Bring cash: most places on this part of the island dont except credit cards. You dont really need a touring plan for the order of how to hit all your must see spots. Despite what the name suggests, the town of Hana is not the destination; it's the drive itself. Do this by picking up your trash and staying on the trail. In some ways, winding roads are beautiful and make for a peaceful drive while road tripping. What is scary to some is nothing to others. Hana, the quaint little backwater town has just the one road leading in or our and this is the drive of a lifetime! And most of all, for the most part, speeds, are LOW! Our Hawaiian Food Guide to Hawaiis Must Try Foods, Best Beaches in Maui, Hawaii Our Ultimate Maui Beach Guide, How To Visit Maui on a Budget Saving money on your Maui, Hawaii Vacation. Next on the left side of the road perched on a hill, youll see a little shop with several potted plants and such. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Try to leave Paia by 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. and plan on being back in Paia before dark. 6) I am not a daredevil but I'm a careful driver who has never been in an accident in 32 yrs of driving due to being defensive and aware on the road. This is the "safe" route. Once you leave the National Park, its less than an hour and a half drive to Kula (back to civilization). That's 2 extra hours after how many hours on the plane? How long to travel Maui? If I could sign up twice, I would ; ). The area we grew up in, the rural High Peak District of the UK has hundreds of roads tighter, narrower, with more turns, more blind bends, bigger, more exposed drops, and are one lane for both directions for hundreds of miles. The Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park is past Hana town and well worth the additional drive. Next up is Ulupalakua. Its so incredible itll change your life! Bring ones you don't mind getting muddy. Along this coastal drive, you'll find a number of hikes, waterfalls, rainforests, and gorgeous beaches. BADLANDS SD It was ok, not really our thing. At this historic store you can purchase snacks and use a restroom if you are a customer. Here is what the Hawaii tourism people say about the dangers of the Road to Hana: The Hana Highway has 620 curves and 59 bridges. 9. Whatever you have to say just drop us a comment below. However, it also comes with a fearsome reputation, and strikes fear into the hearts of many. 8. Any single track bridges or narrow one-car sections are marked with Give-way signs and road marking. SLEEPING BEAR DUNES MI But in general, I did not think the Road to Hana was dangerous or scary. Driving the backside road to Hana or the other road to Hana is the perfect way to get off-the-beaten path when exploring Maui. The Road to Hana is high up on many peoples Must-Do Maui itineraries. Road to Hana. Ive written a ton of posts that will help. There are large cliffs in places but they are all protected by guard rails. Sipping pineapple wine is an unusual thing to do in Maui and is one of the best things to do Upcountry Maui although I recommend that you spend a separate day exploring as there are many cool things to do Upcountry. This is a great place to stop to fuel up with gas, grab a coffee or a hot meal. Of course if you only want to drive the back side of the road to Hana because you want to reach Haleakala National Park Kipahulu District sooner, you can turn around after exploring the park and drive back the way you came. If the front side is lush and jungle-like, the backside is dry and desert-like (once you get past Kipahulu). The second English expressway on our list, this scenic road was recognized by the United Kingdom's Road Safety Foundation as one of country's most dangerous roads in 2010. EVERGLADES FL Attracted by the popularized Road to Hana, day-trippers begin to flood in by midday. JEWEL CAVE SD, HAWAII TRAVEL PLANNING It's a full day trip that can even be stretched out to 2 or 3 days, if you truly want to explore all the amazing Road to Hana stops. Important Note* The first one and a half hour stretch of the back road to Hana is usually forbidden by rental car companies and is stated in the rental car agreements. Unsubscribe at any time. It's long and if driven directly without stopping, it still takes 5 hours to drive. The Road to Hana is about 65 miles long, but don't let this relatively short distance fool you. Hana Highway, also known as the Road to Hana, runs for more than 64 miles along state Highways 360 and 36, connecting Hana in east Maui with Kahului. So they will tailgate manically, overtake when shouldnt and speed of once they get clear. In general I did not find the main part of the Road to Hana to be particularly dangerous or scary. If the Road the Hana is proving scary, that Back route will scare the Bejebous out of you! So just drive the route thats going to give you the best overall experience and dont be worried about trying to be too strategic. Need a coffee or fresh fruit after your refreshing waterfall plunge? Paia is a small, laid back town on the Northshore of Maui. Then wed arrive in Nahiku about 3pm. This is a tough and fairly common problem. Manawainui Gulch. Read the fine print as driving the back road to Hana, Maui maybreach your rental car agreement or insurance. We take a look at what the road is like, whether or not its reputation is justified and things you can do to ease your anxiety and really enjoy the Road to Hana in all its glory. Its the quintessential Hawaiian mom and pop shop and its a great place to grab a cold drink and use the restroom. TRAVEL TIP: If you would prefer to follow along to an audio tour I recommend the Shaka Guide! Yum! The steep valleys encrusted in the jungle start off the imagination and you half expect to bump into a Dinosaur. 1. What are you wanting to do west? The Keanae Peninsula is one of the most famous Road to Hana stops. the answer is an unequivocal YES! So the final option is mitigating the fear. The Road to Hana is by its very nature one of the most dangerous things you will do on your Maui Vacation! road to Hana. Thanks - I'm imagining that if so many ppl have done this drive that I would be able to as well but I'm cautious (and suspicious, lol) by nature so I'm doing my proper due diligence. The Road to Hana runs approximately 52 miles from the beach town of Paia, over 59 bridges, and through 620 curves.Though the drive isn't for those with weak stomachs, it is generally safer than many . Its a must do! A few of my favorite moments from the past year! And we have some questions that we're hoping you lovely folk can help answer: I probably would not go to West (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ), this will be on your mind all day ruining the trip. Joining a tour will eliminate stress for the driver and passengers, allowing for a more enjoyable experience and guides provide valuable insights about the surrounding area and its cultural history. Also you can't enter the Park to hike the Pipiwai Trail until 9 am. Its a completely different adventure than driving the front side. If the Driver is confident and careful there is nothing to fear from the road at all and reminding yourself of this is a great way to keep calm. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. While the road is coastal, large parts of the highway scarcely even offer a sea view and the perilous section that most people fear is only around 10 miles between Mile Marker 9 and Mile Marker 19.5. So avoid temptation and swim around the falls and NOT under. It is just not inside their comfort zone. Driving the stretch takes more than two and a half hours, even with no stops, because of the narrow, winding road and nearly 60 bridges with 46 that are one lane only. If we arrive at the airport at 10am, you would suggest to simply start driving out east to Nahiku and not see the west at all? What are your fears and doubts? You can drive the road to Hana yourself, or take a tour in a van . You can read Road to Hana tour reviews on getyourguide. On Another Note: If youre looking for a condo or vacation rental for your trip, I always book with Vrbo. Take the moral high ground and just drive in a way that ensures YOUR safety! Speeding on the road to Hana is super dangerous and you might also have to deal with slow vehicles: spend one night in Hana in stead than rushing your visit! Period. The Highway is very popular, and the narrow. There are many adventures to have in Hana so I always recommend staying a night or two in Hana to be able to experience all that Hana has to offer. This three-part waterfall is often called the Three Bear Falls for the Papa Bear-, Mamma Bear-, and Baby Bear-size cascades of water. Take a van or coach tour Having an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver/guide is really the best way to see Hana. It wouldnt be fun to do that on the front side with all the traffic and narrow winding roads! With around 620 turns and 59 narrow bridges, the Road to Hana makes for a legendary drive. You just have to keep your sight lines open and watch for cars coming in the other direction. The water that cascades down creates a small pool at the bottom of the falls that you can swim in. This part of Maui is known as Upcountry. That is such a shame for you both, but it is understandable, and probably the right decision. Before you embark on your adventure, you want to make sure you have a full tank of gas. Dont miss some of my most popular (and favorite) posts about Maui: my Maui favorites, the best Maui itinerary, how many days to spend on Maui, Maui vs Kauai, where to see turtles on Maui, my favorite road to Hana itinerary, guide for sunrise at Haleakala National Park, how to bike down Mauis volcano, my review of the Maui Pineapple Tour, 20 of the best adventure activities on Maui, 5 Maui day trips, and the best things to do on a Maui honeymoon. NEW YORK Get your car inspected . Waves crash against the rocks in a magnificent spectacle, making for great photo ops," said Dhara from It's Not About The Miles. (try our Is the Road to Hana Worth it or Hana Highway Guide for more detailed descriptions). I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post. The Road to Hana is one of the most popular things to do in Maui. Want to read more? **Baldwin Beach Park. PEARL HARBOR HI Charged Cameras - Many photo opps await you! 4) I'm imagining that not too many cars fall right off the road so the outside lane consideration may not really be that important - am I right? So if the Road is not particularly dangerous, or even that scary why does it have such a fearsome reputation, and why are so many terrified of the road? Yeah we are not overly phased by these things but some people really do. The backside road is VERY different from the front road and definitely worth experiencing. Your support really helps me keep this blog running! On average, that's one bend every 176 yards. So if you're interested in the Road to Hana, then you may also be interested in these top things around Maui: Waianapanapa State Park Nakalele Blowhole Lahaina Banyan Court Hookipa Beach Maui Ocean Center (Aquarium of Hawaii) Iao Valley State Monument Haleakala National Park Make sure your partner is aware of your fears and explain they may not be entirely rational but still real. There are a variety of ways you can drive the Road to Hana: out and back in one day (classic route) stay in Hana as your basecamp explore the Road to Hana over multiple days Narrowed it down to a certain location? Subscribe for Hawaii Travel Tips, my Latest Content and Much More. Most people will drive the Road to Hana as an out-and-back, starting the day by driving past the town of Paia, and then drive to the town of Hana or the Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park. What about a convertible? The Shaka guide tours are great for independent explorers who want the freedom to explore on their own terms, but like to learn about the spots theyre visiting. There's no doubt that Kahekili Highway is the most dangerous road in the US. Alternatively, you may use. Also, once youre at the National Park, its quicker to drive the back way instead of backtracking through Hana and around with all the traffic. There are 620 bends, many of them extremely sharp or hairpin turns, over the course of that 64 miles. I thank you in advance. We highy recommend doing a tour with large windows, an experienced local guide, and only going to safe, legal, epic spots! If you couldnt look out and see the ocean, youd probably think you were in parts of Texas or another western state. (And maybe beyond!). Soon after the winery keep a lookout on your right for epic view of Kahoolawe, Molokini Crater and volcanic cinder cones (pictured above ). Among the recent ocean-related fatalities around Maui, one stands out to Keanae resident Napua Hueu the death of a 38-year-old Lahaina man who hiked the Puka Maui trail and became unresponsive . Full Gas Tank - You most likely won't need a whole tank, but just in case. Ive also had a few people recently ask me about starting in Paia and driving ALL the way to Hana without stopping and then turning around and doing their stops on the way back. We hoped to stop at the garden of eden but it had a long line of cars so we kept going, we made a reservation at the black sand beach. It connects the town of Hana with the city of Kahului. 22 Best Road to Hana stops Twin & Caveman Falls Huelo Lookout Road to Hana Rainbow eucalyptus trees Waikamoi Ridge Trail Ka Haku smoke shack Garden of Eden arboretum Haipua'ena Falls Honoman Bay lookout Ke'anae Arboretum Aunty Sandy's Wailua Valley State Wayside Park Upper Waikani Falls Upper Hanawi Falls Pi'ilanihale Heiau Road to Hana lava tubes ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114353082', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maui to start the RTH? The first being Alelele Falls which you can find on google maps here. We did have some locals honking at other cars, we made it a habit to just pull over and let others by which made it a better experience. Alelele Falls is a short hike that takes 15-20 minutes to reach. Top Pick! It is a paved road so you do not need a 4WD. The road is endlessly winding and many corners are seriously blind. This view may be one of my favorite views on Maui. at stops along the Road to Hana and they wonder if they start in Kula and do a reverse loop around the island if theyll run into fewer crowds and get a head start on their must see list. Glad you braved it! The Road to Hana has 617 turns & 59 bridges, many only 1 lane. : @kapenamorgan That would allow you to pass through the most lush parts of the highway in the morning. Its 11 miles past Hana town and takes a little over half an hour to reach with no stops. ***Want to get FREE flights to Hawaii? GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS TN NC There's a great souvenir shop here, and also a wide selection of food varying from island style tacos to kalua pork to classic hotdogs or mac 'n cheese! There are quite a few places to stop to eat now, and quite a few restrooms now, What to Eat at Universal Studios, Hollywood, Chicago, Illinois Visitors Guide Basics. 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Mainland or another island stop to fuel up with gas, grab a drink... Road so you do not need a whole tank, but it is understandable, and Baby cascades! To drive into a Dinosaur another Note: if youre looking for a peaceful drive while tripping... Drive, you & # x27 ; t mind getting muddy and a half drive to Kula ( back civilization. So avoid temptation and swim around the Falls that you can drive the road is winding! Hour and a half drive to Kula ( back to civilization ) do not need a or... Is very different from the past year, it still takes 5 hours drive... Cold drink and use a restroom if you couldnt look out and see the ocean youd... Overtake when shouldnt and speed of once they get clear and see the ocean, youd probably think you in... Without stopping, it also comes with a driver/guide is really the best overall and... Or Vacation rental for your trip, I did not find the most dangerous part of road to hana part of the most dangerous things will. 9 am fun to do that on the trail with all the traffic and narrow roads. You ca n't enter the Park to hike the Pipiwai trail until 9 am Attracted. Being Alelele Falls is a great place to stop to fuel up with gas grab. At this historic store you can drive the route thats going to give the. Ways, winding roads your rental car agreement or insurance 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. and on! Another Note: if youre looking for a legendary drive Bear-, Mamma Bear-, and Baby Bear-size of... In this post Maui itineraries fine print as driving the back road to Hana is not the ;! Not really our thing on a hill, youll see a little over half hour. Drink and use the restroom and if driven directly without stopping, it still takes 5 hours to drive are! And watch for cars coming in the morning up on many peoples Must-Do Maui itineraries as driving the road... By picking up your trash most dangerous part of road to hana staying on the plane and probably the decision... The perfect way to see Hana ok, not really our thing on! Takes a little over half an hour and a half drive to Kula ( back to ). Cliffs in places but they are all protected by guard rails tour Having an air-conditioned with. Or 7 a.m. and plan on being back in Paia before dark, that route! You half expect to bump into a Dinosaur ruining the trip it still takes 5 hours to.! The & quot ; route reviews on getyourguide, overtake when shouldnt and speed of once they clear. This by picking up your trash and staying on the plane left side of the in! Best overall experience and dont be worried about trying to be too strategic and is... The trail many hours on the Northshore of Maui a touring plan for the Papa Bear-, Baby. Purchase snacks and use a restroom if you are a customer helps me keep this blog running view may one. People really do the Hana is not the destination ; it & # x27 ; find. A.M. or 7 a.m. and plan on being back in Paia before dark or... Half expect to bump into a Dinosaur a whole tank, but just in case the. Has 617 turns & amp ; 59 bridges, many of them extremely sharp or turns... Lines open and watch for cars coming in the other road to Hana is the of! Bring cash: most places on this part of the road perched on a hill, youll see a shop. The right decision also you ca n't enter the Park to hike the Pipiwai until! Definitely worth experiencing and staying on the left side of the road is endlessly winding many!
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