Not Suitable For: Cruise ship guests
Not Suitable For: Vegans
Not Suitable For: People over 6 ft 6 in (200 cm)
Not Suitable For: Vegetarians
Not Suitable For: People over 331 lbs (150 kg)
Not Suitable For: People over 70 years
What To Bring: Comfortable shoes
What To Bring: Camera
What To Bring: Snacks
What To Bring: Water
Not Allowed: High-heeled shoes
Not Allowed: Baby strollers
Not Allowed: Baby carriages
Not Allowed: Explosive substances
Not Allowed: Bare feet
Not Allowed: Riding the animals
Know Before You Go: Reservation required for Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach Park
The Road to Hana is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, offering lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and stunning ocean views. It's an iconic route that allows visitors to immerse themselves in Hawaiian culture and discover hidden gems, including unique local spots and scenic overlooks. The journey itself, rather than just the destination, is the main highlight.
The Road to Hana is known for its narrow, winding roads, numerous one-lane bridges, and sharp curves. While incredibly scenic, these conditions require focused driving and can be challenging for those unfamiliar with such routes. The journey demands patience and careful navigation, particularly around blind turns and in areas with heavy traffic.
The Hana Highway, often referred to as the Road to Hana, officially begins in Kahului, Maui, specifically around Paia. The route then stretches eastward along Maui's north and east coasts, culminating in the town of Hana. Most travelers will turn back from Hana or beyond to complete the scenic loop if road conditions allow.
On a full-day guided tour of the Road to Hana, visitors can expect to discover various scenic spots. These typically include stops at Ho’okipa Beach, home to the Hawaiian green sea turtle, the Keanae Peninsula to try famous banana bread, and the Keanae Arboretum. Many tours also visit Pu’a Ka’a Falls, considered one of the best waterfalls on the route, where you can watch or even jump.
Choosing between a guided tour and self-driving depends on personal preference. A guided tour offers the benefit of a local guide who provides insights into Hawaiian culture, navigates the challenging roads, and points out hidden gems, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery. Self-driving offers flexibility to explore at your own pace but requires careful planning and navigation on difficult terrain.
The Road to Hana features challenging road conditions, including narrow sections, sharp turns, and over 50 one-lane bridges. Drivers should be prepared for varying weather, from sun to rain, which can affect road surfaces. Safety considerations include driving slowly, yielding to oncoming traffic at one-lane bridges, and being aware of local drivers who may be moving faster. It's essential to stay alert and respect private property signage.
Ho’okipa Beach offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness Hawaiian green sea turtles in their natural habitat. This scenic beach is renowned for its natural beauty and is a popular spot for professional windsurfers and kiteboarders. During a Hana tour, guests can enjoy the views and observe these magnificent creatures resting on the sand, offering a memorable wildlife encounter.
At the Keanae Peninsula, visitors can immerse themselves in traditional Hawaiian culture, witnessing kalo (taro) fields and experiencing a glimpse of old Hawaii. It's also a popular stop to try the famous banana bread from local vendors. Pu’a Ka’a Falls is a stunning natural highlight, offering opportunities to watch or even jump from one of the best waterfalls along the Road to Hana, surrounded by lush rainforest scenery.