Road to Hana Reviews (Maui, Hawaii)

Nice drive but not "all that"

Oakland, California

January 18, 2012

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I enjoyed the three hour drive along the "Road to Hana," but would not offer up the superlatives others give this 50 miles stretch of asphalt. In my opinion, the run of highway along southern Maui is just as scenic, with spectacular sweeping views ...Read more

From journal The Last State

So Many Shades of Green!

by Princess00

Dallas, Texas

February 23, 2010

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Best of IgoUgo Day 4: April 2 – Road to HanaTaking the recommendations of those who have traveled Hana as well as our helpful guidebooks, we were in Pa’ia Town by 7:00 am, ready to start our Hana journey ahead of other travelers. Having not eaten breakfast, we ...Read more Day 4: April 2 – Road to Hana

Taking the recommendations of those who have traveled Hana as well as our helpful guidebooks, we were in Pa’ia Town by 7:00 am, ready to start our Hana journey ahead of other travelers. Having not eaten breakfast, we found a coffee shop in Pa’ia called Anthony's Coffee Company. We stopped for a small bite of breakfast – éclairs and muffins. Anthony’s also offered a packed lunch (and cooler) that could be eaten on the road to Hana later that day. We purchased a sandwich, knowing that the food options would be limited that day and that carrying a lunch with us would provide us with flexibility to eat at our leisure, making the day even more relaxed and enjoyable.

We had heard many horror stories about the Road to Hana, but were determined to give it a try. Hana was one of the main reasons I wanted to visit the island of Maui instead of some of the other islands we had not already seen. We picked up a great guide book that proved to be extremely helpful on our journey - Hana Highway Mile by Mile: The Road to Hana & Beyond. This book was written to designate certain stopping points along the road to Hana that might be of interest to tourists. Using this book, which is very small and portable, we were able to read about a destination, look at the * review (1* to 5*) and determine if it was somewhere we wanted to stop based upon the amount of time we had and whether it seemed interesting to us or not. Because we had arrived on the road rather early, we did not experience difficulty with finding a spot to park our car at the more popular sites, which was a complaint that we had heard often from other travelers. The day was lovely and sunny. For nature lovers, I can’t imagine not taking this road. The lushness of the surrounding coastline is something that cannot be fully described. I had never seen so many different shades of green in my entire life. Many people have commented that you can see Hana by just driving a few miles in and then turning around; however, the road changes and winds and as you move further along, you see different aspects of the Maui coast. Initially, you see the weaving road along the coastline – crystal blue water juxtaposed against the tall black cliffs covered in green foliage. Then, the road winds further inward where water gushes forth into spectacular waterfalls. There were times when the lava rock literally seeped water. As you travel farther along, you come to the famous black sand beach at Wai'anapanapa State Wayside Park and then move forward past Hana to 'Ohe'o Gulch and Kipahula Area. Also, we were sure to stop at one of the local stands to purchase some banana bread. Not only was it delicious, but it gave us the energy we needed to get through the day before we stopped for lunch. Notable sites along Hana that we stopped at:

Waikamoi Ridge Trail (Ko'Olau Forest Reserve) - Shortly past mile marker 9, we stopped at the Waikamoi Trail, a beautiful, short nature walk through trees, bamboo, and ferns with scenic overlooks at various points along the way. This was a good place to stop for a quick stretch of the legs. It provided a lovely lookout point along the trail.

Mile Marker 14 and 16 – Coastline Views: Between mile markers 14 and 16, we stopped at several pullouts that provided really beautiful lookout points. This was the perfect location to view the winding highway along Honomanu Bay. If you don’t have time to stop at each lookout point, at least try to stop at one.

Ke'Anae Peninsula – This was a short diversion drive off of the Hana road that took us to a small peninsula of black rock. If you have the time, it is a nice stop, but if you are running short on your day, it is not a necessary destination, IMO.

Waterfalls – The inner section of Hana is filled with so many waterfalls. I love seeing the rushing water, so we stopped at each one to take in the sites. Each waterfall is different and unique and due to the heavy rainfall up on Haleakala, there were many little surprises along the way that were not marked as ‘stopping points.’ My favorites were probably Three Bears Falls and Wailuaiki Falls.

Wai'anapanapa State Wayside Park – my husband and I decided that this beach is listed as one of our ‘top beaches’ we have ever visited. I can’t say that we are ‘beach experts’, but we have seen a few gorgeous beaches in our time. When we arrived at Wai'anapanapa State Wayside Park, it was time for lunch, so we opened our sandwich we had purchased that morning and at lunch at the park along with finishing the rest of our banana bread. There were lots of picnic tables in this area where we could sit, relax, and take in the sites. I was surprised because I always believed that the black sand beach was the only ‘site’ at this location; however, the surrounding area is just as amazing. We stated on the east shore and took a couple of pictures before heading down to the beach. The beach is well maintained and easily accessible; however, it is not swimmable and there are warning signs everywhere noting as much. There is something absolutely splendid about this location – black lava rock against bright blue water and the most interesting bright green plants growing out of the rock. After spending a little bit of time on the beach, we headed to the east side up a small trail. At the top, we were amazed to find sheer cliffs where the strong north shore surf was crashing up, forcing a strong spray of salty water to where we were standing. It was a splendid display of the powerful ocean and the strength of the cliffs. All in all, we spent about an hour or so at this location and had a hard time leaving.

Red Sand Beach - I also wanted to visit the Red Sand beach in Hana town because the photos looked so spectacular. This was the only stop on our trip that I would not recommend – especially if the ground is wet. The trail is very limited with sheer drops into the ocean below. If you are scared of heights or have a ‘cautious nature’ this is not the hike for you. I ended up, at one point, on my knees in the red dirt grasping at little tree roots to get through a very worn out part of the trail. By the time we made it to the beach, I was too scared to take the last part of the trail to the bottom for fear I could not get back up. My husband did and said the beach was lovely. It was a beautiful and unusual site, but not one that is worth the risk. Also, if you are not a fan of ‘clothing optional’ beaches, this is not the place to be. Due to its secluded nature, there were many swimmers that decided to forego swimwear.

'Ohe'o Gulch and Kipahula Area –'Ohe'o Gulch was located about 15 minutes past Hana. The road narrows and began to get rather bumpy, indicating less attention to maintenance. As we had visited Haleakala previously, we kept our ticket and used it to enter the 'Ohe'o Gulch area. A short walk took us to the pools which were closed that day due to rainfall. It was a nice stop, but at this point, we had been on Hana all day (it was mid- afternoon) at this point, and were beginning to get worn out.

There are two options on how to leave Hana – go back the way you came or continue around the east and south face of Haleakala. After experiencing the bumpy roads past Hana, we had read that certain portions along the east and south face could get rather treacherous and are often closed due to rock falls. So, we opted to return the way we came. It takes a full day to really ‘see’ Hana, but our return trip was accomplished in about 1-2 hours. By that time, we had become comfortable with the road, drove like a ‘local’, and made fast time. It was on the way back that it started to rain and we were thankful we had gotten up early that day as many people were just making their way along the road to see certain sites. With the downpour, it looked pretty miserable for them and what they saw (which we saw earlier that day) looked pretty disappointing due to the weather.

All in all, it was one of our favorite days on our trip.
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From journal Return to Paradise (Part 1) - Maui

Interesting but Definitely not a Must do

by blade_queen

Champaign, Illinois

January 2, 2008

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My husband and I drove to Hana on a overcast and slightly raining day. We enjoyed the beautiful ocean coast but most of the trip was a struggling with the poorly designed and constructed wiggly road. The water falls were very muddy and there was no ...Read more

Its Great but you Need to be Strong

by rdshah

falls church, Virginia

December 10, 2007

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We did this road to hana last month. As recommended we took Expedia Road to Hana tour. They had a bus of 40 people and started at 6 in morning. Unluckily we got last seat since all in front were already occupied. They came to our hotel to pick us ...Read more

Road to Hana

by RoBoNC

Indianapolis, Indiana

October 29, 2007

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Best of IgoUgo One of the most scenic drives in the United States belongs to the island of Maui. The Hana Highway, or more commonly referred to as the Road to Hana, was designated in 2000 as the "Hana Millennium Legacy Trail." It has been included on the ...Read more One of the most scenic drives in the United States belongs to the island of Maui. The Hana Highway, or more commonly referred to as the Road to Hana, was designated in 2000 as the "Hana Millennium Legacy Trail." It has been included on the National Register of Historic Places. The Hana Highway is 68 miles in length winding its way around the coast of Maui to the town of Hana. The road consist of over 620 curves crossing 59 bridges, 46 of which are one-lane. Kahului, the largest city on Maui, is 52 miles from Hana, but takes about three hours to get there. A drive to Hana is an all-day excursion and one not to be missed.

The Road to Hana begins in the town of Paia, where we stopped for breakfast and to fill up with gas. There are no places to fill up on the drive and towing a car off of the highway is expensive and very time-consuming. The drive takes you right along the coastline through lush tropical rainforests and a few small towns until you reach Hana.

There are plenty of scenic pull-offs on the drive for great picture-taking or just to relax. We first stopped off at a small pond located off the highway accessible by a short walk down a dirt path. It was a nice stop off to take a quick dip in the warm water before continuing on our journey.

Our next stop was at a small secluded wading pool with a great waterfall. The water was ice cold but that did not stop us from jumping in so we could take great pictures. Although the water was frigid, I decided to swim out to the waterfall and experience the cascading water pouring on me.

We stopped at Waianapanapa State Park and enjoyed a picnic lunch that we picked up at the beginning of our journey. Waianapanapa State Park has a unique beach which is surrounded by black sand. Hawaii has black sand, white sand, and even a green sand beach. Although the water was rough, it was warm and enjoyable after eating lunch.

We finally arrived in Hana and although the town is small, the scenery was some of the best we had seen so far. We saw a cow pasture right next to the ocean which it made us think what better place to be a farmer than in Hawaii. The road ends a few miles past Hana at the Seven Sacred Pools which is park of the Haleakala National Park. The Seven Sacred Pools is actually made up of more than two dozen pools which contain rare native freshwater fish. You can take a swim in the pools or hike up to the base of Waimoku Falls.

You can continue on the road, however, it turns from pavement to dirt and most of the car rental companies forbid you taking their vehicle past the Seven Sacred Pools.
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From journal Paradise in Maui

Road to Hana

by Phil P

Bronx, New York

August 13, 2007

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Best of IgoUgo As we were planning our honeymoon, someone suggested we rent a convertible for Maui and definitely do the Road to Hana, and I am so glad we did! The Road to Hana is about a 60 mile drive through some of the most spectacular nature sights you will ...Read more

From journal Hawaii in Style

The Road to Hana

by justnchris

Simi Valley, California

August 6, 2007

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Best of IgoUgo Tour includes pickup from your hotel/resort around 7am and return around 6:30pm. Bring a towel if you wish to swim in the Seven Sacred Pools. On this tour you will explore the lush tropical beauty of Maui's Hana coast. You will have the opportunity ...Read more

From journal 10 days in Maui/Kaanapali

Best Halfway Point to Hana

by LinakaJoy

Haiku, Hawaii

July 27, 2007

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Do not miss Ke'anae Peninsula. The road down to the village and shore is ½ mile past Mile Marker #16; 100 yards past the Ke'anae Arboretum; on the ocean side of the highway (that means turn left if coming from Kahului/Paia toward Hana). The rocky ...Read more

From journal Great Tips for Hana Maui

Night Life in Hana - ????

by LinakaJoy

Haiku, Hawaii

July 17, 2007

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For nightlife in Hana, the gas station and only two stores close by 6:30 or 7pm. The only places that may stay open are connected with Hotel Hana Maui, and then only to 9 or 10 pm. The Paniolo Bar at the hotel has hula one night per week; and ...Read more

From journal Great Tips for Hana Maui

Road to Hana

by dcdc75

Vancouver, Washington

February 23, 2007

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Best of IgoUgo Driving the famed Hana highway, which connects north and west Maui to the more isolated east side, is often compared to driving through the Garden of Eden because of its beautifully lush scenery complete with sky–high rainforests and towering ...Read more Driving the famed Hana highway, which connects north and west Maui to the more isolated east side, is often compared to driving through the Garden of Eden because of its beautifully lush scenery complete with sky–high rainforests and towering waterfalls. Carved by eons of volcanic activity, this landscape that varies from open fields to dense jungles is wonderfully juxtaposed against the wide blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

It is indeed a testament to the sheer beauty of this highway that almost 2000 drivers, each day, willingly undertake the challenge of slowly driving this narrow, two-laned, blind cornered, never straight, somewhat harrowing road with 600 turns! So come equipped with the mindset that it the experience of the journey that matters, accept that you are GOING to be stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic with a million other tourists looking for the same slice of paradise and you will definitely enjoy this magnificent, one-of-a-kind drive!

Travel in a clock-wise direction to take advantage of the sun as the waterfalls looks their best before noon. Call 808-248-7800 or visit Weather Underground for daily road condition reports before embarking on your trip and fill up your car with cheaper gas at Kahului or Paia as there are no other stations before you reach Hana. If you are planning to make this a day-trip, you must start early enough to pass Kahului by the ungodly hour of 8am to avoid the crowds. Alternatively, stay overnight at the quaint little town of Hana itself and set out after 11am if you are not a photography buff. There are many lovely hotels in Hana; two of the more established ones are Hotel Hana Maui and Hana Kai Maui Resort.

The eastern part of Maui is destined for the creation of awe-inspiring waterfalls due to natural changes in elevation and heavy rainfall up in the mountains. The first waterfall you will see after Kahului is the Twin Falls. Most people crowd here as it is the first waterfall on the trail but make your way towards other prettier falls if you are having difficulty taking a photograph amidst hundred of bobbing heads.

Upper Puohokamoa Falls is another popular option but if you are looking for your own ‘private’ waterfall, head on to a quarter mile past the 13 mile markers at the 1911 bridge. Punalau Falls is hidden away from the road and requires 15 minutes of boulder crawling and hopping but you will be rewarded with a lovely view and the potential for a quiet swim. If you want a fantastic photo with the ocean ripping through the jagged coast, stop by Ke’anae Peninsula. Another place where you can be blissfully sandwiched between the ocean and a waterfall is at the Blue Pool, accessible from Ula’ino Road near the 31 mile marker. This 3 mile dirt road leading to the falls is unpaved but maneuverable and you have to pay $2 for parking. Close

From journal Maui no ka Oi! Maui is the best!

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Road to Hana

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Nice drive but not "all that"

So Many Shades of Green!

Interesting but Definitely not a Must do

Its Great but you Need to be Strong

Road to Hana

Road to Hana

The Road to Hana

Best Halfway Point to Hana

Night Life in Hana - ????

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Avg. User Rating:

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Nice drive but not "all that"

So Many Shades of Green!

Interesting but Definitely not a Must do

Its Great but you Need to be Strong

Road to Hana

Road to Hana

The Road to Hana

Best Halfway Point to Hana

Night Life in Hana - ????

Road to Hana

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