The top 7 things to do on a Hana Highway road trip

There’s probably not a more famous drive in Hawai‘i than the Hana Highway, also known as the Road to Hana, which traces Maui’s rainforested north coast. 

Indeed, it’s no stretch to call this one of the world’s most celebrated oceanfront roads. Get ready for sweeping mountain-to-ocean views, plentiful waterfalls, dreamily lush forests, and a great mix of powdery beaches and wave-clobbered headlands—plus among the most fabled surf breaks on the planet. The biggest mistake to make tackling the Road to Hana? Rushing things.

Our recommended route

We suggest doing the whole Hana Highway, a 52-mile combination of State Routes 36 and 360 linking Kahului with Hana Town. The mileage is infamously deceptive: With a speed limit of 25 miles per hour, nearly 60 one-lane bridges, and about 620 hairpin curves—plus plenty of traffic, courtesy of your fellow sightseers—the Road to Hana is a slow-going one, demanding lots of caution, attentiveness, and patience. While you may be able to complete the Hana Highway in about 2.5 hours, that’s not allowing for very much time soaking up the amazing sights and places along the way; it’s best to devote a full day, and if your schedule allows an overnight in Hana, all the better.

When to drive it

The Hana Highway is popular year-round, and the tropical climate means the sightseeing weather’s is generally consistently good all around the calendar. 

A few considerations, nonetheless: Crowds are likely to be less in spring and fall, surfers favor winter’s giant waves, and parents with young children might prefer the calmer swimming waters of summer. Speaking of which, bring a swimsuit! Besides the ocean beaches, there are waterfall plunge pools to enjoy.

6. Waianapanapa State park

(milepost 32)

One of Maui’s great seafronts, this park includes a celebrated volcanic black-sand beach, rugged sea cliffs, surf-driven blowholes, a splendid coastal forest of native hala (also known as pandanus or screwpine), and freshwater caves.

7. Hana

The Hana Highway’s farflung destination town offers the botanical glories of Kahanu Garden, the interpretive delights of the Hana Cultural Center & Museum, souvenir shopping at the Hasegawa General Store and Hana Ranch Store, and access to one of the island’s most esteemed beaches, Hamoa.

Possible detours/add-on destinations

Between mileposts 13 and 14, turn off on Hahana Road to reach one of the most hallowed surfing hotspots anywhere: Peahi, host to the huge and ferocious “Jaws” surf break. Unless you’re an elite big-wave surfer, content yourself with spectating.

There’s just as much scenic beauty and Maui magic beyond Hana. Stay on Route 360 to reach the legendary Seven Sacred Pools at Oheo Gulch in the coastal portion of Haleakala National Park, the postcard-perfect South Wailua Waterfall, and the Kipahulu gravesite of aviator Charles Lindbergh, among many other attractions.

Where to stay

• Travaasa Hotel Hana (5031 Hana Hwy., Hana)
  Embrace the remoteness and tropical atmosphere of Hana at this AAA Three Diamond hotel, which emphasizes tranquility; you’ll find soaking pools and a hot tub on the grounds.
  
• Hana Kai Maui (4865 Uakea Rd., Hana)
  Hana Kai Maui’s condos, which range from studios to two-bedroom units, deliver lovely Pacific views.

Where to eat

• The Preserve Kitchen + Bar (5031 Hana Hwy., Hana)
  Local fishermen supply the fresh seafood at this open-air restaurant.
• Hana Ranch Restaurant (5031 Hana Hwy., Hana)
  Casual eats and drinks await at Hana Ranch Restaurant, where you can kick back to ocean views from both the patio and the open-air dining room.
  
• Mama’s Fish House (799 Poho Place, Paia)
  This long-running, family-owned eatery along the Hana Highway offers irresistible tropical atmosphere and locally fresh-caught fish among its charms.