The world-famous highway to Hana is without doubt one of the must-do experiences when visiting Maui. It may 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 every little thing (except you might have the time) so we’re right here to aid you 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 straightforward to discover the very best stops on the highway to Hana, all you want to do is observe the mile markers. We have included the mile marker for every cease on the Hana Highway on this information. It is a good 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 manner out to Hana Town stopping alongside the way in which. We as a substitute drove immediately out to Hana earlier than dawn to discover Hana Town and its close by points of interest earlier than making our manner again slowly within the afternoon. It was the very best choice we made. We prevented the site visitors and had most of the high stops on the Road to Hana all to ourselves.
The Hana Highway is without doubt one of the hottest day journeys on Maui, so it could actually get very busy quick. We advocate leaving early and driving immediately to the Pools at O’he’o Gulch a part of Haleakala National Park which is about half-hour past Hana. Getting there early beats the crowds and you may hike the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls in relative peace and quiet after which, you may then spend the day slowly making your manner 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 personal tempo. Plus, we discovered the views on the way in which again, manner higher than on the way in which out as we had 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 connoisseur 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 so that you could set out early within the morning. There are picnic tables alongside the route the place you may cease to benefit from the extraordinary ocean views. Or you may seize some banana bread and a espresso earlier than leaving and save lunch for when you arrive in Hana.
Note: The espresso retailers and eating places don’t open till 7 am, so in order for you to decide up provides for the day, we advise doing it the night time 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 ravishing 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 manner 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 manner.
2. Haleakala National Park
As we talked about above we drove immediately to the tip of the Road to Hana to start our highway journey. Going in the other way of the site visitors.
The maps and guides may 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 a few of the most scenic points of interest on Maui. This lovely portion of the nationwide park homes a bamboo forest, the 400-foot-high Waimoku Falls, the Seven Sacred Pools ( Oheo Gulch), and the Haleakala volcano. This was positively the spotlight of our highway journey and we spent nearly all of the morning right here.
It prices $30 per automobile to enter Haleakala National Park. This provides 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 straightforward path stuffed with scenic views. The 4-mile climbing path is a ravishing scenic stroll that takes you thru large Banyan timber and an unlimited bamboo forest earlier than you attain your last vacation spot on the lovely and really excessive Waimoku Falls. If you’re into climbing be sure that to take a look at our information Top 12 Hikes in Maui to Take your Breath Away for some nice ideas across the island.
4. Bamboo Forest
The bamboo forest was a spotlight of the path. We have by no means seen such a pristine bamboo forest outdoors of Asia. The bamboo was introduced to Maui by Asian migrants engaged on pineapple farms to use as scaffolding. There is a boardwalk that cuts via the forest and strolling trails placing you within the heart of this gorgeous scene. Make positive 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 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 secure sufficient to have a look at, however it’s harmful.
6. Seven Sacred Pools (Oheo Gulch)
The Seven Sacred Pools (Also referred to as the Pools of ‘Ohe’o or Oheo Gulch) are one of many high points of interest to see on Maui and they’re additionally positioned within the National Park. They can get very crowded, so it’s price getting there early. It is a beautiful cascading steps waterfall. It is a brief loop path of solely 1km.
Be conscious, the Seven Sacred Pools Trail is usually closed due to flooding and there have been deaths at Oheo Gulch obey the indicators and observe the principles.
Once you might have completed up within the National Park it’s time to make your manner again to Paia. We advocate stopping as a lot as doable at any scenic lookout which you could.
We stopped at most of the waterfalls and scenic lookouts on the way in which again and actually loved driving on this course. For one, we had been now on the fitting aspect of the highway to have the cliff views and two, we weren’t sitting in site 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 beautiful cascade of 80 ft over a rocky jungle setting.
Wailua Falls is positioned a mile marker 45 in your manner 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 picture cease since it’s a combination of crimson, black, and white sand. It isn’t an acceptable swimming space due to the sturdy currents, however it’s a good picture cease for a scenic view. It’s positioned simply outdoors of Hana and is an effective spot to benefit from the connoisseur picnic lunch that you just had packed earlier than leaving Paia.
The turn-off for Koki Beach is positioned at Mile Marker 51.
9. Hamoa Beach
Hamoa Beach is that excellent crescent-shaped sandy seaside that everybody is searching for. There is a parking zone right here, that fills up quick and you’ve got to stroll down a set of stairs to get to the seaside. The seaside 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 people. If you keep the night time in Hana, this can be a good seaside to spend a while at.
Hamoa Beach is positioned 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 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 night time in or round Hana, it’s an ideal place to chill out for the day. You can take a look at the cultural heart, chill out on the seaside or get pleasure from some downtime on the spa. There is a picnic space the place you may seize a chew to eat and chill out by the water taking within the ocean views or you may hit one of many eating places.
We grabbed snacks on the common retailer as a substitute of choosing a sit-down lunch. There was an excessive amount of to see and we didn’t need to waste time consuming. So with our automotive stocked once more with meals, we had been on our manner. 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 a minimum of {a photograph}. There are some 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 may rise up shut with the graceful black pebbles lining the shore.
Note: Wai’anapanapa State Park is positioned 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 when 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 one of the vital 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 positioned at Mile Marker 31 and the doorway price 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 can be positioned earlier than midway to Hana are the Hanawi Falls and Upper Waikani Falls. You can hike to see them however simply be sure that to discover a secure parking spot that doesn’t block site visitors.
The falls are positioned 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 usually 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 chill out on the boulders and benefit from the views of one in every of Maui’s hottest waterfalls.
Hanawi Falls
Hanawi Falls may be seen 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 will get some espresso, tacos, sorbet, and different snacks which you could get pleasure from underneath the shade.
14. Halfway to Hana Stand
The highway to Hana is brief. If you allow early within the morning and drive immediately, you may be via it in 90 minutes. But when you take your time, you may 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 thought for its banana bread produced from native bananas. They additionally promote Maui’s favourite “shave ice,” ice cream, and different snack bar favorites. There is even an atm when you discover you’re working brief 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 strive 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 important attraction on the Ke’anae Arboretum is the rainbow eucalyptus timber. We thought the Eurcaplytus timber of Maui had been the good factor. They are an invasive species imported from Asia, however you may’t assist however cease to take photographs. 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 performed at Honomanu Bay. This isn’t a preferred cease on the Hana Highway, so you can find fewer folks 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 elements 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 may’t drive down except you might have a 4X4. So you’ll need to hike.
17. Garden of Eden Arboretum
When driving the Hana Highway, it’s straightforward to discover the stops on the highway as there are mile markers all alongside the highway. The Maui Garden of Eden is positioned 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 in order for you to see the flora of the island. There’s an previous mango tree, and strolling trails via the immaculately saved 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 positioned within the Garden of Eden the place you may 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 brief one-mile hike making it an simply accessible waterfall for everybody to get pleasure from. It’s an ideal place for a dip in one of many swimming pools. We didn’t go for a swim however you may swim there. There can be a farm stand the place you should purchase snacks and smoothies.
Twin Falls is positioned 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 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 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 outdoors of Paia on the Hana Highway is Ho’okipa Beach Park. It is without doubt one of the greatest spots on the island for sundown and an ideal 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 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. (a minimum of in case you are nuts like us) and dinner time. One of the very best locations to eat in Paia is the Paia Fish Market. Grab a plate of Mahi Mahi at this native favourite and reminisce concerning the wonderful belongings you noticed right now on the Hana Highway.
Where to Stay on the Road to Hana
There are just a few resorts in Hana when you resolve to keep the night time which is a good concept to permit extra time to discover. The lodging on this aspect of Maui as it’s extra of rugged and distant, however you may verify VRBO for trip leases within the space like this beautiful keep in Hana.
We recommend leaving early to beat the site visitors. The Road to Hana can change into overcrowded shortly. If you might have two days, we advocate 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 positioned on the seaside and is inside strolling distance of most of the high Paia points of interest. The boutique resort has a hip vibe and presents yoga courses, contemporary Kona espresso, and stylish rooms.
Quick Tips For Driving The Hana Highway
Make positive to decide up The Road to Hana CD at any memento store in Maui. Turn it on in Paia and observe their suggestions as you go. It performs some native music and it’s fairly entertaining to boot. Stop in Paia to decide up a field lunch at CJ’s Diner. Leave early, the roads are completely free and away from site visitors within the morning and also you’ll have the freeway all to your self. Pack additional water. Make positive to have sturdy water footwear with grip for the waterfall trails. We recommend taking 2 days to actually discover the Hana Highway, one isn’t sufficient to see every little thing. There are lodging in Hana. Drive immediately to Hana stopping just for a couple of of the waterfall and scenic ocean views so that you could get to the park earlier than the crowds. Allow a minimum of 2 to 3 hours within the park to discover the climbing trails and make it out to the waterfalls. Once you’re completed within the park, make your manner slowly again alongside the freeway stopping in any respect the spots you missed on the way in which out. Stop on the black sand seaside in your manner again to Hana from the park to see the locals picnicking and browsing. We discovered the freeway to be a extra scenic drive on the way in which again to Paia so get pleasure from your afternoon. Pay particular consideration to the one-lane bridges, they are often difficult on winding roads.
About The Hana Highway
Maui’s Hana Highway is taken into account one of many world’s nice coastal drives and essentially the most lovely drive in Hawaii. beginning in Paia and ending simply previous the city of Hana. It is simply 45 miles (72 km) to Hana from Paia, however the drive can take a complete day while you cease in any respect the attractive 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 slender highway clings to the aspect of excessive sea cliffs and also you usually come face-to-face with oncoming site visitors.
It isn’t really helpful for somebody who isn’t used to driving, so when you don’t have a number of expertise behind the wheel, we advise taking a tour of the Hana Highway as a substitute of driving it your self. But when you like to drive, and don’t thoughts one-lane bridges, get your self a cool automotive rental and hop on this highway for a ravishing day in Maui.
To get to Hana from Paia you’ll really take highways 36 and 360. But the Hana Highway sounds a lot cooler. We hopped on Highway 36 in direction of Hana after which after 9.5 miles, we turned onto freeway 360 to Hana.
In some sources, you may learn concerning the Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach. This culturally delicate space is on personal property and is off-limits to guests. Please respect the posted indicators and don’t go to Red Sand Beach.
The Best Tip for Driving the Hana Highway
The greatest tip for driving the highway to Hana is to b-line it to Hana after which drive again slowly in the other way. We drove immediately to O’he’o Gulch very first thing within the morning. It is simply previous the city of Hana which we placed on our checklist to cease at on the way in which again. After exploring the paths and waterfalls, we then made our manner slowly again in direction of Paia for the remainder of the day.
It was an ideal selection as we didn’t have to sit in site visitors. Plus we had the Pipiwai Trail to the waterfalls and thru the bamboo forest all to ourselves. We had been grateful for our selection and felt fairly happy with our choice after we noticed the lengthy traces of automobiles on the opposite aspect of the highway as we drove in the other way of all of the site visitors.