Driving the Road to Hana, often known as the Hana Highway, is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Maui. This 600ish-turn, 64.4-mile route takes you thru a number of the most stunning surroundings on the island. It is loaded with a whole lot of hairpin turns, cascading waterfalls, a bamboo forest and dozens of gorgeous issues to see.
While it’s doable to drive the entire thing in lower than 3 hours with none stops, we’ll miss out on heaps of experiences that hold vacationers coming again for extra. You know what they are saying, the journey is usually extra vital than the vacation spot.
Let’s take a look at 35 of the perfect stops on this scenic route, from the perfect photograph alternatives to climbing trails to the perfect eats on the highway and a lot extra that may certainly make for a enjoyable driving tour..
Mile Marker 0 — Paia Town
What higher option to begin your journey to Hana than on the unofficial beginning place, the metropolis of Paia? This as soon as sugar-mill city is now a famend laid-back windsurfing vacation spot, with common windsurfing spots like Ho’okipa and Spreckelsville attracting folks the world over. It can also be typically referred to as the “Windsurfing Capital of the World.”
Trendy boutiques, eating places, surf outlets, and native artwork galleries, akin to Nuage Bleu, Cafe Mambo, and Maui Hands, name the place their house. As that is the final city you’ll come throughout in your option to Hana, it’s additionally a fantastic place to refill on gasoline (which might get fairly costly right here), snacks, toiletries, and whatnot.
Mile Marker 2 — Hana Highway (360) — Twin Falls
Hawaii is understood for a number of the world’s most stunning waterfalls, and Maui isn’t any exception. The first of many Road to Hana stops, the Twin Falls is located within the Ho’olawa Valley. While the world across the falls is inside personal property (Wailele Farm), it’s simply accessible to the general public. There are additionally completely different meals stands the place you may get some refreshing smoothies and snacks. Since it is a common cease for a lot of vacationers and locals, parking area can refill rapidly, so make certain to regulate your schedule to work round peak instances (10AM to 2PM).
There are two waterfalls alongside the reasonably difficult 1.8-mile path resulting in Twin Falls. The first one is comparatively near the parking zone, the place you’ll see a small waterfall and a pure pool you possibly can dip into. The second one (the one typically seen on photos of Twin Falls) requires a little bit of climbing however is unquestionably properly price it. As there are various slippery (and typically harmful) spots alongside the best way, make sure to deliver applicable footwear, like water footwear.
P.S. Don’t go away any valuables in your automotive, as (sadly) theft is continuously reported within the space.
Mile Marker 3.5 — Kaulanapueo Church
Kaulanapueo Church was inbuilt 1853. At 8:45 within the morning, we had been the one ones there, in addition to the spirits buried within the quaint cemetery, some courting again to 1940. The Protestant church buildings doorways had been locked, however the cease was price a peak across the grounds.
Mile Marker 4.5 — Huelo Lookout
Early on the Road to Hana drive we determined {that a} fruit smoothie can be so as and one of many first stands was Huelo Lookout. I ordered a banana bliss smoothie, which was made with contemporary papaya, coconut and bananas—if these elements don’t say Hawaii, I’m unsure what does.
Mile Marker 6.7 — Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees
The Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees are considered one of Maui’s most well-known sights. While these huge bushes are discovered in several components of the island, the most well-liked spot is round mile marker 7, the place you’ll see the “painted forest” alongside the slopes of Haleakala in direction of the ocean. The bushes get their title from the rainbow-like internal bark that varieties when the outer bark peels away (which occurs a number of instances a 12 months).
Mile Marker 9 — Ho’okipa Beach Park/Ho’okipa Lookout
One of the perfect places in Maui for leisure ocean actions is Ho’okipa Beach Park at Mile Marker 9, which incorporates Ho’okipa Lookout.
This breathtaking white sand seashore provides a number of the greatest windsurfing experiences on Maui’s coast, and it’s not unusual to see the professionals courageous the sturdy winds and waves. And let’s not overlook the lookout, which provides sweeping views of the adjoining shoreline and an up-close take a look at the highly effective waves that crash towards the rocky shore.
Mile Marker 9.5 — Waikamoi Nature Trail
The Waikamoi Nature Trail is a simple loop hike crammed with ferns, tall bushes and scenic overlooks. There are two climbing choices; the lengthy route and the brief. With our restricted time on the Hana Highway we took the shorter of the 2 which was slightly below a mile.
Mile Marker 10.2 — Ka Haku Smoke Shack
Ka Haku Smoke Shack is likely one of the funkiest meals huts alongside the best way to Hana and the ten buck rooster plate comes with a free coconut. Don’t hassle with the canned corn and rice sides that include it. But the rooster, that’s grilled proper in entrance of you, is tender and flavorful. The contemporary coconut juice washed all of it down properly.
Mile Marker 10.6 — Garden of Eden
The Garden of Eden is a type of expensive, touristy arboretums that I’d sometimes go up, however it’s a nice cease for figuring out all of the native crops that you will note throughout your Hawaiian travels. Plus, they’ve a few waterfall lookouts.
Mile Marker 12 — Kaumahina State Wayside Park
Coming in at round mile marker 12 is the scenic Kaumahina State Wayside Park. This 7.8-acre woodland/viewpoint is a good place to relaxation and luxuriate in some grub, with picnic tables and restrooms obtainable for guests. Breathtaking views of the northeast Maui shoreline and Ke’anae Peninsula are a deal with for the eyes, with tons of nice photograph alternatives from one of many spots looking out. There are additionally a number of (albeit unmaintained) loop routes going uphill, the place you’ll see quite a few native and unique bushes and crops.
Mile Marker 14 — Honomanu Bay Lookout
Honomanu Bay is located between mile markers 13 and 14 of Hana Highway, on Maui’s North Shore. And what higher manner to absorb the bay’s biggest views than on the Honomanu Bay Lookout? This pullout, which is located simply previous Kaumahina State Wayside Park, provides a broad panorama of the bay and can also be a well-liked pictures spot. So whether or not you’re trying to absorb the pure fantastic thing about Maui or seize some wonderful images, the Honomanu Bay Lookout is unquestionably price a go to.
Mile Marker 16.7 — Ke’anae Arboretum
Located previous mile marker 16 on the Hana Highway alongside the Piinaau Stream is the Ke’anae Arboretum. What actually sells this one to vacationers and locals are the attractive tropical crops, flowers, and bushes that develop right here (they’ve round 150 completely different species!) These embrace hibiscus, taro varieties, and the famed Rainbow eucalyptus. Entrance is free, and guests can get pleasure from a pleasant, straightforward stroll alongside the paved paths whereas taking within the breathtaking fantastic thing about the flora.
Mile Marker 16.8 — Ching’s Pond
Ching’s Pond is a well-liked swimming gap that many individuals go by with out even understanding it’s there. The courageous locals cliff dive from the bridge, a 25 foot drop. The much less adventurous leap from the decrease parts or just watch from the sidelines. Jumping is completely, positively not really helpful, however at the moment not taking the leap was additionally considered one of my Road to Hana regrets. Not certain I’d be so courageous at this time!
Mile Marker 17 — Keanae Peninsula and Village
Just previous the Ke’anae Arboretum and mile marker 16 is a highway resulting in Ke’anae, a small however stunning peninsula fashioned by the lava that flowed down Haleakala Crater and the soil introduced by ancestral Hawaiians centuries in the past.
Today, it’s recognized for its historical Hawaiian city, taro farms, and beautiful land and seascape. With completely different viewpoints/lookouts within the space, you’ll at all times discover one thing new to see. Plus, it’s additionally a good way to take loads of images! Be certain to take a look at the rugged lava-rock-filled shorelines, the historic church, and a style of some scrumptious banana bread (Aunty Sandy’s).
Mile Marker 17 1/3 — Halfway to Hana
The Halfway to Hana snack store is definitely a type of locations common on account of its title and it’ll most likely not be the perfect banana bread alongside the best way, however definitely worth the cease simply to say you’ve been.
Mile Marker 18.8 — Wailua Valley State Wayside
A spot to stretch your legs and get a killer view! We took the steps on the fitting of Wailua Valley State Wayside to the highest and had been handled to a view of Ke‘anae Valley, Ko‘olau Gap and the village of Wailua. It will be a quick stop, but worth the perfect Hawaiian view.
Mile Marker 19.5ish — Upper Waikani Falls
The Upper Waikani Falls, also known as Three Bear Falls, is one of the most popular waterfalls of all the Road to Hana stops. It got its name from the three separate side-by-side falls of varying sizes, reminiscent of the original bear trio from Goldilocks and the Three Bears. It’s additionally a comparatively fast hike to the falls proper on the facet of the highway.
Mile Marker 22 — Pua’a Ka’a Falls/Pua’a Kaa State Wayside Park
Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park is positioned farther down the Hana Highway, round half a mile previous milepost 22, and is a good place to stretch your legs and luxuriate in the fantastic thing about Maui. Visitors can take a brief hike by means of the forest to see a number of the birds and crops up shut. There can also be a waterfall on the property (Pua’a Ka’a Falls), which makes for a refreshing swim on a scorching day.
Mile Marker 24 — Hanawi Falls
The Hanawi Falls is considered one of Maui’s most stunning and photographed waterfalls, positioned simply round mile marker 24. Continuously fed by the waters of the Hanawi Stream and surrounded by dense rainforest, the waterfalls are separated into two components: the higher and decrease falls.
The higher waterfall is a 30-foot cascade that plunges right into a small pure pool discovered simply close to the bridge/roadside (which is a unbelievable spot for viewing it). The decrease waterfall is a 200-foot cascade accessible through a path from the Nahiku village. Unfortunately, some components of the path are below personal property, which prohibits any climbing.
Mile Marker 27. 5 — Coconut Glens Ice Cream
It’s not simply the sights that make Road to Hana a visit price remembering, but additionally the little candy treats we get to style alongside the best way. And on the subject of consuming ice cream, you’ll need to cease on the funky bus at mile marker 27 1/2.
Made from domestically sourced elements, Coconut Glen’s natural vegan ice cream prides itself as the perfect there’s in Maui, and it could positively be the case when you get a style your self. With completely different flavors akin to mint chocolate, lemongrass, and their signature coconut taste (and extra), your journey will certainly be an entire lot sweeter!
Mile Marker 28.8 — Nahiku Marketplace
Nahiku Marketplace is a Hana buying middle, which consists of a tiny handful of Hawaiian product outlets. This is the place I found considered one of my absolute favourite Maui treats, coconut sweet. The coconut is hand lower, sprinkled with brown sugar and gradual baked. And it’s scrumptious!
Mile Marker 31 — Hana Farms Roadside Stand
The Hana Farms Roadside Stand is a well-liked cease for vacationers alongside the highway to Hana. It is a neighborhood market the place you should purchase all kinds of products made in Hana and the farm itself, akin to scorching sauces, spreads, skincare merchandise, and extra.
Be certain to take a look at their bakery for some freshly-made breads, bagels, desserts, and their signature banana bread (is available in 4 completely different flavors.) If you’re searching for one thing heavier, you possibly can get pleasure from an open-air eating whereas munching on their wood-fired pizzas, pupus (a kind of Hawaiian appetizer), harvest salads, and extra.
Mile Marker 31 — Hana Lava Tube
Located previous mile marker 31, the Hana Lava Tube is likely one of the many pure wonders you could find on the Road to Hana. This big tube is comprised of solidified lava fashioned when the molten rocks cooled and hardened and is large enough to stroll by means of.
Visitors can take the self-guided tour, which takes them contained in the underground lava tube. Different rock formations like stalagmites and stalactites fill the partitions and ceilings, and uncommon ones just like the Chocolate Corridor and Chockstone are positively a must-see. If you fancy one thing above floor, you possibly can as a substitute discover and ‘get lost’ of their Red Ti Botanical Garden Maze.
Mile Marker 32 — Luana Spa Retreat
After indulging in an excessive amount of coconut sweet, we made a fast cease at Luana Spa Retreat to get a tour of a yurt. Why? Because I had no thought what the heck a yurt was both. Turns out it’s a fancy-smancy collapsible tent generally utilized in Mongolia. But, you possibly can sleep (or, even higher, get a spa remedy) in a single at Luana.
Mile Marker 32 — Nutcharee’s Thai meals
Right subsequent to Luana Spa Retreat is Nutcharee’s, a scrumptious and genuine out of doors Thai restaurant. Even although it’s off the crushed path of the Hana Highway, this place typically will get so busy it has to show away visitors. Yep, it’s that good.
Mile Marker 32 — Pa’iloa Beach Black Sand Beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park
The Pa’iloa or Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach in Wai’anapanapa State Park (mile marker 32) was my favourite cease alongside the Road to Hana. Because of its distinctive black sand and exquisite tropical environment, this brief stretch is a particular Instagrammable spot.
A brief, steep path led us to the seashore, which began with a big coal-colored rock, adopted by shiny black sand with descending sizes of pebbles. Conditions-permitting (as it might typically get harmful), you possibly can go swimming within the water, however even simply the sight of it’s definitely worth the journey. There are additionally neighboring lava caves with freshwater lakes if you happen to like exploring for a bit. Beautiful!
Mile Market 33 — Hana Tropicals
Hana Tropicals is a unique tropical flower farm and orchid nursery positioned within the charming city of Hana in East Maui. The farm is an homage to considered one of nature’s most stunning and distinct signatures across the island of Maui. The grounds are nestled away in a lush ethereal jungle, teeming with natural magnificence.
They provide a free guided tour of their farm, offered by considered one of their passionate volunteer staff, or you could select to discover the property at your personal tempo and curiosity.
Mile Marker 34 — Hana Town
Here at mile marker 34 lies the small city of Hana, the place the entire journey is called after. It was as soon as house to the primary sugarcane plantations on the island, which paved the best way to the creation of the roads coming to and from Hana.
Although it’s a quiet, sleepy city, Hana’s attraction lies in its wealthy historical past and the stuff you’ll uncover as soon as you understand it a bit higher. Lush rainforests, stunning seashores, and scrumptious eats are simply a number of the many issues awaiting the weary traveler, and is unquestionably the perfect place to pause and rejuvenate. Some must-see locations embrace the Hana Cultural Center and Museum and Hana Bay Beach Park.
Mile Marker 35 — Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach
The pink sand seashore of Maui, often known as Kaihalulu Beach, is arguably one of the beautiful and scenic seashores in your entire world. The seashore will get its pink coloration from the iron-rich hill discovered within the space, which superbly contrasts the ocean’s blue waters.
Something to remember is that the entry path crosses personal property, which is why the locals shrink back from going to the seashore and why you could choose out too. You could discover it disrespectful if one trespasses. The hike is comparatively brief, however the path is steep, slim, and harmful, particularly if you happen to’re not sporting correct footwear. Use your greatest judgment if you happen to’re planning to go to right here, or if you happen to’ll go for different points of interest as a substitute.
Mile Marker 41 — Lindbergh’s Grave
Tying in with our earlier entry, the Palapala Ho’omau Church additionally serves as the ultimate resting place of flier Charles Lindbergh, who’s greatest recognized for being the primary individual to fly a monoplane nonstop and solo throughout the Atlantic Ocean. He spent his final years in Maui till he died of lymphoma on August 26, 1974 (age 72.)
His grave will be discovered below the shade of a plum tree and can also be one of many causes folks go to the church.
Mile Marker 41 — Palapala Ho’omau Church
The Palapala Ho’omau Church is a good looking church positioned simply previous mile marker 41 (eight miles south of Hana). In 1864, Christian missionaries constructed the church out of limestone coral and lava rock. Over the following century, it served as a spot of worship and a middle of exercise for the locals. At some level, nonetheless, it was deserted till it was restored in 1964 by Sam Pryor and famed aviator Charles Lindbergh.
Today, it attracts guests worldwide with its beautiful gardens, surroundings, and seaside vistas. Add to that the peace and quiet one feels inside church grounds, making it a fantastic cease after an extended drive.
Mile Marker 42 — Ohe’o Gulch — Seven Sacred Pools
Our final cease on the Road to Hana loop was the Ohe’o Gulch, often known as the Seven Sacred Pools. There are a number of falls that move by means of Ohe’o Gulch and they’re common. By the time we acquired there, round 2:30pm, it was loaded with vacationers.
Mile Marker 42 — Pipiwai Trail
Moving on to Haleakala National Park at mile marker 42 is likely one of the greatest (if not the perfect) trails in Maui: Pipiwai Trail. This 4-mile, reasonably difficult route takes you to a few of its highlights, such because the 200-foot tall Makahiku Falls, a large 137-year-old Banyan tree, Maui’s most picturesque bamboo forest, and ending with the magnificent 400-foot tall Waimoku Falls.
Be certain to put on applicable footwear as some components of the path can get muddy and slippery, deliver plenty of water, some bug repellants, and naturally, go away no hint behind.
Mile Marker 45 — Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls, described as Maui’s “most photographed waterfall,” is located proper after mile marker 45 alongside the Honolewa Stream. This is undoubtedly considered one of Maui’s most accessible and sumptuous waterfalls, cascading round 80 ft down the facet of a lush jungle cliff into a powerful plunge pool. What’s extra, you don’t even have to go on a hike to see it!
Mile Marker 50 — Hamoa Beach
After passing the city of Hana, we made a fast cease at Hamoa Beach, a good looking, crescent public seashore. This golden white sand seashore is likely one of the greatest surf breaks on the island (together with Koki Beach), with the waters altering from mellow to fierce in a snap (make sure to watch your youngsters!)
During the calmer instances, particularly within the morning, you possibly can get pleasure from different water actions akin to snorkeling and bodysurfing. We simply took a peek, however we’d have spent extra time sunbathing if we didn’t should get again to Paia by dinner.
Mile Marker 51 — Koki Beach
Koki Beach is a pink sand seashore positioned on the island of Maui in Hawaii and is likely one of the two well-known Hana surf breaks cherished by native surfers (the opposite one being Hamoa Beach). The neighboring Ka Iwi O Pele, or “Bones of Pele” cinder cone hill, is liable for the darkish pink sand at Koki Beach.
As the waters can get fairly tough across the seashore, it’s not a great spot for swimming. However, it’s a unbelievable spot to calm down and have a picnic whereas taking within the views of the surfers and the ocean.
. . .
It’s plain that Road to Hana is likely one of the hottest vacationer points of interest in Maui. From lush rainforests and sumptuous waterfalls to pink and black sand seashores to scrumptious eats, there’s a lot this a part of the island has to supply. While it could take a while to get by means of these nice stops, simply keep in mind to get pleasure from and take advantage of out of your journey!
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Essential Tips for Visiting Maui and the Road to Hana
Getting There: Kahului Airport is a significant hub and most airways will fly into it. It is the one airport in Maui that accommodates direct flights from the U.S. mainland. You can simply verify for the perfect fare offers at Skyscanner, which additionally has the choice to decide on ‘cheapest month’ because the departure to seek out the bottom priced dates to fly to your vacation spot. Although there’s an airport in Hana, there aren’t taxis, shuttle providers, or automotive leases on the Hana Airport, so fly into Kahului Airport and choose up your rental automotive, take a taxi, Uber, Lyft or a shuttle to your resort.
Where to Stay in Maui: It’s greatest to remain close to the airport in Kahului, near the beginning of the Hana Highway. The Napili Sunset Beach Front Resort (average) is a good selection in Lahaina. For one thing a little bit nearer, the Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono will prevent some
journey time on the best way to the Road to Hana. For one thing on the cheaper facet, attempt the Kihei Kai Oceanfront Condos or the Banyan Tree Bed and Breakfast Retreat. For a resort with a little bit extra extravagance, e-book a room on the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. Or search some nice offers on inns of your selection at Booking.com. If you’re searching for extra of a house environment (or are touring with a gaggle of individuals), head over to Airbnb that has homes, residences and even only a room for hire in each worth vary.
Getting Around: Renting a automotive in Maui is the perfect to actually expertise the Road to Hana and RentalCars.com has some nice offers. If you aren’t renting a automotive, there are many choices. Taxis, Lyft and Uber can be found throughout Maui, plus a lot of the prime points of interest will be accessed with the Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley, the Hula Hula Hopper. If you aren’t renting a automotive however want to expertise the Road to Hana, take a look at a number of the greatest excursions that provide pick-up providers out of your resort or apartment beneath within the ‘Best Tours in Maui and the Road to Hana’ part.
City Transportation Passes: The Hula Hula Hopper Trolley provides a 2-Day all
inclusive go for $48 that permits entry to all 4 Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley strains.
Best Tours in Maui and the Road to Hana: You can discover a number of the prime excursions at Get Your Guide or Viator, and listed here are a number of the prime ones:
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Tours
Maui: Scenic Drive to Hana
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