The Road to Hana
With around 620 turns and 59 narrow bridges, the Road to Hana makes for a legendary drive.
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Below you'll find detailed information about the road to Hana, local tips, video, photos, & the latest updates.
Road to Hana
Highway 36 and 360 make up 68 miles of twisting turns on a narrow road from Kahului to Hana. The road travels through tropical rainforest, along volcanic coastline, and past many awe inspiring waterfalls.
Preparations
Preparing for the adventure
Before you leave, make 2 phone calls. First, call (808) 986-1200 to check for road closures along the way. It would be a shame to drive from Lahaina and past Paia only to get shut down. Secondly, call (808) 877-5111 to check weather updates. If it looks as though it'll be stormy, reschedule your trip for another time. [If you're on Maui and using a local phone, don't include the (808). On all other islands, on the mainland, or from your mainland cellphone, you'll need to include it.]
The road to Hana is wet enough without a storm. The beauty of the Road to Hana's weather is its erratic behavior. You'll get rain one second, then perfect sun and rainbows the next. If a storm is running, you'll miss out on the sunny portions.
Fill up your tank! Maui gas prices are some of the highest in the nation. Gas in Hana is usually 40-50 cents more than other parts of the island. Fill up before you leave.
Prepare yourself for a long trip. Bring snacks, bug repellent, some cash, a camera, and respect for the local people. If you have anything else planned for the day, you're pushing it. It takes at least 2 1/2 to 3 hours each way to Hana without stopping. You'll want to make a lot of stops too.
Oheo Gulch
Seven Sacred Pools
Part of Haleakala National Park, Oheo Gulch is a great spot to visit, if you get that far. Here you'll find multiple waterfalls and pools collecting at the base of each.
This area offers hiking, camping, and some swimming. We recommend visitors to come here because the swimming areas are regulated by the park. In the case of possible flash floods, they will close the area.
We like this because it's often impossible to predict a flash flood. Hence the "Flash" part of it. The park rangers get a heads up from higher ground about weather conditions and know if the chances are higher than normal. DON'T BE STUPID! Swimming in non-park waterfall and stream areas can be incredibly risky. People die every year.
Twin Falls
The closest waterfall to see on the Road to Hana is close to the beginning, about 10-15 minutes past Paia town. You'll see a bunch of cars parked to the right of you as you drive towards Lahaina (It's popular because it's close.)
You'll have to do a short hike, but it's easy. Most of the hike is made up of flat dirt roads. Once you get to the falls, you'll need to walk down a rocky path.
Recommended Hana Van Tour
Valley Isle Excursions
Tour Hana in style with an experienced local guide, large elevated seating area, air conditioning, pick up and drop off at your hotel, and great food and drinks. Take the stress out of exploring Hana by having a driver show you the best spots along the Road to Hana.
Call Toll Free: 1-877-871-5224
Recommended Hana CD Tour
Road to Hana CD
Rent a Jeep, and explore Hana with R2H's incredibly well-mastered CD. This is not just a CD, but instead an experience that takes you on an adventure you won't soon forget. Find the most romantic spots along this famous road to Hana. Swim at waterfalls, hike through bamboo forests, and enjoy rugged coastal views.
Road to Hana Etiquette
• Let people pass you. Find a safe spot to pull off the road, and let faster cars pass. You have to remember that this is a road that some locals use to get to work, and your stopping and slowing is very frustrating.
• DO NOT TRESPASS! If you don't think you should go there, DON'T! The little blue book that everyone buys says to go places that you probably shouldn't. You don't want to piss off the locals by walking through their backyards.
• Leave nothing but aloha. Any trash you have should be recycled, thrown away or taken with you. This land is pristine for a good reason. KOKUA!
Road to Hana Tips:
• Don't Drink and Drive – It's dangerous enough without the booze.
• Rent a Convertible – If you don't, at least make sure to drive with the windows down. The rainforest smell is part of the experience.
• Prepare for Rain – If you're afraid of getting wet, stay on the south of west side of the island. It will most likely rain at least once during your trip.
• Prepare for Nausea – If you're prone to car sickness, rethink going. OR bring something that will help you like ginger chews or medicine.
• Leave Early – Get out before the crowd. The last thing you want is to be driving back in the dark. It's a long drive.
• Don't See Everything – Don't be afraid to stop, but don't stop EVERYWHERE! Take your time, and only drive 1/2 as long you want total, then turn around. You don't need to drive all the way to Hana to understand what the Road to Hana is all about.
• Bring a Camera – The photo opportunities are endless!
• BE RESPECTFUL – This is the most important rule. This is not your home, so treat it like gold (because it is!)
