Road To Hana Guide: Where To Stop & What To See

The Road to Hana is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. With its lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and pristine beaches, it’s no wonder that this route is such a popular tourist destination. If you’re planning on making the drive yourself, or if you’re just curious about what to expect, then read on! In this blog post, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Road to Hana.

What is the Road to Hana?

The Road to Hana, also known as the Hana Highway is Maui’s Highway 36. It’s a 64-mile drive along the islands’ north and western shores. It offers breathtaking sights and views that are hard to find on any other drive or location. Going through roads carved into cliffs and rainforests you will not be disappointed.

After going over the basics of the Hana Highway and things you should know before starting, we’ll go in-depth with all the information you need while on your journey.

Is the Road to Hana Dangerous?

Unfortunately, a lot of sources like to play up how dangerous the Road To Hana actually is. While you do need to use caution on some of the windy roads and sharp turns, it is still very safe. There will be points where you have to pull to the side to let others pass. If you are a respectful and safe driver, you will have no problems.

Keep an eye on the weather and time of day. If you’re already worried about the drive then you don’t want to do it while it’s raining in the dark. However, the Road to Hana is completely safe and the danger can be overstated. Remember to be respectful of other drivers, Hawaii is known for great road etiquette and you should offer the same courtesy.

If a local looks like they want to go faster than you, let them pass. Be aware of where you stop for pictures and try not to block traffic. 

If you’re still worried check out a Road to Hana tour. We have a section about tours below. 

Decide On A One-Day Trip or An Overnighter

The Road to Hana is a long and winding road, and it can take up to three hours to reach your destination. If you’re pressed for time, or if you just want to experience the highlights of the drive, then a one-day trip is probably for you. However, we think that the drive is best enjoyed over multiple days. This way, you can take your time and really savor all that the Road to Hana has to offer. Plus, there are some amazing camping spots along the route! If you have an extra day or two to spare, we highly recommend spending at least one night on the road.

Rent a Vehicle

The Road to Hana is a remote and rural area, and there is no public transportation available. The only way to experience the drive is by renting a car. We recommend renting a four-wheel-drive vehicle, as some of the roads can be quite rough. Don’t worry if you don’t have any experience driving off-road; the rental company will provide you with all the information you need to know.

Road to Hana Tours

If you don’t want to rent your own car or drive all day, you can consider taking a tour.  This is a great option if you’re not comfortable driving on unfamiliar roads, or if you just want someone else to do the driving for you. There are many different tour companies that offer Road to Hana tours, and they will all take you to the same amazing places. The only downside is that tours can be quite expensive.

Unique Maui Tours has a great tour and will take care of you for a good Road to Hana experience.

Do Plenty of Research

There is too much to do along the Road to Hana. It will be virtually impossible to do it all in one day, or even in two days. That’s why it’s important to do your research before you go. Decide what you want to see and do, and make a plan. This will help you make the most of your time on the road and ensure you get to do what you are really interested in.

What You’ll Want to Pack

Now that we’ve gone over the basics, it’s time to start packing! Here are a few things you’ll want to make sure you have before hitting the road:

• A map of the island (or a GPS system)
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Beach gear (if you plan on spending time at the beach)
• Hiking gear (good hiking shoes, light layers of clothing)
• Camping gear (if you’re planning on spending a night or two on the road)
• A cooler with food and drinks
• Cash – a lot of the places you stop at along the way only take cash
• Do not bring any unnecessary valuables. Maui is a safe place, but like anywhere else you can run into trouble. Bring only what you think you will need.

This is just a basic list; there are many other things you may want to pack, depending on your interests. Take into consideration all the activities you have planned and pack around that.

Where Should I Start the Road to Hana?

This is a common question because of how much conflicting information can be found online. The Road to Hana can be modified to fit your schedule and goal, but traditionally does have a set “route”. Generally, the Road To Hana is considered to start on the North Shore in Paia and ends at “Haleakala’s Back Side”, which is just past Hana. 

We recommend starting in Paia town for the traditional experience that most people follow. Some may tell you that you can start wherever you want on the highway, but for a defined journey you should start there. It’s an easy place to stop for a bathroom break, gas, and food before starting the adventure. 

Some may tell you the Road To Hana goes further too, but this article is focused on the traditional way. You can easily do some extra research to add the bonus mileage to your trip.

Tips & Advice

• Start early, the roads can be daunting and you are going to want to do the whole thing with plenty of light. We recommend starting in Paia Town.
• If you want healthy and affordable food, we recommend stopping at Mana Foods in Paia. Stock up on drinks and other foods you may want for the journey.
• Fill up a full tank of gas before starting. It will just make for a smoother trip overall.
• There is no cell service or reception most of the way. Have a physical map and a decent idea of where you are. Most phones nowadays have offline maps you can download and navigate with.
• If you have the time, spend a night or two in Hana. It can be expensive but is a unique experience if you have the funds.
• Take your time! Enjoy the views and take plenty of pictures. It isn’t a race to the end, it’s a unique experience that can’t be found in many other places.
• Remember to be respectful of the locals and follow driving etiquette. If you’re used to a fast-paced city environment – slow it down. Be kind and courteous to other drivers and pedestrians.

Road to Hana Stops & Highlights

Road to Hana Waterfalls