pools were amazing and full. In June - not so much. But still a nice spot to take a break from the drive.
I enjoy the drive beyond Hana quite honestly. Not many people attempt it - and it being summer - all of the drive was done in sunlight. There is this one amazing church on the cliffs that I always enjoy stopping at. And the scenery (and sheer craziness of the roads) leaves me breathless! I've always found it hard to turn around and drive by something I've already seen ....
The best suggestion I can make to you - is take along your lonely planet and mark the places that interest you from the book. It makes it easier to know where to stop (you'll notice mile markers more than you ever had before!)
i thought this drive was way too dizzying!!
we got super car sick and ended up having to drive about 10mph to avoid puking. all the up and down and twists and turns were a bit much. and the one lane blind bridges scared the crap out of me!!
we ended up turning back after one hour into it (we were only by mile marker 12 btw)
the scenery is breathtaking and there are plenty of beautiful waterfalls.
overall there are much cooler things to do in maui for a whole day!
I was really tempted to give one star here, but Hana Highway did get us to our destination without actually causing our demise, so I'm feeling generous.
This road seems so docile and tame as you drive along it starting from the airport in Kahului and heading East. But somewhere past Haiku it takes a dramatic turn for the worse (pun intended). And then, a whole lot more turns. And, if you're a nervous passenger like I am, you'll cling to the handhold on the car door for the next two hours.
The worst part is this: Hana Highway will make the phrase "one lane bridge" more abhorrent to you than the worst profanity you've ever heard. The bridges are accompanied by lots of places where you're directed to yield to oncoming traffic. Good idea, but often you can't see far enough to know if the oncoming traffic is oncoming or not. And, if you look back later you'll discover sometimes they weren't asked to yield to you. More nerves for the nervous passenger.
So, I'm sure there are people who really enjoy this drive (especially once they get to pass me), but I'm not one of them. If you want to get to the part of the national park that's on the far East of the island take the road to the south; sure, it's unpaved at times, but it's virtually empty, good views, cows, and an altogether more peaceful experience.
Edgar could use fifteen thousand words to describe this sublime road trip, but since Yelp has a word limit, Edgar will share my photos instead.
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Nuff said.
To be continued...
5 Stars for Maui's glorious beauty, but 3 stars for the inevitable sluggishness and traffic. Allow HOURS more time to get to Hana than you think you will need. Bring extra water and snacks if you have kids - it's a LOT of time in the car.
And it can be some white-knuckle driving for sure!
Be sure to stop to see the glorious waterfalls along the way.
Do NOT consider this, under any circumstance whatsoever, if you are the slightest bit prone to motion sickness.
We girded up and started driving -- passed Paia, no problem. Drove past the 16th mile marker where they start from 0 again, no sweat.
Less than 5 miles after that, I crap you not, I DEMANDED the husband pull over so that I could barf not-so-unobtrusively into the rocks at a turnoff. and then demanded that we turn around. not even well enough to partake in post-Hana shaved ice. Damn you, Hana Highway!
I SURVIVED!
I think driving on the Hana Highway is something you have to prepare yourself for. It's long, windy, has a lot of one lane bridges and blind turns. If you're the driver, it's not really a nice leisurely, scenic drive. You'll be too focused on the road to pay attention to anything else.
That being said, we had a great time. I don't remember half of the names of the different places or waterfalls we stopped at, but everything was beautiful. We wanted to have a picnic, but there were too many bugs flying around so we just ate our packed lunch in the car and continued on our way. If you are intending to stop and look at waterfalls or hike around, I highly recommend getting a detailed map of the location or taking a guidebook with you. I made the mistake of only having vague directions (approximate mile markers) and it was confusing at times - we missed a few waterfalls we wanted to check out.
Another suggestion is staying in Hana so you have more time to explore. There are LOTS to see. A day is really not enough!
One of the most beautiful drives that you could take in the world. If you go to Maui and rent a car, you have to take one day out of your trip and drive to Hana.
Sure, it's long and windy and you may get a little car sick if you don't STOP and get out and look at all of the beautiful surf and waterfalls and mango trees. The problem is that most people want to rush everything and miss out on 90 percent of the fun. Get a convertible if you can, it's much more exciting and the extra breeze will keep your stomach happy.
Get the cassette/CD guidebook, it helps a lot to know what you are seeing. Go down to the baseball field and church 3/4ths of the way there and stretch out your legs. It's amazing to see a fully manicured baseball field with a working telephone way out in the middle of nowhere. What kids play here? Where is the school? I still ask myself those questions.
Also be prepared for a little rain showers here and there as it is on the wet side of the volcano. They don't last forever though, just come and go. And the road will probably be a little crowded with tourists just like you so be patient.
There are little vendors along the way with hot breadfruit and fish for sale. Try them. The breadfruit was blah but the fish was great. So come see come sah. To each his own.
If you do decide to stop and take pictures, do NOT go to close to the water, it's deadly. If you slip and fall in, you are dead. It will pull you under and smash you to a pulp against the rocks so stay away. We saw people very close with their backs to the surf and I thought they were nuts.
Finally, after all of that driving, you will get to Hana. It's kind of a small, dull, town but get out and visit the General Store, the beach and the ultra expensive Hana Hotel. No hi-rises, no golf courses, no fast food stores, just old Hawaii. Take it for what it is, it isn't Lahaina.
Definitely the most stressful and exhausting drive I had ever done in my life. It was absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. You really do wonder how God created this place.
My highlights were:
-Ching's pond (saw a local guy dived off the bridge into the pond.pretty cool!)
-Drive down Nahiku and saw a beautiful peninsula at the end of the road.
-Black sand beach and the cave. Makes you feel like Alice in Wonderland.
-Oheo Gulch
My tips:
-If you're the sole driver, Make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before.
-Start Early if you're planning to make stops (highly recommended)
- Bring food and water as there are no stores.
-Fill in a full tank of Gas!
-Lastly, do not speed up, the road is narrow and windy. Go slow and yield as appropriate.
This is a BIG deal for tourists visiting Maui- people drive out and back to their resort in a single day- which seems pretty crazy to me. The drive itself is right through a tropical rain forest- lots of water falls and eye popping views.
It's a windy road, sure- but I've experienced similar driving experiences in the US- specifically along the northern california coast (north of sacramento) and along the road between Boise Idaho and Sun Valley, Idaho.
Almost died 4 times.
Almost killed people 6 times.
Had no idea what was going on most of the time...
And when I have talked shit about the Hwy 1 route to Big Sur, I assure you I didn't know what I was talking about. Egads.
I do think the road to Sonoma coast is worse... setting sun, sheer cliffs...
But this is the most beautiful and excitingly mellow road you will ever go on! No worries on time, just enjoy each other's company and go for a stunning ride into a land that has seemingly, alltogether, disappeared.
Stop at fruit stands, see junked out trashed out cars.... and end up at Hana Ranch because that place is the bomb.
I adore this road. It reminds me of some of the happiest moments of my life.
YIKES! 53 miles of yikes! My friends had warned me I'd be car sick (fortunately, I wasn't), but no one warned me we'd feel like we were driving off a cliff for 10 hours in our tiny little mustang convertible. So there's your warning....
Despite the dangers this is an absolutely beautiful ride, which everyone must do once. I probably won't ever do it again, but I am glad I did it once. It was a very long day- we left the hotel at 7 am, didn't return until 5 pm, and my husband (the driver) was still shaking from the scary drive at 10 pm.
Our helpful conceirge at the hotel gave us a guide to the Road to Hana so we could decide exactly where we wanted to stop. We made a total of 8-10 stops...some being more worthwhile than others.
One stop that's a MUST is Wai'anapanapa State Park where we enjoyed the delicious picnic, packed for us by our hotel, overlooking the most beautiful view. Also if you survive making it to the end be sure to stop at the Seven Sacred Pools! Oh, you may want to bring sandals you can wear in the water there- the rocks were killing my feet (my husband didn't seem to have that problem though). And once you make it all the way past Hana you have another scary windy road back.
Don't forget your CD's and ipod (like we did- whoops) cause it's a looonnnng ride that is a bit boring at times. Oh, and wear lots of sunblock if you're in a convertible unless you like that lobster look I was sporting by that night.
FIrst Get Maui Revealed!
It was like the bible to us along the whole trip!
From buying killer banana bread on honor system, hidden waterfalls along private property, secret water pools, playing frogger along the hwy, good eats and happy hana cows.
The rental cars try to scare you to not drive the dirt roads on Hana - do it! It's not that bad! Some roads are One lane - used by both directions so get your driving skills adjusted and drive safe not stupid!
Don't wear "cutesy" cloths. Wear tenny's or your teva's to get through some of the trails. I saw this one honeymoon couple and the chick was wearing a cute skirt and wedges! Pah'leeze!!! It's rain forest atmosphere in some parts. Rural and not paved.
Bring sunscreen, water and makesure your batteries are charged!
Take your time and enjoy! It was awesome!
Breathtaking and scenic drive way away from the commercial part of Maui. No stores or commercial places for 55 miles. Paia to Hana. Route 360 on the map. Hee hee! There is only one road to Hana, so don't worry about getting the wrong road. Only 55 mi. Takes you 3.5 hours. Stop by Picnics in Paia and get your box lunch for the day. Also, you can pick up a tour tape that is really worth it, as it describes your trip and interesting points as you pass them. Lots of narrow hairpins curves, but really an adventure for the day. IMHO, no trip to Maui is complete unless you made the trek out to Hana and beyond.
Once you leave Paia, you are in true Hawaii. Something like it must have looked like 200 years ago. Lush tropcial vegatation with marvelous plants, flowers, and trees. As you head out, the slopes of the volcano are to your right, the ocean below to your left. Many waterfalls are at the curves. Several stopping places. I highly recommend you stop at a local bookstore, and get a good guide, It wil tell you some neat stopping places. You then hike up the volcano a little bit, and presto, you come to a private pool and waterfall. It is so pretty and so serene, you might not want to continue. Really rewarding.
Further down the road, you can pull off to the left for some side roads to the beach. The wave action on the black lava rocks is truly magnificent. The ocean turns multi-blue colors, and the waves crach with great force on the rocks. It is real magic. There is even one place the call "Black Sand Beach". You can probably figure that one out Nice to walk on. Back to the car.
So, you keep driving, driving, driving (occasinal stops), and then come to Hana. Quaint little town and interesting to explore. Don't forget to stop in the Congregational Church (looks like out of a scene in the movie Hawaii). Check out the hymnals. They are all written in Hawaiian. The public beach there is nice for a picinic and ocean watching. Two very expensive hotels are located in the town and worh walking through the lobbies. Back to the car.
You can keep going to other sites. The Seven Pools area are just a bit further, past Hana, and can kill your day there. Several hikes from that parking lot take you higher up the volcano, to very large falls and beautiful scenery.
Past that is a small church where the grave of aviator pioneer Charles Lindbergh is located.
After that the road narrows, and goes to gravel/dirt. Here is where big signs warn you that your rental car contract will be voided if you pass. I call it the dot-dot-dot road, because that what it looks like on all the maps. The road takes you back to the other side of the island for a roundtrip. I broke the contract and did it one time. Based on that experience of holes in the road, no guard railings on steep inclines, I'd only recomend you do this with a 4 wheel drive vehicle.
The normal way home is the way you came. You will still see many things you missed.
Ah the road to Hana. Paradise found!
The first thing that you need to understand is that for most people the Road to Hana is about the drive more than the destination. There's not much in Hana. It's lush, it's tropical, and it's a long drive.
The second thing you need to understand is that some people actually do have a destination in mind and want to get there at a faster average speed than 10mph.
If you prefer to drive 10mph the whole way there, and someone gets behind you who wants to drive faster, then please please please be a good tourist and pull over to let the cars behind you pass.
Also, please understand that this is an Island. Since we're surrounded on all sides by water, you'll be seeing a lot of ocean during your stay. You don't need to slow down every time you get a glimpse of the sparkling blue sea.
There's also a lot of waterfalls on the way to Hana. Seriously, a ton of them. The best ones to see are the ones where there are actually parking lots for you to stop in. Stopping on the highway is bad form.
Happy driving!
Fascinating drive thru lush rain forest areas, look for the occassional waterfalls and swimming holes too! This is a 5+ star drive.
If you can, rent a mazda miata convertible; that car would be great on a sunny hot day thru the rain forest. I'll update more on a road side BBQ with pulled pork and baked bread fruit.
Although I'm giving it three, it's something you must do, there's just no two ways about it.
However, here is sort of how it went for me. Ahh, waterfalls. WOW, it feels so tropical! Lordy, is this BEAUTIFUL! I feel so, so far removed. This is like being off a page of Travel & Lesiure.
(Fast forward three hours)
Another waterfall. Great. DAMN this road is narrow. Why can't all those idiots in their PT Cruiser convertibles remember THAT and stay on their own side of the road? Another curve. Oh, lotsa rocks. Great. Hope it doesn't chip my rented Pontiac. Egad--here comes the tropical version of a street person, wasted out of his mind and trying to sell me dope. Why can't I drive any faster and get away?? Oh yeah...another PT Cruiser with novice driver in front of me.
It's great, but it takes forever and there's almost nowhere/no way to turn around. Bring some good music and a boatload of nerves and patience, you'll probably have a good time.
This is something I recommend to everyone who tells me they are going to Maui for the first time.
Yes, it's true bring your iPod or CD's because it can get a little boring - the key is frequent stops. I recommend stopping at a waterfall, the black rock beach and of course the Seven Sacred Pools.
FYI - This is a day trip!
Long windy trek - as others said, enjoy the journey as the destination is not all that. Don't do the Road to Hana without a formal tour or at least a recorded driving tour that walks you through everything step-by-step or you'll miss a lot of things and leave unsatisfied.
We didn't feel like driving through all the windy and dealing with one-lane roads so took a guided tour - we learned and noticed so much more than if we had done it ourselves. There were some really cool black and red sand beaches and a nice waterfall along on the way. But we were on the tour's schedule so we couldn't hang ut longer in certain places nor leave sooner at places where we were bored.
Bottom line: Would I do it again? Probably not. But if you've never been, may be worth it if you've already done everything else you want to do in Maui.
I finally went with my BFF on the road to Hana and It was fun.. It helps being in a comfortable car that takes the roads well I was taking those turns in my BMW like a pro... There are a lot of touristy things and some off the beaten path things you have to Hike to.. My fav was the red sand beach aka the nude beach it was secluded and you had to take a hike the dirt can be slippery at times so be careful but the beach was so nice people smoking weed and just chilling enjoying the natural surroundings... Yes I did go topless lol.. I also loved cliff jumping u have to crawl under some barbwire but once you get there its just so peaceful and It took me 15min to get the balls to jump off the 30-40ft rock.. But I am glad I did it.. We stopped on way back at this taco/cafe place and I wouldn't recommend the Fish Tacos the catch of day was Marlin and I dunno it just didn't taste right in a Taco.... It was a fun trip next time we are gonna do more hiking and more swimming in the waterfalls.. It's hard to do everything in 1 day...
If you've done everything else there is to do on Maui then you should try the Hana Hwy. Otherwise I'd skip it. If you absolutely must do it, I'd suggest taking one of the luxury coaches out and then a helicopter back. I'm sure there are several tours that offer this. My dad took his grand kids on one and they all loved it.
Clearly a more expensive option but time is money and driving back the same 3 hours that you just drove seems like a waste of time.
Really one of the best experiences in my life. Absolutely breathtaking scenery. And to end it, Hana is such a surreal place in itself. My heart will always ache until I return.
Excuse me while I throw up...
If you are not the driver and have a light stomach you may want consider some motion sickness pills. The sites are beautiful and there are some great beaches along the way. I recommend reading up and learning where some of the good hiking and scenic spots are as they are not marked along the road.
We drove all the way out to the 7 pools and hiked to the waterfall and bamboo forest. Definitely worth the drive and beautiful. If you plan on doing the hike be sure to pack water and bug spray. I am still scratching he 30 bug bites I got a week later. The hike to the falls is about 2 miles and easy enough for all fitness levels.
I recommend leaving early. As other posts have mentioned this is a windy road with many one lane bridges and passes. By leaving early you bipass all of the our buses and drive is relatively easy and safe. Beware of locals as they know these roads way better than any tourist, and as a result they own them. There is no guarantee that they will yield, so just keep your eyes peeled.
TIP : BUG SPRAY!!!
This is really more of a 3.5 star rating, but I'm rounding up.
The Road to Hana is really, as what you'll read in most guidebooks and hear from most people, the epitome of "It's not about the destination, it's about the journey." Well first, the destination was not that great. We didn't end up seeing anything too memorable at the end. And second, the journey made me feel so carsick halfway through because of the all the windy turns and one-lane streets. I was also pretty sad that once we reached the end, we had to turn around and go back through all the windy parts!
However, aside from that and the rainy weather we experienced, I can see how the Road to Hana might be fun for some. The trip offers exquisite views of the coastline, as well as the more agricultural parts of Maui. I thought there would be more waterfalls, but there weren't. So if you take a guidebook with you, it'll point out which miles to look for and stop off to look at windsurfers, mango trees, the highest point, etc.
Although there are also banana bread and fruit smoothie stands, there aren't that many, so I would definitely take food with you for the ride because it's going to be a LONG trip!
I agree that this is, in fact, waaaay too long of a drive to do when you're not planning on sleeping in Hana. I'm not the best passenger to begin with. Add in curvy roads and one lane bridges and my nerves get a little shot. This said, I'm still glad I did it. It was a lovely drive. And though, supposedly, everyone uses the same guidebooks that tell them the locale of the waterfalls, we ended up completely alone at a beautiful pool with a waterfall. We picnicked there for about an hour and only one family of 3 came, took a photo and left. So I think there are truly moments to be had on the journey.
If there is 1 thing I recommend everyone do on the island of Maui it is to drive the road to Hana. Why? It has something that appeals to everyone...natural beauty...this is why we spend the big bucks to come to HI...and it is something that everyone, regardless of able-bodiness, can do.
The catch? Natural beauty doesn't stay natural or beautiful if there is too much human intervention. Thus, this is NOT a freeway. It's a 2-lane road, with two-way traffic, that hugs the natural twisting, winding, curves of the terrain. There are blind, hair-pin curves, that offer breath-taking views over very steep, plunging cliffs. Locals know all the curves and hair-pins very well & drive the road very fast, often swerving over the solid, double yellow lines into the opposite lane...hopefully you won't be there when they do. Drive WITH EXTREME CARE.
I would suggest that one adult drive up, allowing the others in the car to enjoy the view & another adult drive down. Or, 1 can drive up 1/2 way & then switch drivers (the same on the way down). The important thing is that the driver PAYS ATTENTION AT ALL TIMES. You cannot enjoy both the gorgeous view AND be a vigilant, responsible driver. Don't attempt to drive the road if you have been drinking or partaking of other "mind-altering" substances. If you don't care about your own life, at least care about the other drivers & families on the road.
Okay, enough lecturing. There are some essential things to know before you begin your long, round-trip journey. You want everyone to enjoy it safely. Otherwise, no one will have fun & it will be nightmarish & grueling.
1. begin well rested---this is a long trip, no matter how you slice it. Make sure to get a good night's sleep before hand, you'll need it, especially if you plan to get out and hike, swim, explore, etc. as part of your experience.
2. be prepared for everyone to get car sick--if anyone in your party is hung over, either leave them behind, or plan to go another day when everyone is feeling up to the trip. If anyone in the party even has the SLIGHTEST inkling that they MAY get motion sick, I recommend having them take Bonine (this is non-drowsy motion sickness medication) or homeopathic medication (i.e. Hyland's motion sickness tablets). Sometimes you have to begin these medications the night before, so read the directions. I take both of these for scuba diving, and they will not make you drowsy. My life depends on me being able to make rational, clear-minded decisions when I am underwater at deep levels, with sharks circling, etc. I wouldn't recommend it, if I didn't know that it works. Also, read the label warnings BEFORE you take it. This goes without saying, but not everyone can take every medication. You don't need to add a medical emergency to this drive, when medical help is a good distance away. DON'T TAKE DRAMAMINE!!!!!! It will make you drowsy, if not at first, then on the drive back that night. The driver needs to be alert, but so does at least one passenger. You will be tired at the end of the day. Someone needs to keep company with the driver. It helps them stay alert, especially at night.
3. fill your gas tank completely---you are driving to a remote area where gas stations will be few in number, and gas will be more expensive the more remote the area. Otherwise, be prepared to pay through the nose when you fill up in Hana.
4. bring plenty of supplies---once again, you are driving to a remote area, and convenience stores are also few in number and EXPENSIVE. Bring enough bottled water, snacks, food, beach towels, sunscreen, bug spray, band-aids, an extra change of clothes FOR EVERYONE IN THE PARTY, comfortable & sturdy shoes, thick socks, wind-breakers, any medications you might need, ibuprofen, ice in a cooler (not for your drinks but for sprains, injuries, etc.), and anything else you think you might need. ALSO BRING PLENTY OF CASH. You never know when you may need it & no ATM is available, or the one available is not working.
5. bring your cell phone & charger--you never know when you might need it, but don't count on being able to get a signal up there either...it can be hit & miss, but you'll have it. If you have a mobile satellite phone, even better.
6. plan what you want to do, before you begin your drive---you may just be going up to enjoy the natural beauty, or to hike, or to see the 7 Sacred Pools & waterfalls (which is a hike), or to go to Haleakala. There is the red sand beach, black sand beaches, the Hana Ranch restaurant, the general store, and other things you might want to check out. Whatever it is, make sure you have a good, properly marked map & check weather conditions the morning you are leaving. Weather can change quickly.
7. theft---watch what you leave visible in your rental car. Local thieves know which cars are tourist cars. They will break in. Thieves don't want what they can't see.
Enjoy!
Well, this is not a highway, by any standards, but it is one of the most beautiful drives you will ever take. I was the driver once, and then we took a small tour bus once. Both had pros and cons...in your own car you can make fun stops..like Blue Pool (which our driver said was dangerous, and told a scary story about tourist being swept out to sea) but navigating the many one lane bridges does not allow the driver much sight seeing. On the tour, you could see allot more, but our driver was a real story teller....either way it is a wonderful drive!! Also, don't listen to me alone...Maui Revealed is the travel book to have, we did his top picks...and had a stellar time!!
Your journey along the "Road to Hana" will be a lot more enjoyable if you go with someone who is a patient driver and who actually WANTS to go to Hana. Unfortunately, this was not the case in our Jeep as someone was crabby and afraid that it might rain. WAAAAH! Although we did not make it all the way to Hana, the parts that I saw were not as scenic as the west side of the island. Turn offs for negative people and anyone who woke up on the wrong side of the bed are: 1) it might rain (imagine that! rain in a rainforest!); 2) the beaches aren't sandy; and 3) people don't know how to drive. Mostly #3. In addition, although the lush tropical rainforest was pretty, it gets a little redundant after a while. Also, the waterfalls that Poochie saw were WEAK at best. And another thing, you humans are litter bugs. You people should be ashamed of yourselves. I can't stress this enough. How could you trash this beautiful oasis? I picked up a lava rock and a ranger told me that what I did the Hawaiian natives would find, "incredibly offensive." As if pillaging the land, planting sugar cane everywhere, and building billion dollar resorts isn't more incredibly offensive. But still, you people are worse than Hitler! Have some class!
Poochie's choice: Drive around the other side of the island from Lahaina, past Nakalele point, and back to Wailuku. It's a lot more dangerous but the views are spectacular! Then finish it off with a margarita at Manana Garage! It's on the way!!!
Warning: Driving around the west side of Maui will void your car rental agreement. I figured this was because the roads were pendulous, but if you flew over the edge and plunged into the Pacific, the car should be the last thing you worry about. No, this road is off limits because certain areas are run by crack heads. They will jack your car, rob you, make you disappear, nobody will ever see you again, they will eat your liver, have a luau with your carcass, prop your skull on top of a spear and display it along the roadside as a warning to the white man to "Turn Back! Stay Away!," nobody will look for you, nobody will miss you, and nobody will care. Don't go there! You have been warned!
Prior to visiting Maui many of our friends told us that we must drive the road to Hana. Many bill this drive as one of the most beautiful drives in the word. I would agree that the natural beauty of this area is absolutely stunning. Although the drive it self is not at all fun. It is over a three hour drive one way, you cross over numerous bridges and the road is only one lane in many places. As you drive this very challenging road, you are accompanied by several other tourists with extreme variations of driving styles. All the while the locals, who actually know this road, are trying to get to their destination - certainly frustrated by all the dumb-ass tourists. During our drive we witnessed two auto accidents. One was a tourist that left the road and put his rental car in a ditch and the other was a head-on wreck at one of the blind one lane sections of the road. If you have someone in your party that is susceptible to car sickness, leave them at the hotel. I would also suggest that if you do want to take this drive, utilize on of the many tour van services. You will still be able to view the impressive scenery and not be stressed out over the drive.
Do the road to Hana blah blah blah yes, but as Crystela said - TAKE CDs or the silence of having no radio for 5-6 hours might drive you made enough to make you want to drive over the edge of a cliff!
It was amazing. Loved it. So beautiful. Worth the 8 hour trip or so. You have to go to Maui to do this. Now for the serious side: I would recommend driving it rather than taking the buses and charters. The person in your group that is the best driver and most confident driver needs to drive. The roads can get pretty tight no bigger than the width of a car at times. It can be very white knuckle especially on the way back from Hana when you are on the outside edge of the road. The locals tend to drive pretty fast and if your not paying attention they can scare the hell out of you. Its good to take breaks. Leave early from your hotel and plan on whole day trip. The earlier you leave the better the traffic by noon time it is PACKED! Plus its more beautiful in the morning, fresh. The best vehicle to take would be a jeep wrangler or a convertible. If you have a car/van/suv you will miss almost everything, literally. You can get the guide books but you dont have to, I dont like them. WELL WORTH IT!
Not as interesting as I thought. Parking in the waterfall/attraction spots is bad. Start your trip very early and buy the Maui Revealed book. Oh, and pack some CD's b/c there are no radio stations when you do the drive.
