Hana Highway
The Hana Highway, also known as the Road to Hana, is the signature scenic drive in Maui.
Plan Around Hana Highway
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Hana Highway Details
The Hana Highway, also known as the Road to Hana, is the signature scenic drive in Maui, and is the only way to access the Kipahulu section of the national park. Beginning in Kahului, the 64-mile Highway 36, as it's also known, really becomes scenic east of the small town of Paia, a great place to stop for a snack before heading out. The road winds through rainforest and past waterfalls before reaching the tiny town of Hana. There's no gas along the way, so start out with a full tank, and leave plenty of time because it's a slow, twisting road and you'll want to stop at the waterfalls, trails, and many roadside fruit and banana-bread stands along the way. Don't miss the black sand beach at Wai'anapanapa State Park. Keep in mind that although it's really only 55 miles east of Paia to the Pools at O'heo, it will take you at least three hours because of the winding nature of the road and the many one-way bridges, at which you'll have to yield to oncoming traffic and tour buses, not including any stops you may make. The road can get quite busy in the afternoon, so starting out in the early morning is best. The best way to avoid the traffic is to start a little later and spend the night in Hana. If you're not staying overnight in Hana or at the Kipahulu Campground, you'll have to choose whether to turn around and drive the Hana Highway back to Paia or Kahului or continue on southward -- a rougher road, but generally accessible to all vehicles.
Difficulty
Low
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Nearby Parks Around Hana Highway
Compare nearby parks around Hana Highway when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Hana Highway
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Hana Highway while the map context is still fresh.
3.0 mi away
Pa'ia, Hawaii
The unofficial "gateway" to the Road to Hana, Pa'ia, Hawaii is a north coast Maui town a little more than 15 minutes from Kahului on Highway 36.
3.1 mi away
Kahului, Hawaii
Kahului is the first place that most visitors to Maui see, since it's home to the island's main international airport.
5.7 mi away
Makawao, Hawaii
The small town of Makawao, Hawaii, along with its near neighbor, Pukalani, sits inland on Maui about 20 minutes along Highway 37 from the coastal hub of Kahului.
11.8 mi away
Haleakala Highway (Route 378)
The Haleakala Highway, also called Crater Road, begins in the town of Pukalani and winds up the side of Haleakala, with many switchbacks along the way.
15.1 mi away
Haleakala National Park Summit Entrance
Visitors are required to pay via credit card at both entrances of the national park.
