Is the Road to Hana a full loop?
Most visitors just drive the Road to Hana and back the way they came from Kahului. This itinerary is called the “full loop” because you continue on past Hana to the other side of the island, officially ending your tour in Kula, then driving on to wherever your accommodations are.
Can you drive all the way around Road to Hana?
By far the majority of people turn around once they reach Hana and drive the same road back to Paia. An out and back drive if you will. Quite a few people continue on past Hana to the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park where you'll find the Oheo Gulch (aka Seven Sacred Pools) and the Pipiwai Trailhead.
Does the Road to Hana go all the way around Maui?
Q: Where does the Road to Hana start and end? The Road to Hana starts in Kipahulu and ends in Kaupo on Maui. The Skyline Hawaii tour makes a loop around the island though so it starts in Kipahulu and then ends in Kipahulu again at the end of the day.
How long is the Road to Hana round trip?
7 to 9 hoursOptions For Traveling The Road to Hana 5 hours one way. 7 to 9 hours round trip from Kahului depending on stops. Drive to Hana and back – 10 to 12 hours depending on stops and finding a place for lunch or a picnic. Drive all the way around (make the loop) – 10-12 hours with more stops but less time at them.
Is it better to drive the Road to Hana or take a tour?
Your first decision: Should you do a van tour or drive yourself to Hana. Both have advantages: When driving, you travel at your own pace and can stay overnight. On the other hand, van tours have expert guides driving for you, so you can focus solely on enjoying the ride.
Is it worth doing Road to Hana backwards?
The Road to Hana is a must do when visiting the island of Maui however, if you hate the crowds and hate the traffic, then driving The Road To Hana in Reverse is the best way.
Is the Road to Hana worth it 2022?
With its generous waterfalls and dramatic ocean views, the Road to Hana in Maui is a “can't miss” experience. It's one of North America's most scenic drives …and the most famous in Hawaii. The challenge is that you could spend a week or more exploring waterfalls, beaches, and hikes here.
How long is Road to Hana without stopping?
The Road to Hana is a 64-mile long drive on Hawaii Routes 36 and 360 that stretches from Kahului to the town of Hana in Maui. The road is narrow and winding but cuts through some of the most beautiful scenery that nature has ever served up.
What time should you start Road to Hana?
It's best to be on the road, leaving your resort by at least 7:30 am. If you start late, the Road to Hana can be crowded with other drivers. That can mean that you might find yourself crawling along behind slower drivers at time.
Is the drive to Hana worth it?
A Road to Hana tour and drive is well worth it if you are on any Islands of Hawaii and will make for a memorable trip with stunning views and fascinating and far-reaching history. Former President Bill Clinton also designated the Road to Hana as the Hana Millennium Legacy Trail.
Is one day enough for Road to Hana?
This road is famous for having over 600 turns, 59 bridges, and more waterfalls than you can possibly see in one day. It is a beautiful adventure if you're up for the drive. It's possible to do the Road to Hana in one day but it takes an early wakeup and some prep work to maximize your day of driving.
Is Road to Hana a day trip?
Yes, most people experience Hana on a day trip by driving the road to Hana. I do recommend however spending a few nights in Hana so you can have one full day driving the road to Hana and a few days to enjoy activities in Hana that should be experienced like the Venus Pools, the Pipiwai Trail and Alelele Falls.
Is the Road to Hana curvy?
There are approximately 620 curves and 59 (mostly one-lane) bridges twisting and turning up and down through the lush tropical rainforest and mountainous terrain. So to say the Road to Hana is a bit curvy is an understatement.
Can you drive half of the Road to Hana?
Mile Marker 17 on the Road to Hana The official “Half Way to Hana” stop is Mile Marker #17 if you'd like to take a photo in front of the famous sign. At this point, if you're following the Half-day Road to Hana itinerary, it's recommended to turn around after the arboretum or the Half Way to Hana sign.
What can you not do on the Road to Hana?
What shouldn't you do when driving the road to Hana?Don't park on the highway or impede the flow of traffic.Don't trespass on private property. ... Don't park on the opposite side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.Don't block driveways.Don't hold up traffic — especially local traffic.
How long is Road to Hana without stops?
The Road to Hana is a 64-mile long drive on Hawaii Routes 36 and 360 that stretches from Kahului to the town of Hana in Maui. The road is narrow and winding but cuts through some of the most beautiful scenery that nature has ever served up.
Where To Start the Road to Hana?
Technically, the stretch of highway known as the Road to Hana begins at mile 0 where Hwy 36 transforms into Hwy 360, just east of Paia town.
How far is the road to Hana?
Spanning 52 miles (or 64 miles, depending on your end point), the Road to Hana begins at mile marker 0, a few miles east from Paia when Hwy 36 turns into Hwy 360. (You can start the Road to Hana from Kahului on Hwy 36 and continue east on the same road which becomes Hwy 360.) Keep in mind that the average posted speed limit is 25 mph.
How Long Does it Take to Drive the Road to Hana from Lahaina?
A conservative estimate is 3-5 hours, assuming a bit of traffic and zero stops. Assume about 45 minutes of direct driving time from Lahaina to Kahului, then another 2.5 hours (53 miles at 25mph), plus stops on the Road to Hana itself.
Are Rental Cars Allowed on the Road to Hana?
Yes, rental cars are permitted on the Road to Hana. The road is a paved, maintained highway. Do not be frightened into upgrading your rental to a jeep when all you need is a basic car.
Is There Cell Service on the Road to Hana?
As a result, cell phone reception is often spotty or non-existent along the majority of the road. Hana Town and the Ke’anae Peninsula are your best bets for finding coverage, although we were often surprised to have coverage in areas that seemed like the middle of nowhere.
Where to go from Kahului to Paia?
From the airport in Kahului, take highway 36 east toward Paia. The road will turn into 360, Hana Highway, a few miles after Baldwin Rd./Paia as you go east. Notice that the highway turns into highway 37 beyond Kaupo as the road curves west and north towards Kula, the Haleakala Crater, and back to Kahului.
How long to drive to Hana?
To Drive to Hana and back, we suggest you schedule a full day, about 10 to 12 hours depending on stops and what you decide to do for lunch (we suggest a packed picnic, or a stop at the convenient food trucks in Hana town for a tasty and reasonably priced meal).
What happens if you go up the western road from Hana onward round the island?
What will happen if you go up the western road, from Hana onward round the island, is that the hire car company won’t send their tow trucks to rescue you if you have an accident.
Where is Hana Highway?
Running from Kahului (or “where the airport is,” as you might otherwise know it) to Hana on the east of Maui, the Hana Highway is a clifftop and a coastal road.
What is the best road on Maui?
The Hana Highway is one of Maui’s best driving surfaces. But a fearful legend exists that once you’ve driven the Hana Highway, you must simply stop. The road up the western side of the island, past Haleakala, seems to be impassable.
Why are some parts of the Western Roads impassable?
More extreme weather events can make some parts of the Western roads impassable.
How many feet of road ahead of you on the highway?
For much of the highway, there is barely 20 feet of visible road ahead of you at any given time. The weather is often wet and windy. There have been known to be rockfalls.
Where do people come from to visit Maui?
People come from all over the world to visit Maui.
Is Maui paved?
Yes, it is technically true that some stages of the road up the western side of the island are not properly paved. But the roads are graded and graveled, and you should be able to make it round the island without giving the last rites to your perfectly standard Maui hire car.
Where to see Hana Highway?
One of the best stops along the Hana Highway that allows you to actually SEE the Hana Highway as it snakes across the cliffside. Our favorite pull out is the very large one (on the mauka/inland side of the road) 4/10th of a mile past MM 14. The other pullouts are either obstructed by vegetation or do not offer the same quality view as the aforementioned pullout. As always, be safe and use extreme caution on this portion of the exposed highway!
How far in advance do you have to make reservations for Waianapanapa State Park?
As of March 1, 2021, reservations (up to two weeks in advance) for all non-resident visitors and commercial vehicles will be required for entry to Maui's Waianapanapa State Park. No same-day reservations will be accepted. The parking fee for out-of-state visitors will be $10.
Where is the Oheo Gulch in Hawaii?
Oheo Gulch at Kipahulu (MM 42) OK, so here's the big reward for all that driving. Some of the most pristine pools in all of Hawaii are here at the Oheo Gulch ('7 Sacred Pools'). If the weather is good, visitors are often permitted to swim at the pools.
Where are the most scenic falls in Hawaii?
Here you'll find what may be the most scenic and easily accessible falls in all of Hawaii: Wailua Falls . This is one of our favorite stops along the entire drive, and we believe this falls alone is worth the drive. If the flow isn't too heavy, take the short mauka (inland) trail to the base of the falls that starts on the Hana side of the bridge.
Is Hana a good place to visit?
Honestly, there's nothing much to see in Hana town with the exception of a few little stores with souvenirs; although the town is quaint and welcoming. Keep heading towards the Oheo Gulch if you've got time left, or turn back to see some of the smaller sights.
Is there a code of conduct for the Hana Highway?
GuideofUS Hawaii encourages all visitors, prior to visiting the Hana area, to please refer to the official Hana Highway Code of Conduct, provided by the Hana Highway Regulation, An initiative of the Hana Community Association. Mahalo!
Is Hana Highway worth seeing?
First, we should note that there are a large number of pullouts along the Hana Highway, and the vast majority of them have absolutely nothing worth seeing. There are a few hidden gems along the way, but don't fall for the, "but everyone is parked there," trick that snags so many visitors. Trust us, we've hit ALL the stops and can assure you that many places you'll see cars pulled over at are a complete waste of your time.
When was the road to Hana paved?
The Road to Hana road trip has attracted adventurous travelers to Maui since the Hana Highway was first paved in 1962. This side of the island has remained beautifully undeveloped, ...
When was the Hana Highway paved?
The Road to Hana road trip has attracted adventurous travelers to Maui since the Hana Highway was first paved in 1962. This side of the island has remained beautifully undeveloped, allowing visitors and residents the opportunity to experience Maui’s wildly lush landscape. You will stop to marvel at stunning coastal views, uninterrupted nature, ...
What is the mile marker for Keanae Peninsula?
Keanae Peninsula and Arboretum (Mile Marker 16.5) If you’re already in the mood for another small hike by mile marker 16, Keane Arboretum will take you past some unique Hawaiian flora for about half a mile. Or, pull into Keane Peninsula to take in the coastal views situated along black lava rocks and sand.
Do you have to pull over on Maui road?
If you are enjoying the sights and driving at a leisurely pace, be mindful enough to pull over and let local drivers pass. This road is also part of the daily commute for Maui’s residents, so drive with aloha to avoid any frustration.
Do you need gas in Paia?
Filling up your tank with gas in Paia before starting the drive is imperative, as there are no gas stations between the small surfing town and Hana.
How long does it take to drive to Hana?
If you drive yourself, leave your hotel by 8 A.M. or earlier, and take a picnic lunch. Allow at least six hours to get to Hana (with stops to see scenery), and three hours to return (without stops). It’s 81 miles from Kaanapali; the hard part (the Hana Road) has 617 curves and 56 one-lane bridges. If you are prone to motion sickness, do not read (not even the map) in your car or tour van. You must drive back from Hana the same way you came, NOT by the unpaved desolate southern route.
Where to see black sand beach in Hana?
Shortly before you reach Hana, near Mile Marker 32, pull off to visit the black sand beach and other fascinating sights at Waianapanapa State Park. (Photo of me on the black sand beach is below.)
Why avoid the southern route?
Here’s why to avoid that southern route back: 1. It violates the terms of your car rental contract, and the car rental company will not accept any responsibility to tow you out or to pay for any damage to your car. 2.
Do you need a book to drive to Hana?
If you drive to Hana (rather than taking a van tour), you MUST have either an audio guide or a book with you, so you will know where to stop and what to see along the way. Without one of the following, you will miss most of the best sights, and seeing those sights is the whole purpose of driving the road to Hana. You will do OK with any of these four choices, but the first one (the app with GPS) is by far the best:
Is Hana a village?
Hana itself is just a quaint small village, isolated from the rest of Maui by the mountain road. There is nothing much to do there. The point of this trip is the sights on the road to Hana, rather than Hana itself.
Where is the Road to Hana?
Road to Hana is located in Maui, Hawaii on the northeast side of the island. This road trip became famous due to the challenging and thrilling road to “get to Hana.” Let’s just say if you are a nervous driver / passenger… this is not the road trip for you!
When should you start your Road to Hana Road Trip?
I started my road to Hana itinerary VERY early.. like before sunrise early. I don’t regret waking up that early, but I think there is one main thing I should mention that I did not read anywhere online.
What happens if you go all the way around in jungle?
If you head back the same way you came, you get to be on the ocean side of the road and get better views! If you go all the way around, you will stay on the inland side of the road.
Is the road to Hana dry?
The back side of the Road to Hana is very dry and not nearly as scenic as the way to Hana. If you go back the way you came, you can see half the sites on your way back! There are large pot holes and loose dirt. Meaning, if it was just raining significantly, your car can easily get stuck in the mud.
Is Road to Hana a strict itinerary?
My biggest tip is to not squeeze as many things into your day, but rather make it a priority to see a few “must-see” sites and then just explore other spots along the way! The point to Road to Hana is not sticking to a strict itinerary, but to enjoy the journey.
Can you stay in Hana for a night?
If you choose to stay a night in Hana, there are only a few accommodations available, so be sure to book in advance!
Is there much to do in Hana?
Honestly, there is not much to do in the actual town of Hana, so I would make this your lunch stop! Here are a few lunch spots in the area:
How many miles of road to drive around Maui?
If you take the road past Oheo Gulch (Seven Pools) and past Lindbergh’s grave and continue around the south side of Maui to go all the way around, you will have to drive on about 5 miles of unpaved dirt and gravel road.
Can you drive on unpaved roads in Maui?
The car rental companies prohibit you from driving their cars on unpaved roads, and they will not come to tow you out or assist you if you get stuck on that unpaved road. Even if you drive on the unpaved road, the road around the south side of Maui from Hana DOES NOT CONNECT to the roads in Wailea or Kihei. So if you drive all the way ...
Can you drive from Hana to Kahului?
Even if you drive on the unpaved road, the road around the south side of Maui from Hana DOES NOT CONNECT to the roads in Wailea or Kihei. So if you drive all the way around the island from Hana, you will end up back in Kahului.
Where is the Hana Highway?
(Photo: NA/Photos.com/Getty Images ) Driving the Hana Highway has become somewhat of a rite of passage when vacationing in Maui, Hawaii and the spectacular views and places of interest along the way definitely make the trip worthwhile. However, fewer visitors venture beyond Hana, ...
How long is the Hana Highway?
Yet from the 1990s the state has upgraded and repaired the 54-mile Hana Highway so that it's no longer the challenge it once was. What's more, the parks, waterfalls, gardens and trails along the way mean that stopping for a rest break is just about mandatory.
What are the best places to visit on the Hana Highway?
Stopping to see the sights along the way can turn a Hana Highway trip into a day-long adventure. The parks include the Kaumahina State Wayside Park , the Waianapanapa State Park and the Pua’a Ka’a Wayside Park. There's also the Ke’anae Arboretum and Ke'anae Peninsula to visit, as well as the Waikamoi Ridge Trail ...
What is the name of the cinder cone in Mauna Kea?
Just after mile 23, you’ll come close to a popular local landmark, Pu`u Huluhulu, which is an older Mauna Kea cinder cone, or kīpuka, and it’s surrounded by younger lava flows. This is a popular hiking destination.
Where is Kaumana Caves?
The Kaumana Caves County Park entrance is about 5 miles up from Hilo Bay, just at the start of your Saddle Road drive. There are picnic tables and restrooms. But, for a picnic you’ll always remember, enjoy your spread in the main cavern.
How long does it take to drive from Kahului to Hana?
In good conditions with little traffic, driving the Hana Highway to Hana from Kahului Airport can take as little as two hours . Drive east from the airport toward Paia then simply follow the Hana Highway on all the way to Hana. However, hundreds of cars drive the route every day, and some local travel advisers say the drive can take up to 4 hours.
What is the 31 mile marker in Hawaii?
Inlets, bays, churches, valleys and an abandoned pre-contact Haiwaiian village at the 31 mile marker are some more sights for the adventurous who love to travel less popular routes. References. Welcome to Heavenly Hana: The Hasegawa General Store. Hawaii Tourism Authority: Hana, Maui.
