Road to Hana (Hana Highway)
Hana Highway, Kula, Maui, HI, 96790
Tropical foliage, black-sand beaches, rushing waterfalls, and incredible views are the calling cards of the legendary, winding Road to Hana. Also called the Hana Highway, this spectacular seaside stretch features more than 50 bridges and is regarded as one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Highlights along the route include the seven sacred pools of Oheo Gulch, the Wailua Falls, the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls, and the rainforests of the Haleakala National Park.
The basics
The Road to Hana connects Kahului and the town of Hana, hugging the coast for a distance of 64 miles. It’s famous for its difficult driving terrain and spectacular scenery. Highlights along the route include the seven sacred pools of Oheo Gulch, the Twin Falls waterfall, the Wailua Falls, the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls, the lush rainforests of the Haleakala National Park, the black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park, Honomanu Bay, and the Hana Lava Tube (Ka'eleku Caverns).
Driving along the route can be challenging for more inexperienced drivers, so if you’re not confident or don’t feel like spending an entire day behind the wheel, consider joining a full-day Road to Hana tour with a local guide. For a more glamorous option, you can also get a bird’s eye view on a helicopter tour.
Things to know before you go
Visitors must have a valid driver’s license plus international driver’s permit (depending on your country of origin) when hiring a car in Hawaii.
Guided tours generally include a picnic lunch, drinks, and snacks.
Bring a bathing suit if you plan to swim along the way.
The speed limit along the road is 25 mph.
Paia is a good place to stop if you need provisions along the way.
Some tour companies offer wheelchair-adapted vehicles.
How to get there
The Road to Hana starts in the town of Kahului, just west of Maui’s airport. If you’re driving yourself, pay attention, and follow the information on road signs. Some tours include hotel pickup. Helicopter tours usually take visitors by car one way and return by helicopter.
When to get there
Whether you’re driving yourself or joining a tour, it’s best to start out early; even though the road is less than 70 miles long, it can take up to 6 hours to drive due to traffic, blind turns, and sightseeing stops along the way.
Walk through the Hana Lava Tube
Lava tubes—natural tunnels formed by cooling volcanic lava flows—are only found in a few places in the world, including Hawaii. Explore the Hana Lava Tube (officially called the Ka’eleku Caverns), with a tour guide to see about a third of a mile of unique geological formations, including “lavacicles” and a famous area that looks like molten chocolate.
Ways to explore
The Road to Hana connects Kahului and the town of Hana, hugging the coast for a distance of 64 miles (103 kilometers). It’s famous for its difficult driving terrain and spectacular scenery. Driving along the route can be challenging for more inexperienced drivers, so if you’re not confident or don’t feel like spending an entire day behind the wheel, consider joining a full-day Road to Hana tour with a local guide. For a more glamorous option, you can get a bird’s-eye view of the Road to Hana on a helicopter tour.
Accessibility
Some tour companies offer wheelchair-adapted vehicles.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Visitors must have a valid driver’s license plus an international driver’s permit (depending on your country of origin) when renting a car in Hawaii.
What to wear
Bring a bathing suit if you plan to swim along the way.
Not allowed
Speeding—the speed limit along the road is 25 mph (40 kph).
Amenities
Fixed and portable restrooms, food and drink stands
Address
The Road to Hana starts in the town of Kahului, just west of Maui’s airport. If you’re driving yourself, pay attention and follow the information on road signs. Some tours include hotel pickup. Helicopter tours usually take visitors by car one way and return by helicopter.
Driving
Start on Highway 36 and drive east on Hana Highway (Highway 36). This is the starting point of your journey. Then, you’ll reach Paia, where you can stock up on supplies or have a quick meal before starting the drive. As you pass Paia, Hana Highway becomes Route 360, leading you toward Hana. There are free and paid parking lots at various stops throughout the route. Some, such as Waianapanapa State Park, require reservations.
Public transportation
The closest you can get to the Hana Highway via public transport is by taking a coach from Maui to Kahului or Paia.
Best times to visit
It’s best to drive the road during daylight hours, due to the difficult driving conditions.
Best days to visit
Visit Tuesday to Thursday for fewer crowds.
Best months to visit
April to October are generally the driest months in Maui and offer the best driving conditions.
Special events
Celebrate Hawaiian culture during the Hana Aloha Festival, typically held in September or October.
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