The world-famous highway to Hana is among the must-do experiences when visiting Maui. It could be overwhelming planning what to see on this iconic highway journey when you might have 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 pieces (until you might have the time) so we’re right here to provide help to select what are the highest stops that it’s essential 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 simple to discover the most effective 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 good 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 method out to Hana Town stopping alongside the best way. We as a substitute 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 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 could get very busy quick. We advocate 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 may hike the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls in relative peace and quiet after which, you possibly can 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, helps you to benefit from the viewpoints and waterfalls at your individual tempo. Plus, we discovered the views on the best way again, method higher than on the best way out as we have been on the fitting aspect 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 on 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 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 would like to decide up provides for the day, we propose 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 maintain you occupied. We recommend spending a few nights having fun with this surfer’s city. Ho’okipa Beach Park is a good place to watch the world-class surfers and windsurfers and Baldwin Beach is a gorgeous lengthy sandy seaside that could 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 selecting up a espresso at Paia Bay Coffee Bar and ordering a boxed lunch at CJ’s diner we have been on our method.
2. Haleakala National Park
As we talked about above we drove instantly to the tip 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 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 attractive. Once you arrive, you’ll stroll the Pipiwai Trail to among the most scenic sights 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 provides you entry to the nationwide park for 3 Days which incorporates the Haleakala Summit. So you would spend the day right here in the future, 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 full of scenic views. The 4-mile mountain climbing path is a gorgeous scenic stroll that takes you thru large Banyan timber and an infinite bamboo forest earlier than you attain your remaining vacation spot on the lovely and really excessive Waimoku Falls. If you’re into mountain climbing ensure that to try our information Top 12 Hikes in Maui to Take your Breath Away for some nice solutions 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 the forest and strolling trails placing you within the middle of this gorgeous 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 images. We advocate 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 really 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 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 might have completed up within the National Park it’s time to make your method again to Paia. We advocate stopping as a lot as attainable at any scenic lookout that you could.
We stopped at most of the waterfalls and scenic lookouts on the best way again and actually loved driving on this route. For one, we have been now on the fitting aspect 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 may cease right here for some picture alternatives. It’s essentially the most accessible waterfall on the highway to Hana and it’s a pretty cascade of 80 toes 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 beneath these waterfalls
8. Koki Beach Park
Koki Beach Park is a pleasant picture cease since it’s a combination of purple, black, and white sand. It is just not an appropriate swimming space due to the sturdy 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 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 seaside 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 seaside. The seaside is owned by Hana Maui Resort, so you may be sharing it with friends who’ve entry to all of the facilities. But there are restrooms open to most people. If you keep the evening in Hana, it is a good seaside to spend a while at.
Hamoa Beach is situated 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 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 count on 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 evening in or round Hana, it’s an excellent place to loosen up for the day. You can try the cultural middle, loosen up on the seaside or take pleasure in 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 basic 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 have been on our method. Whenever we’re on a highway journey, we’d like meals readily available.
11. Wai’anapanapa State Park
In a nutshell, Wai’anapanapa State Park is the place you get that basic picture of the Hana Highway. With lovely scenic viewpoints and a black sand seaside, it’s a must-stop for not less than {a photograph}. There are some mountain climbing 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 seaside of Maui. There is a stairway main down to the seaside the place you possibly can stand up shut with the sleek black pebbles lining the shore.
Note: Wai’anapanapa State Park is situated simply previous Mile Marker 32 and it’s essential to make reservations to enter the State Park.
12. Hana Lava Tube
This is your likelihood to go inside a lava tube in the event 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 move inside making a tube. Give your self an hour to see it. It is unquestionably one 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 price 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 best way again which might be situated earlier than midway to Hana are the Hanawi Falls and Upper Waikani Falls. You can hike to see them however simply ensure that to discover a secure 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 completely different lengths. You can go for a swim right here or simply loosen up on the boulders and benefit from the views of considered one of Maui’s hottest waterfalls.
Hanawi Falls
Hanawi Falls could be considered from Hanawi Stream’s bridge, (one of many 80 bridges alongside the highway to Hana). The cascade of Hanawi Falls drops 200 toes 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 that you could take pleasure in beneath the shade.
14. Halfway to Hana Stand
The highway to Hana is brief. If you allow early within the morning and drive instantly, you could be by 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 constructed from 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’re operating quick on money. There is slightly picnic space the place you sit beneath the shade to take pleasure in 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 nice 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 have been the good 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 seaside it may be achieved at Honomanu Bay. This isn’t a well-liked cease on the Hana Highway, so you’ll 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 have 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 you probably have time as you possibly can’t drive down until you might have a 4X4. So you will have 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 may 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 if you would like to see the flora of the island. There’s an outdated mango tree, and strolling trails by 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 situated within the Garden of Eden the place you possibly can e-book 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 take pleasure in. It’s an excellent 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 also be a farm stand the place you should purchase snacks and smoothies.
Twin Falls is situated at mile marker 2 and there’s a car parking zone that’s restricted. There is simply room for 50 vehicles at Twin Falls, so when driving out on the highway to Hana, we advocate stopping right here instantly as soon as you allow Paia as a result of there’s a good likelihood you gained’t get a parking spot within the car parking zone and can miss it. There is not 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 best way 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 an excellent place to watch the professionals at work.
You can’t miss it since you’ll see all of the windsurfers capturing by the water as you strategy. The waves are large right here thanks to the proper 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 an extended day. (not less than in case you are 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 superb stuff you noticed at the moment on the Hana Highway.
Where to Stay on the Road to Hana
There are just a few motels in Hana in the event you resolve to keep the evening which is a good thought to enable extra time to discover. The lodging on this aspect of Maui as it’s extra of rugged and distant, however you possibly can test VRBO for trip leases within the space like this pretty keep in Hana.
We recommend leaving early to beat the visitors. The Road to Hana can grow to be overcrowded rapidly. If you might have two days, we advocate taking the complete two days as there are many websites to see! There are just a few motels in Hana, we propose 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 seaside and is inside strolling distance of most of the prime Paia sights. The boutique resort has a hip vibe and provides yoga lessons, recent 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 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 all the pieces. There are lodging in Hana. Drive instantly to Hana stopping just for just a few of the waterfall and scenic ocean views as a way to get to the park earlier than the crowds. Allow not less than 2 to 3 hours within the park to discover the mountain climbing 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 best way out. Stop on the black sand seaside 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 best way again to Paia so take pleasure in 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 simply 45 miles (72 km) to Hana from Paia, however the drive can take a whole day if you cease in any respect the attractive sights alongside the best way. Read extra: The Most Amazing Facts About Hawaii
The twisting highway to Hana is full of 600 hairpin turns crossing 59 bridges. The slim highway clings to the aspect of excessive sea cliffs and also you usually come face-to-face with oncoming visitors.
It is just not really helpful for somebody who is just not used to driving, so in the event you don’t have a variety of expertise behind the wheel, we propose 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 gorgeous 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 may 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 other 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 checklist to cease at on the best way 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 an excellent 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 have been grateful for our selection and felt fairly happy with our choice once we noticed the lengthy traces of vehicles on the opposite aspect of the highway as we drove in the other way of all of the visitors.