Know Before You Go: Driving the Road to Hana

The highlights of the Road to Hana—besides the views along the drive, of course—are the many stops. It’s hard to go wrong with any of them, but some favorites include Twin Falls (mile marker 2), Garden of Eden Arboretum (between mile markers 10 and 11), Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread (between mile markers 16 and 17), and Waiʻanapanapa State Park (mile marker 32).

By Mile 34, you’ll reach Hana, and if you continue a little farther, you’ll find the popular ʻOheʻo Gulch within the Kipahulu District of Haleakalā National Park.

Insider tip: Try to save some stops for the return drive (assuming you’ll be driving back during daylight hours, which is highly recommended). It’ll help to give your body a break from all the twists and turns on the return.

The Road to Hana can technically be accomplished in two hours, but with all of the winding turns and numerous one-lane bridges you’ll likely take the curves a little slower. However, you can make plenty of stops on this new-to-you drive; in fact, most visitors end up taking an entire day to do the Road to Hana, from dawn to dusk.

It may even be worth staying overnight in Hana, turning this scenic Maui drive into a 2-day adventure. That way, you’ll get to spend as much time as you’d like at each of the attractions along the way, and you won’t have to stress about potentially navigating the road’s switchbacks after dark.

Driving the Road to Hana isn’t easy. It’s windy and it’s long, filled with switchbacks and one-lane bridges. Even food and bathroom stops can be tricky, if you don’t plan them in advance. For those reasons, many Maui visitors either book a half-day tour of the Road to Hana or select a full-day itinerary instead of tackling the drive on their own. That way, you’ll enjoy the views the whole way, all the while knowing that the stops—both the exciting ones and the necessary ones—will have been pre-planned.

That said, if you’d prefer to go at your own pace, a guided tour may not be for you. Consider an audio driving tour as a middle ground of sorts, for pre-downloaded stop suggestions and directions.

First and foremost, fuel up with a full tank of gas. Stop at one of the gas stations in Kahului or Paia, because you won’t see another one until you hit Hana. Similarly, be sure to stock up on snacks and even grab a to-go midday meal. While you can find the occasional fruit or banana bread stand on the drive, there aren’t a whole lot of eateries to choose from. Bring cash for these stands as well.

Some other essentials include beach gear (swimsuit, towel, and reef-safe sunscreen) and hiking gear (proper hiking shoes, layered clothing, and bug spray). There’s a lot to see on this scenic Maui drive!

Believe it or not, some Maui locals drive part of the Road to Hana as their commute! And with practice, the locals have gotten the route’s 620 turns down to a science. If you spot a local—usually the cars driving with confidence—pull over when you can and let them pass.

Along similar lines, be sure to drive safely. Here are a few Road to Hana safety tips to get you started: Only go as fast as you feel comfortable going, yield at one-lane bridges, and only park in designated parking areas. If someone lets you pass, throw them a wave or a shaka. And last but not least, avoid honking your horn—that’s not something that’s really done in the islands.

Unfortunately, the Road to Hana is not very accessible for those with mobility issues. While the drive itself isn’t bad—you can always book a tour with an accessible vehicle—the stops along the way typically aren’t. Sights such as ʻOheʻo Gulch and Waiʻanapanapa State Park aren’t set up for guests using wheelchairs or needing assistance.

On the contrary, there are still some ways to make the most of the Road to Hana drive if it’s a must-see for you and your party. First and foremost, the drive itself is worth it. And there are lookout points along the way where you can stop and enjoy the view from the comfort of your vehicle, even if there may not be accessible parking. Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside is a recommended stop to add to your semi-accessible Maui scenic drive itinerary, as it’s easy enough to get a glimpse of the park’s Puaʻa Kaʻa Falls.

• How long is the Road to Hana? From the official starting point in Kahului to the official ending point in Hana, this Hana Highway drive is exactly 64.4 miles (103.6 kilometers).
• Should I be worried about motion sickness? Yes, the Road to Hana can be difficult for those with motion sickness. Odds are, if you experience motion sickness that doesn’t subside with medication, this isn’t the Maui attraction for you.
• Do I need to make any sort of reservations for the Road to Hana? While you don’t need to make any reservations for the Road to Hana itself, one popular stop, Waiʻanapanapa State Park, requires timed entry tickets that you’ll want to snag as soon as they become available (30 days in advance).
• How is the cell service on the Road to Hana? Cell service is basically non-existent. Be sure to download any information you need—including your Road to Hana map and directions—in advance.
• What about the “Back Road to Hana”? There is a back road to Hana, which travels via the south rather than the north, but it’s not recommended. The road is partially unpaved, there are fewer sights to see, and most (if not all) car rental companies do not allow renters to drive their vehicles along the route.