620 curves, 59 bridges, and one unforgettable journey
The Road to Hana is Maui's most iconic drive. Here's everything you need to know to make the 64-mile journey safely and memorably.
Start early, ideally by 7:00 AM, to beat the crowds and have plenty of daylight. The drive takes about 2.5 hours without stops, but plan for a full day since the best part is getting out of the car. Fill your gas tank in Pa'ia and pack snacks, water, and a swimsuit.
Download an offline map before you go, as cell service is spotty through much of the route. Many travelers use audio tour apps that narrate the history and legends of each stop along the way.
Twin Falls near mile marker 2 is the first major stop and a great warm-up hike to a freshwater waterfall and swimming hole. The Garden of Eden Arboretum near mile marker 10 offers curated tropical gardens with sweeping coastal views. Ke'anae Peninsula at mile marker 16 is a dramatic lava rock coastline where waves crash against ancient flows.
Wai'anapanapa State Park just before Hana features a stunning black sand beach, sea caves, and a blowhole. Reservations are required, so book online before your trip. This is one of the most photographed spots on Maui for good reason.
Many visitors turn around at Hana, but continuing south brings you to the Pools of 'Ohe'o, a series of cascading freshwater pools set against a dramatic coastline. The Pipiwai Trail here leads through a towering bamboo forest to 400-foot Waimoku Falls, one of Maui's most spectacular hikes.
Pull over at designated turnouts to let faster traffic pass. Many of the bridges are one-lane, so yield to oncoming traffic already on the bridge. Respect private property and stay on marked trails. The road is narrow and winding, so take your time, drive with aloha, and enjoy every curve.