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’ve gotten 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 (until you’ve gotten the time) so we’re right here to enable you select what are the highest stops that you should 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 superb 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 means out to Hana Town stopping alongside the best way. We as an alternative drove straight out to Hana earlier than dawn to discover Hana Town and its close by sights earlier than making our means again slowly within the afternoon. It was the very best determination we made. We prevented the visitors and had lots 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 may get very busy quick. We suggest leaving early and driving straight 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 means 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, means higher than on the best way out as we have been on the correct facet 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 to 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 retailers and eating places don’t open till 7 am, so if you would like to choose up provides for the day, we advise doing it the evening earlier than and making a espresso out of your lodge.
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 preserve you occupied. We counsel spending a few nights having fun with this surfer’s city. Ho’okipa Beach Park is a superb place to watch the world-class surfers and windsurfers and Baldwin Beach is a stupendous lengthy sandy seaside that may be a must-visit.
Making our base in Paia we stayed on the hip boutique lodge, the Paia Inn, the place we woke early to make our means to Hana. After choosing up a espresso at Paia Bay Coffee Bar and ordering a boxed lunch at CJ’s diner we have been on our means.
2. Haleakala National Park
As we talked about above we drove straight to the tip of the Road to Hana to start our highway journey. Going in the wrong 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 totally 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 number of the most scenic sights on Maui. This stunning 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 the vast majority 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 could possibly spend the day right here at some point, 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 full of scenic views. The 4-mile mountain climbing path is a stupendous scenic stroll that takes you thru big Banyan timber and an unlimited bamboo forest earlier than you attain your ultimate vacation spot on the stunning and really excessive Waimoku Falls. If you might be into mountain climbing be certain that to take a look at 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 exterior 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 heart of this beautiful 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 pictures. We suggest 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 actually 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 take 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 high 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 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’ve gotten completed up within the National Park it’s time to make your means again to Paia. We suggest stopping as a lot as potential at any scenic lookout you could.
We stopped at lots of the waterfalls and scenic lookouts on the best way again and actually loved driving on this path. For one, we have been now on the correct facet 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 photograph alternatives. It’s probably the most accessible waterfall on the highway to Hana and it’s a beautiful cascade of 80 toes over a rocky jungle setting.
Wailua Falls is situated a mile marker 45 in your means 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 photograph cease since it’s a combination of crimson, black, and white sand. It isn’t an acceptable swimming space due to the robust currents, however it’s a good photograph cease for a scenic view. It’s situated simply exterior 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 situated at Mile Marker 51.
9. Hamoa Beach
Hamoa Beach is that good crescent-shaped sandy seaside that everybody is in search of. 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 when you have mobility points.
10. Hana Town
By the time we bought 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 a long time in the past.
If you determine to spend the evening in or round Hana, it’s a terrific place to chill out for the day. You can take a look at the cultural heart, chill out 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 chill out by the water taking within the ocean views or you possibly can hit one of many eating places.
We grabbed snacks on the normal retailer as an alternative 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 means. Whenever we’re on a highway journey, we want meals readily available.
11. Wai’anapanapa State Park
In a nutshell, Wai’anapanapa State Park is the place you get that basic photograph of the Hana Highway. With stunning scenic viewpoints and a black sand seaside, it’s a must-stop for a minimum of {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 graceful black pebbles lining the shore.
Note: Wai’anapanapa State Park is situated simply previous Mile Marker 32 and you should 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 some 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 individual 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 be certain 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 usually referred to because the Three Bears with the papa, mama, and child bear waterfalls cascading at totally different lengths. You can go for a swim right here or simply chill out on the boulders and benefit from the views of certainly one 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 toes into the plunge pool beneath. The water is chilly right here so it isn’t 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 you could take pleasure in below the shade.
14. Halfway to Hana Stand
The highway to Hana is brief. If you permit early within the morning and drive straight, you may be by it in 90 minutes. But in the event 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 in the event you discover you might be working quick on money. There is a little bit picnic space the place you sit below the shade to take pleasure in 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 predominant attraction on the Ke’anae Arboretum is the rainbow eucalyptus timber. We thought the Eurcaplytus timber of Maui have been the best factor. They are an invasive species imported from Asia, however you possibly can’t assist however cease to take images. They are eye-catching. It’s a brief path so it received’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 executed at Honomanu Bay. This isn’t a preferred cease on the Hana Highway, so one can find fewer individuals right here if you’re in search of 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 when you have time as you possibly can’t drive down until you’ve gotten 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 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 previous mango tree, and strolling trails by the immaculately stored 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 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 a terrific 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 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 automobiles at Twin Falls, so when driving out on the highway to Hana, we suggest stopping right here instantly as soon as you permit Paia as a result of there’s a good likelihood you received’t get a parking spot within the car 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, it is a nice cease for sundown on the best way again. Located simply exterior 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 a terrific 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 big right here thanks to the right 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 an alternative.
21. Paia Fish Market
It’s been an extended day. (a minimum of if you’re nuts like us) and time for supper. 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 in regards to the wonderful belongings you noticed at present on the Hana Highway.
Where to Stay on the Road to Hana
There are just a few inns in Hana in the event you determine to keep the evening which is a superb thought to enable extra time to discover. The lodging on this facet of Maui as it’s extra of rugged and distant, however you possibly can examine VRBO for trip leases within the space like this beautiful keep in Hana.
We counsel leaving early to beat the visitors. The Road to Hana can develop into overcrowded shortly. If you’ve gotten two days, we suggest taking the total two days as there are many websites to see! There are a couple of inns 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 situated on the seaside and is inside strolling distance of lots of the high Paia sights. The boutique lodge has a hip vibe and gives yoga courses, contemporary Kona espresso, and stylish rooms.
Quick Tips For Driving The Hana Highway
Make certain to choose 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 choose 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 footwear with grip for the waterfall trails. We counsel taking 2 days to actually discover the Hana Highway, one isn’t sufficient to see every little thing. There are lodging in Hana. Drive straight to Hana stopping just for a couple of of the waterfall and scenic ocean views as a way to get to the park earlier than the crowds. Allow a minimum of 2 to 3 hours within the park to discover the mountain climbing trails and make it out to the waterfalls. Once you might be completed within the park, make your means 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 means 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 probably the most stunning 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 once you cease in any respect the gorgeous 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 slender highway clings to the facet of excessive sea cliffs and also you typically come face-to-face with oncoming visitors.
It isn’t really helpful for somebody who isn’t used to driving, so in the event you don’t have plenty of expertise behind the wheel, we advise taking a tour of the Hana Highway as an alternative 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 stupendous 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 the direction of Hana after which after 9.5 miles, we turned onto freeway 360 to Hana.
In some sources, you would possibly learn in regards to 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 wrong way. We drove straight 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 means slowly again in the direction of Paia for the remainder of the day.
It was a terrific 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 pleased with our determination after we noticed the lengthy strains of automobiles on the opposite facet of the highway as we drove in the wrong way of all of the visitors.