Driving the Road To Hana in Maui, Hawaii
Maui's Hana Highway Offers Ocean Views, Waterfalls, and Adventure
May 2, 2009
The Hana Highway began as an ancient Hawaiian coastal footpath. It grew into an auto road, and was paved in 1962. Considering the terrain it has to cross -- steep cliffs laced with waterfalls and hundreds of blind curves winding in and out of ravines -- it is a fantastically engineered road, fun to drive for anyone not in a hurry. Locals say it's about the experience, not the destination, so bring the right attitude. This trip is all about the adventure.
Tips for Driving the Highway to Hana
It's only 52 miles from the start of the Hana Highway near Kahului (where Maui's major airport is) to the tiny town of Hana. But don't be fooled by distance; the drive from Kahului can take up to 2 1/2 or 3 hours, depending on how the driver handles blind curves, single lane bridges, and narrow pavement edged by cliffs. (Locals, however, do it much faster.) For the last 29 miles of the trip, the speed limit is almost never more than 25 miles an hour, and frequently drops to 10.
One warning: Tourists who plan to stay in Hana for their vacation, and who are arriving in Maui after a long flight from the mainland, should plan an overnight stop in Kahului. Tackle the drive in the morning, after a rest. The trip is something to enjoy, not something to get over with, plus it takes concentration.
More advice for the Hana Highway:
- If you intend to do the road both ways in one day, get an early start.
- It's possible to drive the road at night, but city drivers may find the combination of 180-degree curves, cliffs, and pitch-black hard to handle. Drivers comfortable on dark, curvy country roads shouldn’t have a problem. There's less traffic at night, and ongoing headlights announce whether other cars are approaching the blind curves.
- Locals are easily identified; they take the curves twice as fast as anyone else. A beat-up pick-up truck is also a sure sign. Locals know the road, so let them pass. Plus, at night, they'll light the way.
- Gas up before starting out; there's nowhere to stop. Same goes for food and drink,
- Look at the road, not the views. For those wanting to take in the views, there are plenty of pull-offs and parking spaces.
- Those yield signs at every bridge? Obey them. The bridges are one-lane; first come, first served (like at a stop sign, except that if several cars are lined up one in back of the other, the whole line goes at once rather than taking turns. Locals say it's faster that way) .
Accommodations, Hotels, and Things to do in Hana
The road to Hana may be about the experience, not the destination, but the destination is worth a look. Hana is a unique Maui outpost, well worth an overnight stay, or more. Plus, while many people do the drive to and from Hana in a day, it's more enjoyable to break the round-trip up into two days.
The town itself is small -- about 700 people, some of whom live off the grid. Another 1,300 or so live in the surrounding district, in small farms and homes that dot the countryside. Accommodations range from camping to B&Bs to villa and home rentals to the justly famed Hotel Hana Maui, a laid-back luxury kind of place that specializes in island ambience, food fresh from the local farms and fishermen, and relaxation. Activities include farm tours, horseback riding, snorkeling, and beach-sitting.
The Hana Highway, and Hana itself, are throwbacks to a slower, simpler time. This is an adventure to savor slowly.
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