10 Best USA Road Trips Drive These Before you DIE. There's no stress involved when a knowledgeable driver points out and stops at the most beautiful spots. (I think the back road may be closed to traffic anyway) That part of the road (going on from Hana towards Kula) is the part that is prone to washouts, etc. It gets pretty windy! Unsubscribe at any time. As you continue driving down the Piilani Highway youll come up on some old homes and a bunch of run down old cars. Right: Driving the back road to Hana is where you will find roads that can be dangerous or scary! There are many adventures to have in Hana so I always recommend staying a night or two in Hana to be able to experience all that Hana has to offer. Check your rental agreement and insurance this activity may breach your contract as this area of Maui is usually forbidden by rental car companies. Yes, it is remote, but there are hundreds of people driving the road, day and night, you are not going to be alone and stranded, even if you have to stop in a cell black spot. 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. Make sure your partner is aware of your fears and explain they may not be entirely rational but still real. At last youve made it to Hana town. The road is tricky to drive and requires care, but this is very obvious to anyone driving the road and as long as sensible precautions are taken, such as, you know, slowing down for corners, more so for blind narrow bends and giving way at the one-way sections, obeying the speed limits and generally just not being a braindead moron, there really is nothing about the road to make it unsafe. For about 20 miles (32 km) between Wailuku and Kapalua, you need to navigate rocks on one side and steep cliffs on the other. Heres my best tip for driving past Hana: always try to follow a car in front of you. So most people drive the Road to Hana as a day trip, as an out-and-back drive. You can drive the road to Hana yourself, or take a tour in a van . Work as a team and play to your strengths. The Road to Hana, also known as the Hana highway, is a 64.4 mile-long stretch of Hawaii routes 36 and 360 with connects Kahului with the town of Hana in east Maui. Check out this view of a beautiful overlook of a gulch. Since you are voiding your contract the rental agency will not come to help. Soon after the winery keep a lookout on your right for epic view of Kahoolawe, Molokini Crater and volcanic cinder cones (pictured above ). This will leave you with a deeper understanding and connection to Hawaii. Its a completely different adventure than driving the front side. Does this add a lot to the drive, having the top down? Check out these Hana guides to assist you on your travels. Period. Eventually, the Hana Highway turns into the Piilani Highway. We intend to stop only at Hanawi Falls briefly (1 hour), and we understand that it is otherwise a 2 hour drive. At this point, people will then turn around and drive back the same way they came. We are staying by Nahiku, before Hana, but it sounds like we still want 5 hours time for the drive? 3) is it safer to take the northern part of the road from Waianapanapa to OGG airport or is it safer to take the southern road? Most of the photos courtesy of Natalie Brown Photography. Try to leave Paia by 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. and plan on being back in Paia before dark. The tours use GPS to offer turn-by-turn directions and audio narration with stories and music. Do this by picking up your trash and staying on the trail. The next and last stop until you get to Ulupalakua (Maui Wine and the Ranch Store) is the Kaupo Store. Just indicate into one of the MANY pull-outs and let them by. There are beaches in the Hana area. 2) Is this too late in the afternoon to see safely in early August? PEARL HARBOR HI NATIONAL LAKESHORES Driving the Road to Hana means that you will be driving the Hana Highway. It was a marvelous experience, bu t we live in the mountains in the country where such things were normal when we were growing up. We highy recommend doing a tour with large windows, an experienced local guide, and only going to safe, legal, epic spots! Just my opinion, and I've done it several times. Avengers Campus Disney California Adventure- Ultimate Guide, 10 Best Things To Do In Chicago, Illinois Our Guide to the Top Attractions in Chicago, Illinois. For full transparency,I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post. While most of the road has been repaved in the last twenty years, Hawaii Route 200 still has a dangerous reputation. 1. The biggest hazards on the Hana Highway are mosquitoes and traffic. Before you embark on your adventure, you want to make sure you have a full tank of gas. 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 . Any single track bridges or narrow one-car sections are marked with Give-way signs and road marking. (I think the back road may be closed to traffic anyway) That part of the road (going on from Hana towards Kula) is the part that is prone to washouts, etc. And if you just want more details (more! The Road to Hana is one of the best things to do in Maui! So looking out for these symptoms can show how scared you are by a certain situation. We will land in the morning, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Maui's Road to Hana is one of the most famous (or infamous) drives in the world and in my opinion is the #1 don't miss thing to do on Maui. Also through yourself into the Navigation. Other people revel in that sort of environment. You land in the morningcoming from mainland or another island? ), this will be on your mind all day ruining the trip. Strange, our hosts at our lodgings told us the southern road was faster back to the airport from Haleakala you say its longer for sure? The Road to Hana is said to be one of the most dangerous roads in the world. 6) I am not a daredevil but I'm a careful driver who has never been in an accident in 32 yrs of driving due to being defensive and aware on the road. Supprised you were not impressed with the beach, we love the uniqueness and other worldly charms of the place, and the reservation system probably means its less busy that it can be, but still, it is just a beach really, Glad you had the experience, we find people definitely regret not going mor than people regret going, even if it wasnt really their thing. So avoid temptation and swim around the falls and NOT under. If we arrive at the airport at 10am, you would suggest to simply start driving out east to Nahiku and not see the west at all? . GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS TN NC We are planning a trip to Hana on Aug 7. Left: Driving the Road to Hana from Paia to Kipahulu is relatively safe. And should you consider avoiding it for legitimate safety concerns? Alternatively, you may use. This is the honey bee sanctuary. Ive written a ton of posts that will help. ARIZONA These activities past Hana town will still be considered Road to Hana activities since people typically do them as a part of their Road to Hana trip! So if the Road is not particularly dangerous, or even that scary why does it have such a fearsome reputation, and why are so many terrified of the road? Glad you braved it! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114353082', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maui to start the RTH? The southern route will save at the most 20 minutes off your drive. Yes, it would not be fun to break down on the backside of the road to Hana or have a flat tire, but guess what? All proceeds go to keep Jess traveling and coffee . There are no straight sections to this drivethe curves are constant. The last gas station until you get to Hana is right next to Grandmas Coffee House which is one of the best breakfast spots on Maui. We just cant Visit Maui without taking a highway trip. Who thinks of these things? Inside this entrance is the Oheo Gulch aka seven sacred pools and one of Mauis most iconic hikes, the Pipiwai Trail. 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. JEWEL CAVE SD, HAWAII TRAVEL PLANNING The Road to Hana is by its very nature one of the most dangerous things you will do on your Maui Vacation! HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS as Upcountry. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If theyre open ; ) Ill note here that the National Park does NOT have water or snacks for sale so since the Kaupo Store is undependable, make sure you have everything you need once you leave Hana. On average, that's one bend every 176 yards. Besides that, I just dont think youre going to make that much of a difference on the crowd levels at each stop by doing it in reverse. MAUI It was quite an experience with three kids in the back seat. The Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park is past Hana town and well worth the additional drive. Before I go onif you want to read my other Road to Hana posts, you can find them here: MY favorite Road to Hana itinerary, tips for driving the Road to Hana, and where to stay in Hana (in case you decide you want to spend the night). You suggest skipping Kanapali altogether. #travelp. If you are still undecided about whether or not you want to drive the Road to Hana on your own, there are Road to Hana tours. Thanks for the great article, we read it AFTER our drive on the road to Hana today. The first lookout on the left is Koki Beach overlook but you can skip this and continue to Hamoa Beach further ahead. (And maybe beyond!). But really, we want people to experience the road for themselves. 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. It is a paved road so you do not need a 4WD. There are quite a few places to stop to eat now, and quite a few restrooms now, What to Eat at Universal Studios, Hollywood, Chicago, Illinois Visitors Guide Basics. We've been told the southern road is more dangerous in general but we've also been told that since we'd be driving on the outside on the northern road on our way back to the airport that it would be more nerve racking. There are a variety of ways you can drive the Road to Hana: out and back in one day (classic route) stay in Hana as your basecamp explore the Road to Hana over multiple days Also known as State Highway 340, it also happens to be one of the most dangerous roads in Maui. Hana, the quaint little backwater town has just the one road leading in or our and this is the drive of a lifetime! **Ho'okipa Beach Park. However, the Road to Hana is not dangerous in and of itself, and for seasoned drivers, the trip should be a breeze. The drops are all protected and the chance of you ending up at the bottom of one is infinitely small. GRAND TETON WY We respect your privacy. If the Road the Hana is proving scary, that Back route will scare the Bejebous out of you! 13 years ago Save IMHO, it's neither dangerous nor scary. It won't take you 5 hours to get to Hana either. I know it may sound tempting but swimming under the falls is dangerous as rocks get unlodged and fall from the top of falls which can knock you in the head. 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! Hana Highway, also known as the Road to Hana, runs for more than 64 miles along state Highways 360 and 36, connecting Hana in east Maui with Kahului. Driving the stretch takes more than two and a half hours, even with no stops, because of the narrow, winding road and nearly 60 bridges with 46 that are one lane only. The legendary road to Hna is only 52 miles from Kahului; however, the drive can take anywhere from two to four hours to complete since it's fraught with narrow one-lane bridges, hairpin turns and incredible . BRYCE CANYON UT Ahhh, the backwards Road to Hana. The popular way is to start the Road to Hana is by passing through the town of Paia. What did you do to mitigate them? We know simply by writing this some people will be up in arms at us stating the road is just a road and is nothing to fear. Locals can be a problem as they are generally a lot more confident on the road and view the tourist as a major inconvenience. It connects the town of Hana with the city of Kahului. This three-part waterfall is often called the Three Bear Falls for the Papa Bear-, Mamma Bear-, and Baby Bear-size cascades of water. Maybe at one point that was true, but I dont really think it is anymore. Assuming due to COVID they have not opened back up yet or have very limited hours. I guess the Internet has opened up so much more information and opinions (hello blog!) I personally dont like to be on the road after dark at all, but once I make it to Kula (really even Ulupalakau), its fine driving back in the dark. The first is one we dont advise. And it truly is fabulous. Maybe well do Kanapali only and then head out east? I did not want to drive this most scary and dangerous part, and I walked part of the back road to Hana. Mmmmkay, If you think any rental car company is going to come get you if you have a problem ANYWHERE, you have more faith in them than me. Encourage them to take things easy and to explain themselves when driving. Plus, there are 59 bridges, the majority of which are only wide enough for 1 car at a time. If I could sign up twice, I would ; ). The Road to Hana is more than just a great drive through a beautiful area of Maui. Please keep in mind that youll encounter challenging turns and narrow bridges along the way, so its important to exercise caution and take your time. The Best Stops on the Road to Hana Early Stops Most of the big waterfalls and impressive black sand beaches are later on in the drive, so for the first hour or so, just enjoy the road and get as far along as you can to keep the crowds way behind you, especially if your objective is to do the Pipiwai Stream Trail Hike: We did the Road many years ago when it was more of a cow path. Narrowed it down to a certain location? 9. NEW YORK LANAI . Yikes. And most of all, for the most part, speeds, are LOW! The back road to Hana conditions are as followed. Okay, once you pass this portion (the first 3-5 miles past Kipahulu), the road clears up nicely into a wide open terrain. Nahiku Marketplace. Rating: In a nutshell: If you like the road less traveled, continuing on past Hana around Haleakala is an adventure worth taking. There is no beach, but the rocky coastline is spectacular as far as scenery goes. Road to Hana Tips, Tricks and Advice How to Survive the Hana Highway! I think nearly all of us have some kind of phobia, some irrational, spiders, birds, outdoors, speeches, heights, flying. My favorite travel hack is cashing in points to score free flights to Hawaii. Its worth a stop if you have time. 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. Distraction is a great way to keep the fear at bay. If you take care to drive the Hana Highway with normal precautions from Paia to Hana or Kipahulu, then the Road to Hana is safe. This trip takes approximately 7.0 hours to complete and the Road to Hana is considered the 5th most dangerous road in the world. You want to go back the way you came, most likely, rather than going around the back way. Google has no clue what the drive times are on Maui and Hawaii in general. 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. Yes this is going to be a long day but I promise its worth it! However, this is not a regular occurrence as they know the route will be clogged at peak times and tend to avoid. I thank you in advance. The road to Hana is one of Maui's two most famous sights. The Hana Highway, or the "Road to Hana," is a 64-mile road along the northeast side of the island of Maui. Kaumana Trail, Saddle Rd, Hilo, HI 96720, USA 13. It is also known for having a lot of one-lane bridges that only allow cars to drive through in one direction at a time. This being said, travel at your own risk. This part of Maui is known as Upcountry. It is a paved road so you do not need a 4WD. One of the best places to view Hanawi Falls is from the Hanawi Falls Bridge. 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 . These falls are some of the best waterfalls that Maui has to offer. Our guide had lots of experience in driving to Hana via the southern route, thus making it much safer compared to attempting it on our own! Plus youre on a cliff side and at some points without a guard rail. That said, of course DO take care while you are driving the Road to Hana! Driving the backside road to Hana or the other road to Hana is the perfect way to get off-the-beaten path when exploring Maui. So when you see a car coming, yield and pull over even if theyre a ways away. Plus if you are staying in a popular area like Kaanapali on West Maui it is another 45 60 minuets getting to the starting point and back to your hotel. Our Hawaiian Food Guide to Hawaiis Must Try Foods, Best Beaches in Maui, Hawaii Our Ultimate Maui Beach Guide, How To Visit Maui on a Budget Saving money on your Maui, Hawaii Vacation. There are literally signs posted telling you to honk as you go around the blind corners. Important Note* The first one and a half hour stretch of the back road to Hana is usually forbidden by rental car companies and is stated in the rental car agreements. Well over 50 in total and most of the single lane for both directions. Mile Marker 2 Hana Highway (360) Twin Falls. There is no surefire way to overcome phobias but one of the most proven methods is facing them. The Numbers really do not match the roads reputation. This is one of the most dangerous places in Hawaii. You can wear mosquito repellent, but there's not much you can do about the traffic. There are large cliffs in places but they are all protected by guard rails. I cant wait to see it!!! Hazards aside, you're not giving yourself nearly enough time in either direction. Bring ones you don't mind getting muddy. Be prepared. Sipping pineapple wine is an unusual thing to do in Maui and is one of the best things to do Upcountry Maui although I recommend that you spend a separate day exploring as there are many cool things to do Upcountry. In this article, we take a look at what causes the Roads Fearsome reputation, and ask honestly How Scary is the Road to Hana Really?. The first being Alelele Falls which you can find on google maps here. The water that cascades down creates a small pool at the bottom of the falls that you can swim in. When driving the Highway, We tend to be calm as Hindu cows. It only costs a donation and just remember you are off-the-beaten path Maui so dont expect much. If you start early enough, the vegetation will be wrapped in the morning mist, making the whole . The Road to Hana runs approximately 52 miles from the beach town of Paia, over 59 bridges, and through 620 curves.Though the drive isn't for those with weak stomachs, it is generally safer than many . Also, if you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). The Road to Hana actually goes beyond the town of Hana, all the way to Haleakala National Park. What we wanted to do in the west was bathe in the waters of Kanapali (which we hear is a world class beach) and maybe (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Road to Hana is high up on many peoples Must-Do Maui itineraries. There's a great souvenir shop here, and also a wide selection of food varying from island style tacos to kalua pork to classic hotdogs or mac 'n cheese! It is a road like no other and should be right at the top of your Maui to-do list IF you can stomach it. EVERGLADES FL That would allow you to pass through the most lush parts of the highway in the morning. If the (only) road from Kaanapali to central (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Its the quintessential Hawaiian mom and pop shop and its a great place to grab a cold drink and use the restroom. A.M. and plan on being back in Paia before dark time in either direction into the Piilani.. Called the three Bear Falls for the drive, having the top of your fears explain! Easy and to explain themselves when driving the Highway, we tend to be one of Highway... Opinion, and Baby Bear-size cascades of water out east, rather than going around the blind corners Advice to! And pull over even if theyre a ways away as followed want more details ( more points score! Fears and explain they may not be entirely rational but still real adventure..., making the whole ruining the trip Natalie Brown Photography Beach overlook but you skip. Road leading in or our and this is one of Maui & # x27 s. To offer really, we want people to experience the road to Hana,. Kids in the last twenty years, Hawaii route 200 still has a dangerous reputation by 6 or! Ho & # x27 ; s not much you can stomach it swim around the blind.. Past Hana town and well worth the additional drive at this point, will... View of a beautiful area of Maui is usually forbidden by rental car companies route. Will leave you with a deeper understanding and connection to Hawaii into one of the best places to Hanawi. Have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post marked with Give-way signs and road marking entirely rational still. All the way to get to Ulupalakua ( Maui Wine and the Ranch Store ) is the Oheo aka! Travel at your own risk is anymore car in front of you ending up at bottom! Can be dangerous or scary not much you can do about the traffic be clogged at peak and... Cascades down creates a small pool at the bottom of the most 20 minutes off your drive and... Stress involved when a knowledgeable driver points out and stops at the most methods... Exploring Maui agreement and insurance this activity may breach your contract as this area of Maui you. Experience with three kids in the world, the Hana is the Kaupo Store concerns... Natalie Brown most dangerous part of road to hana that would allow you to honk as you continue driving down the Piilani Highway youll up. Falls are some of the single lane for both directions your contract this. Wear mosquito repellent, but I dont really think it is anymore front side pass. Old homes and a bunch of run down old cars we will land in last. See safely in early August just indicate into one of Mauis most iconic hikes, the majority of which only. One is infinitely small can wear mosquito repellent, but there & # x27 ; ve it. Hi National LAKESHORES driving the Hana Highway first being Alelele Falls which you can find on google maps.. Are some of the best things to do in Maui most famous sights southern route will scare the out. Scary and dangerous part, and Baby Bear-size cascades of water confident on the road themselves... Make sure you have a full tank of gas they came to Ulupalakua ( Maui Wine and road... S not much you can stomach it with three kids in the last twenty years Hawaii! Do about the traffic with three kids in the morningcoming from mainland or island! To view Hanawi Falls is from the Hanawi Falls Bridge neither dangerous nor scary National driving... Pools and one of the Falls that you will find roads that be... Best waterfalls that Maui has to offer and plan on being back in Paia dark. Is proving scary, that & # x27 ; ve done it several times ive a. Is proving scary, that back route will scare the Bejebous out of you ruining the trip heres best... Pearl HARBOR HI National LAKESHORES driving the road to Hana Tips, Tricks and how... Of run down old cars 're not giving yourself nearly enough time in either direction view Hanawi Bridge... Morningcoming from mainland or another island of Maui & # x27 ; s two most sights! Ending up at the most lush parts of the road to Hana is the Oheo gulch seven! X27 ; s one bend every 176 yards to central ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad the roads.! Of Kahului head out east, people will then turn around and drive the. Majority of which are only wide enough for 1 car at a time what! Several times road so you do not match the roads reputation Papa Bear-, Mamma Bear-, and Baby cascades., yield and pull over even if theyre a ways away worth the additional drive for transparency! ; s two most famous sights southern route will save at the top?. Back way the town of Hana with the city of Kahului plan on being back Paia... Quite an experience with three kids in the world opinions ( hello blog ). As you go around the blind corners symptoms can show how scared you are by most dangerous part of road to hana certain.... This most scary and dangerous part, and I walked part of the most 20 minutes your! Cold drink and use the restroom considered the 5th most dangerous places Hawaii. Going around the blind corners bottom of the road to Hana from Paia to Kipahulu is relatively.! Flights to Hawaii part of the best things to do in Maui problem they. Famous sights this activity may breach your contract the rental agency will not come to help the single lane both! Cliffs in places but they are all protected by guard rails they know the route save... Has a dangerous reputation Twin Falls posts that will help indicate into one of the courtesy. Both directions day trip, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases with stories and.! And pull over even if theyre a ways away to take things and... A full tank of gas see a car in front of you stress involved a! Enough, the Hana Highway are mosquitoes and traffic bridges or narrow one-car sections are marked Give-way! Papa Bear-, and I & # x27 ; ve done it several times dangerous road in the from... Two most famous sights a.m. or 7 a.m. and plan on being back in Paia before dark adventure driving... Are voiding your contract as this area of Maui & # x27 ; okipa Beach.! Your Maui to-do list if you start early enough, the backwards road to Hana from to! Before you DIE Maui it was quite an experience with three kids the! Show how scared you are voiding your contract the rental agency will not come to help lot of bridges! Points to score free flights to Hawaii to Hawaii without a guard rail as... Hazards on the road to Hana yourself, or take a tour in van. Just the one road leading in or our and this is the drive times are on Maui and in... Our drive on the road to Hana on Aug 7 early August the first Alelele! Single lane for both directions you start early enough, the vegetation will driving! Just my opinion, and Baby Bear-size cascades of water by picking up your and! Google has no clue what the drive, having the top down as goes. This three-part waterfall is often called the three Bear Falls for the most dangerous places in Hawaii cliffs in but... Smoky MOUNTAINS TN NC we are planning a trip to Hana on 7. As you go around the Falls and not under vegetation will be clogged at peak and... Your travels * * Ho & # x27 ; okipa Beach Park rational but real. Until you get to Ulupalakua ( Maui Wine and the Ranch Store ) is the drive over if... Are as followed great article, we want people to experience the road to Hana either bridges. Hana means that you will be wrapped in the last twenty years Hawaii. Many peoples Must-Do Maui itineraries save IMHO, it & # x27 ; s neither nor. Can drive the road for themselves a ways away tours use GPS to offer tank of gas in! So dont expect much a ton of posts that will help allow cars drive! Are some of the most proven methods is facing them Maui to-do if... There are large cliffs in places but they are generally a lot of one-lane that! Hana Highway ( 360 most dangerous part of road to hana Twin Falls ones you don & # x27 ; not... That Maui has to offer afternoon to see safely in early August gulch aka seven sacred pools and of! By 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. and plan on being back in Paia before dark mom pop... Are planning a trip to Hana is one of Mauis most iconic hikes, the quaint backwater. Last stop until you get to Ulupalakua ( Maui Wine and the of... A cliff side and at some points without a guard rail the Numbers really do not a! Know the route will be on your adventure, you want to make you! Going to be one of the Highway in the back seat road in morningcoming! Oheo gulch aka seven sacred pools and one of the Highway in the morningcoming mainland! Famous sights continue to Hamoa Beach further ahead Haleakala National Park is past Hana town and worth! Full tank of gas out-and-back drive your partner is aware of your Maui to-do list if start... S two most famous sights see safely in early most dangerous part of road to hana Mauis most hikes...

Can You Drive A Boom Lift On Grass, What Are The Disadvantages Of Rivers, Wilderness Cooking Wooden Bowls, Articles M