Road to Hana (Hana Highway) Tours and Tickets

If you were to drive straight from Kaanapali to Hana, you could complete the 70-mile (110-kilometer) journey in under three hours. However, stopping to take in the views along the way is the entire point of the trip, so give yourself a whole day to make the most of it.

Yes, although the Road to Hana features hundreds of blind corners, it is generally safe to drive—if you are cautious and stick to the speed limit. The challenge of driving such a scenic route is that you can easily be distracted by the views. Give yourself plenty of time and make frequent use of pullouts.

Yes, rental cars are allowed on the Road to Hana. Most rental car companies have no restrictions on driving the standard Road to Hana route along the north side. However, many do forbid drivers from taking cars along the more challenging Piilani Highway, which is known as the "Back Road to Hana." It’s always a good idea to check your contract regardless.

You can expect traffic on the Road to Hana any day of the week, so there isn't really a best day—although holiday and summer weekends are typically the busiest. More important is the time of day. Set out early so that you have plenty of time to take in the sights and get back before dark; you do not need a Road to Hana ticket, so you can begin the trip at any time you choose.

Yes, if you are not a very confident driver. Driving the Road to Hana can be challenging due to its many hairpin bends and blind spots. If you are unsure about tackling the drive, leave it to an expert who has done the route many times before.

April and May and September and October are the best months for the Road to Hana. Visiting during these shoulder seasons means that the road is likely less congested, and the conditions are typically good. Although rain is possible anytime in Maui, you should avoid the wet season from November to March.

You should allow up to 10 hours to drive the Road to Hana. While you could complete the route in around five hours without stops, most people typically drive 8–10 hours and visit the many attractions or stop at the farm stands for local banana bread at the Keanae Peninsula farmstands halfway to Hana.

There are several restrictions on the Road to Hana. Some of the most important include not parking on the highway or impeding traffic, not blocking driveways, and not parking facing oncoming traffic—offenders often receive tickets for violations. Most importantly, drivers should respect the locals who use this road daily.

Whether driving the Road to Hana yourself or taking a guided tour, you should wear clothing that is comfortable for long stretches in the vehicle. You should wear a bathing suit to enjoy the beaches (especially the black-sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park and freshwater pools along the way and suitable footwear if you want to hike some trails.