Table of Contents
Introduction
The Hana Highway whereby the local called it the Road to Hana is not just a drive but a scenic tour through some of the best photo zones in the island of Maui- Hawaii. This twelve toll turns highway that stretches from Kahului lies about 64 miles away from Hana and is most famously defined by the miles of ocean view, plunging waterfalls, and rainforest that complete the island’s signature attraction. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie… or just want to be with nature… if there is such a place as paradise, then the Road to Hana is one of them.
Here is your ultimate guide to the spectacular Hana Highway and invaluable recommendations for places worth seeing and the best ways to make the most of your trip.
The Essentials: Planning Your Trip
Best Time to Visit
Despite the fact that some parts of the Hana Highway are gorgeous the entire year round, the ideal time to make your way to this area is from April to October during the dry season. The stretches provided virtually no rain for quite some time and extensively offered a pleasant ride.
Getting There
It has a starting point in Kahului. Of all the options, it is recommended to rent a car, since the visit to the Hana Highway will be convenient with occasional stops at the intersections. Before thanking the shuttle, make sure to ask if the car has a full tank of gasoline, it will be better if you download a GPS or map application to be used in navigating the narrow streets.
Safety Tips
- Drive Slowly: It should be noted that Hana Highway is defined with narrow and winding roads with rather sharp turns. So sit back and enjoy the view: make sure you get your money’s worth and don’t kill yourself in the process.
- Respect Local Traffic: Avoid cutting in front of other drivers and wait for registered stops to slow down to impede the flow further and wave the cars to proceed.
- Be Prepared: Take some water, some snack, and its camera to immortalize the witnessed landscapes. Swimsuit is also advised for impromptu stops at waterfalls, as a form of clothing to wear in the water.
Your Itinerary: Discovering Hidden Gems and Scenic Views
Twin Falls
Distance from Kahului: 20 minutes
Highlight: Waterfalls and lush vegetation
The first attraction begins at mile marker 2 and is called Twin Falls. Located off highway 22 the entrance is not hard to locate at all and the walk to the falls is short and not strenuous. It is quite a popular place and because of this many people visit early in the morning to witness great moments when the place seems untouched.
What to Do:
- Take a swim in the pools created right under the cascades.
- Take great pictures of water falling down and the amazing colors of the surroundings.
- Visit the next door fruit stand for local delicacies such as coconut and coconut smoothie.
Garden of Eden Arboretum
Distance from Twin Falls: 15 minutes
Highlight: Diverse plant life and panoramic views
Drive further along the highway and head to the Garden of Eden Arboretum at the 10th mile. This beautiful botanical garden measures 26 acres and accommodates over one thousand plant varieties.
What to Do:
- Passing through nice trails, enhance and enjoy stunning views of the ocean.
- Find opportunities to select plants that are native to the Hawaiian Islands and from other countries of the world.
- Looking for a view of the coastal rim and cliffs nearby, do not disregard this look-out point.
Hāna Lava Tube
Distance from Garden of Eden: 30 minutes
Highlight: Unique geological formations
To the immediate right of Hāna town lies the Hāna Lava Tube, a natural attraction worth visiting. Flowing lava helped to form the tube, which made quite a peculiar underground structure.
What to Do:
- Go through the Lighthouse Cave on your own lighted tour with direction at your disposal.
- Get familiar with the geological history of the island through the information presented in the stands.
- Look for interesting formations and texture of the tube walls during the tour.
Wai’anapanapa State Park
Distance from Hāna Lava Tube: 15 minutes
Highlight: Black sand beach and sea caves
Black sand beach is a major attraction and therefore a trip to the Wai’anapanapa State Park is highly recommended. It stands alone as a pleasantly different landscape from the golden sandy beaches that are associated with others in Hawaii.
What to Do:
- Take time to sun tan on the black sand beach and go for a swim.
- Visit sea caves and blowholes along the coast line.
- Most of these parks offer exceptional opportunities to walk the cliffs for stunning views of the ocean.
Hāna Town
Distance from Wai’anapanapa: 10 minutes
Highlight: Charming local culture
As an example, if you have been touring the park, as the brochure states, one should proceed into Hāna Town. This is a small town which can be described as relaxed as its population respects true Hawaiian traditions.
What to Do:
- It is good place to find information about towns history and Hāna’s culture to visit Hāna Cultural Center.
- Have your lunch at Hāna Ranch Restaurant that serve beautiful meals such as Farm to table meals and dishes.
- Wander around the town with its folk architecture and visit the shops in search of souvenirs and crafts.
Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu Beach)
Distance from Hāna Town: 5 minutes
Highlight: Stunning red sand beach
Located only fifteen minutes away from Hāna Town, Kaihalulu Beach is home to red sand due to the erosion of volcanic ash. It is a quiet, pristine and private shore suitable for swimming, sunbathing and multidisciplinary recreational activities in general.
What to Do:
- Go to the beach at this time as it is the best time to laze around barefoot with the sun on your skin.
- Enjoy the waters but be careful of riptides in the water.
- As for the second, look for the cliffs around for a great view.
Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls
Distance from Kaihalulu Beach: 30 minutes
Highlight: Scenic hiking trail and waterfall
The Pipiwai Trail could be deemed as needing to be visited for hikers that enjoy long distance walking trails. This 4 mile round trip takes you through the bamboo forest to Waimoku Falls which is 400 feet high st.
What to Do:
- Spend ample time breaking down while hiking through the impressive greenage of forest with full natural experience.
- Located at the waterfall, sit a little bit and look at the other part of the environment.
- They said it’s nice to take some pictures of the waterfall and also a great bamboo forest that exists at the side of the trail.
Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)
Distance from Pipiwai Trail: 10 minutes
Highlight: Natural pools and waterfalls
Finish your trip at Ohe’o Gulch which is majorly famous for waterfalls and natural pools. This beautiful place is designed for swimming after active travel on foot, by car or on a bicycle.
What to Do:
- To do something at the pools or the waterfalls.
- Have some food and drinks, and watch the beautiful world around you.
- Visit the paths which give a spectacular view of the ocean and the neighboring mountain range.
Returning Along the Hana Highway
Scenic Stops on the Way Back
On your return journey, consider stopping at some additional scenic viewpoints and attractions you may have missed:
- Ho’okipa Beach Park: This beach is famous for windsurfing and opportunities to see turtles; the view there is gorgeous, so you can take a lot of photos.
- Ke’anae Peninsula: A scenic place with black rocks and local farms of taro, it is an excellent place to pull over for a while and enjoy a remarkable view of the landscape.
Conclusion
The Hana Highway is quite an amazing road trip that is correspondent with one of the most beautiful and out of the ordinary spots in Maui. From such amazing waterfalls to pristine beaches every destination on the way has something new to discover and to observe. Regardless, if you are an outdoor/travel freak or just wish to laze around taking in the sights of Hawaii, the Road to Hana is for the lot of you.
This way, you will build your amazing travel experience and enjoy the sites of the Hana Highway. So, get ready to pack your bags, get your camera, and then get ready to experience what feels like once in a life-time.
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FAQs
How long does it take to drive the Hana Highway?
The drive itself will last roughly 2 ½ to 3 hours depending on the speed in which you traverse the roads, however, there is a lot to see along the way in terms of beautiful sights, interesting sights, food, etc, so it is recommended that you allow roughly 8 to to 10 hours to fully explore the area, including lunch.
Is it safe to drive the Hana Highway?
Anyway the Hana Highway is pretty safe to travel but the roads are narrow and serpentine so it is safer to drive carefully. Alway take appropriate road signs and be very careful with weather conditions.
Are there any amenities along the Hana Highway?
However, some of the paths have restrooms and some food vendors and in some parts of the course, there are no such provisions. One should therefore be prepared to have packed some snacks, bottled water, and any other item that might be required on the journey.