The world-famous highway to Hana is without doubt one of the must-do experiences when visiting Maui. It may be overwhelming planning what to see on this iconic highway journey when you’ve restricted time. So we’ve rounded up all of the highway to Hana stops that we did on Maui’s epic coastal drive. You don’t should see the whole lot (until you’ve the time) so we’re right here that will help you select what are the highest stops that you have to make.
The Street to Hana, aka The Hana Freeway, takes you from the surf city of Paia to the peaceable city of Hana. It’s straightforward to search out the most effective stops on the highway to Hana, all it is advisable to do is comply with the mile markers. Now we have included the mile marker for every cease on the Hana Freeway on this information. It’s a welcome boost to any Maui trip.
The Street To Hana
Most individuals make a day journey out of the highway to Hana drive and start in Paia within the morning spending the remainder of the day working their approach out to Hana City stopping alongside the best way. We as an alternative drove immediately out to Hana earlier than dawn to discover Hana City and its close by points of interest earlier than making our approach again slowly within the afternoon. It was the most effective choice we made. We averted the visitors and had lots of the prime stops on the Street to Hana all to ourselves.
The Hana Freeway is without doubt one of the hottest day journeys on Maui, so it may well get very busy quick. We suggest leaving early and driving on to the Swimming pools at O’he’o Gulch a part of Haleakala Nationwide Park which is about half-hour past Hana. Getting there early beats the crowds and you’ll hike the Pipiwai Path to Waimoku Falls in relative peace and quiet after which, you possibly can then spend the day slowly making your approach again to Paia.
Really useful Street To Hana Excursions
Prime Street to Hana Stops
Visitors on the highway to Hana from Paia to Hana is plugged and stopped later within the day. Seeing the sights in reverse order, allows you to benefit from the viewpoints and waterfalls at your individual tempo. Plus, we discovered the views on the best way again, approach higher than on the best way out as we have been on the precise aspect of the highway with unobstructed views!
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Scorching Hana Freeway Tip
Earlier than heading out, seize some gourmand picnic lunches to take with you on the Street to Hana. The Hana Picnic Lunch Firm places collectively lunch and breakfast to your highway journey. Order the day earlier than 2 pm so as to set out early within the morning. There are picnic tables alongside the route the place you possibly can cease to benefit from the extraordinary ocean views. Or you possibly can seize some banana bread and a espresso earlier than leaving and save lunch for when you arrive in Hana.
Word: The espresso outlets and eating places don’t open till 7 am, so if you wish to decide up provides for the day, we advise doing it the evening earlier than and making a espresso out of your resort.
1. Paia City
Paia isn’t only a cease on the Hana Freeway, it’s a vacation spot unto itself. Situated on the North Shore of Maui, there are many issues to do in Paia to maintain you occupied. We recommend spending a few nights having fun with this surfer’s city. Ho’okipa Seashore Park is a superb place to observe the world-class surfers and windsurfers and Baldwin Seashore is a good looking lengthy sandy seashore that may be a must-visit.
Making our base in Paia we stayed on the hip boutique resort, the Paia Inn, the place we woke early to make our option to Hana. After choosing up a espresso at Paia Bay Espresso Bar and ordering a boxed lunch at CJ’s diner we have been on our approach.
2. Haleakala Nationwide Park
As we talked about above we drove on to the top of the Street to Hana to start our highway journey. Moving into the wrong way of the visitors.
The maps and guides may have Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Swimming pools) as your final cease on the highway to Hana, however we wish to be totally different, so that is the primary cease of our day.
Situated half-hour past Hana at Mile Marker 42, this department of Haleakala Nationwide Park is beautiful. When you arrive, you’ll stroll the Pipiwai Path to a number of the most scenic points of interest on Maui. This stunning portion of the nationwide park homes a bamboo forest, the 400-foot-high Waimoku Falls, the Seven Sacred Swimming pools ( Oheo Gulch), and the Haleakala volcano. This was undoubtedly the spotlight of our highway journey and we spent the vast majority of the morning right here.
It prices $30 per car to enter Haleakala Nationwide Park. This offers you entry to the nationwide park for 3 Days which incorporates the Haleakala Summit. So you might spend the day right here in the future, after which head to Upcountry Maui and catch the dawn on the Haleakala Summit the next day.
3. Pipiwai Path
The Pipiwai Path is a straightforward path crammed with scenic views. The 4-mile climbing path is a good looking scenic stroll that takes you thru large Banyan timber and an infinite bamboo forest earlier than you attain your closing vacation spot on the stunning and really excessive Waimoku Falls. In case you are into climbing ensure that to take a look at our information Prime 12 Hikes in Maui to Take your Breath Away for some nice solutions across the island.
4. Bamboo Forest
The bamboo forest was a spotlight of the path. Now we have by no means seen such a pristine bamboo forest outdoors of Asia. The bamboo was dropped at Maui by Asian migrants engaged on pineapple farms to make use of as scaffolding. There’s a boardwalk that cuts by the forest and strolling trails placing you within the middle of this beautiful scene. Be sure to spend a little bit of time right here, it’s beautiful and really uncommon to see.
5. Waimoku Falls
The tip of the path involves the 400-foot-high Waimoku Falls. It’s postcard-perfect for pictures. We suggest having a very good pair of water footwear or Tevas as you’ll be crossing streams. By arriving early, we shared the waterfall views with just one different particular person. It was really spectacular.
Word: Obey the indicators to not get too near the falls. We noticed different folks ignoring it, however have heard that there have been deaths at these falls resulting from falling rocks. It feels secure sufficient to take a look at, however it’s harmful.
6. Seven Sacred Swimming pools (Oheo Gulch)
The Seven Sacred Swimming pools (Also called the Swimming pools of ‘Ohe’o or Oheo Gulch) are one of many prime points of interest to see on Maui and they’re additionally positioned within the Nationwide Park. They will get very crowded, so it’s price getting there early. It’s a beautiful cascading steps waterfall. It’s a brief loop path of solely 1km.
Bear in mind, the Seven Sacred Swimming pools Path is commonly closed resulting from flooding and there have been deaths at Oheo Gulch obey the indicators and comply with the foundations.
Upon getting completed up within the Nationwide Park it’s time to make your approach again to Paia. We suggest stopping as a lot as attainable at any scenic lookout which you can.
We stopped at lots of the waterfalls and scenic lookouts on the best way again and actually loved driving on this route. For one, we have been now on the precise aspect of the highway to have the cliff views and two, we weren’t sitting in visitors till the night.
7. Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls is taken into account Maui’s most photographed waterfall and you’ll cease right here for some photograph alternatives. It’s probably the most accessible waterfall on the highway to Hana and it’s a beautiful cascade of 80 toes over a rocky jungle setting.
Wailua Falls is positioned a mile marker 45 in your approach again from the Swimming pools of O’he’o. You may swim within the plunge pool under these waterfalls
8. Koki Seashore Park
Koki Seashore Park is a pleasant photograph cease since it’s a combination of pink, black, and white sand. It’s not an acceptable swimming space because of the robust currents, however it’s a good photograph cease for a scenic view. It’s positioned simply outdoors of Hana and is an efficient spot to benefit from the gourmand picnic lunch that you just had packed earlier than leaving Paia.
The turn-off for Koki Seashore is positioned at Mile Marker 51.
9. Hamoa Seashore
Hamoa Seashore is that excellent crescent-shaped sandy seashore that everybody is on the lookout for. There’s a car parking zone right here, that fills up quick and it’s important to stroll down a set of stairs to get to the seashore. The seashore is owned by Hana Maui Resort, so you’ll be sharing it with friends who’ve entry to all of the facilities. However there are restrooms open to most people. In case you keep the evening in Hana, it is a good seashore to spend a while at.
Hamoa Seashore is positioned at Mile Marker 50 and there’s a car parking zone right here. The stroll down is steep so be ready when you’ve got mobility points.
10. Hana City
By the point we obtained to Hana City (aptly nicknamed heavenly Hana), it was time for some meals. Hana is taken into account the “conventional Maui” feeling like a sleepy city you’d anticipate on the Hawaiian Islands. I think about that is what Paia was like a few many years in the past.
In case you determine to spend the evening in or round Hana, it’s a fantastic place to loosen up for the day. You may try the cultural middle, loosen up on the seashore or get pleasure from some downtime on the spa. There’s a picnic space the place you possibly can seize a chunk to eat and loosen up by the water taking within the ocean views or you possibly can hit one of many eating places.
We grabbed snacks on the normal retailer as an alternative of choosing a sit-down lunch. There was an excessive amount of to see and we didn’t need to waste time consuming. So with our automotive stocked once more with meals, we have been on our approach. Each time we’re on a highway journey, we’d like meals readily available.
11. Wai’anapanapa State Park
In a nutshell, Wai’anapanapa State Park is the place you get that traditional photograph of the Hana Freeway. With stunning scenic viewpoints and a black sand seashore, it’s a must-stop for at the very least {a photograph}. There are some climbing trails, caves, and a blowhole to discover right here.
It’s right here that you just’ll see the Pa’iloa, the traditional black sand seashore of Maui. There’s a stairway main right down to the seashore the place you possibly can stand up shut with the graceful black pebbles lining the shore.
Word: Wai’anapanapa State Park is positioned simply previous Mile Marker 32 and you have to make reservations to enter the State Park.
12. Hana Lava Tube
That is your probability to go inside a lava tube if you happen to’ve by no means been. The Hana Lava Tube was fashioned by lava flowing to the ocean for a two-year interval. Because the outer layer cooled, the lava continued to circulate inside making a tube. Give your self an hour to see it. It’s undoubtedly one of the crucial underrated stops on the Hana Freeway the place guests can discover the 0.3 miles on their very own to discover the caverns, stalagmites, and lava tubes.
- The Hana Lava Tube is positioned at Mile Marker 31 and the doorway payment is $15 per particular person for a self-guided tour. There are restrooms right here.
13. Hanawi Falls and Higher Waikani Falls
Two of the stops on the best way again which might be positioned earlier than midway to Hana are the Hanawi Falls and Higher Waikani Falls. You may hike to see them however simply ensure that to discover a secure parking spot that doesn’t block visitors.
The falls are positioned at Mile Markers 19 and 24 respecively.
Higher Waikani Falls
If you wish to cease at waterfalls, there are 18 alongside the Hana Freeway. Higher Waikani Falls is sometimes called the Three Bears with the papa, mama, and child bear waterfalls cascading at totally different lengths. You may go for a swim right here or simply loosen up on the boulders and benefit from the views of one among Maui’s hottest waterfalls.
Hanawi Falls
Hanawi Falls might be seen from Hanawi Stream’s bridge, (one of many 80 bridges alongside the highway to Hana). The cascade of Hanawi Falls drops 200 toes into the plunge pool under. The water is chilly right here so it isn’t one of many waterfalls to go swimming in.
Close by there may be the Nahiku Market place the place you will get some espresso, tacos, sorbet, and different snacks which you can get pleasure from underneath the shade.
14. Midway to Hana Stand
The highway to Hana is brief. In case you depart early within the morning and drive immediately, you might be by it in 90 minutes. However if you happen to take your time, you is likely to be prepared for a relaxation cease and a brief snack by the point you get to mile marker 17. One other nice highway journey within the US is 17 Mile Drive in California.
This little store is understood for its banana bread created from native bananas. In addition they promote Maui’s favourite “shave ice,” ice cream, and different snack bar favorites. There may be even an atm if you happen to discover you’re operating brief on money. There’s a little picnic space the place you sit underneath the shade to get pleasure from your ice cream too. If you wish to attempt one other nice banana bread try Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread which is about 4. miles earlier than you attain Midway to Hana.
15. Ke’anae Arboretum
What is nice about this cease on the Hana Freeway is that it’s free. The primary attraction on the Ke’anae Arboretum is the rainbow eucalyptus timber. We thought the Eurcaplytus timber of Maui have been the good factor. They’re an invasive species imported from Asia, however you possibly can’t assist however cease to take images. They’re eye-catching. It’s a brief path so it received’t take up an excessive amount of time on the Hana Freeway to see them.
16. Honomanu Bay
If you wish to see one other black sand seashore it may be achieved at Honomanu Bay. This isn’t a preferred cease on the Hana Freeway, so you will see that fewer folks right here if you’re on the lookout for a spot with out crowds.
Situated at Mile Marker 14, Honomanu Bay is a lush shoreline of Maui the place components of Jurrasic Park have been filmed. We snapped a shot of the coast from a helicopter. It is a cease on the Hana Freeway that you just’ll need to do solely when you’ve got time as you possibly can’t drive down until you’ve a 4X4. So you will want to hike.
17. Backyard of Eden Arboretum
When driving the Hana Freeway, it’s straightforward to search out the stops on the highway as there are mile markers all alongside the highway. The Maui Backyard of Eden is positioned on Mile Marker 10. There are 2 1/2 miles of maintained strolling trails and you’ll see the Puohokamoa waterfalls from the Backyard of Eden. It ought to take out about an hour.
There’s a cost of $15 to get into the Backyard of Eden however it’s price it if you wish to see the flora of the island. There’s an outdated mango tree, and strolling trails by the immaculately stored gardens. , so be sure you have the time to actually discover the gardens.
18. Canyoning at Rappel Maui at Backyard of Eden
If you wish to do one thing adventurous in Maui, Rappel Maui is positioned within the Backyard of Eden the place you possibly can ebook a full-day tour to rappel down Puohokamoa Waterfall. We’ve rappelled down a waterfall and it’s wildly enjoyable!
19. Twin Falls
Twin falls is one other waterfall cease on the highway to Hana. There are the decrease falls and the higher falls and it’s a brief one-mile hike making it an simply accessible waterfall for everybody to get pleasure from. It’s a fantastic place for a dip in one of many swimming pools. We didn’t go for a swim however you possibly can swim there. There may be additionally a farm stand the place you should purchase snacks and smoothies.
Twin Falls is positioned at mile marker 2 and there’s a car parking zone that’s restricted. There may be solely room for 50 automobiles at Twin Falls, so when driving out on the highway to Hana, we suggest stopping right here instantly as soon as you allow Paia as a result of there’s a good probability you received’t get a parking spot within the car parking zone and can miss it. There is no such thing as a parking on the highway to Hana.
20. Ho’Okipa Lookout
We talked about Ho’Okipa Lookout as one of many issues to do in Paia. However when driving the highway to Hana, it is a nice cease for sundown on the best way again. Situated simply outdoors of Paia on the Hana Freeway is Ho’okipa Seashore Park. It is without doubt one of the finest spots on the island for sundown and a fantastic place to observe the professionals at work.
You may’t miss it since you’ll see all of the windsurfers taking pictures by the water as you method. The waves are large right here because of the proper waves that break on its north shore. If you’re going to discover ways to Kite surf or windsurf don’t go right here. That is for professionals solely. Do what we did and go to Kahului Seashore as an alternative.
21. Paia Fish Market
It’s been a protracted day. (at the very least if you’re nuts like us) and dinner time. Among the best locations to eat in Paia is the Paia Fish Market. Seize a plate of Mahi Mahi at this native favourite and reminisce concerning the superb stuff you noticed at this time on the Hana Freeway.
The place to Keep on the Street to Hana
There are only some inns in Hana if you happen to determine to remain the evening which is a superb thought to permit extra time to discover. The lodging on this aspect of Maui as it’s extra of rugged and distant, however you possibly can verify VRBO for trip leases within the space like this beautiful keep in Hana.
We recommend leaving early to beat the visitors. The Street to Hana can change into overcrowded rapidly. When you’ve got two days, we suggest taking the complete two days as there are many websites to see! There are just a few inns in Hana, we advise the Hana Maui Resort: Verify charges and availability
We stayed at the Paia Inn in Paia and it was fabulous. It’s positioned on the seashore and is inside strolling distance of lots of the prime Paia points of interest. The boutique resort has a hip vibe and gives yoga courses, recent Kona espresso, and stylish rooms.
Fast Suggestions For Driving The Hana Freeway
- Be sure to select up The Street to Hana CD at any memento store in Maui. Flip it on in Paia and comply with their suggestions as you go. It performs some native music and it’s fairly entertaining as well.
- Cease in Paia to select up a field lunch at CJ’s Diner.
- Depart early, the roads are completely free and away from visitors within the morning and also you’ll have the freeway all to your self.
- Pack further water.
- Be sure to have sturdy water footwear with a very good grip for the waterfall trails.
- We recommend taking 2 days to actually discover the Hana Freeway, one isn’t sufficient to see the whole lot. There are lodging in Hana.
- Drive on to Hana stopping just for just a few of the waterfall and scenic ocean views so as to get to the park earlier than the crowds.
- Permit at the very least 2 to three hours within the park to discover the climbing trails and make it out to the waterfalls.
- As soon as you’re completed within the park, make your approach slowly again alongside the freeway stopping in any respect the spots you missed on the best way out.
- Cease on the black sand seashore in your approach again to Hana from the park to see the locals picnicking and browsing.
- We discovered the freeway to be a extra scenic drive on the best way again to Paia so get pleasure from your afternoon.
- Pay particular consideration to the one-lane bridges, they are often difficult on winding roads.
About The Hana Freeway
Maui’s Hana Freeway is taken into account one of many world’s nice coastal drives and probably the most stunning drive in Hawaii. beginning in Paia and ending simply previous the city of Hana. It’s only 45 miles (72 km) to Hana from Paia, however the drive can take a whole day if you cease in any respect the attractive sights alongside the best way. Learn extra: The Most Superb Info About Hawaii
The twisting highway to Hana is crammed with 600 hairpin turns crossing 59 bridges. The slender highway clings to the aspect of excessive sea cliffs and also you typically come face-to-face with oncoming visitors.
It’s not really helpful for somebody who shouldn’t be used to driving, so if you happen to don’t have a number of expertise behind the wheel, we advise taking a tour of the Hana Freeway as an alternative of driving it your self. However if you happen to wish to drive, and don’t thoughts one-lane bridges, get your self a cool automotive rental and hop on this highway for a good looking day in Maui.
To get to Hana from Paia you’ll truly take highways 36 and 360. However the Hana Freeway sounds a lot cooler. We hopped on Freeway 36 in direction of Hana after which after 9.5 miles, we turned onto freeway 360 to Hana.
In some sources, you may learn concerning the Kaihalulu Purple Sand Seashore. This culturally delicate space is on personal property and is off-limits to guests. Please respect the posted indicators and don’t go to Purple Sand Seashore.
The Greatest Tip for Driving the Hana Freeway
The most effective tip for driving the highway to Hana is to b-line it to Hana after which drive again slowly in the wrong way. We drove on to O’he’o Gulch very first thing within the morning. It’s simply previous the city of Hana which we placed on our listing to cease at on the best way again. After exploring the paths and waterfalls, we then made our approach slowly again in direction of Paia for the remainder of the day.
It was a fantastic selection as we didn’t have to take a seat in visitors. Plus we had the Pipiwai Path to the waterfalls and thru the bamboo forest all to ourselves. We have been grateful for our selection and felt fairly pleased with our choice once we noticed the lengthy strains of automobiles on the opposite aspect of the highway as we drove in the wrong way of all of the visitors.
