Claim to Fame
The Road to Hana is Maui’s most iconic scenic drive, celebrated for its 600 curves, 50+ one-lane bridges, and access to waterfalls, black sand beaches, rainforests, and dramatic coastal cliffs.
📌 Navigating Road to Hana : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
- Washrooms: Washrooms are available at certain park areas and major stops, but facilities are limited, so plan accordingly.
- Hours of Operation: The Road to Hana is open year-round, but it is best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
- Important Information: Driving the Road to Hana requires caution due to narrow, winding roads; it's recommended to travel slowly and to be prepared for changing weather conditions.
- Admission Fee: There is no admission fee to drive the Road to Hana itself, but some state parks and attractions along the route may charge entry fees.
- How Long to Visit: Visitors typically spend 6 to 8 hours to fully enjoy the Road to Hana, including stops at various attractions.
- Admission Fee: There is no admission fee to drive the Road to Hana itself, but some state parks and attractions along the route may charge entry fees.
- How Long to Visit: Visitors typically spend 6 to 8 hours to fully enjoy the Road to Hana, including stops at various attractions.
- Washrooms: Washrooms are available at certain park areas and major stops, but facilities are limited, so plan accordingly.
- Hours of Operation: The Road to Hana is open year-round, but it is best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
- Important Information: Driving the Road to Hana requires caution due to narrow, winding roads; it's recommended to travel slowly and to be prepared for changing weather conditions.
- WIFI: Wi-Fi is not readily available along the Road to Hana, as many areas are remote; it’s advisable to download maps and information beforehand.
- Picnic Area: Picnic areas can be found at various scenic spots, providing a beautiful setting to enjoy a meal amidst nature.
- Handicap Accessible: Many areas along the Road to Hana are not handicap accessible due to uneven terrain and natural features, but some viewpoints may accommodate wheelchairs.
- Pets: Pets are generally not allowed on trails and in parks along the Road to Hana, so it's best to leave them at home.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours are available and provide informative insights into the history and natural beauty of the area, often including stops at key attractions.
- Restaurant or Cafe: There are limited dining options along the route, with a few food stands and small cafes offering local cuisine and snacks.
- Gift Shop: Gift shops are located at some key stops, offering local crafts, souvenirs, and snacks.
- Parking: Parking is available at various pullouts and designated areas along the Road to Hana, but spaces can fill up quickly, especially at popular stops.
- Family Friendly: The Road to Hana is family-friendly, with numerous stops featuring waterfalls, beaches, and scenic views that appeal to visitors of all ages.
- Photography: Photography opportunities abound along the Road to Hana, with lush landscapes, waterfalls, and coastal views offering stunning backdrops.
- Restaurant or Cafe: There are limited dining options along the route, with a few food stands and small cafes offering local cuisine and snacks.
- Gift Shop: Gift shops are located at some key stops, offering local crafts, souvenirs, and snacks.
- Parking: Parking is available at various pullouts and designated areas along the Road to Hana, but spaces can fill up quickly, especially at popular stops.
- Family Friendly: The Road to Hana is family-friendly, with numerous stops featuring waterfalls, beaches, and scenic views that appeal to visitors of all ages.
- Photography: Photography opportunities abound along the Road to Hana, with lush landscapes, waterfalls, and coastal views offering stunning backdrops.
- WIFI: Wi-Fi is not readily available along the Road to Hana, as many areas are remote; it’s advisable to download maps and information beforehand.
- Picnic Area: Picnic areas can be found at various scenic spots, providing a beautiful setting to enjoy a meal amidst nature.
- Handicap Accessible: Many areas along the Road to Hana are not handicap accessible due to uneven terrain and natural features, but some viewpoints may accommodate wheelchairs.
- Pets: Pets are generally not allowed on trails and in parks along the Road to Hana, so it's best to leave them at home.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours are available and provide informative insights into the history and natural beauty of the area, often including stops at key attractions.
Photos of Road to Hana
The Road to Hana — officially Hana Highway (Route 360) — is a legendary 64-mile stretch that winds along the northeast coast of Maui, Hawaii. Far more than just a drive, it's a full-day adventure through some of the island's most lush and untouched landscapes, leading to the remote and peaceful town of Hana.
This journey offers a deep immersion into tropical Hawaii — with scenic lookouts, waterfall hikes, bamboo forests, and oceanfront stops that feel far removed from the resort scene.
What to Expect
Expect a narrow, twisting, and breathtaking drive. The road is famous for its 620 curves and over 50 bridges, many of them single-lane. Along the way, you’ll pass plunging waterfalls, botanical gardens, tide pools, secluded beaches, and hidden hiking trails.
Popular stops include the Twin Falls, Garden of Eden Arboretum, Waianapanapa State Park (home to the black sand beach), Wailua Falls, and the Seven Sacred Pools (ʻOheʻo Gulch) in Kipahulu.
Background and Cultural Context
Built in the early 20th century, the Hana Highway connected isolated communities along Maui’s rugged coastline. The town of Hana, once a major sugarcane hub, retains a slow-paced charm and deep cultural roots. The road passes through areas of significance in Hawaiian mythology and traditional land divisions known as ahupuaʻa.
Many stops are located on or near private or sacred lands, so respectful behavior is critical — heed signage and be mindful of local customs.
Best Time to Drive
Start early in the morning — ideally before 7 a.m. — to beat the crowds and make the most of daylight. The drive is best during the dry season (April to October), though waterfalls are more dramatic after rainfall. Avoid driving back in the dark, as the road becomes more hazardous.
How to Get There
Most travelers begin the drive from Kahului, near the airport. You can rent a car or take a guided tour. The full trip to Hana (with stops) and back can take 10 to 12 hours, so plan accordingly. Some visitors continue past Hana to Kipahulu and take the back road to return — check rental agreements before doing so.
Photo Opportunities
- Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach – striking contrast of lava rock, lush green, and turquoise surf
- Wailua Falls – an iconic waterfall right off the roadside
- Ke'anae Peninsula – dramatic waves and historic taro fields
- Hana Lava Tube – explore inside a cooled lava formation
- ʻOheʻo Gulch – tiered pools and waterfalls in a jungle setting
Travel Tips
- Download offline maps — cell service is limited along much of the route.
- Fill up on gas in Paia — fuel options are limited beyond.
- Bring snacks, water, and cash — food stands are scattered and often cash-only.
- Pack motion sickness remedies — the constant curves can affect sensitive travelers.
- Be courteous — yield on one-lane bridges and don’t block roadways for photos.
FAQs
Is the Road to Hana dangerous?
It’s safe if driven cautiously. Use common sense, obey speed limits, and avoid distracted driving.
Can I do it in one day?
Yes, but it’s a long day. Many opt to stay overnight in Hana to explore at a slower pace.
Are there bathroom stops?
Yes, but they’re spaced far apart — public restrooms are at Twin Falls, Waianapanapa, and Haleakalā National Park.
Final Thoughts
The Road to Hana is one of the most rewarding drives in the world — a journey into the heart of Maui’s wild beauty. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, beach hopping, or simply soaking in panoramic coastal views, this route delivers unforgettable moments at every bend.