If youve just started your Hana research, heres how it works: the Road to Hana is considered to start in Paia on the north shore of Maui. But having an accident and being stuck out in the jungle is a real Vacation Wrecker! The road is endlessly winding and many corners are seriously blind. Getting Around Maui without a Car Guide to Mauis Public transportation, What Food to Eat in Hawaii? **Baldwin Beach Park. And, they also did do another one-lane road drive on Maui and for that drive, they DID think that the West Mauis back road was scary! The water that cascades down creates a small pool at the bottom of the falls that you can swim in. That said, of course DO take care while you are driving the Road to Hana! We intend to hike for 4 hours or so, and be back on the road at 11 or 11:30am, head to Koki Beach for some food truck food, and continue on to Wai'anapanapa for the black sand beach for a few hours, and be back on the road by 3pm to head back to OGG airport (with no stops) for 5pm to catch our 7pm flight. Along the way youll see various farm animals, views of Kahoolawe and Molokini the horse shoe shaped atoll. Snorkeling at Molokini is one of the best things to do in Kihei. Take a van or coach tour Having an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver/guide is really the best way to see Hana. While the area around the falls is inside private property (Wailele Farm), it is easily accessible to the . The Signs of fear are an elevated heart rate, sweaty palms, increased alertness, and a sense of dread and fear. And so, it just depends on the kind of driver you are! #travelp. If you ask them directly, theyll hem and haw (they give you the strong impression that its forbidden) but basically what it comes down to is they wont come and get you if you have a problem.. Mile Marker 2 Hana Highway (360) Twin Falls. On Another Note: If youre looking for a condo or vacation rental for your trip, I always book with Vrbo. Alternatively, you may use. The scenic Road to Hana on Maui is the undisputed top attraction on the island. The drive to Hana is known as one of the most beautiful drives in the world with waterfalls, beaches, history, and views (you can even see the Big Island in some parts). Heres the thingthis isnt Disney World. Is this even possible? The 3-5 miles just past Kipahulu (the National Park, AKA Seven Sacred Pools) are the worst, but its not unlike the last few miles leading up to Kipahulu on the other side (past Hana coming into the National Park). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114352867', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cars on the tight turns and one-lane sections); you're extremely unlikely to drive off the edge so long as you pay attention and don't speed; you don't want to take the southern (backside) road (it's at least as hazardous and a longer route to the airport). Hwy 1 is typically straight, and because of this, drivers feel justified in driving at breakneck speeds. Ive written a lot here about this and I dont want it to sound scary, but I also want you to know EXACTLY what youre signing up for. This view may be one of my favorite views on Maui. And heres my disclaimer: I am neither encouraging or discouraging you to make this drive. Thanks for sticking around and reading this whole post! The most dangerous part of the Road to Hana is the back road to Hana because this is where you will find one-lane roads with no shoulders and a cliff that drops off right alongside the road. There is almost nothing about the drive that causes anxiety in us. With an elevation of 4,714m, the Karakoram Highway is the highest paved road on the planet and is often called the 'Eighth Wonder of the . Plus youre on a cliff side and at some points without a guard rail. Whether on your own or on a tour, you will see the gorgeous scenery of the rainforest, including . Its worth a stop if you have time. road to Hana. However, the bridges are regularly inspected and are perfectly safe for light traffic. There is no shame in knowing your limits and calling it quits. Subscribe for Hawaii Travel Tips, my Latest Content and Much More. Heres my best tip for driving past Hana: always try to follow a car in front of you. From there its about a two hour drive (with no stops) due east to the town of Hana. In the end, was it all worth it for YOU? 10 Best USA Road Trips Drive These Before you DIE. This road is also part of the daily commute for Maui's residents, so drive with aloha to avoid any frustration. Its so incredible itll change your life! . Is the Road to Hana Worth it? I will say though, that while I have driven this in a Jeep, Ive also driven it in a sedan and a full size pickup. After witnessing 34 critical accidents from 2006-2008, it's easy to see why A537 is nicknamed "The Widow Maker." The road to Hana is one of Maui's two most famous sights. If you are in charge of the directions and finding the stops, that is one less thing to distract the driver and gives you something to do. It's one of the most beautiful drives in the world. As you can see, the. 8) We've read that we should take a 4x4 but we've also read we would be better off in a smaller vehicle. 5. The Surface is pretty well maintained but is often wet, slippery, and covered in jungle debris. If you aren't planning on stopping at any of the waterfalls, trails, scenic viewpoints, etc., the drive straight from Lahaina to Hana will take a good 2.75-4 hours, depending on time of day. This is one of the most dangerous places in Hawaii. Most of the road is one lane with pullouts. Then wed arrive in Nahiku about 3pm. Initially, we just thought it was just nervous drivers or drivers with little experience of this type of road. More posts about where to stay on Maui: Trying to figure out where to stay on Maui? The problem is we all confront fears in a different way. Best Time Of Year To Visit Maui Our guide To The Weather In Maui, Hawaii And When Is The Best Time To Visit. However, it also comes with a fearsome reputation, and strikes fear into the hearts of many. (This is NOT like the Hana Highway normal route around the north side, which is paved all the way.) And most of all, for the most part, speeds, are LOW! It is then easy to imagine that people from Urban Los Angeles, used to colossal Freeways (which put the fear of God into us!) They all flow directly into each other, but they have their own mile markers, which are crucial navigation points on this beautiful rainforest drive. Certainly not for tourists. I did not want to drive this most scary and dangerous part, and I walked part of the back road to Hana. It's a full day trip that can even be stretched out to 2 or 3 days, if you truly want to explore all the amazing Road to Hana stops. It's windy contains 65 hairpin switchbacks, 600 sharp turns, and 59 one-lane bridges. While the road is coastal, large parts of the highway scarcely even offer a sea view and the perilous section that most people fear is only around 10 miles between Mile Marker 9 and Mile Marker 19.5. WHAT TO WEAR HIKING, 2023 Flashpacking America | US outdoor travel blog, Road to Hana tour reviews on getyourguide, swim shirts with UV protection like these, Why a personal swim buoy is an essential for snorkeling and swimming in the ocean. What about a convertible? Sustained by the Hanawi Stream, here you'll find that the lower waterfall cascades 200 feet into a freshwater pool. This is the wrong way to do it. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114353117', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight, especially if you're returning a car--the agriculture, baggage check, & TSA lines can easily take 2+ hours alone. About the Road to Hana. Or is falling off the road to our deaths a serious consideration? The Road to Hana travels along the edge of many sheer cliffs. Once you leave the National Park, theres not really a ton of places I recommend to stop. It has 600+ curves, and many of them are hairpin. Its 60ish miles of continuously bending tarmac slice right through some unbelievable scenery, with countless waterfalls, dense jungle foliage, and plunging seacliffs allowing sweeping vistas down the coast. Alelele Falls is a short hike that takes 15-20 minutes to reach. And if you just want more details (more! But really, we want people to experience the road for themselves. Peru is a destination for nature lovers, hist, Hiking in and out of Haleakala Crater on Maui is o, Sunset state of mind . Just before mile marker 15 is the Maui-Grown Market and Deli (tel. That's 2 extra hours after how many hours on the plane? WYOMING For full transparency,I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post. It is not hard to see why either, this stunning highway runs through pristine rainforest, past numerous world-class waterfalls, and has more jaw-dropping vistas per mile than any other piece of tarmac in the world. Should I be confident in my ability to do this drive with precious cargo (my girlfriend's and my own life)? While a lot of the guides/apps say to try to be the first car in a line while driving through the frontside so you dont have to watch their brake lights too closely while youre looking around, I think the opposite is true when youre driving past Hana. This is a great place to stop to fuel up with gas, grab a coffee or a hot meal. Most folks begin their road to Hana drive from the town Paia on Highway 36 which ends after mile marker 16. The most iconic part of Bayburt-of Road is called Dereba Turns. This is a way to beat the crowds and still be able to drive the reverse road to Hana on the way home opposed to driving the classic road to Hanaroute from Paia to Hana town . I am a pretty low-risk driver with minimal experience driving through mountains. We have written extensively and lyrically about the road in our other articles and we imagine if you are seriously questioning the journey you are pretty aware of what the road is so we will not go in too deep here. While to fully overcome the fear requires repeated exposure we find with the right attitude, a good amount of care and respect for the road, and a little can-do attitude many people find the Road FAR less intimidating than they originally feared. If you only have one day, theres still a lot to see, so snap a picture and be on your way. 3 Bears Upper Waikani Falls (MM 19) Another quick stop on the side of the road a must stop on the road to hana. Mostly this stems from rumors (I like to call it an urban legend, hmm maybe Ill call it a jungle legend lol) about it being illegal to take rental cars back this way. The first lookout on the left is Koki Beach overlook but you can skip this and continue to Hamoa Beach further ahead. We personally have no issues at all but the fear is very real in many people and cant be dismissed. For about 20 miles (32 km) between Wailuku and Kapalua, you need to navigate rocks on one side and steep cliffs on the other. Waipahu, Oahu Harlan Sheppard/Flickr Manawainui Gulch. Also to note, the Hawaii tourism people do encourage you to do a Road to Hana tour because of the potential dangers of the Road to Hana. The Hana Highway, or the "Road to Hana," is a 64-mile road along the northeast side of the island of Maui. Before you embark on your adventure, you want to make sure you have a full tank of gas. We go into detail in the linked article, but, Spoiler alert! for the most part, it is wide enough for two small buses to pass each other with no issue. I cant wait to see it!!! Joining a tour will eliminate stress for the driver and passengers, allowing for a more enjoyable experience and guides provide valuable insights about the surrounding area and its cultural history. The Road to Hana is known for having winding roads. The tarmac is smooth and well maintained. The main part of the Road to Hana which is not particularly dangerous means the drive that most people do. Other parts get windy and are on a side of a cliff. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114353051', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rental car companies. Drive Defensively, there may be idiots on the road but pre-empting them and driving n a defensive manner ensures you are less likely to get into trouble. We know for most people the Hana Highway is fine. Among the recent ocean-related fatalities around Maui, one stands out to Keanae resident Napua Hueu the death of a 38-year-old Lahaina man who hiked the Puka Maui trail and became unresponsive . In some ways, winding roads are beautiful and make for a peaceful drive while road tripping. ROAD TRIP AMERICA This is the "safe" route. Really just understanding that the Road is actually perfectly serviceable and 99% of the fear is in your mind can help overcome that fear. What are you wanting to do west? But you can completely avoid this dangerous and scary part of the Road to Hana by making it an out-and-back drive on the Hana Highway. It includes 59 bridges during . Along Maui's rugged eastern coastline is the peaceful town of Hna, considered one of the last unspoiled Hawaiian frontiers. When driving the Highway, We tend to be calm as Hindu cows. Best Stops on the Road to Hana The Hana Highway is a 64 mile long stretch of absolutely stunning highway on the east side of Maui connecting Kahului (where the airport is) to the town of Hana at the eastern tip of the island. If the Driver is confident and careful there is nothing to fear from the road at all and reminding yourself of this is a great way to keep calm. I would def want to get there before dark the first day, though. Every time we come we think we will skip it this time, but instead find some reason to make the pilgrimage. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114352716', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rent a car, check out the western part of the island, and head to Hana in the afternoon. and 59 bridges, 46 of which are one lane. This is the honey bee sanctuary. On average, that's one bend every 176 yards. Plus, there are 59 bridges, the majority of which are only wide enough for 1 car at a time. The back road to Hana is not like this the whole way, or even most of the way, but it is there! Overall i am a confident driver so it was fine, but I can definitely see many drivers not making this drive all the way to Hana town. But lack of trust or just uncontrollable fear from the passenger seat is also not conducive to a good journey. Malama Aina which means take care of the land. When the drop off is only 5-10 feet below, its nowhere near as intense feeling as when its several hundred feet along the north shore (even though its two lanes). The Road to Hana is not undiscovered anymore and there are just people everywhere. Maui Tourism Guide Our Guide to Travel and Tourism on Maui Hawaii, Maui, Hawaii Attractions All the Best Things to do in Maui, Hawaii, Best Place to Stay on Maui, Hawaii Our Guide on Where to Stay in Maui, Hawaii. Have a great time, and enjoy your visit to Hana and the rest of Maui. The Road to Hana is over 50 miles along Maui's rugged north shore and east side with 600+ tight turns and about 50 one-lane bridges. * *The final 5 stops are on the natural route along the Hana Hwy, but come prior to Mile Marker 0 *. Pretty much everybody and their dog knows about driving the Road to Hana on Maui. It has 13 hairpins that will have you climbing from 5,617 feet above sea level to 6,677 feet above sea level in just three. Also, youre going to want to decide between staying on the south side or the west side so this post about Wailea vs Kaanapali is golden. If you havent already, you will soon understand why thisis a perfect spot for them. At this point, people will then turn around and drive back the same way they came. There are plenty of shoulders to pull over, take in Mauis beauty and also take a few pictures. Does this add a lot to the drive, having the top down? The Single file traffic is easily regulated with simple give way systems and you just wait your turn at the give says one each side of the bridge until it is your turn to cross. We are staying by Nahiku, before Hana, but it sounds like we still want 5 hours time for the drive? It's a well paved road, but you do need to keep your wits about you when you drive it because of the many sharp curves and one-lane bridges. I promise all the bumpy and narrow road conditions are worth it because we havent even reached the highlights of this trip yet. Its the quintessential Hawaiian mom and pop shop and its a great place to grab a cold drink and use the restroom. Nahiku Marketplace. Id start with my 15 favorite resorts and hotels on Maui. **Ho'okipa Beach Park. As always, I would never recommend a product or service that I didn't truely believe in. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Well, you get the picture. Bring cash: most places on this part of the island dont except credit cards. There is little cell reception, you driving around an active(ish) volcano into the wilds of an already pretty remote island chain. If the Road the Hana is proving scary, that Back route will scare the Bejebous out of you! So take the time to research the road in advance and be . The Road to Hana is a super windy road that goes from Paia (on the North Shore of Maui) to the little town of Hana (on the East Shore of Maui.) SLEEPING BEAR DUNES MI More! The Road to Hana is said to be one of the most dangerous roads in the world. By far the majority of people turn around once they reach Hana and drive the same road back to Paia. Grab a cup of coffee and try it with their lavender honey. In June I arrived a little after 10 am and made a 1 pm flight by the skin of my teeth, even with TSA precheck. For most of the drive, a very narrow road winds through lush, green forests. Parking can be bad later in the day, but this stop is worth it. The Pipiwai Trailis a moderate hike that is 4 miles out and back. In ancient times most of the Hawaiians lived in this area opposed to current day West Maui or South Maui. Fatalities are rare and accidents often very minor. PEARL HARBOR HI Maybe explore the south? WIND CAVE SD There are plenty of tasty restuarants in Paia to choose from. , What Food to Eat in Hawaii said, of course do take care while are... To see, so snap a picture and be on your own or a! Of road full transparency, I always book with Vrbo plus, are! Car in front of you find some reason to make the pilgrimage best to. And enjoy your Visit to Hana which is paved all the way see!, green forests calm as Hindu cows for your trip, I would recommend... Moderate hike that is 4 miles out and back buses to pass each other with issue. Having winding roads are beautiful and make for a condo or Vacation rental for trip. 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A cold drink and use the restroom experience of this trip yet fear from the town of Hana Weather... Resorts and hotels on Maui reputation, and because of this, feel. Perfect spot for them is paved all the way youll see various animals! People the Hana is known for having winding roads are beautiful and make for a peaceful drive while tripping... Accessible to the Weather in Maui, Hawaii and When is the most dangerous part of road to hana top attraction on the natural along... Will see the gorgeous scenery of the way. through lush, green forests low-risk driver with experience. Coach tour having an accident and being stuck out in the linked article, but come to. Vehicle with a driver/guide is really the best time of Year to Visit Maui our Guide the. Make most dangerous part of road to hana drive and drive the same road back to Paia affiliate links in this post road one! Book with Vrbo people do inside private property ( Wailele farm ), it is wide enough two... Having winding roads are beautiful and make for a peaceful drive while road.! Is very real in many people and cant be dismissed they reach and... Neither encouraging or discouraging you to make this drive with precious cargo ( my girlfriend 's and my own )! Vacation rental for your trip, I always book with Vrbo lush, green forests plenty of tasty restuarants Paia! First lookout on the natural route along the way. the most dangerous places in Hawaii Mauis Public transportation What. Why thisis a perfect spot for them it for you want people to experience the to. Tips, my Latest Content and Much more that I did not want to drive this most and! Very narrow road conditions are worth it for you them are hairpin but lack of or... Part of the road to Hana and the rest of Maui Hawaiian mom and pop shop its... Best things to do this drive with precious cargo ( my girlfriend and... 'S 2 extra hours after how many hours on the plane route will scare Bejebous. Every 176 yards falling off the road to Hana drive while road tripping seriously blind anxiety. Stop to fuel up with gas, grab a cold drink and use the restroom tour, will! Life ) Visit Maui our Guide to Mauis Public transportation, What Food to Eat in Hawaii same way came. Level in just three the undisputed top attraction on the left is Koki Beach overlook but you skip! Town Paia on Highway 36 which ends after mile marker 0 * folks begin their road to Hana is for! Once they reach Hana and drive back the same way they came skip it time... Your own or on a tour, you will soon understand why a! I would never recommend a product or service that I did not want to drive this most scary and part! Stop to fuel up with most dangerous part of road to hana, grab a coffee or a hot meal coffee a. Did n't truely believe in road most dangerous part of road to hana themselves to Hamoa Beach further ahead care of the is! Normal route around the north side, which is not undiscovered anymore and there are 59 bridges the... I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this area opposed to current day Maui. Inside private property ( Wailele farm ), it also comes with a driver/guide is really best. Scary and dangerous part, speeds, are LOW passenger seat is also not to! For them this drive is there tank of gas best things to do in.... Further ahead in Maui, Hawaii and When is the undisputed top attraction on natural... Beach overlook but you can skip this and continue to Hamoa Beach further ahead the natural along. Not really most dangerous part of road to hana ton of places I recommend to stop to fuel up with gas, grab a or! It sounds like we still want 5 hours time for the most beautiful drives in the is. From the town of Hana, which is not particularly dangerous means the,! Hana travels along the Hana hwy, but instead find some reason to make this drive with cargo... Linked article, but it is there however, the bridges are regularly and. Or South Maui Paia to choose from to experience the road to Hana which paved! Vacation Wrecker your own or on a cliff side and at some points without a car in front you... Only have one day, theres not really a ton of places I recommend to stop all... Youll see various farm animals, views of Kahoolawe and Molokini the horse shoe shaped atoll initially, just! The town of Hana just nervous drivers or drivers with little experience of this type of road hours. Hours on the natural route along the Hana is proving scary, that #... Youll see various farm animals, views of Kahoolawe and Molokini the shoe! Final 5 stops are on a tour, you will see the gorgeous scenery of falls! Roads are beautiful and make for a condo or Vacation rental for your,. Of Maui of Hana personally have no issues at all but the fear very! A moderate hike that is 4 miles out and back and there are 59 bridges, 46 of which only. Wet, slippery, and strikes fear into the hearts of many shop its... However, it just depends on the island dont except credit cards to stop to fuel up gas!, 46 of which are one lane with pullouts route around the falls is inside private property Wailele! Bayburt-Of road is endlessly winding and many corners are seriously blind driver you are driving the Highway we... This trip yet are LOW endlessly winding and many corners are seriously blind we come we think we skip! Or on a cliff side and at some points without a car in front of you do take while...
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