Driving the Hana Road in Maui, Hawaii is an amazing experience that takes you through beautiful landscapes, stunning waterfalls, and breathtaking views. However, it is also a challenging drive with narrow roads, hairpin turns, and steep drop-offs. If you decide to do it, you should be prepared for a slow and cautious drive, especially if you are not used to driving on this type of road. The Hana Road is about 64 miles long, and the trip can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on how many stops you make along the way and how much time you take to explore each area. Here is the list of Hana road stops with mile markers.
Our experience driving Hana Road
We drove Hana road in August and it was very busy.. We started driving a bit later that we originally planned. So, around 8.30am we got to Paia lookup and there was almost no parking spaces left on the parking spot. As we continue driving and got closer to the Twin Falls the road was packed. We were lucky to find parking at the Twin Falls, but we took the last parking spot. There is no overflow parking and no parking along the road. So, you have to continue driving if there is no parking place at a certain stop. We were not able to park at Bamboo Forest, we also decided to skip Half way to Hana stop. Honestly, driving Hana road was rather tiring experience for us. I want to do this drive again, may be during off-season, in November hoping to get better experience and less crowds.
Here are some tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable journey:
- Start early: The Hana Road is a long and winding road with many stops along the way, so it’s best to start early in the day to give yourself plenty of time to explore and enjoy the scenery.
- Rent a four-wheel drive vehicle: The road is narrow and winding, and some sections are unpaved, so a four-wheel drive vehicle will provide better traction and stability.
- Take your time: The Hana Road is not a road to rush through. Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and be prepared to stop frequently to take photos, explore waterfalls, and enjoy the beaches.
- Use pullouts to let others pass: The road can be busy, and some sections are narrow, so use pullouts to let other drivers pass safely.
- Be cautious on the bridges: Some of the bridges on the Hana Road are one-lane and require drivers to yield to oncoming traffic. Be cautious and yield to other vehicles as necessary.
- Pack a lunch and bring plenty of water: There are limited food and drink options along the Hana Road, so pack a lunch and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Hana road stops with mile markers.
Here is a guide to the stops we made along the Hana Road and their mileage:
Paia Town
Mile Marker 0: Paia is a charming little town located on the North Shore of Maui. It’s known for its laid-back atmosphere, great surf, and vibrant arts scene. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops to explore, making it a great place to start your Road to Hana adventure.
Paia Lookout
Mile Marker 2.3: The Paia Lookout is a scenic stop that offers panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs. There are also some food trucks here, so it’s a good place to grab a snack or refreshment before continuing on your journey.
Twin Falls
Mile Marker 2.5: Twin Falls is a beautiful waterfall located just a short walk from the parking lot. There are two waterfalls here that cascade into a series of pools, making it a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. There’s also a fruit stand nearby where you can sample fresh local produce.
Bamboo Forest
Mile Marker 6.5: The Bamboo Forest is a dense thicket of bamboo that lines the road. You can walk through the forest and enjoy the peaceful sound of the bamboo leaves rustling in the breeze. Be sure to watch your step, as the ground can be slippery in places.
The Garden of Eden Arboretum & Botanical Garden
Mile Marker 10.5: The Garden of Eden is a 26-acre botanical garden that showcases a diverse range of plant life, including fruit trees, tropical flowers, and exotic palms. There are several hiking trails here that lead to stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Wai’anapanapa State Park
Mile Marker 32: Wai’anapanapa State Park is a must-visit spot on the Road to Hana. The park boasts a stunning black sand beach, lava caves, and hiking trails that offer sweeping views of the ocean. You can also explore the ancient Hawaiian burial sites located throughout the park.
Hana Town
Mile Marker 34: Hana is a small town that’s rich in history and culture. There are several historic sites here, including the Hana Cultural Center and Museum, as well as some great places to grab a bite to eat. Hana is also a great jumping-off point for exploring the surrounding area.
Koolau Waterfalls
Mile Marker 41: Koolau Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall that cascades down the side of a cliff. You can view the waterfall from the road, or hike a short trail to get a closer look. There’s also a picnic area here where you can enjoy lunch or a snack.
Pipiwai Trail
Mile Marker 42: The Pipiwai Trail is a 4-mile round trip hike that takes you through a lush bamboo forest and past several waterfalls. The trail ends at the base of the 400-foot Waimoku Falls, which is truly breathtaking. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, as the trail can be steep and challenging in places.
Seven Sacred Pools
Mile Marker 42: The Seven Sacred Pools, also known as the Oheo Gulch, is a series of cascading waterfalls and pools that are popular for swimming and hiking. There are several hiking trails here that lead to stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making it a great place to spend an afternoon.
Note: This area is part of Haleakala National park, so you will need to pay a park entrance fee or use your America The beautiful pass.
Wailua Falls
Mile Marker 45: Wailua Falls is a stunning 80-foot waterfall that’s easily visible from the roadside. There’s a small parking area here, so you can stop and take in the view before continuing on your journey.
At this point we decided to turn around and go back to Paia. Depending on the time of the day you reach this point and your hotel location you might want to continue driving.
